Character Sheets and TTRPG Visual Identities.

The character sheet to a game is important in many ways, but one way I haven't seen discussed too much is how a character sheet reflects the game's visual identity. TTRPGs, of course, use the theater of the mind, but I believe this is why the visuals used are so important; books often use artwork to show what the world looks like, but we (probably) don't play games with the book out gawking at the pretty art on pages, we play with character sheets.

Primal Quest Character Sheet

We can use stunning art to great effect as we do in books such as that seen in the Primal Quest's character sheet; it's beautiful and sets the stage for our theater quite well. Art like this does take a fair amount of space, and a minor but notable nitpick about the character sheet is that it lacks any space to note your weapon's durability, which may be caused by prioritizing visuals over function. (Still a fun game do recommend)

GRUNTS PSI Character Sheet

Mag Counter[*1] For Dead Project

Wound Counter For Project That Was Never Real

One form of reflecting visual identity is using diegetic elements and skeuomorphism. I use these ideas often in my character sheet designs. I believe they can be used to great effect to reinforce visual identity and use the limited space on a sheet effectively, as they work both as usable elements and as visual fluff.

Cock C.O.C Character Sheet

It doesn't have to be fancy; a good design and font can go a long way. Invoking the right vibes is really all that matters; if your game is all about office life and the sheet looks like an Excel sheet, it works. The touches in the corners of the Call Of Cthulhu sheet are small but go far to add to that 1920s vibe.

Mostly, with this post, I wanted to rant a bit about cool sheets get you to think about your character sheet's visual identity and message to its user. I appreciate the craft of making a good character sheet and all the different ideas and philosophies behind it, so I wanted to get you thinking and to share one of the major factors I consider when making a character sheet.

 

[*1: My gun-nerd self can't post this without noting that this design was based loosely on a Glock mag, which doesn't count down to 1 but instead stops higher, usually at 4. This counter is also flawed in another way, as there is still a round in the feed lips]