Initiative Counter
Keeping track of initiative is a pain when you can't just dry erase it all off or have something everyone can easily see.
My needs were very simple; initiative 0-20+, round counter, space for monster info (so much easier to dry erase HP!), and general notes (i.e. Player 1 confused until round 7). Sheet protectors are inherently dry erase friendly. Yes, they will smudge/stain over time, but just swap them as needed and it will take years to go through a pack.
You can also find resources for online initiative counters here.
Combat is easy to keep track of when the fundamentals are easy to keep track of.
Sheet Protector / Laminated
Notice: Although I try to update all of my links & prices at least once a month, Amazon sellers may change or remove the particular items or prices since the time they have been listed here. The items I have listed are the best that I have found at the time, but any item matching the general description should suffice for this project.
I've broken these down by size and then by part. In addition, I have added the keywords I used to find these items if you want to do your own searches or in the event that the seller has changed/removed the item listed below.
Supplies
Standard Version
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Staples High Capacity Sheet Protectors (25) $6.50 - If you don't have any I'd ask a friend 1st before buying anything. They're just insanely expensive and you can't really just get a few without resorting to the lightweight ones that have no chance of standing up to repeated use.
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Keywords: sheet protectors
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OR
Maximum Durability Version
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Dry Erase Markers, Fine or Ultra Fine - I'd stay away from Quartet. They tend to stain easily. I use EXPO Dry Erase Marker
4-Count $5
8-Count $6.50
12-count $9
4-Count $4
8-Count $6
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Print out the Counter
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Slip it into the sheet protector (and/or use the laminate sheets)
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Use dry erase marker only. I try to assign my players colors and all monsters another. This helps keep track of everyone a little more efficiently
Life hack: If you accidentally use permanent you can draw over it with dry erase marker then erase as normal
Assembly
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Huntz Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets (50) $13 Use it instead of or on top of the sheet protector. You can also use a 2nd sheet to protect the back or a piece of cardboard. Honestly, I'd only do this version if you've done (or will do) my laminated dungeon tiles
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Keywords: self-adhesive laminating sheets
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EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Ultra Fine, Assorted Colors;
EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Fine, Assorted Colors;
Optional
Combo Expo Dry Erase Set, Fine, Assorted Colors, 7-Piece with Cleaner & Eraser $7
○ Keywords: dry erase set
I'll be honest, whether you make your own or buy a package for a magnetic version it'll cost you roughly the same; $15-20. The real difference comes down to having a predetermined layout, store-bought, or customizing your own.
Magnetic
Custom Supplies
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U Brands Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Board, 11 x 14" $7.50 - This does have a frame around it and so it may not be the easiest/most comfortable to write on, but I will leave it for you to determine.
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Keywords: magnetic dry erase board
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2 Pack Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard Sheets with 6 Colors Markers and a Board Eraser, 8 x 12" $11 - A little more expensive, but this would definitely be easy to write on and may lend itself to better storage
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Keywords: magnetic dry erase sheets
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Box of magnetic pawns $10 - paint them different colors for the players/monsters accordingly if you need more of a particular color
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Keywords: magnetic pawns
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Store-bought
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Paizo Combat Pad $20 - It is dry erase and has magnetic writable flags and tokens to keep track of initiative order, round, and special notes.
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Keywords: combat pad
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OR
○ Keywords: fine dry erase markers / ultra fine dry erase markers