DM Binder?

[dcollins]

I don't like index cards, because they make problems for long term storage -- once something on an 8.5x11 sheet in your adventure or folder is no longer needed, you can just put it in a manila folder and file it away. The same option doesn't exist for index cards.

The contents of my DM folder is basically everything under the "Documents" section of my website; feel free to take a look here: www.superdan.net/dnd3.html

 

[Psion]

I don't like index cards, because they make problems for long term storage -- once something on an 8.5x11 sheet in your adventure or folder is no longer needed, you can just put it in a manila folder and file it away. The same option doesn't exist for index cards.

Uh, leave it in the box and file it away? ???

I really don't see the issue here.

 

[Tzarevitch]

Uh, leave it in the box and file it away? ???

I really don't see the issue here.

Cards still get lost and they are too small to write much on. Personally I prefer D-ring binders. I can hole puch things that I download and they STAY in the book (with sheet protectors and reinforcers of course). unfortunately, by Dark Sun notebook has grown to about 5" thick. Because so much is out of print and non-standard I have to keep a lot of it on hand in the notebook. The 3e monster manual is actually of less use to me than my own notebook is.

My notebook includes:
Game calendar, random monster tables, the DS Monstrous Compendium Appendix (this is most of the weight), generic templars, generic half giants, gith soldiers, human soldiers. Specific NPCs, basics on the PCs and their allies, miniature maps of various locations etc.

Tzarevitch

 

[Galfridus]

I use a file box. I find this works pretty well to keep all the campaign stuff organized, as long as I keep up with creating new folders as the PCs adventure.

I have a separate 3-ring binder for the players, with world info, house rules, and story hour printouts.

The problem I've started to run into is carrying all my books! With the core rulebooks plus PsiHB and splatbooks, my bag is near capacity. What do you do to get all your rulebooks to the game?

 

[Horacio]

The problem I've started to run into is carrying all my books! With the core rulebooks plus PsiHB and splatbooks, my bag is near capacity. What do you do to get all your rulebooks to the game?

That's iis quite a problem to me. And if you use any third party d20 rules supplement things are even more difficult! How do you cope with it?

 

[Neowolf]

My DM Binder has several different sections:

- character sheets (I ask my players to let me keep theirs between sessions, it's helpful for planning adventures)

- adventure notes/maps

- stats for any new monsters I've created for the campaign (with similar sections for new spells/feats/skills/classes)

- responses to 2 surveys I got my players to fill out at the first session (the first was details about their character's appearance, background, personality, etc.; it helps them flesh out their characters in their minds. The second was a questionnaire about their interests/preferences as far as playing style)

- graph paper (for my own personal maps)

- looseleaf paper (great for keeping track of things in combat)

That's about it.

 

[Tewligan]

The problem I've started to run into is carrying all my books! With the core rulebooks plus PsiHB and splatbooks, my bag is near capacity. What do you do to get all your rulebooks to the game?

I don't take all my rulebooks to the game. I take my binder, memo pads, and the 3 core books, plus whatever I know I'll be using that particular night. Most of my stuff outside that is either something I usually use outside the game, or something that I can make a note of so I don't have to carry the whole thing. Out of curiosity, what are you hauling back and forth between your games?

 

[Trevalon Moonleirion]

Originally posted by Lazarus Long:
Its really a matter of taste. I've used both, and I just like the binder better. It feels more organized for me, but ymmv.

If you want some good tips, there's Johnn Four's site, Roleplaying tips.

Here's a link to an article specifically for binders:
http://www.roleplayingtips.com/issue69.html

I wholeheartedly agree--this article has great tips. I'm really too lazy to tell you what's in my binder, but just go the site and read--Johnn Four has some great stuff!