With 4E, one of the biggest tracking requirements is marks and conditions.
I'd love to hear how others keep track of this, both mechanically as a DM (and player) and also visually so that all are aware of the situation.
Ive been using Alea Tools products and now that the magnet attraction issue is gone, they have worked well. The multitude of colours in particular makes it easy. Easy stacking is good and they hold together well and are a good size for medium minis to sit on. Disadvantages for me are when using large sized minis (unless they've come up with something to rectify this that I havent seen yet) and also having to take minis off, manipulate the stack as conditions get added and removed and then replace mini. Takes time and lots of fiddling.
I've also seen people use coloured pipecleaners made into tiny circles and placed on exposed mini bits (or bottle top seals for the same effect). This works ok too, but again the stacking and removing issue makes it less than ideal. (Also see my last paragraph on visual distraction).
I have also seen tiny crafting beads used. They sit on the bases so can be moved independently. They can however roll off and are difficult to see easily at times from different angles so I'm not a fan.
Visually, too, I wonder what would be a good solution? Using lovely minis on beautiful maps/dungeon tiles and then having distracting condition tracking tools is dissapointing for me. Then again Im not only a RPGer, I also do a lot of table top wargaming and visual appeal is big on my enjoyment list. Do you feel the same in this regard?
