When running a Fudge game (or any other roleplaying game), referees have to coordinate a large amount of information. This information includes such things as character sheets, NPC and monster stats, current wound tracks for characters, adventure notes detailing what happens next, spell lists, weapon lists, and even special effects such as sounds and props.

Talking with other referees, they all seem to have the same goal: to keep the game running smoothly, while still being able to access the information they need. When asked how they accomplish this, I received a variety of suggestions and techniques. One thing became obvious as I listened to their suggestions...that everyone has different tools and methods that they use, but they discovered the right ones through trying different items and seeing what worked for them. There is no definite right or wrong with this, but what is right for *you*. As a referee, you want to focus on the game without having to fight with any materials you need to run that game.

I talked to a variety of referees about some of the things they use to help them referee a game. What follows are some of their suggestions.

Reference Sheets

One thing that most referees agreed upon was the use of reference sheets. These sheets were kept in a variety of places, but almost every person used them in some capacity. One of the main uses was to record Monster information. Things such as description, stats, notes, and wound track were recorded here in one place for easy reference. Character sheets were also kept, however this was only summary information. That way the referee didn't have to keep asking the players the same information over and over again.

Binders

Referees use a variety of different sizes, specifically full sized binders and address book sized. The advantage of an address book sized was that the small size was easier to carry around and leave it on the table during play to reference. The full sized ones are bigger but make up for it in that it's easier to fill them with blank pages, and to punch holes in character sheets, game notes, etc and just put them into the binder.

No matter what size you use, binders have definite advantages for referees. One of the best features is that you can add, remove, and change pages as needed. This helps to keep everything easily organized. You can also organize your information by using tabs to keep things like maps, special characters, plot notes, etc. all separated. Some suggested categories for binders are event logs, adventures, characters, locations, and creatures. One thing to note is that the use of binders is not just for referees. Players can also take advantage of binders to keep their information handy as well. Referees might even want to make a "World Encyclopedia" type of binder that contains all the known information about their world, including maps and history.

Notebooks

Here is a simple, but effective tool for referees to use. This has an advantage in that it's a more permanent reference to keep information contained. It can be kept on the shelf until needed, much like a reference book. Some of the things that referees use notebooks for include background setting information. A referee could also keep plot outlines and story details in this same notebook, making a complete adventure. This is especially handy if the notebook contains adventures that can be run again and again, almost like an adventure module. If you need to run the adventure again, just get out your notebook!

Rules information is also something that can be placed into a notebook. A lot of referees use the same "house rules" from game to game. Keeping them handy in a reference notebook is great for teaching your players the specific rules that you will use. It could even be given to them ahead of time to help them get familiar with the rules before you play. That way, when they show up for the game, they'll be all prepared.

Hardback Folder

These look very much like a regular folder, but have a hard panel built into it. These can be found in any standard office store. A 9x12 inch folder can hold a typical 8.5x11 pad of paper. This kind of folder is especially useful when you don't have a lot of writing space, as the hardback gives you a surface to write on.

Referee screens

These are the more traditional screens having several panels to help hide their adventure information as well as have summary information available for reference. One suggestion that was made was the use of page protector pockets. These can be glued to one (or both) sides of the screen panels. This would let the referee's screen be easily changed from session to session. This is especially helpful in a game like Fudge, because the stats, skills, etc. can all drastically change from game to game.

Another tool that can be used for a referee's screen is the use of a presentation binder. This is a type of binder that has a fold-out bottom half. This helps it to stand up on it's own, without resorting to trying to balance the screen.

Cards

One of the more unique ideas I received regarded the use of cards for referencing information. These are made with a Word template that has drop-down Fudge level boxes so the cards can be made quickly and easily. Each card can contain info on the various players, NPCs, and monsters used in the game. Their standard size lets them be placed into a standard 9 pocket card holder and then placed into a binder for easy reference. This method combines the reference sheet idea with the ease of card holders and binders. By covering the cards with plastic, you can use a felt pen to mark off wound tracks on the cards themselves. Some of the cards just have wound tracks on them so that you can have several next to a single card. This can be used to reference a large group of monsters that all have the same stat.

3x5 index cards

These can also be used the same way. There's an advantage of being a very common item and writing a consistent format on them for characters isn't very difficult. They can also be used to represent things such as magic spells, items found during the adventure, weapons, etc. This way you can actually hand them over to the player instead of just describing them. Stats could be included onto the front or back of them. These cards are still of a small enough size to be able to spread them out in front of the referee for easy reference and organization.

Laptop Computer

One of the strongest advantages of using a laptop is for it's multimedia capabilities. Soundtracks and pictures of characters can be stored and shown to the players as necessary. This helps to include the sense of sound into the adventure as well as sight.

Some referees use the laptop as a kind of organizer. You can keep things like character sheets, game notes, and the rules on display in case they're needed. Software can make this job easier. Spreadsheets can be used for having several characters and monster stats side by side for easy comparison. A database can also be used for storing notes and character reference.

A word of caution has to go out regarding the use of a laptop. It's very easy to get caught up in the technology of the laptop and not to use it to it's full effectiveness. If it's causing you to spend more time looking things up and opening/closing files all the time then you need to consider another method of organization.

Palm Pilot

The infrared port of a Palm Pilot can be used for transmitting notes to an individual player in the middle of a game. This helps to hide secret information from the other players. The Palm can also be used to store reference information. Some referees use them to write notes during the game, but once again, you have to be cautious to not let it distract from the game. If you're not fluent in writing on the Palm, you may want to consider another option.

CD Case

This can be used for rolling dice. It holds a lot of dice for transport, as well as being a great surface to roll dice on. The raised sides of the case can help to make sure the dice don't bounce around and roll onto the floor.

Clipboards

These are great for both players and referees. They provide a place for everyone to write, but don't take up table space. They can hold several sheets of paper. The ability to lift the sheets and rearrange them helps to keep everyone organized.

Whiteboard

These can come in various sizes, such as 2' x 3' or 5' x 3'. A portable whiteboard comes in very handy for drawing a map of the player's current location. It can also help during battle to show the referee where everyone is positioned. Maps can be drawn quickly, in various colors if necessary, and can be easily changed as necessary. these are very inexpensive and if taken care of, will last quite a long time.

Emails

The use of email is not just for play-by-email games. It can also be used to pass secret info to players before and after a gaming session. This gives the players time to consider the information and plan for the next session.

Another use for email is to construct adventure journals. These can be emailed to the players after an adventure. By recording this information, players (as well as referees) will be less likely to forget information from session to session and will feel like they are more a part of the story.