itemcard

3 x 5 Item Cards


Rules for keeping track of items and equipment:

Our campaign uses 3 x 5 index cards in order to keep track of all the important items carried by player characters. When you find, or buy a significant item (something more important than rope or rations), you record the item on a 3 x 5 index card (use the format shown below). When your character gives an item to another character, you simply give the card to that character's player. If you lose an item, you simply give the appropriate index card to the DM.

The 3 x 5 index cards have many benefits. We use them for the following reasons:

Format / form of the 3 x 5 item card:

Below is an example of a 3 x 5 item card. The example includes instructions for the creation/format of the 3 x 5 item card.

Note that some sections: Upper right corner and the back of the card should be completed in pencil. The rest should be filled out in ink.The cards may be handwritten or typed.

Are there any drawback to this method of item accountability? Not a hell of a lot. You need to write down the items description (so difficult - for anyone who lacks fingers). Wait a minute, you had to do that before (using a keyboard), you just didn't have as much room. You have to record where you're carrying the item. Well, you probably should have done that before. Otherwise your DM wouldn't know whether that crystal of spell storing is susceptible to the Fireball or not...

"Hey; that reminds me! You guys got off lucky in that last encounter! Damn lucky."

Hmmm, I can't seem to come up with any valid drawbacks. Maybe there aren't any?

If you have any questions or feedback about the format or use of item index cards, please feel free to contact me.


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Author: Robert L. Vaessen e-mail:
Last Updated: November 16, 2024