How do you keep record of your character ? [Archive] - Wizards Community

How do you keep record of your character ? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Palomides
05-28-06, 03:33 PM Do you use the PHB character record sheet ?
The new one ?
An excel/word sheet that you made ?
An automated sheet you made ?
Or an automaded sheet you found on the net ?

How many pages is normally you character ?

Myself I use an automaded sheet I found on the net and another one for spells.
My pc is 3 pages. The rest of my group use the PHB record sheet.
Otto the Bugbear
05-28-06, 05:03 PM I use the PHB character sheet with one change: I replaced the spells section (back of sheet, top right corner) with a blank monster entry block for a horse, familiar, animal companion or what have you.

Seems to work just fine. Until you have a lot of different bonuses to skills, and try to fit them all in the Misc. Modifier column.

Cheers

Otto :)
Pfisiar
05-28-06, 06:18 PM I also use the PHB, except that I add two blank pages of paper to keep track of stuff that changes. I also usually use the heromachine to create a portrait of my character if it's human or near-human.
feartheinvinceblehamster
05-28-06, 07:56 PM Mad irishman character sheets!
Psychoticpsymon
05-28-06, 07:59 PM Character sheets of the phb persuasion.

I am considering typing up individual sheets for spell information to be scribbled (the ones that they know) for quicker reference.
Juzzman
05-28-06, 08:26 PM Most of the time i use pcgen, a free computerized character generator. With a small cash outlay i have also added the data files for all of the extra books i own, and can create almost all the characters/classes/feats/equipment i want.

For me this is most usefull because i still sometimes forget some of the math involved in 3e characters and when i use the computer my mistakes come to light. It also helps because it list feats i might not have thought about, and also lets me know what i qualify for etc, saving wear and tear on my books.

The character sheets that print out can be from 1 to 6 pages (possibly more for huge spellbooks) but i usually settle for a 2 page.

I use the printed sheet for the game, and between games i (or the dm depending on who's campain i am playing) will update the character. When i dm i like to use it to make sure no sheets get lost and that i have everything up to date and on the level.

It is also a quick way of testing out new character ideas, as you can very quickly fix up a text char and see how things look. also ver easy to modify.

It is the only computer one i have tried, so there are probably others out there, but for me with an it background pc is the way to go :-)

Juz
UndeadMouse
05-28-06, 09:17 PM usually i use the PHB sheets. sometimes with odder characters (powerful races, lots of classes, etc.) i type the stats up on the computer and print out the pages.
Archangel_James
05-28-06, 09:43 PM I usually use sheet made by an owner of what was one the FLGS in town, but has since closed. I kept one sheet, and I continue to make copies, which I also distribute to friends, since nearly all the players in town are used to them.
X-Codes
05-28-06, 09:58 PM I usually use a monster block for my characters. Aren't I the odd one? =P
DwarvinJedi
05-28-06, 10:00 PM I usually use my own mostly-automated Excel sheet for NPC's, because it automatically calculates Average HP (but it can't do Epic, although I haven't tried), and I am beginning to like the new sheet, just have to have a notebook for spells(always a necessity, I love spellcasters)
Pangeon
05-28-06, 10:14 PM Depends on the character. I've got the new Wizards Character sheet for my Barbarian/Dragon Shaman, the Wizards Spellthief sheet for my Spellthief, and one of my DMs uses the DM Genie, so all the info is on his laptop. When I get up to higher levels with the Bar-bar, I'll probably need a better sheet for him though.
TheChilliGod
05-29-06, 02:49 AM I've basically got a .rtf document with all I need for my character in it, given to me by my DM, and I pass the template down to my players if they request.
Takes up 2 pages still for all of the stats, but that's because I've actually bothered to copy down all of the information about the racial/class abilities related to the character from the SRD or related source.

At the end of every session, I delete what I don't have anymore, I add what I've just received, and I change what needs changing, then to the printer for a fresh new copy!

Automated? No. I prefer to work it all out by myself, it's more satisfying that way.
hmmmm
05-29-06, 04:10 PM Lined note book paper is for me, as I can change it anyway I want to and its cheap.
Arbitrary Aardvark
05-30-06, 03:16 PM I found a pretty decent one in MS-Word somewhere online, except that it was set up for A4 (British) paper, and was based on text boxes.

After about two years of hacking at it, my wife and I have turned almost all the boxes into tables, which makes it much easier to edit. It looks pretty much like the official PHB handbook sheet, but editable in Word. In addition, we've come up with tables for equipment, spell books, spells memorized etc.
Bulletproof_Condom
05-30-06, 03:26 PM Mad irishman character sheets!
Seconded.

To this, I add maybe one custom page. I don't really like the spells sheet in the Mad Irishman 3.5 4-page, so I usually replace it with something of my own design, like this (http://www.freewebs.com/theonesean/psi%5Fsheet.html) (which doesn't display right in Firefox).
feartheinvinceblehamster
05-30-06, 06:31 PM Seconded.

To this, I add maybe one custom page. I don't really like the spells sheet in the Mad Irishman 3.5 4-page, so I usually replace it with something of my own design, like this (http://www.freewebs.com/theonesean/psi%5Fsheet.html) (which doesn't display right in Firefox).

OF COURSE IT DOESN'T DISPLAY RIGHT IN THE ONLY WEB BROWSER I USE GRRRR!!!!

but anyway, I used firefox before it was cool. Anyway, Really? I love mad irishman's spell sheet, it's lovely. But then again, compared to that itty bitty thing on the old wizard's sheet, almost anything you can write on concievably would be good.

Also, lined notebook paper can be good too :)
DwarvinJedi
05-30-06, 07:38 PM OF COURSE IT DOESN'T DISPLAY RIGHT IN THE ONLY WEB BROWSER I USE GRRRR!!!!
Download the IE plugin, and you can right-click and hit View in IE, and it should work.

Btw, that extra sheet is really cool
hmmmm
05-31-06, 09:47 AM Yes it is, but I enjoy lined notebook paper even more as you can have as much space as you want.
booze
05-31-06, 12:43 PM i use the standart PHB sheets and type down everything at the comp to print it out, that includes all descriptions for feats, spells (at least those not found in the PHB), class feats, monster [familiar, animal companion whatever], spellbook and character history [table from lvl 1 to 20 with all feats choosen and such]. and of course also a few blank sheets for quick notes, new items or whatever i need to write down.
my last character [lvl 15 wizard] was 12 pages + character sheet + notes

my current character [in planning] has "only" 6 pages yet, but also no states and only feats+items so far

oh, and that doesn't include character's background+adventure logbook

the other people in the party only use the PHB sheets and notes
Arbitrary Aardvark
05-31-06, 04:50 PM I've found it very useful to include the date last updated on my character sheets, so I don't get confused between older and newer versions.
malignor
05-31-06, 06:06 PM I make my own from scratch (custom for each character) on Word, using alot of tables that I can move around... one for abilities, one for skills, one for feats/abilities, etc.
The tables have values in them, but are tiny font in the corner of the cell, leaving plenty of space to pencil in values and changes. Then when it starts getting messy, or I level up once or twice, I edit the file and print out a new one.
Lately, I've taken to saving the edited files as the name+level (Llormar1.doc, Llormar3.doc, Llormar5.doc, etc), instead of name alone. Then I can look at my character's progression or, if I lose a level or get questioned as to how my character got to where he is, or want to remenisce, it's alot less of a headache to look at how my character was.
greatamericanfolkhero
05-31-06, 06:49 PM The phb sheet, and when we get around mid level I pull out the storage tome. I usually only print out the first two pages on the front and back of one sheet. It may just be my group, but the sheer amount of stuff you pick up adventuring boggles the mind.
PsychoSailor
05-31-06, 06:56 PM How do I keep track of my characters?

With old fashioned notebook paper <<<GASP!>>> and ...<dum-dum-dummmmmm!>> ... a PENCIL! Havent changed that system in the last 20 years I have been playing. Really showing my age here.

Reminds me of something I heard once...
It seems that NASA spent somewhere around 2 million dollars to invent a pen so astronauts could write in zero-gravity...the Soviet Union gave their astronauts a pencil.

If it aint broke, dont fix it I say.

Have a pleasant day!
Darth K'Trava
05-31-06, 07:44 PM I use the one in etools and then use Microsoft Frontpage to modify it to what I need on it. I made a clerical spell list from all the books I own. (although I need to add the PHB II to the list).
Archangel62
05-31-06, 08:08 PM I keep a notebook nearby, I record changes there then make the shifts when I get home or we take enough downtime to level.
Tome_Chandler
05-31-06, 08:22 PM I used to use pencil and paper but it ran out too quickly with all the doodles and stuff, so now I use a Word document. Just a word document with no fancy tables or anything, it's just like using pencil and paper but doesn't add so much to the cost of art supplies.

I still make my mid-game notes on paper though.
Arbitrary Aardvark
05-31-06, 10:30 PM How do I keep track of my characters?

With old fashioned notebook paper <<<GASP!>>> and ...<dum-dum-dummmmmm!>> ... a PENCIL! Havent changed that system in the last 20 years I have been playing. Really showing my age here.

Reminds me of something I heard once...
It seems that NASA spent somewhere around 2 million dollars to invent a pen so astronauts could write in zero-gravity...the Soviet Union gave their astronauts a pencil.

If it aint broke, dont fix it I say.

Have a pleasant day!

Urban legend.
see http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp for details
Essentially, pencils were used until the Fisher company developed the space pen, which they sold to NASA well below the amortized development cost. The pens were much safer than pencils, since they can't burn, and don't flake off off graphite.
Archangel62
06-01-06, 02:48 AM Urban legend.
see http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp for details
Essentially, pencils were used until the Fisher company developed the space pen, which they sold to NASA well below the amortized development cost. The pens were much safer than pencils, since they can't burn, and don't flake off off graphite.

that and there was no risk of broken pencil or shavings clogging vents or instruments.

Anyhow the way to record depends on what tech you have, I reccomend notebooks for speed because when typing you can easily miss what people say.

(OT: Does anyone know what's going on with the board, my sig is playing invisible man)
stealth_monkey
06-01-06, 03:01 AM Your sig is probably hidden from you. By default, a person's signature will only display on their first post in a thread. This is to stop some of those stupidly long sigs becoming an absolute nightmare (wotc really need to review their sig length limits, I've never seen sigs this bad in all my internet forum exploration)
Archangel62
06-01-06, 03:07 AM Your sig is probably hidden from you. By default, a person's signature will only display on their first post in a thread. This is to stop some of those stupidly long sigs becoming an absolute nightmare (wotc really need to review their sig length limits, I've never seen sigs this bad in all my internet forum exploration)

Oh, ok, I actually worried about that for myself so I decided to put my stuff into 'spoiler' folders to keep it from cluttering threads.
TheSubtlePenguin
06-01-06, 03:13 AM I use the standard PHB character sheet, and I add in extra info on the back.
Sphyre
06-01-06, 04:28 AM An auto-calculating, everything I can think of Excel sheet on my laptop. Whenever I think of something new to add to it, I do, and save it on my template sheet. When I create a new character I delete the parts that don't apply to that character. It's exceedingly useful for autocalculating status effects. If I gain a negative level, it's really easy to apply. If I change my size or stats, it automatically applies again. Very useful, and no smears from eraser marks.

I have summoning lists and made a wildshaping list on my laptop, so it works really well, in addition to having created a PDF with tabbed bookmarks for everything in the SRD, with current errata.

I'm currently working on creating a paper sheet, in case I want to ever record my character on a sheet of paper again, and I plan on passing it out to all of my players who think even as it is now, is way more intuative and useful than any other sheet they've seen.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Palomides 05-28-06, 03:33 PM	Do you use the PHB character record sheet ? The new one ? An excel/word sheet that you made ? An automated sheet you made ? Or an automaded sheet you found on the net ? How many pages is normally you character ? Myself I use an automaded sheet I found on the net and another one for spells. My pc is 3 pages. The rest of my group use the PHB record sheet.
Otto the Bugbear 05-28-06, 05:03 PM	I use the PHB character sheet with one change: I replaced the spells section (back of sheet, top right corner) with a blank monster entry block for a horse, familiar, animal companion or what have you. Seems to work just fine. Until you have a lot of different bonuses to skills, and try to fit them all in the Misc. Modifier column. Cheers Otto :)
Pfisiar 05-28-06, 06:18 PM	I also use the PHB, except that I add two blank pages of paper to keep track of stuff that changes. I also usually use the heromachine to create a portrait of my character if it's human or near-human.
feartheinvinceblehamster 05-28-06, 07:56 PM	Mad irishman character sheets!
Psychoticpsymon 05-28-06, 07:59 PM	Character sheets of the phb persuasion. I am considering typing up individual sheets for spell information to be scribbled (the ones that they know) for quicker reference.
Juzzman 05-28-06, 08:26 PM	Most of the time i use pcgen, a free computerized character generator. With a small cash outlay i have also added the data files for all of the extra books i own, and can create almost all the characters/classes/feats/equipment i want. For me this is most usefull because i still sometimes forget some of the math involved in 3e characters and when i use the computer my mistakes come to light. It also helps because it list feats i might not have thought about, and also lets me know what i qualify for etc, saving wear and tear on my books. The character sheets that print out can be from 1 to 6 pages (possibly more for huge spellbooks) but i usually settle for a 2 page. I use the printed sheet for the game, and between games i (or the dm depending on who's campain i am playing) will update the character. When i dm i like to use it to make sure no sheets get lost and that i have everything up to date and on the level. It is also a quick way of testing out new character ideas, as you can very quickly fix up a text char and see how things look. also ver easy to modify. It is the only computer one i have tried, so there are probably others out there, but for me with an it background pc is the way to go :-) Juz
UndeadMouse 05-28-06, 09:17 PM	usually i use the PHB sheets. sometimes with odder characters (powerful races, lots of classes, etc.) i type the stats up on the computer and print out the pages.
Archangel_James 05-28-06, 09:43 PM	I usually use sheet made by an owner of what was one the FLGS in town, but has since closed. I kept one sheet, and I continue to make copies, which I also distribute to friends, since nearly all the players in town are used to them.
X-Codes 05-28-06, 09:58 PM	I usually use a monster block for my characters. Aren't I the odd one? =P
DwarvinJedi 05-28-06, 10:00 PM	I usually use my own mostly-automated Excel sheet for NPC's, because it automatically calculates Average HP (but it can't do Epic, although I haven't tried), and I am beginning to like the new sheet, just have to have a notebook for spells(always a necessity, I love spellcasters)
Pangeon 05-28-06, 10:14 PM	Depends on the character. I've got the new Wizards Character sheet for my Barbarian/Dragon Shaman, the Wizards Spellthief sheet for my Spellthief, and one of my DMs uses the DM Genie, so all the info is on his laptop. When I get up to higher levels with the Bar-bar, I'll probably need a better sheet for him though.
TheChilliGod 05-29-06, 02:49 AM	I've basically got a .rtf document with all I need for my character in it, given to me by my DM, and I pass the template down to my players if they request. Takes up 2 pages still for all of the stats, but that's because I've actually bothered to copy down all of the information about the racial/class abilities related to the character from the SRD or related source. At the end of every session, I delete what I don't have anymore, I add what I've just received, and I change what needs changing, then to the printer for a fresh new copy! Automated? No. I prefer to work it all out by myself, it's more satisfying that way.
hmmmm 05-29-06, 04:10 PM	Lined note book paper is for me, as I can change it anyway I want to and its cheap.
Arbitrary Aardvark 05-30-06, 03:16 PM	I found a pretty decent one in MS-Word somewhere online, except that it was set up for A4 (British) paper, and was based on text boxes. After about two years of hacking at it, my wife and I have turned almost all the boxes into tables, which makes it much easier to edit. It looks pretty much like the official PHB handbook sheet, but editable in Word. In addition, we've come up with tables for equipment, spell books, spells memorized etc.
Bulletproof_Condom 05-30-06, 03:26 PM	Mad irishman character sheets! Seconded. To this, I add maybe one custom page. I don't really like the spells sheet in the Mad Irishman 3.5 4-page, so I usually replace it with something of my own design, like this (http://www.freewebs.com/theonesean/psi%5Fsheet.html) (which doesn't display right in Firefox).
feartheinvinceblehamster 05-30-06, 06:31 PM	Seconded. To this, I add maybe one custom page. I don't really like the spells sheet in the Mad Irishman 3.5 4-page, so I usually replace it with something of my own design, like this (http://www.freewebs.com/theonesean/psi%5Fsheet.html) (which doesn't display right in Firefox). OF COURSE IT DOESN'T DISPLAY RIGHT IN THE ONLY WEB BROWSER I USE GRRRR!!!! but anyway, I used firefox before it was cool. Anyway, Really? I love mad irishman's spell sheet, it's lovely. But then again, compared to that itty bitty thing on the old wizard's sheet, almost anything you can write on concievably would be good. Also, lined notebook paper can be good too :)
DwarvinJedi 05-30-06, 07:38 PM	OF COURSE IT DOESN'T DISPLAY RIGHT IN THE ONLY WEB BROWSER I USE GRRRR!!!! Download the IE plugin, and you can right-click and hit View in IE, and it should work. Btw, that extra sheet is really cool
hmmmm 05-31-06, 09:47 AM	Yes it is, but I enjoy lined notebook paper even more as you can have as much space as you want.
booze 05-31-06, 12:43 PM	i use the standart PHB sheets and type down everything at the comp to print it out, that includes all descriptions for feats, spells (at least those not found in the PHB), class feats, monster [familiar, animal companion whatever], spellbook and character history [table from lvl 1 to 20 with all feats choosen and such]. and of course also a few blank sheets for quick notes, new items or whatever i need to write down. my last character [lvl 15 wizard] was 12 pages + character sheet + notes my current character [in planning] has "only" 6 pages yet, but also no states and only feats+items so far oh, and that doesn't include character's background+adventure logbook the other people in the party only use the PHB sheets and notes
Arbitrary Aardvark 05-31-06, 04:50 PM	I've found it very useful to include the date last updated on my character sheets, so I don't get confused between older and newer versions.
malignor 05-31-06, 06:06 PM	I make my own from scratch (custom for each character) on Word, using alot of tables that I can move around... one for abilities, one for skills, one for feats/abilities, etc. The tables have values in them, but are tiny font in the corner of the cell, leaving plenty of space to pencil in values and changes. Then when it starts getting messy, or I level up once or twice, I edit the file and print out a new one. Lately, I've taken to saving the edited files as the name+level (Llormar1.doc, Llormar3.doc, Llormar5.doc, etc), instead of name alone. Then I can look at my character's progression or, if I lose a level or get questioned as to how my character got to where he is, or want to remenisce, it's alot less of a headache to look at how my character was.
greatamericanfolkhero 05-31-06, 06:49 PM	The phb sheet, and when we get around mid level I pull out the storage tome. I usually only print out the first two pages on the front and back of one sheet. It may just be my group, but the sheer amount of stuff you pick up adventuring boggles the mind.
PsychoSailor 05-31-06, 06:56 PM	How do I keep track of my characters? With old fashioned notebook paper <<<GASP!>>> and ...<dum-dum-dummmmmm!>> ... a PENCIL! Havent changed that system in the last 20 years I have been playing. Really showing my age here. Reminds me of something I heard once... It seems that NASA spent somewhere around 2 million dollars to invent a pen so astronauts could write in zero-gravity...the Soviet Union gave their astronauts a pencil. If it aint broke, dont fix it I say. Have a pleasant day!
Darth K'Trava 05-31-06, 07:44 PM	I use the one in etools and then use Microsoft Frontpage to modify it to what I need on it. I made a clerical spell list from all the books I own. (although I need to add the PHB II to the list).
Archangel62 05-31-06, 08:08 PM	I keep a notebook nearby, I record changes there then make the shifts when I get home or we take enough downtime to level.
Tome_Chandler 05-31-06, 08:22 PM	I used to use pencil and paper but it ran out too quickly with all the doodles and stuff, so now I use a Word document. Just a word document with no fancy tables or anything, it's just like using pencil and paper but doesn't add so much to the cost of art supplies. I still make my mid-game notes on paper though.
Arbitrary Aardvark 05-31-06, 10:30 PM	How do I keep track of my characters? With old fashioned notebook paper <<<GASP!>>> and ...<dum-dum-dummmmmm!>> ... a PENCIL! Havent changed that system in the last 20 years I have been playing. Really showing my age here. Reminds me of something I heard once... It seems that NASA spent somewhere around 2 million dollars to invent a pen so astronauts could write in zero-gravity...the Soviet Union gave their astronauts a pencil. If it aint broke, dont fix it I say. Have a pleasant day! Urban legend. see http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp for details Essentially, pencils were used until the Fisher company developed the space pen, which they sold to NASA well below the amortized development cost. The pens were much safer than pencils, since they can't burn, and don't flake off off graphite.
Archangel62 06-01-06, 02:48 AM	Urban legend. see http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp for details Essentially, pencils were used until the Fisher company developed the space pen, which they sold to NASA well below the amortized development cost. The pens were much safer than pencils, since they can't burn, and don't flake off off graphite. that and there was no risk of broken pencil or shavings clogging vents or instruments. Anyhow the way to record depends on what tech you have, I reccomend notebooks for speed because when typing you can easily miss what people say. (OT: Does anyone know what's going on with the board, my sig is playing invisible man)
stealth_monkey 06-01-06, 03:01 AM	Your sig is probably hidden from you. By default, a person's signature will only display on their first post in a thread. This is to stop some of those stupidly long sigs becoming an absolute nightmare (wotc really need to review their sig length limits, I've never seen sigs this bad in all my internet forum exploration)
Archangel62 06-01-06, 03:07 AM	Your sig is probably hidden from you. By default, a person's signature will only display on their first post in a thread. This is to stop some of those stupidly long sigs becoming an absolute nightmare (wotc really need to review their sig length limits, I've never seen sigs this bad in all my internet forum exploration) Oh, ok, I actually worried about that for myself so I decided to put my stuff into 'spoiler' folders to keep it from cluttering threads.
TheSubtlePenguin 06-01-06, 03:13 AM	I use the standard PHB character sheet, and I add in extra info on the back.
Sphyre 06-01-06, 04:28 AM	An auto-calculating, everything I can think of Excel sheet on my laptop. Whenever I think of something new to add to it, I do, and save it on my template sheet. When I create a new character I delete the parts that don't apply to that character. It's exceedingly useful for autocalculating status effects. If I gain a negative level, it's really easy to apply. If I change my size or stats, it automatically applies again. Very useful, and no smears from eraser marks. I have summoning lists and made a wildshaping list on my laptop, so it works really well, in addition to having created a PDF with tabbed bookmarks for everything in the SRD, with current errata. I'm currently working on creating a paper sheet, in case I want to ever record my character on a sheet of paper again, and I plan on passing it out to all of my players who think even as it is now, is way more intuative and useful than any other sheet they've seen.