How do all you Wizard players keep track of things? [Archive]

Barstro

2017-07-12, 01:39 PM

ColorBlindNinja

2017-07-12, 01:42 PM

Tainted_Scholar

2017-07-12, 01:43 PM

I always have any extra sheet of paper that I attach to the back of my character sheet detailing my spells known. The character sheet's themselves have a place for your spells known, but I don't like writing so small.

I write my spells prepared on a piece of paper with my HP, and just cross out a spell when I cast it.

My standard buff list is also attached to my character sheet.

Vaz

2017-07-12, 01:47 PM

Different coloured spell cards for each level. Have a go-to list that for better or worse speeds up play, at the expense of maybe an oversight, with specific allowances made otherwise; such as preparation for a big boss - although I typically have time to use Divinations to learn what I can about it before going into the fight, and typically have the week to prepare spells and buff order before going in to Scry and Die at later levels.

Also, 14 years experience with the setting helps me know what the spells are.

Azoth

2017-07-12, 02:05 PM

Honestly, it varies with each build and the optimization level of the character and game. For some it is just simply breaking down my spells known per level into broad categories (Blast, buff, debuff, ect.) so that I know the basics of what it will do, and checking it against the situation.

We get a surprise round. I want to buff the party. Check available buff spells. Cast appropriate one.

For others there are multiple spread sheets of summons, how they are modified, daily buffs w/ durations, and maximum returns for Metamagics and what spells to use them on, and more.

Kaleph

2017-07-12, 02:13 PM

I use excel for all my characters (inclyding NPCs or those that I create for my friends). I list all spells that I believe I could ever use in a spreadsheet called "spellbook"; I flag them as prepared and they are automatically shown in another spreadsheet called "spells". I also copy-paste the spell descriptions and other details, and all level- and ability-dependant variables (including spell/level/day) are automatically calculated.

Of course this works especially for prepared casters, but I can imagine that an adaptation for every class is easy...

Jay R

2017-07-12, 02:17 PM

Tainted_Scholar

2017-07-12, 02:19 PM

JeenLeen

2017-07-12, 02:27 PM

I'd keep a copy of the spells on hand. Not sure what Pathfinder has equivalent (what with splatbooks and such), but for 3.5 I had a copy of the Spell Compendium near me when I had my wizard, for quick reference should I need to find details.

Other than that, I had a short reference line for each spell known (I'll note a particular about Mystic below), with name, level, any components it had, range, duration, and a short description of what it did. Usually that'd be enough, and if I had to get details for some weird case (such as it mattering if what subschool a spell was), I could look it up.
EDIT: for spells not in the Spell Compendium, I'd either photocopy the particular pages or note what book and page number, should I need a reference.

(For those of you unfamiliar with Pathfinder Mythic, my Sorcerer has the ability to cast any spell on the Sorcerer list a limited number of times per day.)

I would find that particularly overwhelming, and probably wouldn't choose the class for that purpose. That said, if in those shoes, I'd keep a short summary of all spells, by spell level, that I thought would be useful. Probably sorted either alphabetically or thematically (all buffs together, all blasting together, etc.), depending on what seemed more likely to help me find what I wanted.

Actually, me being the optimizer I am, I would probably make a list of literally all the spells that I could cast, with the description stated. I could see doing note cards or an Excel sheet, if that's your thing more than sheets of paper (my preference.)

That said, my usual DM would probably say that if I didn't have the details of the spell written down, I didn't remember it, so that shapes my policy. I think that's a fine policy to prevent the gameplay being slowed down as I hunt for a spell.

exelsisxax

2017-07-12, 02:37 PM

A deck of spell cards (http://www.thegm.org/perramsSpellbook.php) for known/written spells depending on caster type. For prepared casters, have copies of the standards and prepare a "hand" of spells appropriate for your spell slots, and write down any unprepared slots if you do that sort of thing. Anything you cast goes back into your spellbook deck.

Recherché

2017-07-12, 02:47 PM

I play PF which has pretty much everything online so I have a Google spreadsheet with all my spells on it, relevant information and links to what they do. Prepped spells have a number in the prepped column for how many times I've prepped them and I keep track of everything on my computer while playing.

Barstro

2017-07-12, 03:22 PM

The crucial thing is that I don't build a thirteenth level character. I build a first level wizard, play him 3-4 times, then advance him to 2nd.

Each time he gains a level, his options increase a small amount, which is fairly easy to add to my understanding.

I'd hate to try to play a high-level character without playing the level under it first.

I started at level 1. Things were just fine for about six levels, before he became Mythic. Then I had to remember all the important spells on the list from 1-3 since he could potentially cast any of them.

Fortunately, my character concept prevents him from casting most attack spells, so I can ignore quite a bit.

Barstro

2017-07-12, 03:26 PM

I'd keep a short summary of all spells, by spell level, that I thought would be useful. Probably sorted either alphabetically or thematically (all buffs together, all blasting together, etc.), depending on what seemed more likely to help me find what I wanted.

Pathfinder SRD has a decent summary and I started such a list. After a few hours I felt that even paring down spells to what I thought were important was still too lengthy and cumbersome.

zlefin

2017-07-12, 03:29 PM

I haven't gotten to do that yet; but one thing I'd probably do is keep a list (maybe cribbed from an online source, I'm sure someone has made scuh lists) of sometimes spells; the kind of spells that can be very helpful on occasion, but aren't something worth preparing regularly.
So when I need something irregular I just need to check that list.

Menson

2017-07-12, 03:45 PM

I keep a spreadsheet as well.

Scrolls... Known... School... Level... Spell: Description...
Sorted (Data>sort sheet...)

I copied and pasted all of the SRD Core spells into it and add spells from other books as I find them.
Scrolls... If I have scrolls of the spell, I keep the quantity here.
Known... I have them marked with either an "x" for known, "M" for memorized, and "m" for used.
School... I'm a specialist wizard, so I can filter out Evocation and Necromancy when I'm searching, or see which Transmutation spells I can copy when I level up.
"Level"... obviously...
And under "Spell: Description" I keep the name and a short description of the spell, sometimes copied out of the SRD short description, sometimes I add helpful things I have trouble remembering, like Range and Save type. For spells I use often, I create a Comment on the cell and copy and paste the full spell text into it. For Spells like Dispel Magic, I can "Reply" to my own comment to see all the ways I can use it. It's also a helpful way to keep the text for status effects handy, like Blinded, Entangled, etc.

For a Sorcerer, I'd probably just keep a short list of "Known" spells as I get them.

denthor

2017-07-12, 04:04 PM

I usually keep my list of spells known on sheets of notebook paper, organized by spell level.

You could also use a Word document on your PC.

I pick each spell prepared write it on a piece of paper that can tossed after each play night unless I am in circumstances that requires me to know what spells I have cast the previous game.

Use a computer program $30 to print out spells in book along with brief description.

Finally write in spells on scroll on sheet then up date on program.

Cross spells out as used.

Sorcerer is easier list of spells known how many times I can cast each tier level subtract one per round until 0 at spell level. I get two 5th levels cast twice done get five 2nd 5,4,3,2,1 0 no more 2nd for the day.

Waker

2017-07-12, 04:14 PM

I keep how every many notebook pages filled with the spells I know as well as salient details for each spell (range, damage, type, etc). During each session I always have a scrap piece of paper that lists spells prepped for the day or spells cast per day depending on prep vs spont casting. Typically I also use that sheet for keeping track of my total HP and any other situational information like marking off how long a buff/debuff lasts.

Jay R

2017-07-12, 05:00 PM

Definitely use a spreadsheet. I have no idea how people play this game without Excel.

By the time I've played a character three or four times, his character sheet automatically updates saving throws, BAB for each weapon, etc.

Elkad

2017-07-12, 05:20 PM

Use link shortener (tinyurl, goo.gl, or similar) to link every spell in my spellbook on my character sheet.

Center-click them as needed so they open in a new tab. If I cast it and it has a duration, drag the tab to my "active spells" browser window.

I've considered a spreadsheet at times, just so I can do things like filter for only spells where Range=Long, or CastTime=Swift, but I usually remember that stuff.

My favorite summons get character sheets of their own, and links on my Wizard sheet, for easy opening as well.

Note, this method is pretty annoying without lots of monitors.
At home (live or roll20), I use 3 monitors on my PC, plus a laptop and external monitor for 5 total screens.
If I travel to a game, I take a laptop and external monitor, and still end up using paper some of the time.

Beheld

2017-07-12, 05:24 PM

I have every spell in my spellbook listed in spell level order, sometimes on the more spell intensive wizards or spell levels, I sort them by type within level.

Then I write down X/Y next to each spell I memorize that day where X is number cast so far, and Y is number prepared, so starting the day at 0/2 Glitterdusts or whatever.

All of this done in list format on computer obviously, so I can change things easily.

Separate location for buffs active.

Rynjin

2017-07-12, 05:29 PM

Definitely write down all your spells known. If you don't know their effects off the top of your head, write those down too, in short.

Ex, here's a 10th level Psychic:

1st: Mage Armor, Long Arm, Shield, True Strike, Youthful Appearance
2nd: False Life, Mirror Image, Disfiguring Touch, See Invisibility
3rd: Communal Resist Energy, Wall of Nausea, Node of Blasting
4th: Freedom of Movement, Resilient Sphere
5th: True Seeing, Explode Head

Keep a tab on your phone/tablet/laptop open to this page (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/spell-lists-and-domains/spell-lists-sorcerer-and-wizard) for when you use Wild Arcana. Familiarize yourself with commonly useful spells and plan out your turn ahead of time to reduce table slowdown.

Quertus

2017-07-12, 05:33 PM

So, your problem isn't keeping track of finite list, but, rather, that you took an "all teh spellz" option.

Well, best bet is, if whatever you've been doing has worked up to this point, do that, but for all the spells.

Jay R

2017-07-12, 05:42 PM

Also, have more than one list. The one you'll consult the most is the Combat spells. Spells like Detect Magic, Locate Object, Legend Lore, etc. shouldn't be on this list distracting you under time pressure.

RoboEmperor

2017-07-12, 10:13 PM

Notepad? List of spells memorized copied to top, full list of spells organized by level and alphabetically at the bottom. The End.

chainer1216

2017-07-12, 10:16 PM

In the past i used flashcards, nowadays i have a spellbook app on my phone.

Nifft

2017-07-12, 10:24 PM

I usually keep a short list of "favorite" spells which I prep every day. This is often more than half of my daily slots.

Then, I have a couple different pre-set lists for the day's expected activities: social stuff, dungeon stuff, wilderness exploration stuff, murdering ancient gods stuff, all the usual things that I do.

Finally, there will be 2-3 slots left unfilled, which I'll use 15 minutes to fill with a weird utility spell when I need a weird utility spell and have 15 minutes to spare.

So basically: offline preparation ahead of game night, just like I do when I'm the DM.

ericgrau

2017-07-12, 10:29 PM

Simple lined paper and pencil. Write down the spell name, basics such as range, area, etc. And some brief notes reminding me what it does. If I really get stuck I can always look it up, but 99% of the time my notes are plenty. There, now I can track 33 spells per page. 66 with 2 columns and brief notes. Write which spells are prepared/expended/etc. in margins.

I suppose if I was doing a high level wizard with a big book I'd type it up in a Word table, but it'd be basically the same. And I'd still leave blank lines to write in as I play, then type them up later.

AOKost

2017-07-12, 11:25 PM

I usually keep folders on my computer for each character, their character sheets, and whatever they need. When it comes to Spells, Powers, Feats, and things like that, I usually keep them all separated into individual files labeled as what they are. So, Wizard 0-level with a list of all spells, with their full description following alphabetically. Then, whenever they gain a new spell level, or learn something, it goes in their 'spellbook' in their folder. So whenever I go searching, everything's easily referencable, and you don't have to hunt through books to find what a particular spell/power/feat/ability etc. does.

After years of playing, things can get jumbled and it's good to have things easy to find during game-play. That's a big reason I tell players all the time that if they want to do anything, keep a copy of it handy. If you want to summon creatures, keep copies of them on hand for when you want to summon something you can just pull it out instead of trying to hunt and find something that could take away form game-time... Lots of little things like that helps tons! With something like that though, I'd suggest either sub-folders, or if you have them printed out, have them with different tabs labeling what level they are summoned under.

Yael

2017-07-12, 11:55 PM

Regarding to the Wizard class, I use a separate sheet of paper that functions as the spellbook, with its current pages used (for example, 80/100), and I add spells whenever necesary, adding their level to the sum of the maximum number of pages I can use (usually I fill a spellbook solely on 1st and 2nd level spells tho).

As for spells per day, I abuse sticky notes, as they are a way to easily keep track of spells known and cast. I often mark them with | so I know if I already cast it, I also place a x2 mark for spells I prepared twice or more, and so my DM knows what I have prepared and I cannot metagame that way (which they often appreciate).

As a note, each spell is in [School] order, which makes it easier when specialists are in place.

Spells-known characters are kinda more difficult tho.
Spells known are kept in a separate sheet, and I just have a separate sticky note with a spell level that I keep marking whenever I cast a spell associated with that level.

lord_khaine

2017-07-13, 01:46 AM

In 3.5 i just used my memory. I have read though the PBH so many times that dont have trouble recalling what combat spell i want for a given situation. For higher level spells (6+) i generally need to skim the spell list though.

weckar

2017-07-13, 01:50 AM

Call me the ubernerd, but I manage the spells the same way I do my crafting: Really big spreadsheets. Makes it easy to search for damage types, effects, etc.

Calthropstu

2017-07-13, 02:32 AM

I use the character sheet for sorcerers. It's easy putting my spells known on the li5le spell section on the pf character sheet.
As for what the spells do, I just memorize it.

Now for the mythic ability you refer to, yeah that's a bit of a pain. I have a mental reference for most of the spells I like, and can call up the spells on the pfsrd fairly quickly... but there are a lot of spells I've never seen let alone know what they do. That mythic ability turns wizards and sorcerers into demigods just about... access to any spell in existence for the low low price of a single mythic point.
My copy of the mythic rulebook has it listed as a swift action too... have they fixed that yet? I remember my gm looking that up and finding they had done swift in error and it was supposed to be standard.

Florian

2017-07-13, 02:41 AM

Heavy Apple user, so I do my prep on my Mac with Pages and Numbers and synch it to iCloud so I can access it with my iPad during play.
So basically character sheet as spreadsheet with attached spell book, using Tabs to group spells (Combat, Exploration, Social...) and hyperlink every rules element to either the PRD or Nethys.
I also have all Paizo stuff as PDF and keep a reference list of what rules or sub-system can be found where.

Melcar

2017-07-13, 02:48 AM

I haven't played a wizard in probably 30 years. While I have played a somewhat similar Pathfinder Witch, I kept her amount of spells rather limited.

I'm currently playing a Sorcerer (L13) with Pathfinder Mythic rules. I can hardly keep track of spells known. How do any of you with thick spell books keep track of everything in an efficient manner? I'm completely overwhelmed when I need to find the correct spell for an emergency situation.

(For those of you unfamiliar with Pathfinder Mythic, my Sorcerer has the ability to cast any spell on the Sorcerer list a limited number of times per day.)

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19894756_10155012323202909_261082321738971677_n.jp g?oh=f13676fe6e81e27b0a0e84d16d8ce178&oe=5A0C6AE3

I use my own sheet, as show in the image. Its basically some old sheet I've found on the internet 17 years ago, which I have modified a little. I print it, and write I, II, III, IIII... etc. with a pencil in the box on the left of the spell if I have either 1, 2, 3, 4 or what times I have prepared that spell. The big numbers in the middle are the base number of spells + the bonus spells from high int. The number in the DC line in the () are for Transmutation and Evocation due to spell focus. EDIT: The sheet contains all my wizards know spells!

In another sheet I have the full write-up of the spells... my whole spell book, (the spell sheet as shown, and the write-ups) are about 40 pages. I have that in a binder with my character sheet.

Calthropstu

2017-07-13, 02:53 AM

Am I the only one who does it from mostly memory?

icefractal

2017-07-13, 03:03 AM

In Pathfinder, I can look up the details of any spell on my phone as needed, so I generally just do something like this:

Standard Loadout:
0 Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Flare, Prestidigitation
1 Comprehend Languages, Mage Armor, Silent Image, Snowball x2, Windy Escape, [Empty]
2 Create Pit x2, Scorching Ray x2, Web, [Empty]
3 Chain of Perdition, Communal Resist Energy, Fly, Infernal Challenger, Invisibility Sphere, [Empty]
4 Acid Pit, Ball Lightning, Black Tentacles, [Empty]

Additional Spells in Spellbook:
1 Ant Haul, Expeditious Construction, Expeditious Excavation, Heightened Awareness
2 See Invisibility
3 Explosive Runes
4 Communal Phantom Steed, Scrying

In 3.5, I use a shorthand format somewhat based on Magic cards:

https://preview.ibb.co/kukzCv/Spelltable_Copy.png
That's a Druid spell list, which brings up another organizational technique: toss out the chaff. I only list the spells that I think I might plausibly want to prepare, so then it fits in a reasonable space (four pages for 0-9th in that case), and I can just put a circle in pencil by the ones I'm preparing on a given day.

Florian

2017-07-13, 03:06 AM

Am I the only one who does it from mostly memory?

Hm... I could go by mostly using my memory. But I´m playing PF and a lot of archetypes tend to modify small details and I´m grown too lazy to memorize those.

Barstro

2017-07-13, 05:08 AM

My copy of the mythic rulebook has it listed as a swift action too... have they fixed that yet? I remember my gm looking that up and finding they had done swift in error and it was supposed to be standard.

SRD FAQ lists it as standard.

Maybe part of my issue with spells is that my computer is old and slow.

Eldariel

2017-07-13, 06:35 AM

I just have a standard loadout listed that I modify as necessary. I write modifications in format:
Prepared spell < Replaced spell (this way so I can quickly check what I have prepared)

Though I do 95% of it from memory in 3.5 - the list is just for doublechecking in case I'm not quite sure. PF is a bit of a pain due to all the minor changes but luckily I know Core-spells well enough that I'm generally fine.

Calthropstu

2017-07-13, 06:44 AM

SRD FAQ lists it as standard.

Maybe part of my issue with spells is that my computer is old and slow.

Srd also still lists it as swift, but that they are waiting for an errata... which, given the amount of time that has passed, is probably not forthcoming.
Irrelevant to the thread topic though, so eh.
I use a similar setup to the 0-acidsplash, ray of frost etc. If they are on my spell list for a sorcerer, oracle, bard or other spontaneous caster I know what the spells do.

GilesTheCleric

2017-07-13, 10:09 AM

I list all spells that I believe I could ever use in a spreadsheet called "spellbook"; I flag them as prepared and they are automatically shown in another spreadsheet called "spells".

That's a clever idea. Somehow I've never thought to use more than one tab/ sheet for spells. I'm going to go make this upgrade.

As a Cleric player, I find that spreadsheets are required. Yes, I've mostly memorised all the spells I'm likely to use, but it's nice to have them all filterable and sortable.

Someone also mentioned spell cards; I'm currently working on (read: have stalled the project because I'm prioritising other things) magic the gathering-style spell cards for both 3e and 5e. The design is essentially complete; my problem is that I'd like to have unique art for each card, but InDesign's datamerge tool isn't great for small iterative changes. You can see examples of the 3e card templates here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0AYNSTc94bDUGJzNFRqRzNCdkk/view?usp=sharing), and an example printing of all the 5e "white" spells here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0AYNSTc94bDSENRTk9CSlFmSmM/view?usp=sharing). If anyone would like to help add colours for spells, do so here for 3.5 (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/143ZX7yOZAbO5vPEXQNXzSvQRqF_U2NEh7OzOnWCn8rU/edit?usp=sharing) and here for 5e (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B2t3-swLGUX_yxazsKaqqY7DDIaBe7bnsD8dv33cXuw/edit?usp=sharing).

ottdmk

2017-07-13, 10:48 AM

I'm playing an 8th level Wizard currently (well, Rogue 1, Diviner 4, Unseen Seer 4 but you get the idea.) I bought a cheap thing of 200 mini index cards from my local dollar store. Took a little to get the system going, but now I find it works pretty well. Cast a spell, put the card in the "cast" pile.

Kaleph

2017-07-13, 10:52 AM

That's a clever idea. Somehow I've never thought to use more than one tab/ sheet for spells. I'm going to go make this upgrade.

See if these two examples may be of inspiration:

Cleric (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uWnNfXzg4meV6NU_f5oNtrvAPC6poPhDmzLNy9tkeGY/edit?usp=sharing)

Shadowcraft mage (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V3yGN7TObsiZ2SNyiuDbXkzWX112KGGObs4Q1sR_YUs/edit?usp=sharing)

J-H

2017-07-13, 10:57 AM

To the OP... I don't. I don't play prepared casters for that very reason.

Barstro

2017-07-13, 12:24 PM

See if these two examples may be of inspiration:

Cleric (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uWnNfXzg4meV6NU_f5oNtrvAPC6poPhDmzLNy9tkeGY/edit?usp=sharing)

Hmm. I should have labeled my question "Cleric" instead of "Wizard". Ah, hindsight.

Thank you for those links. They provide a great way to do things and prove that my computer is way too slow to do it.

rel

2017-07-13, 10:07 PM

I've been playing an artificer recently so I have been dealing with the problem of can cast any spell in the game spontaneously.
Here is my process:

Step One determine what you can cast. what sources are available, what spells are banned, what can you not cast due to level, school or personal issues. This forms your spell list.

Step Two go through your spell list and grade the spells. Decide whether they are usefull or useless. a lot will be useless. The list of usefull spells is what you actually care about. Call it your real spell list.

Step Three read your real spell list. All of it, schools, casting times ranges, saves SR. Read through it all a few times to get it into your head. Get familiar with what you can do.

Step Four break the real spells down by level and by purpose; utility spells that are only rarely needed go in one list, CC, SoS and offensive spells go in another list, buffs go in a third list. Note down the name, source and a brief description of each spell.

Step Five work out your standing spells. Some spells have a permanent duration. cast them immediately and add their effects to your character sheet. Some spells are long duration and generally usefull. These become your daily buffs permanently reduce your spell slots to accomodate their casting every morning and add their effects to your character. Have the full text of all your standing spells on hand and be familiar with them.

That is prep you do before you sit down to play.
At the table, look at each situation, think about what you want to do in general then look for a spell to get that done. In combat try and do that planning during other peoples turns.
Have the full text of the spell ready to go when your turn comes up. Be clear about what you are casting and what it does.
Strive to get your turn done faster than anyone else.

'I move here then I cast a spell. I am casting this spell from this source into this area. Do any of these targets have SR? They all need to make a save of this type against this DC to avoid the following effect. On success they instead suffer this different effect. Allow me to adjust my open spell slots. Done. My turn is over.'