I'm a new DM trying to figure out some good ways to keep track of status effects and the like (I often forget and then I'm faced with the dilemma: retcon and annoy everybody, or go with it even though it's unfair)
It seems to me that some status effects are universal — that is, they affect a PC's relationship with everything else on the battlefield no matter what — and other status effects are specific to certain combatants — they only affect a PC's relationship with specific mobs.
These are the ones that are with respect to everybody
- Blinded
- Bloodied
- Dazed
- Deafened
- Dying
- Grabbed
- Helpless
- Immobilized
- Insubstantial
- Prone
- Resist
- Restrained
- Running
- Shielded (e.g. swordmage's aegis)
- Slowed
- Stunned
- Surprised
- Unconscious
- Vulnerable
- Using Total Defense
These are with respect to certain combatants:
- Charging
- Combat Advantage
- Concealment
- Cover
- Cursed (Warlock)
- Grabbing
- Hidden
- Invisible
- Long Range
- Marked
- Quarry (Ranger)
- Weakened
Is this right? Did I miss anything?
Best Answer
A common way this is managed is a chit or counter attached to the mini(s).
If you are using a white/chalkboard or paper, just writing an abbreviation next to the individual in question may work as well.