D&D 5E Do you use a DM screen?

[Doc_Klueless]

My answer is yes, but with the following caveat: it's not between me and the players. That is to say, I have a small folding table/tv tray next to my chair where I keep any notes/maps/etc. that I don't want the players to see. I don't like the barrier, both psychological and physical, between me and the players/action.

 

[Agamon]

That's not really the point. I would rather that my players didn't accidentally see a map, or a stat block, or some hint as to what was coming up, than see any of the above and then have to roleplay that they hadn't.

I didn't say anyone else is doing it wrong, whatever works for you. Just as what I do works for me.

 

[was]

I do use one. Ideally, I'd like to see one that was only about 3/4 of the current height with plastic sleeves on each side. Then you could insert in your own art or tables. Having a website where you could download and print out the tables you like with a proof of purchase of the screen would also be nice.

 

[MechaPilot]

I never use a DM screen as a screen, but I do use one as an easy reference tool.

 

[aramis erak]

I tend to use them but lay them flat on the table... I occasionally use a landscape-mode screen when I need to conceal maps.

Most of the time, however, I use a notebook with page-protectored sheets of charts that I've recopied.

 

[Bupp]

I use my laptop during games, so that is the screen that I have up, though I do often have it closed.

I also roll out in the open, except when I don't.

I used to use one years ago, I still have the 1e screens. My daughter likes them, but I couldn't part with them, so I gave her my 2e screen. She started running games with some of her friends, and is using it, paper clipping up some relative stuff.

 

[KarinsDad]

My answer is yes, but with the following caveat: it's not between me and the players. That is to say, I have a small folding table/tv tray next to my chair where I keep any notes/maps/etc. that I don't want the players to see. I don't like the barrier, both psychological and physical, between me and the players/action.

This if possible. Course, I'm not DMing at the moment.

 

[Hollow Man]

I'm currently DMing over Skype so there's no need for one, but I use it because it's easier to have certain rules in front of me. I also play in a game, and I'm always accidentally seeing the DM's notes, so I want to get in the habit of avoiding that when I do DM in person.

I currently use a mini one that's only 6" tall, because I really don't' like the ones that are 11" tall. I did preorder the new landscape one from WotC, since it was only $7 and change with an Amazon coupon, and I want to see how that works out.

-HM

 

[Paladin interrogator]

If you want a DM/GM screen this one is pretty good. Customize it as you want it.

http://paizo.com/products/btpy8bt2?The-Worlds-Greatest-Screen

 

[Hollow Man]

If you want a DM/GM screen this one is pretty good. Customize it as you want it.

http://paizo.com/products/btpy8bt2?The-Worlds-Greatest-Screen

Yeah, these are the full sized Hammerdog's screens, and I have their mini one. It's really nice.

-HM