Use Sticky Notes to Track Expendable Items

In a past post I mentioned using sticky notes for tracking memorized spells and since you’ve already got the sticky notes out why not use them for expendable items as well.

I’m not suggesting this for single shot, once and done, type itmes (although you could if you wanted to) but for those items that can be utilized a finite number of times that needs to be tracked. Items such as ammunition clips, magic wands, stim packs and so on are ideal for this.

Take a sticky note out for the item and write the name of it across the top, such as “Clip 1 – Machine Gun” or “Wand of Fireballs” and then next to it write the number of times it can be used or activated. As you use the item mark it on the sticky note, hash marks are fine, and when you hit the total usages which you have recorded on the same note (convenient huh?) just toss the note. Or if you wanted (such as in the case of an ammo clip for a weapon) erase the hash marks and reuse it.

For GMs this is also a useful way to track items for which the players do not know the total number of uses. I would recommend including the name of the character/player on the note as well then.

May your dice roll well.