My players asked for a `whiteboard` of sorts where they can see the current status of all players as well as the initiative order. We play online using Gametable and Mumble (more on Mumble later).  One of my players was able to craft this nifty online D&D encounter tracker for us all to use and share…and you can use it too!

Here’s how to set up an encounter for you (the DM) and your party.

First, have everyone head over to http://encounter.fites.net

You`ll see this screen.

The page/app will update every couple seconds so those connected to your game can see the latest info. Click (or touch if you’re on your iphone/ipod touch) the Menu button. Hit Settings. You’re now at Session selection screen.

Since this is your first time using the application, Click on Game Name and enter a name for your session. You can reuse it later. Mine happens to be called Czar. Original, I know But its easy for my players to find. Please note, the passwords are sent in plain text instead of the *******’s you may be used to. Meaning, if you have a sooper seekrit password you use DON’T use it here. In the Password field, enter a password that people will use to join your session to view the data. For GM Password, enter a password you`ll use to identify yourself as the GM, giving you uber powahz! Well…the ability to add monsters. When that is done, click Menu and Create Game. After showing your game has been created, hit Back. You blank session is ready to go! If you’re returning to the session, use the drop down menu to find your Game in Progress, enter passwords, and press Join Game.

With your blank session, hit Menu, Add Character. Fill in the proper info and hit Add Player. By ticking the Hidden box, only you, the DM, will see the player/monster until you edit the character and uncheck the box.  Here is a populated session with one baddie.

HP is color coded. Bloodied creatures are orange. Those close to death are in red. When I use this, I prefer to give all creatures an HP of 1/1 so the party doesn’t know the true number.

This`ll work for online sessions or live sessions where people have laptops, handheld devices/phone.  Post comments or questions. Right now, major bugs will be addressed if identified. Feature requests will be considered but are very low on the priority list.