Use Index Cards for Treasure Items

I’ve mentioned a few different ideas on how you can use index cards to help better organize your game and wanted to pass along another quick tip, use them for treasure items.

When the party comes across an item hand them a card with just the physical description on it such as a bottle, a sword, or a silver box. This not only gives them a tangible item to show that they found something it’s also something that can be passed among party members to show who is actually carrying the item and you can take the card back should it be lost, stolen or sold.

While that alone is a great tool you can take it a step further, have the group write on the card any special characteristics or abilities as they discover them. For example, you hand them a card that says “Long sword” on it. Now as they continue their travels they discover that it’s magical, a +2 to hit and damage to be exact, it was once called the “Orc Slayer,” as it was often used to great effect during the orc wars by Sir Reginald Ashen, knighted for his valor during those same wars.

Now the party has something they can refer to not just for the mechanics part of the item but also for some of the story around it, which of course you as the GM can use for further adventure and plot hooks.

May your dice roll well!