Instead of a Screen...

[Scribble]

DM screens get in the way. Reaching over them is a PITA, and if you want to sit down forget about seeing over the things-

So I say instead, someone should make a DM's mat.

Kind of like a blotter for a desk... Maybe made of plastic so it doesn't get stained, with all the info a normal screen would have, and a DM could maybe write notes on it.

 

[KB9JMQ]

I love the idea of a DM's Mat. I cannot stand a screen since I like to roll in the open.
If it was dry eraseable, had places to keep character defenses in and some way to help you keep track of who is marked, slowed, etc. along with the other info a DM Screen has it would be great.

 

[Walknot]

Why not

Yes, it would be easier for the DM to play on the battlemat without that PITA screen in the way. Also we would finally know if the DM actually pays any attention to those dice she rolls, or as one suspects, is just making it all up!

 

[El Mahdi]

Yes, it would be easier for the DM to play on the battlemat without that PITA screen in the way. Also we would finally know if the DM actually pays any attention to those dice she rolls, or as one suspects, is just making it all up!

Of course we're fudging the rolls. Take away my screen and I can't get away with it anymore (unless I take some extra ranks in Sleight-of-Hand). Besides, I won't be able to use the line "PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE SCREEN" anymore (and where's the fun in that).

 

[Glyfair]

DM screens get in the way. Reaching over them is a PITA, and if you want to sit down forget about seeing over the things-

So I say instead, someone should make a DM's mat.

At times I have used my DM Screens that way. Lay it with player's side down, but my notes, maps, stats down, then fold the sides over. Open it to look at the notes, charts, etc. when I need them.

 

[fba827]

I have mixed feelings about DM screens.

As a player, sure, I don't mind them and it draws focus to the DM -- so no problem there.

As a DM, it is a convinent place for me to basically lay down my notes and do rolls. But other than that, I don't use it for actual reference (though our group is just more "go with the flow" if we don't know it off the top of our heads). Plus, I am up from my chair at the battlemat half the time. I have tried one session "screen less" but then I found myself wanting to put my notes under my chair when I was standing up from my seat so that the plot notes weren't sitting in the open...

 

[WhatGravitas]

DM screens get in the way. Reaching over them is a PITA, and if you want to sit down forget about seeing over the things.

I had this problem as well.

I've tried the following solutions:

1) DM's "lap top" - if you're sitting, put a open box (like from a board game or a boxed set) on your lap - it's obscured by the desk (and hence hidden) and serves as handy place for notes and rolling.
2) Landscape screen - tucked close to the edge of the desk, you can easily access the battlemap.
3) Stand up! Well, stand like a vengeful god and hurl lightning dice at the players table!

I've used 1) until I grabbed 2) and now I'm combining it with 3) all the time!

Cheers, LT.

 

[juggler434]

An idea I've been thinking of doing is keeping a small table next to my chair for notes and dice rolls with a screen up to block the view of players, and then I have easy reach and sight of the main table for the combat and such. It requires a little more space, but I think it will help. I'm trying it out this week.

 

[cerberus2112]

Brilliant idea. It could be a battlemat with a bar down one side for the GM's section. Something like:

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[GM stuff ]

 

[KB9JMQ]

I find that I stand more now that I don't use a screen.