Printable Initiative Tracker Sheet

S'mon · January 24, 2014, 09:34:44 AM

Is here: http://files.meetup.com/252197/INITIATIVE%20TRACKERS.docx
I couldn't find any printable Initiative tracker sheets for the d20-based gams (3e & 4e D&D, Pathfinder etc) so I made my own.

Players roll their PC initiative, then the sheet goes round the table with players writing their PC name down by their init number, starting in the middle of the sheet. The GM then adds in his monster's initiatives. In case of ties the later-rolled inits go to left or right of the first-rolled inits, using the game's normal method to break ties.
I've used this method for awhile with lined A4 paper and it works great, but I got tired of writing all the numbers by hand.

estar · January 24, 2014, 09:40:13 AM

I found requiring everybody to remember their initiative and verbally counting down from a high number works the best. The only thing I need to write down is the NPCs initiative rolls.

For example if I know the highest possible init roll is 15. I will start off calling "15!" then "14!" and so on down the line.

S'mon · January 24, 2014, 09:41:33 AM

Quote from: estar;726103I found requiring everybody to remember their initiative and verbally counting down from a high number works the best. The only thing I need to write down is the NPCs initiative rolls.

For example if I know the highest possible init roll is 15. I will start off calling "15!" then "14!" and so on down the line.

Sounds good for a d10 or d6 based system.

Edit: The chart is just for cyclic-init games where you don't reroll init every round.

Artifacts of Amber · January 24, 2014, 09:58:23 AM

We use a magnetic board with dry erase markers. Since the numbers )in the games I play) Don't matter once initiative is established. . I have a roll of dry erase magnetic stock that works great to write names on, I print them out and tape them on for players and have Enemies #ered I also have ones for events in case a trap or environmental effect repeats itself at a specified time.

This helps track spell duration's and everything else that needs tracking. The dry erase also allows for note to be made if needed.

Opaopajr · January 24, 2014, 08:30:53 PM

Quote from: estar;726103I found requiring everybody to remember their initiative and verbally counting down from a high number works the best. The only thing I need to write down is the NPCs initiative rolls.

For example if I know the highest possible init roll is 15. I will start off calling "15!" then "14!" and so on down the line.

I found this best as well during D&D 3e & 4e. Added bonus: people not paying attention can lose their action by negligence, and you already Covered Your Ass by calling out. Since rewinding in those editions is such a pain, people learn after a few passed actions.

RPGPundit · January 27, 2014, 08:47:56 PM

I've never needed an initiative tracker. Easy enough to do with pencil and a scrap of paper.

S'mon · January 28, 2014, 06:14:19 AM

Quote from: RPGPundit;727291I've never needed an initiative tracker. Easy enough to do with pencil and a scrap of paper.

I find I dearly need it for 4e D&D. For 3e/d20 it's useful but not vital. For games where you roll init every round it's not needed at all.

Sommerjon · January 28, 2014, 08:41:42 PM

Most of the gaming groups in my neck of the woods has been using clothespins(painted different colors) on the Dm screen.

Hyper-Man · January 28, 2014, 11:09:30 PM

This is the best tool I've seen for the job:

http://paizo.com/products/btpy9066

Elfdart · January 29, 2014, 05:17:08 PM

Quote from: RPGPundit;727291I've never needed an initiative tracker. Easy enough to do with pencil and a scrap of paper.

I use a small dry erase board.

RPGPundit · January 31, 2014, 10:36:30 AM

Quote from: S'mon;727426I find I dearly need it for 4e D&D. For 3e/d20 it's useful but not vital. For games where you roll init every round it's not needed at all.

Ah well of course. The problem is the type of game you're running.

S'mon · January 31, 2014, 07:05:56 PM

Quote from: RPGPundit;728483Ah well of course. The problem is the type of game you're running.

Yes, that is the 'problem'. However I like 'problem' games as well as non-problem games, and I like them as un-problemy as possible, hence the tracker sheet.