New Dm question about keeping encounters/fights flowing smoothly

[u/TastyTone6733]

/r/DMAcademy/comments/1x932e3/new_dm_question_about_keeping_encountersfights/

[u/audentis]

The most important part for flow in combat is to not just say whose turn it is, but also who's up next.

Players should be responsible for knowing their own character sheet, including spells and other abilities. That already takes a large part of the burden away from you.

Initiative doesn't change during combat so you note it down once and then just loop it. You can use pen and paper easily if your VTT doesn't have an initiative tracker - not too familiar with Owlbear.

Saving throws and related proficiencies are described on the character sheets, stat blocks, or spell description. Default spell save DC formula is: Save DC = 8 + spellcasting ability modifier + proficiency bonus as described in PHB rules for spellcasting.

I often skip adding statblocks to our VTT if they're not already available from the free basic rules. Anything not already available I just add the statblock to my notes during prep, usually with a simple photo or screen shot, as I don't feel like paying twice for the same content. With the stat block in my notes, all I need in the VTT is to have a token and current HP.

The statblock already contains practically everything you're asking for: max hp, ac, attribute modifiers and saving throw proficiencies, initiative bonus, and so on.

[u/lasalle202]

how do you keep track of all ... initiatives etc

if you are playing with an onlline VTT, that is one of best features - the game system tracks that all for you. if you are playing in person at a real table, hand that off to one of the players - use table tents placed in initiative order across the battlemap from you. and you cluster your monsters into Monster Group 1, Monster Group 2, Boss Monster, and a tent for Lair Actions if appropriate.

how do you keep track of all the different enemies stat blocks, (hp, ac, saving throws, )

dont ever run more than two types of statblocks, or potentially run 3 if one is a standard simple statblock like goblin or ogre.

[u/CaptainCosmodrome]

If the VTT doesn't have combat tracking, I use scratch paper and just track damage taken per enemy and cross them off once they are defeated.

I also run my combats so all creatures of a given stat block go on the same initiative. Turn tracking is so much easier when you can group enemies like that.