RPG Tabletop Spotlight: Gamemaster Codex And Cards
Today we take a look at the Gamemaster Codex from Rogue Comet Games. The Codex is a collection of rules and references and conversions and more for 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons, and alongside it we have a set of GM Cards that are a great table aid.
Rogue Comet has put out some sweet GM’s tools in their GM’s toolkit. Today we’ve got a look at the Gamemaster Codex, which aggregates a lot of the 5th Edition rules in one place. You’ll find things like grappling rules, shoves, weird obscure combat things, rules for climbing on other creatures all gathered in one place.
But even more usable are the Gamemaster Cards which include things like status effects (did you get paralyzed? Here’s your card) and a set of “game roles” that can be given to each player. So that you have one person whose job it is to look up the rules when there’s some dispute between players, or one person who’s in charge of bringing snacks, etc.
It’s a nice way to sort through all of the duties that get passed around the table. This one might be a little better to collaborate on–“who wants to bring snacks next weeks” or “hey I’ll write down our sessions” makes a lot of difference compared to “you’re bringing snacks.” But your mileage may vary. Either way, this is a pretty neat table aid to help make sure the game runs smoothly.
Gamemaster Codex – $24.95
For use with the 5th Edition rules of the world’s oldest Fantasy RPG. Run 5th Edition Fantasy games on the fly! The Gamemaster Codex is an 8.5×11″, 32 page old-school booklet of useful tools to use during your game. Use these rules and resources to craft stories on the fly and help your games run faster! It is loaded with charts to create quick non-player characters with stat blocks, generate locations, determine loot such as treasure and magic items, and construct interesting combat encounters with no advanced preparation. Not prepared for an adventure you’re running? The Low-Prep Adventures section has 10 instant adventure types to jump start your game. Need an encounter or event to toss at players after they’ve ignored your pre-planned adventure ideas? No worries, the Gamemaster Codex has tools to create everything from hexcrawl adventures to ad hoc tavern brawls.
Gamemaster Cards – $17.95
For use with the 5th Edition rules of the world’s oldest Fantasy RPG. This deck of 54 cards includes a deluxe, durable plastic case which snaps shut for easy storage and transport. Make the gamemaster’s life easier! This deck has cards to track Initiative and creature stat blocks for use during combat. Put the Initiative cards in plastic protective sleeves, and use wet-erase pens to write on them. Use Role cards help the gamemaster recruit volunteers to help during the game. Conditions cards track the 5e conditions such as ‘Poisoned’ or ‘Stunned.’ Rules Summaries present rules for Death & Dying, Healing, and Grappling. Hand these cards to players so they can quickly know the rules without turning to a rulebook.
Happy Adventuring!
