If players had a screen, what would be on it?

[robberbaron]

Definitely Turning data. I haven't found a player yet who doesn't have to calculate their turning checks every damn time.
[Smug Mode] Except me, that is [/Smug Mode]

Actually, very good idea in principle. Add in a dice tray and pencil holder (with free pencil) and you've got a great product.

 

[Quartz]

An easy way of tracking changes to stats - buff spells, rage, wildshape, whatever.
A reminder about AoOs is a good one.

 

[Pbartender]

*On top, a set of 3 wheels embedded in the screen, the kind where just the top of the wheel pokes out so you can rotate them. Each wheel would have every number from 0-9, with a little window so that a single digit can be seen through. A hit point tracker.

A set of flip cards, like so...

...would work better, and be more compact. If you print the same number on the back of the previous card, then both the DM and the player can see.

Or just use two or three really big d10s.

 

[D.Shaffer]

I'd be happy with just something that lets me see all the important parts of my PC at a glance. That and a list of actions and what sort of action they are, as well as the common skill DCs.

 

[Pbartender]

I'd be happy with just something that lets me see all the important parts of my PC at a glance.

Isn't that just a character sheet?

 

[Asmor]

A set of flip cards, like so...

...would work better, and be more compact. If you print the same number on the back of the previous card, then both the DM and the player can see.

Or just use two or three really big d10s.

I thought of that when I was writing the thing (having windows on both side of the screen). Problem with it is that it's going to appear backwards to the player, or to everyone else. So if the player sets it so that he sees 23, everyone else will see him at 320 hp.

 

[Voadam]

Individualized for specific characters

Turning,

Some common spell details

magic item details

Class ability descriptions

Feat descriptions

Common maneuvers (grappling for everybody, otherwise those with an improved X feat)

Common conditions (stunned, nauseated, prone, invisible, etc.)

 

[JRRNeiklot]

I think it should look a ot like this:

http://www.kenzerco.com/images/rpg/hackmaster/pcmat.jpg

 

[Pbartender]

I thought of that when I was writing the thing (having windows on both side of the screen). Problem with it is that it's going to appear backwards to the player, or to everyone else. So if the player sets it so that he sees 23, everyone else will see him at 320 hp.

Good point.

That's why most of my players just jot down there current hit points on a piece of scratch paper, the battle mat, or use a pair of d10s to keep track. I, as the DM don't need to know how many hit points the players have... It's not like I'd go easy on them, just because they're down to 2 hit points.

I might go easy on them other reasons, but not because of their current hitpoint total.

 

[Firebeetle]

Thank you all for your feedback. I can't say too much yet, but I'm planning a set of innovative game aids for PDF. This thread has been invaluable for shaping my Player Placemats. I'll send you all a copy of the final product. Contact me offlist if you would like to playtest them.