My Monster Token Idea

I tried to DM for the first time, and had to constantly had to look up stats for my various monsters. I  just needed basic info for combat (AC, Damage, etc).. especially for minions. So I came up with this. Thoughts?

It probly be good as a GM layer token set at the side. But not as an actual creature token, unless you don't mind that the players have access to that info. If that is the case, then how readable is it for Tiny/Small/Medium creatures?

Intriguing design, The L. Note you could use the Roll20 feature called STATUS MARKERS, specifically buy from Marketplace and upload your own Custom Status Markers set, and put that Set on your game.&nbsp; To do some of that (specifically as a different way to show the AC shield on any token). For example, these numbers, <a href="https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/markerset/5761/black-and-white-squares-a-z-1-100-status-markers-game-addon" rel="nofollow">https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/markerset/5761/black-and-white-squares-a-z-1-100-status-markers-game-addon</a> If that is the case, then how readable is it for Tiny/Small/Medium creatures? To make it readable then: Select the Token, press Z key.&nbsp; It's a really quick way to see the token-art pop-up in Full Size, lightboxed and centered.

Thank you for the replies, and that "Z" trick. That being said, I treat tabletop combat like a video game -- I couldn't care less if the players see the monster's AC and damage (or hp for that matter). There's no reason to hide any of that from the players - the more informed of a decision they make the more they'll have fun. Nothing worse that hitting a creature for 10 damage and wondering why it didn't go down. My token idea is just to make it easier for me, the DM. I wouldn't need to do that if I could find an easy way to attach "stats" to the token so I can view it quickly. I'll check out those status markers. Thanks everyone.

The L. said: That being said, I treat tabletop combat like a video game -- I couldn't care less if the players see the monster's AC and damage (or hp for that matter). There's no reason to hide any of that from the players - the more informed of a decision they make the more they'll have fun. Nothing worse that hitting a creature for 10 damage and wondering why it didn't go down. This is not universal. My best friend dislikes knowing actual statistics as it breaks her RP immersion and removes tension and suspense, overall reducing the experience of risk and struggle against an unknown force. She prefers vagueness like 'it looks badly hurt' or 'you cut it but it shrugs it off, only a little trickle of blood is drawn'. I could go either way. I have played with a DM who used to put the monster's stats on the screen for us, and I've played with DMs who keep it secret and intentionally change things from the source material in case you already know their stats. It's a cute token though.

It sounds like an interesting design problem I am gonna consider if I (or other creators) experiment with token boarders for a product. Searching the marketplace for UI elements might yield nifty results. I like the idea of boarder themes or similar shapes that identify unit classes on the standard run such as tanks, offensive light, casters, ect. Incorporating UI fields for additional pertinent data such as the armor class could make for a nice series of boarders that bridge the concept of tokens and something like a unit card as seen in games like magic. The punchy armor stat icon is a great start . It prioritizes the first vital data on a roll vs the target (at least in dnd5e, we roll a 20). Gotta idea the damage values in a manner that utilizes the available icon dimensions and leaves space for an array of portrait type icons without obstructing the art. Some art might have a creature's focal point in the lower half of the token circle so its good as a universal design in this case to have data exist in corners or adjacent the center image. :P I'm getting critical but it's because I like the idea and wanna try it now. UI design is a great headspace and we already have the available field parameters laid out by the game rules. I also like how the scythe in this art sits over the boarder, but that would imply several layers to the UI kit. Pro/Con That's good for custom icons making for a more robust UI kit but product wise the less layering involved for customers the easier it will be for casuals.

Thanks, I used to play a lot of HeroClix, which is why their design suited so well. Take a look at how they used the 1.5 inch "dial" in MAGE KNIGHT, which was fantastic. It was specifically designed so that players didn't need to keep a separate piece of paper for stats -- everything is on the dial. They literally wanted something like MtG, but for miniatures.

Lots here say it lags the game but i like health aura api...green yellow red...because it gives a sense of how wounded someone in the party or a monster is. If your party knows exact numbers then they may tailor their attacks dependent on information they don't really have. I like having monsters open for looking at in compendiums, because your right it engages the players understanding of the world they are in. And adventurers would study possible enemies they might face. But exact AC and health goes a bit too far in battle for me,though they will discover these things by and by :)

I love the token design but have to agree that it is not practical for my games for the same reasons others mentioned. Resource management and figuring out monster strengths and weaknesses is a huge part of the strategy of the game for us.&nbsp; With that being said though, you could do it a couple of ways where the players can't see the stats. I always set attribute bar 3 as AC, 2 as speed, and 1 as hp. You can set a token where players cannot see the nameplate of the token and then change the name to something like "Goblin: Mel +4 (1d6+2 p), Ran +4 (1d6+2 s)". Of course, this only works with small entries. A lot of monsters have special attacks and such that would be too long to include on a token or nameplate. For that reason, #2 is my favorite way of handling this. Create an Ability directly on the character sheet under the Attributes and Abilities tab and set each ability to "Show as Token Action". When you click on the token, a list of buttons appears detailing each of the creature's actions. Give each ability a name and brief info about it such as "Shortword-+4-1d6+2", "Dominate-DC14". You can even go into the ability and add rolls and additional information that goes to chat when you click the button. This example shows how we have an initiative button for our Open Legend games allowing you to roll initiative without ever opening your sheet.&nbsp;