What do you do with the character sheets after a session?

[ThirdWizard]

As the DM I hold onto character sheets. Of course, the Players are encouraged to keep a copy for themselves, but after repeated sessions where a sheet was left behind, I hold onto them. This lets me look over them while preparing, as well, so that I can use them to screw over the PCs. I kid, I do things like note that the wizard has Decipher Script so I can work that into the game or that the fighter has Craft (weaponsmithing) so I can give him an opportunity to use that. I'd lose that if I didn't have a copy of the sheets.

 

[el-remmen]

Just to clarify:

I do require for the players to keep a 4" x 6" index card with and up to date "quick n' dirty" version of their character that I keep in a filing box along with all my NPCs and other quick reference stuff - that way if someone does forget their sheet, or they can't make the game, the character can still be used.

But this in addition to a full and regular PC sheet.

 

[Patlin]

The players keep them, and more specifically all of our character sheets are excell spreadsheets. I'm not sure about the others, but I tend to print a new one at least every time I level, sometimes more often if it gets trashed.

 

[ForceUser]

I insist that my players keep an electronic copy of their character sheets, preferably in Excel or Word. The players hold on to their hardcopies, but each time there's a major revision to their stats they email me their updated sheet. I keep all the PC sheets on my hard drive so that I can be familiar with what they are capable of, scrutinize them for adventure ideas and to ensure all the numbers add up, and have them onhand in case a player forgets to bring his hardcopy or can't make it to the game.

 

[Pbartender]

Everyone has two copies... the players take one home, the other stays with the DM.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Used to be that the DMs kept them.

With the moved towards using electronic files for the character sheets, the DM just keeps an electronic version.

 

[Lanefan]

The sheets stay with the DM.

If someone doesn't show up for a session, at least the sheet is there.
If we decide to play a spur-of-the-moment session, we know where all the sheets are.
If I need to check something during the week, the sheet is there.

It never fails that if someone takes a sheet home, that's the player who'll end up missing next session.

As for electronics, while one of my players has developed a massively complex spreadsheet for his character sheets, most of us just use pen and paper. That said, various character sheet fill-in-the-blank templates have been tried over time, with varied results...but they're just templates; the character info is handwritten.

Lanefan

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

As DM, I keep the character sheets, which prevents loss, allows me to run them as an NPC if the player is absent, et cetera. The players can keep a copy, if they like.

 

[Seeker95]

Both.

My players keep their copies of the sheets.
I keep my e-copies on my desktop.

 

[Sammael]

The players keep their sheets, but are also required to post them on the campaign forum (and keep them up to date).