Character Sheet Critique [Archive] - Wizards Community

Character Sheet Critique [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
GnG_DM
05-27-07, 04:53 AM As a new D&D player (and one who DMs to introduce other new people to the game), I feel that the choice of character sheet to use during games is a matter not to be taken lightly. Since it is the one in the hands of the players the majority of the time (and is probably the first major 'item' I have to get my players familiar with), its layout and function have to be newbie-friendly, organized, and easy on the eyes.

With regards to this, I think a 'good' character sheet should have as much needed info on the front page as possible. This would be Abilities, HP, AC, Weapon Attacks, Skills, Initiative, Speed, and Saves. However, it should also be quite detailed in terms of equipment carried and armor worn, as well as have enough info/space available for odds-and-ends.

Because of this, the revised 3.5E character sheet seems to be 'inferior' to the original PHB 3.5E character sheet. It seems to waste too much space on Saves at the expense of Weapon Attacks. Players also have to refer to two pages for often-used info (attacks and skills are on separate pages), making it a bit of a bother. However, the revised sheet is 'superior' with its itemized possessions (carried and not carried) and equipment (by area/location), as well as its skill synergy section and having more space for odds-and-ends.

My dilemma now is what character sheet to use. Both have their pros and cons that I can see (I bet there are more, please do bring them up!!), and I bet there are more character sheets out there that would even make my dilemma worse.

Any help, suggestion, or comments on these sheets (and others) would be very welcome. Help, suggestions, and comments on 'what makes a good character sheet' also would be nice.
VrecknidjX
05-27-07, 08:49 AM Quite a few people design their own character sheets. It sounds like that's what you're after.

I've always just used a word processor and kept the data that I wanted in the order that I wanted it. I don't need anything fancy, no graphics, and certainly not lots of unnecessarily-used black ink.

Dave
Seldriss
05-27-07, 09:01 AM I always make my own sheets, so i am sure they present the things like i want.
But recently i tend to make them simplified, with Word, in two columns without any table. Just text. It gives them a "book" look, which is fine, and can be easily incorporated into other text volumes, which is actually the case of my rules, that i write the same way, in two columns.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
GnG_DM 05-27-07, 04:53 AM	As a new D&D player (and one who DMs to introduce other new people to the game), I feel that the choice of character sheet to use during games is a matter not to be taken lightly. Since it is the one in the hands of the players the majority of the time (and is probably the first major 'item' I have to get my players familiar with), its layout and function have to be newbie-friendly, organized, and easy on the eyes. With regards to this, I think a 'good' character sheet should have as much needed info on the front page as possible. This would be Abilities, HP, AC, Weapon Attacks, Skills, Initiative, Speed, and Saves. However, it should also be quite detailed in terms of equipment carried and armor worn, as well as have enough info/space available for odds-and-ends. Because of this, the revised 3.5E character sheet seems to be 'inferior' to the original PHB 3.5E character sheet. It seems to waste too much space on Saves at the expense of Weapon Attacks. Players also have to refer to two pages for often-used info (attacks and skills are on separate pages), making it a bit of a bother. However, the revised sheet is 'superior' with its itemized possessions (carried and not carried) and equipment (by area/location), as well as its skill synergy section and having more space for odds-and-ends. My dilemma now is what character sheet to use. Both have their pros and cons that I can see (I bet there are more, please do bring them up!!), and I bet there are more character sheets out there that would even make my dilemma worse. Any help, suggestion, or comments on these sheets (and others) would be very welcome. Help, suggestions, and comments on 'what makes a good character sheet' also would be nice.
VrecknidjX 05-27-07, 08:49 AM	Quite a few people design their own character sheets. It sounds like that's what you're after. I've always just used a word processor and kept the data that I wanted in the order that I wanted it. I don't need anything fancy, no graphics, and certainly not lots of unnecessarily-used black ink. Dave
Seldriss 05-27-07, 09:01 AM	I always make my own sheets, so i am sure they present the things like i want. But recently i tend to make them simplified, with Word, in two columns without any table. Just text. It gives them a "book" look, which is fine, and can be easily incorporated into other text volumes, which is actually the case of my rules, that i write the same way, in two columns.