Monster Index Cards and other things...

[Altalazar]

Does anyone use monster index cards?

Does anyone find it as annoying as I do to have to flip through different pages in a book to get monster stats for those generic monsters not described in modules?

I have started to make a set of 3x5 cards, handwritten, with monster stats for my own use.

I was wondering if there are any sets already out there or planned.

At the very least, someone could print up 3x5 stickers on their computer then mount them to index cards and use those.

Does anyone have any better system to keep stat block info handy? I've heard of not only using index cards, but using them in initiative order (I use index cards for initiative - one for each player). I like that idea, except the only problem is that you again need to flip through cards, possibly losing the initiative order or who is up, to look up monter stats. Sure, you mostly only need those stats during that monster's turn, but you also need the stats for AC and saves, etc. that can be needed when it is not their turn to go.

I try to come up with as many ways as I can to make keeping track of things while DMing easy, so I can focus instead on the atmosphere and characters and not so much the bookkeeping.

 

[hellbender]

I downloaded several monster and NPC card .doc files and a combat planner. Some of the monster cards have more room for more complicated creatures. I fill out the combat planner with all of the creatures and NPCs and their relevant statistics so that I have everything handy. I reccomend sites like the 3rd Edition and DM's Haven for quick files that speed up encounters quite a bit.


hellbender

 

[WarRabbit]

I have set up 3x5 cards on Word and before each session I type in whatever new monsters I don't have in my index card file that the party will be encountering and print them out and add them to my file. Then I pick out all the monsters that the party may face in the next adventure and put those on a ring for easy access. After the adventure I put those cards back into the file and type up any missing ones for the next adventure, etc.

If WoTC doesn't sell a monster card index set by the end of the year, I won't need to buy one when they do come out with one

It really does help to have monster index cards for quick reference instead of flipping through the monster manual...especially when you have an encounter with 3 different monster types at once and you're flipping back and forth every combat round.

 

[smetzger]

You can download a program call Monster from my home page that will allow you to select one or more monsters from a list and it will output statblocks of those monsters.

*:> Scott

 

[Power_Munchkin]

hm

Would you guys mind posting some links where you found these monster cards?

 

[Holy Bovine]

I am a big fan of the 3X5 index card. I have a box full of them with not only monster stats and PC stats (I use them in initiative order as well) but also quick reference cards for towns/villages/bars/guilds etc that the PCs have gone to.

Saves tons of time when the PCs suddenly decide to return to that bar I made up 6 months ago and talk to the owner (whose name I just made up or took off my name list at random).

By jotting stuff down on the cards as I go I have a great history of the campaign as well.

I also try to keep a log of the adventure but I find I genrally rely on the cards more and more. I use my binder for house rules and 'big' encounters.

 

[madriel]

Does anyone use monster index cards?

I've heard of not only using index cards, but using them in initiative order (I use index cards for initiative - one for each player). I like that idea, except the only problem is that you again need to flip through cards, possibly losing the initiative order or who is up, to look up monter stats. Sure, you mostly only need those stats during that monster's turn, but you also need the stats for AC and saves, etc. that can be needed when it is not their turn to go.

During combat my DM has Monster's Turn card(s) that he inserts into the initiative order. The actual stats are on a separate card that he can look at without risking messing up the init order.

 

[Altalazar]

That's what I do - use a placeholder card for opponents (along with cards for each PC in init order) and then i have about a dozen monster cards thus far, for the more common monsters, with stats.

I'd also like to second a call for links to the sites mentioned here, so we can all take a peek.

 

[Phanboy]

Hey! Where are these bad boys? I've done many searches and cant find a one!

 

[Altalazar]

Yes, if anyone cuold post any links, I would be MOST grateful.