Instead of a Screen...

[Henry]

I'm still a "DM Screen" kind of guy, but don't let that stop anyone! I'm actually favorable to the landscape screens, because you can reach over them easier, and they still offer that measure of privacy for secret rolls, and the reference.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

I have to admit, I almost never refer to the actual tables/information that is on the DM's screen. Most of the time I don't even have it out of my backpack. When using a published module, I keep any notes either in the margins or on a combat spreadsheet. I also make alot of use out of 3x5 cards.
When running my own adventures, my table references tend only to be a page or two.

My main use for the DM Screen is to provide a place to corral my dice..avoiding them flying all over the place when I dump a fireball on the group!

A 4e DM's mat that has the damage/DC by level table and the info on using knowledge checks for critter weaknesses {I always forget those} would be excellent. With a top bar for tracking the rounds/time and a side bar for Stalker's Obsidian skill challenge... that would be a must buy for me!

Hmm.. might have to just go get some laminate material and work something up

 

[Ranger REG]

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.

Here's an idea. Take the DM Screen ... now read the following carefully ... lay it FLAT on the table. Voila. The Screen is converted into a Mat.

 

[smetzger]

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.

I usually use a chair or smaller table next to where I sit for dungeon maps etc that I don't want the players to see. This leaves the area in front of clear.

 

[Scribble]

Here's an idea. Take the DM Screen ... now read the following carefully ... lay it FLAT on the table. Voila. The Screen is converted into a Mat.

Yes, I realize I could do this. But I think something formatted for this purpose, and laminated so a DM can write on it would be even better.

 

[Umbran]

Aside from the reference material, the major use I have for a screen isn't to hide die rolls from the players, but to keep my notes where I can see them easily, but they are out of the players' sight. Even the best intentioned player is hard pressed to ignore the fact that they can see the maps, or the names of monsters above the statblocks, and such.

 

[Varianor Abroad]

Might books get piled on top of it? Regular tables don't hold enough for gaming IMO. (I haven't used a screen in years except for a series of games I ran for a friend who gave me a spiffy custom screen. Got in the way, and I roll most dice out where the PCs can see them anyway.) That said, it sounds potentially useful - especially if it has an active display of some sort.

 

[Ranger REG]

Yes, I realize I could do this. But I think something formatted for this purpose, and laminated so a DM can write on it would be even better.

Just lay some clear transparency over the screen so you can write on it.

 

[neceros]

Here's my suggestion: Stand Up.
It emphasizes your position of attention and lets everyone hear and see you better.

DM Screen is too useful to lay it out.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Here's an idea. Take the DM Screen ... now read the following carefully ... lay it FLAT on the table. Voila. The Screen is converted into a Mat.

Brilliant idea!