If this happens, the RPG is too complex for that player. Play a simpler system.
Let me check my spell list. Huh. Okay, now I need to check the source book, oh wait, it’s in this expansion…
I used to print out spell sheets and put them into some sort of a spell booklet for reasons like this. It also helps that I played a bard when I did that and so there wasn’t a whole lot of spells that I needed to keep track of.
The last time I played a wizard, I just relied on a similar tactic (one-spell sheets compiled into some sort of a booklet), but instead of printing it out, they just stayed as files that I move to a directory on my phone called “prepared spells”.
I had a pretty disastrous fight with my wizard, so I came up with a little list of “when X happens, use A,B, or C”. That made combat much easier, since it had a list of escape methods for when I was cornered, spells to deal with invisible monsters, stuff to deal damage when I was in a safe spot, etc.
It only had five or six entries, but it made my turns way faster in combat.
That’s a great idea! Probably stealing it for when I next play a wizard-like spellcaster.
There was one time I had to play double-duty as utility and party healer. I thought it was a good idea to keep track of everyone’s health. In my head, it makes for deciding when to “switch to healing” far easier. So I had this sheet of paper keeping track of everyone’s total HP and current HP. At some point, I’ll switch to being the medic and physically pull out a card that says “Beacon of Hope” with a description of what it does (full HP dealt with healing spells and potions, among other things), and start doling out healing spells.
Aside from keeping track of everyone’s HP (which, in hindsight, shouldn’t be my job anyways), it was kinda simple. Even before my turn, I already have an idea what to do, usually trying to keep some idiot in the party alive. It’s just a matter which idiot I would try to save first (and for most situations, I just go for the one with the least current HP).
If only players could either memories their spells or assemble a cheat sheet/cue cards for those. That’s what phones could be useful for…
Player tip: either use the Spell 5e app or Emmet Bryne’s custom class sheets. Or both, like I do.
