D&D General Do You Use a DM Screen?

[bloodtide]

Yes! Always.

For the minor use, it does prevent metagaming. When the players cheat, and peak over to see what book I have out, then goggle whatever person/place/thing their character encountered from that book. Of course I also use the two factor prevention: the book I have out does not have my homebrew it in, of course. So while the players are all happy that they "figured out"(cheated) that the encountered monster can only do 1d2 fire damage, just like page 11 says......and they get all freaked out when the monster reduces their characters in size and scream "that is not a condition listed on page 101 of the rules!"

But the major use is to just have lots of needed information. I'm going to hang my own notes on the screen. And even print off better squares for some parts of the screen.

I have an old battered AC2 screen that I have used.....forever too.

But a 5.5E one? Eh, I'll ask for it as a gift maybe. It's the sort of easy gift a non gamer can buy.

 

[aco175]

Cannot recall the last time anyone in my group used one. It seems that the local convention we go to had all the DMs using one though.

 

[Lanefan]

Yes. Always. Essential for clipping notes, maps, etc. to, both as reminders and to take up less real estate, which is at a premuim in my DMing area.

 

[billd91]

I don’t usually hide things behind it so much as use it for a quick reference for condition rules.

 

[pukunui]

I used to use one but stopped some years ago, mainly because I find it just gets in the way.

 

[Swarmkeeper]

When playing in person, I always use a screen. But I always roll out in the open.

 

[Umbran]

Is it really quintessential? Is it truly something that every Dungeon Master needs?

I generally use one - the table we play at isn't large, so players would see my notes if I didn't use a screen.

But, I note that "quintessential" isn't about whether it is necessary. It is about whether it is most typical ior iconic. When folks set up images of people at a table playing an RPG, we generally recognize it is an RPG, instead of a board game, by the presence of the screen.

If it is that clear a visual cue, it is quintessential.

 

[Azzy]

I haven't played in person in several years. That said, when I did DM 5e in person, I used a screen. I like the landscape ones that are common now. Much better for me to use than the portrait ones.

 

[Sword of Spirit]

Not only do I use them in person (which hasn't happened on a while), I use them when I'm playing online--just find the most convenient place to set one up by my monitor. I like having easy access to reference materials.

 

[Stormonu]

Sort of. I use something to block player view of my maps and notes, but don't use it as a reference.

Used to use one quite heavily (i.e., as a reference chart and view blocker) up through late 3E.