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For tracking initiative, i use graph paper, and then i have everyone roll initiative, write their (including NPCs ally or enemy) names in order from highest to lowest and then mark an x in a square next to the name of a character who just performed his turn.
I am currently working on a sheet for tracking initiative, buffs and debuffs and abilities that need recharging.
As for HP i write the name of the character, and his hp under it, and whenever he is struck for damage, i subtract the number from the hp total, cross off the previous total and write the new one under it.
As for conditions, i usualy hold that kind of stuff in my head or write it by the character's name and the duration next to the condition.
I use this. I used to do the same kind of thing on scratch paper, but I'd always misplace it in the disorganized piles of paper I tend to accumulate when I DM. You can keep track of enemy HP in the note section on the left and track when conditions end using the round indicator across the top. The magnets make it easy to move around initiative order in the case of delaying or readying.
With a little work, and ordered deck of note cards can help you keep notes on each creature, and you can just cycle through the deck for initiative.
I use my own Maptool framework to track initiative, HP, and durations in Maptool. Using a tool like maptool has a bit of a learning curve but I will never go back.
With a little work, and ordered deck of note cards can help you keep notes on each creature, and you can just cycle through the deck for initiative.
I use my own Maptool framework to track initiative, HP, and durations in Maptool. Using a tool like maptool has a bit of a learning curve but I will never go back.
I use my laptop as a DM screen and make notes using a notepad program.
If I don't have a laptop, I have a battlemap with erasable pens and jot notes in the corner.
I GM with a little cheap laptop (just one step up from a netbook). I used to track everything in a Notepad file there; I have since upgraded to using the GameMastery Combat Pad, available here at Paizo. I only use that for initiative order and status effects the characters can see, because I keep it out in the open. I still use Notepad for HP counts and other status effects; I also keep a running total of the CRs of encounters, so I don't forget any XP at the end of the session.
I draw the mini real quick and then keep it's hp under that.
I also do an initiative table, which you can find an example of if you look in my posts. Basically, I draw the table, and write everyone's init number where they sit. No erasing, and if they hold, cross that number out or erase it and replace it. Bam.
Really very simple once you get used to it.
Gamemastery magnetic combat pad for initiatives! Ready and Delayed actions!
Pencil and Paper for hit points and conditions of creatures and npcs!
Tell the players what conditions they are subjected to and what penalties are associated with each one!
Dry wipe markers and a vinyl map grid.
Plus any special conditions that have a variable time I write on the side of the combat pad at what round it is removed and who it is on using a dry wipe marker.
I can't believe nobody has pointed you here yet. Kyle Olson created this sweet little tool, and it does just about everything a GM needs it to do. He also has a thread on these boards. Here's the latest post update.
I can't imagine GMing without this program.
I use Hero Lab. It has a Tactical Console that holds every character and NPC. Since the program also handles applying conditions, adding spell effects, changing equipment, etc. I've found it to be a huge help.
Some folks complain about the price, but if you go with the base version and then add in whatever content you want to use (easy once you get the hang of it), you're only in for a $29.99 investment. Since it comes with a second license for free, I use one on my laptop to run the game while my wife has her character on her laptop. After seeing it, every player in my game has bought Hero Lab or is thinking about it...
They are working on a Mac version, which is supposed to be ready for iPad at roughly the same time. I'm looking forward to when they get their Android tablet version so I can run it on my Adam.
Another vote for Kyle Olson's Combat Manager. It was great and I am also a newbie DM as well. I thought it was great. I have Herolab as well, but haven't used it yet other than some basic character generation.
Been using a dry erase board for hit points and conditions, and note cards for initiative and other stats...but I recently picked up d20pro, and plan on using that the next time I can get time to play.
I track NPC HP on paper, the players track their own HP and for initiative, I write it direktly onto the battlemap, so everyone sees when it's his turn and can act fast then.
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I guess I am just old school. I have started using the Game Mastery magnetic pad, but after 30+ years of playing I still stand by the best initiative tracker ever... an accountants ledger.
http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/ledger/8.5x11_cream-green_6x40.pdf
Works well for fixed initiative and our preferred method.. rolling init every round
I have a magnetic dry-erase board with a permanent 1 inch grid on it. I use the top portion of it for drawing up the emmidiate combat area, and use letter/number magnets to represent the PCs/monsters in the melee. I use the lower portion of it to track initiative order and condition statuses (I simply write down the names and initiative scores next to them, then "toggle" a magnetic pellet next to their names as the round progresses).
Simple, yet very effective. I couldn't imagine playing without it.
Ultradan
small notebook, list the creatures with hitpoints, subtract as necessary, write in conditions next to creature when they come up (actually I just write the minus/bonus and what it effects), off in the margin, I write in the characters initiative, leave enough room so when people delay you can cross it out and switch it up. I've been doing it this way for 15 or so years, and it seems to work, cheap and effective.
