Lately I’ve been reading up on two different roleplaying systems that both use some sort of markers to be handed out to players; The Fate Core system uses Fate Points, and Numenera hands out XP markers. These can then be turned in by the players for benefits during the game.

Both games suggest using glass beads, poker chits, special cards you can buy, or something similiar to represent Fate Points or XP. I have some glass beads, and have tried using them in play but they tend to make a rather annoying “clink” sound when struck against each other, and players just can’t stop playing with them. I can only imagine this being more annoying with poker chits. And I’m too cheap to buy decks of cards for such a simple thing. So I decided to make my own…

Using Photoshop I quickly created two simple “cards”, one for Fate Points and one for XP. It was a really simple process to copy them and then print ut a few sheets.

I then cut them out carefully. I didn’t bother rounding the edges just yet.

I then used a stick of glue and glued two pieces together, back to back. Then I used the scissors again to round off the edges. As a final touch I used a black marker along the edge of each card to make sure no white shone through.

Next step is the easiest; Laminating the cards.

And finally, after cutting them out, they are done!

I’ve made these cards with XP on one side and FATE on the other so I can use the same cards in both games, but if you want to make your own there’s nothing stopping you from from creating cards with FATE or XP on both sides.

In case you’re interrested in making your own, I’ve uploaded the sheet of cards here: Fate Point and XP cards

Rightclick and select “Save as…” to download