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For tracking initiative, I use a smaller white board mounted near my desk to put all of the initiatives on. I find it makes it easier to change the initiatives when needed or during further encounters. What does everyone else do to track their initiatives?

I made up sheets, four on a standard 8.5 x 11.

Shorty Lickens wrote:I made up sheets, four on a standard 8.5 x 11.

Four what? and what program did you do this with?

Microsoft word. Just a list of initiaves from -4 to positive 25 (just in case spells or something slow people down) with lines next to each number so you can write the PC's or NPC's name next to the number.

Actually, Excel would be an easier way to do it.

I used to do it this way at first. The constant writing then erasing on the page got a little much for me. I found the small (14x10 inch I believe) whiteboard to be easier.

Just tick marks in the margin of the same sheet of paper I have my npc stats scribbled on. or I just keep track in my head.

Laptop and any word processor or excel program.

Really?

I write the numbers rolled against the character names....

Top section of the GM combat matrix if you have that. Rub out and write new roll each melee I find works best on that.

I have the players roll initiative... and the order goes by whoever rolled highest. If anyone has attacks leftover after the others are out, then they go in the same order of initiative.

It's pretty simple.

The Dark Elf wrote:Really?

I write the numbers rolled against the character names....

Top section of the GM combat matrix if you have that. Rub out and write new roll each melee I find works best on that.

I didn't like the GM combat matrix too much. Not enough room.

I take everyone's initiative and divide it by the number of attacks. It makes sense that those with more attacks attack faster in those 15 second than the person with fewer attacks. It's more math oriented, but allows for a much better form of combat.

Example. My warrior has 5 attacks per melee, and my low level akido martial artists has 2.
Warrior rolls 15, Akido martial artist has a 20 for Init. Combat goes in this order:
MA (20), War (15), War (12), MA (10), War (9), War (6), War (3)

Now is that fair? totally. The warrior is able to make consecutive attacks because he is faster (an attack every 3 seconds) as opposed to the akido user who can only attack once every 7.5 seconds. It just so happens that the martial artist was able to hit first.

But that's how I track initiative.

The first thing I do is choose the proper attire. You must be sure to check both functionality and comfortableness. I reccamend an outfit such as this one for the hunt. Something that conceals your natural body odor can help as well.

Next you'll want to know your prey. Tracking one down can be daunting. Know its footprints. Don't confuse them with these tracks or these ones.

Also learn the places where it likes to build its lair. Here are but a few places it enjoys:

1

2

3

4

5

Lastly, make sure you're using the correct ammo. The right weapon is useful as well.

The Beast wrote:The first thing I do is choose the proper attire. You must be sure to check both functionality and comfortableness. I reccamend an outfit such as this one for the hunt. Something that conceals your natural body odor can help as well.

Next you'll want to know your prey. Tracking one down can be daunting. Know its footprints. Don't confuse them with these tracks or these ones.

Also learn the places where it likes to build its lair. Here are but a few places it enjoys:

1

2

3

4

5

Lastly, make sure you're using the correct ammo. The right weapon is useful as well.

That was hilarious.

Recently? I make sure the enemy only has one initiative roll.

Then it's just a matter of calling it out and the players figure if they go first or after. The players can track it.

Icefalcon wrote:I used to do it this way at first. The constant writing then erasing on the page got a little much for me. I found the small (14x10 inch I believe) whiteboard to be easier.

I do similar. An adult-age D&D group I was in, used a magnetic white/black board, using magnets with Character names.

Works great in that nothing wears out, you can easily swap someone to Init 1 if they fall/fail HF, and if things get summoned/reinforcements, you add in some blanks that you label over for next time.
PCs + 4 "monster group" + 2 "Summoned monsters" tends to take care of things.

I just started an electronic list in Word, since I have access to a monitor in addition to the 2 laptops we use (1 has SKYPE going w/ the GM & a couple w young child dialing in, the other lap is mine & has the Init screen).
I'll know in 2 weeks if that's gonna work - we ended the session right before battle the other night.

Since I have a 10 y/o, an early (mid?) dementia new player, & 2 rusty players all sitting at my house - I get to stay the keeper of initiatives