D&D 4E 4E DM Screen

[thalmin]

Haven't seen this mentioned. I was at the Gama Trade Show this week and got a brief look at/through the PHB, DMG, MM, Keep on the Shadowfell, and the DM Screen. I haven't seen anyone mention anything on the last, so:
The new screen is a 4-panel landscape layout screen. Laminated. I asked if it would take dry or wet erase markers, but the WotC employee was unsure. The screen was printed on stock one would expect for a good solid game board.

Player's side is only artwork, an underground encounter involving drow if I remember correctly. The dm's side is of course filled with charts. It seemed like every line on the charts had a page reference included! Sorry, I don't remember which charts, I was trying to take in so much at the show - information overload.

Also, one thing I noticed in the PHB, humans get one extra at-will power. Every class gets 2 at-wills, the human gets a bonus. This number doesn't change at higher levels, though you could swap out which at-wills you have at later levels

 

[Verys Arkon]

Thats some good news - I find a good DM screen can make my games SO much easier to run. I hope they've picked the 'right' charts to include for me, but I know that is a personal thing. Which charts do people hope make it?

 

[Kzach]

Yeah, everything I've heard about the DM screen so far makes me think it's the DM screen I've been wanting for years.

I tried creating my own for 2e and it was good, but a bit of a mess and kind awkward on the table. All the other ones I've used were just meh, mainly because they were light and fragile. I can't wait to get a good look at the 4e one and will more than likely invest in it.

 

[thalmin]

Before anyone asks, they did not have a sample of the Character Record Sheets there, though there is a copy in the back of the PHB. I liked the news that the package would contain both portrait and landscape layout versions of the sheet. Landscape allows more space for the battlemat.

 

[vagabundo]

Ive never used the charts on my DM screen, I always forget they are there.

 

[sunrisekid]

(double post, my apologies)

 

[sunrisekid]

I would be nice if the player-side of the screen contained player-relevant reference material. As it is now I tape a sheet of paper on the other side of my screen containing various combat maneuvers with effects, in addition to examples of various actions. Big font. The players have a constant reference/reminder and saves me having to repeat myself too much.

 

[Novem5er]

I would be nice if the player-side of the screen contained player-relevant reference material. As it is now I tape a sheet of paper on the other side of my screen containing various combat maneuvers with effects, in addition to examples of various actions. Big font. The players have a constant reference/reminder and saves me having to repeat myself too much.

Interesting idea. I'd never thought to use the DM screen as a method to post player information. Though, rather than post static information like combat maneuvers (though I could see that being helpful), I would probably now use the screen to pin artwork up so the players could visualize things easier.

Imagine an NPC portrait paper-clipped to the player side of the DM screen. Or perhaps an inspirational painting of a monster or landscape. Heck, even an overland map of the surrounding area might help establish the setting.

You could use either a paperclip to hold things in place or maybe a clothespin. I've been thinking about doing some watercolor paintings of key scenery in my upcoming campaign and pinning it on the (new) DMs screen would be a great way to show it off.

Regarding the new screen itself, I'm very excited that it's made out of thicker material. I've always found the thin screens of yester-year to be annoying. They always seem to fall over, bend back on themselves, or not open as far as I need them to.

Regarding charts, I'd actually like to see LESS charts so that the screen isn't completely cluttered. Also, some color on the table headers would make it easier to sort the information visually. Things I'd like to see specifically for 4e:

- DC for common skill challenges (or generic levels, easy, medium, difficult, expert, epic?)
- Attack/Defense modifiers (cover, high-ground, prone, etc)
- List of conditions and their effects (stunned, dazed, confused, etc)

 

[Irda Ranger]

I would be nice if the player-side of the screen contained player-relevant reference material. As it is now I tape a sheet of paper on the other side of my screen containing various combat maneuvers with effects, in addition to examples of various actions. Big font. The players have a constant reference/reminder and saves me having to repeat myself too much.

Not a bad idea. I usuually clip something relevant to the current quest though, such as the "Wanted: Dead or Alive" notice they took from a tree and are looking to collect on, or a map of the area. Something that helps them keep their head in the game. Naturally this is not something WotC can do for you ahead of time, so I'm fine with just some generic fantasy art.

 

[Irda Ranger]

Regarding the new screen itself, I'm very excited that it's made out of thicker material. I've always found the thin screens of yester-year to be annoying. They always seem to fall over, bend back on themselves, or not open as far as I need them to.

Yeah, this is the single best feature. I can print my own rules, or post them on sticky notes, but I'd buy a nice, stable "dice stopping" screen even if it was blank.