Nytmare said:
I have never actually found the information on printed DM screens to be particularly useful. All the ones that had passed me by never seemed to have the right information or had it laid out in a way where it was easy to use. But I always used them cause it was the easiest way to hide my notes and the books (and shh... I'm a roll-fudger)
I always ended up cobbling together screens out of three-ring binders. I'd put clear plastic folders inside and just slip in the notes and charts and maps that I needed. I was always surprised that no one ever put out a simple three flap screen with clear insert pockets so that people could make their own customized charts and whatnot.
On the last version of my game table I made a wooden DM screen with a flatscreen monitor built into either side. The "flaps" to either side of the screen were angled with a catch at the bottom so I could prop up notes or have an open book without having it eat up table space.
That last one sounds very, very cool.
I currently use the Kindoms of Kalamar screen with all the flaps and tables and I love it. It's just real handy once you get used to looking at it.
For 4e, I plan on making my own. I want to take the castle wall sections (weighted with aquarium gravel) from the WotC archive (used in the 3D map folio) and make the back sides into screens. I'm considering making them "foldable" so I can have adventure info on the outside and combat info inside the fold, which attaches with velcro. When combat occurs, I pull the folds down for battle mode. The walls will be attached (again with the velcro) to towers made from heavy cardboard tubes, kitbashing tower covers from the same archive. These I picture being used and dice towers so players can give me secret rolls, and perhaps even storage.
It's quite a dream, but I've already started.
One thing I plan to include is the "master table" (there is a pdf out there with this one.) It gives the % success for any roll vs. any DC.
Break DCs are always good
Skill DCs are handy
I like the "monster adaptation" info.
Poison DCs and info are handy
spell templates
a list of all the various formulas (attributes, melee and missile equations, spell ranges, etc.)
Weapon info, pared down to basics needed for combat (no price or weight for example)
A list of names for different races
Turn order is a good idea
avg rolls
avg damage table
I'm sure I'll come up with more
Someone mentioned the chart for grapple in 3E, I've made such a chart and it's in a freebie product called "Quick Sheets" that should be released this week (I'm waiting on an artist's permission) It's pretty funny and functional. Look for it soon, I'll be posting it here on ENWorld