of Dice and Dragons

Many of us have spreadsheets, text files, documents and so on for our role-playing endeavors regardless of whether we’re a GM or a player.

I thought it would be nice to have a backup plan in case my laptop wasn’t available during a session so I thought I would print out my character’s sheet and the spell list I created for him and I’d be all set. Then I got to thinking, maybe there’s a way I can put all this in a more portable format.

There is a way, it’s called Pocket Mod.

The actual use for Pocket Mod is to allow you to create a disposable planner - you create it and then once it’s used you can throw it away. It’s also portable, it creates a single sheet layout that when folded (with one small cut) creates an eight page booklet.

The best part is that the creator has released a version that will convert PDF files into this format.

Now the tricky part for me as that I couldn’t use the PDF export function in OpenOffice, it is an older engine, so I downloaded and installed doPDF 5 and printed both the character sheet and the spell list (doPDF once installed is used just like an installed printer).

Now I had two files and needed to put then together so I installed PDFill’s Free Tools which allowed me to put the two files together and then I ran it through PDF to Pocket Mod utility and I had wanted I was looking for.

The results, while not the most stellar, accomplished what I was looking for, a portable version of my character with the information I wanted to have with me. Here’s the PDF.

I should point out that all the tools mentioned are Windows based and are freeware.

May your dice roll well.

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In my last post I mentioned that while there are a number of character sheets available I use a spreadsheet to track my character’s particulars. While it takes a bit of work upfront, the dividends are well worth it.

With the way I’ve set things up making a change to an ability score adjusts other appropriate values. If, for example my character’s STR score goes down, the associated ability modifier is adjusted along with his attack bonuses and STR based skills. I included a separate column to track what his current max score is so that temporary changes can be tracked without fear of losing what his actual score should be.

Is it perfect? No, and I’m constantly updating and modifying it. In fact while writing this post I’ve already thought of a couple of alterations I should make.

Why OpenOffice? For starters while I use Microsoft products I’m a firm believer in open source and of course the price is right (free) which means I can share this with others and it only costs them the download time and disk space. The other major reason is that like the Evernote application I mentioned a couple of days ago (see Evernote for your spell list) there is a portable version so I have it installed on my USB drive and have it available to me when I need it.

As a bonus I can export my character directly to PDF so I can easily send it to anyone who needs a copy as most everyone has Acrobat Reader available to them.

For those that are interested here are the PDF and OpenOffice Calc (zipped) versions of my character sheet.

Do you use a spreadsheet or another application to track your character? If so please take a moment and post as I would really like to hear what you do.

May your dice roll well.

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While role-playing games are pen and paper most gamers are now turning to the computer to assist them with running their campaigns and tracking their characters. To that end I would recommend that you pick up a USB drive.

Why? There are a variety of reasons for going this route, first off it allows you to take your notes and materials with you and use them regardless of the computer - a real blessing if you’re like me and have a company laptop and want to keep work and gaming separate, or if you work on more than one machine. In addition if you forget your character sheet or notes more than likely your host will be able to print out a copy for you (provided you remember the USB drive - add it to your checklist - see make a list) as most everyone has a USB port on their computers now.

The other nice thing about USB drives is now there are a variety of applications specifically designed to be run from them so you don’t need them installed on every computer you work on. I mentioned a few days ago about using Evernote for my character’s spell list (see Evernote for your spell list) well that’s one such example. The application itself is installed on my USB drive along with the data which means as long as I can connect it to a computer I can use it.

In fact I use a number of applications in this manner most of them for gaming related activities but I’ll save that for another post (or two).

May your dice roll well.

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Yesterday I spent some time shopping for ideas on what I could use as a case to carry my various gaming odds and ends. I’m still not 100% positive on all the things I’ll need to have with me but I did find a nice utility box that could handle a lot of the small items I typically keep close at hand at the house.

I settled on the Plano Stowaway Utility Box (model 2-3750). I know that most everyone that’s looking for something like this heads to the craft department or the tool department of your local superstore but I actually found this in the sporting goods department among the tackle boxes.

It’s about 9×14 and comes with a whole stack of dividers so it can be customized any way you choose. After spilling out the pencil box I had been using and collecting up some of the other miscellaneous items I either use or like to have near by I spent about 45 minutes getting things setup and not only am I much more organized it’s also portable.

I have compartments for my dice and stone markers, pencils and markers, counters, paper clips and my hourglass. The nice thing is that I still have plenty of room for additional items - a key component in making this decision, always plan for the fact that you didn’t plan for everything.

What do you use to carry your gaming supplies? Feel free to post and share.

May your dice roll well.

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No, not a shopping list but a list of what you need for your gaming night.

While this may seem like a “no-brainer” for some, it’s something that should not be overlooked. I say that because the last thing you want to have happen is you go to reach for something and it’s not there. Whether it’s your dice, miniatures, campaign notes or character sheet it can just about ruin your night so take a few minutes and make a list.

Some things to consider:

• Dice (of course)
• Any miniatures you’re responsible for
• Character/NPC sheets
• Your needed gaming books (GM guide, player guide, creature catalog and campaign setting)
• Campaign notes (previous sessions, plans for the current session)
• Snacks (always bring enough to share)

I can’t imagine that being a complete list and I’m sure as my group gets back into the swing of gaming again that list will no doubt grow. If fact I’d be interested in what you bring to your gaming sessions, please feel free to post and share.

May your dice roll well.

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