TOPIC: What Changes To Make on Character Cards in 2016?

I can see a downside to tear aways or hole punches is that the little flecks of card are now littering the gorgeous dungeon floor. Think of how quickly that would pile up with each new group going through. It would be great if everyone did their part to pocket the garbage, but there always those few that either don't care or don't notice the mess they are creating.

Up the elf wizard's int to be on par with the wizard for MEC concerns.

Seconded on Magic Missile being better than every 2nd level spell. Kinda sad. Having to slide is such a huge cost when your to hit is so low. Sliding as a spellcaster also feels pretty bad. You're way less differentiated from melee classes then, but get to have all the drawbacks of a wizard.

Josh Rayden wrote: Up the elf wizard's int to be on par with the wizard for MEC concerns.

Seconded on Magic Missile being better than every 2nd level spell. Kinda sad. Having to slide is such a huge cost when your to hit is so low. Sliding as a spellcaster also feels pretty bad. You're way less differentiated from melee classes then, but get to have all the drawbacks of a wizard.

I think (?) the only way to hit 20 INT presently is with the +4 INT from the Hat of Intellect - so the difference between the Elf Wizard and Wizard doesn't matter presently (and the Elf Wizard has a DEX of 12 which nets her +1 AC, +1 ranged to hit, and +1 reflex save vs. the standard Wizard).

Toad the Vast wrote: I can see a downside to tear aways or hole punches is that the little flecks of card are now littering the gorgeous dungeon floor. Think of how quickly that would pile up with each new group going through. It would be great if everyone did their part to pocket the garbage, but there always those few that either don't care or don't notice the mess they are creating.

Totally agree--I think tear-off idea is neat in theory, but would quickly break down into messy floors and ripped cards.

General:. Agree that a continuous hit point tracker is preferable to the current approach, and that an upside down card (i.e. hole punches at bottom) would be fantastic.

Wizard:. An at-will 3 point cantrip/0-level spell (Force Bolt?) which can't be modified (e.g. as a scroll) would be nice for those that just want to cast--especially the lesser-equipped.

Paladin: Agree with the suggested change to Guard. DM response to Guard is often way too "meta."

Ranger: Agree with trying to find a replacement for Barkskin. It doesn't need to be terribly powerful--just something flavorful that one might actually consider using.

SageSTL wrote:

Toad the Vast wrote: I can see a downside to tear aways or hole punches is that the little flecks of card are now littering the gorgeous dungeon floor. Think of how quickly that would pile up with each new group going through. It would be great if everyone did their part to pocket the garbage, but there always those few that either don't care or don't notice the mess they are creating.

Totally agree--I think tear-off idea is neat in theory, but would quickly break down into messy floors and ripped cards.

General:. Agree that a continuous hit point tracker is preferable to the current approach, and that an upside down card (i.e. hole punches at bottom) would be fantastic.

Wizard:. An at-will 3 point cantrip/0-level spell (Force Bolt?) which can't be modified (e.g. as a scroll) would be nice for those that just want to cast--especially the lesser-equipped.

Paladin: Agree with the suggested change to Guard. DM response to Guard is often way too "meta."

Ranger: Agree with trying to find a replacement for Barkskin. It doesn't need to be terribly powerful--just something flavorful that one might actually consider using.

Could also make the fighter have guard ability, more of a mercenary. Give him something a little extra.

I believe this would fall under General. Hit point tracks down each side of the card could be made with more contrasting colors, so they are more visible in the dark. Maybe black background with white numerals, or vice versa.


General Fifth level character cards could offer two 'new' abilities, with the player choosing one in the coaching room. The coach would need a marker of some sort to denote this change.

for the Paladin.

once per combat the paladin can choose to guard another character for the rest of that combat.

I've lost the use of guard so many times, 3 times at the last con alone, because the GM starts combat with out waiting for players or does not hear me when I state it before combat starts.

balthasar wrote: I believe this would fall under General. Hit point tracks down each side of the card could be made with more contrasting colors, so they are more visible in the dark. Maybe black background with white numerals, or vice versa.


General Fifth level character cards could offer two 'new' abilities, with the player choosing one in the coaching room. The coach would need a marker of some sort to denote this change.

or glow in the dark?

General:Instead of tracking damage on the sides, could a damage wheel be attached to the card with a peek thru window? I've seen cards with wheels attached before, usually a small rivet in the center. I've lost my paperclips so many times it's ridiculous.

Some of these suggestions would be more appropriate in a "deluxe" re-usable player card. I'm sure many people would be more than happy to pay $5-$10 for one they could re-use that has features like glow-in-the-dark and a wheel to track HP. Spells could be tracked with a dry-erase marker (although it would be easy to wipe them off on purpose or on accident). This could be separate from the standard disposable ones. It could end up saving on cost/waste for player boards that are tossed.

I think wheel to track HP would be a great level reward, maybe one that could be pinned or clipped to the card.

The wheel could be the lanyard so if you loose it, that means the whole card fell off.