Instead of a Screen...

[kenwolf]

i would love to be able to print out your version of the combat computer. the one in dragon magazine just doesnt print out that well. how big is yours ? looking at the size it looks pretty big.

 

[MarkB]

I really liked how the Eberron DM screen was sort of 'widescreen' so that it was longer than it was tall. It was about 2/3rds the height of a regular DM screen. I have no problems seeing over or around it, and I sit at my table with my fellow players. I don't really see the need to stand, but that's just how I roll.

Seconded. The Eberron screen was excellent - stands up better than a normal screen, doesn't block eye contact, covers just enough that your players aren't accidentally glimpsing your next map or handout.

I really can't imagine using a DM's mat. The useful information is going to be buried under a pile of books, notes, maps, handouts and dice. Then again, I never really referred to the information on the DM screen either.

 

[Voadam]

DM screens get in the way. Reaching over them is a PITA, and if you want to sit down forget about seeing over the things-

I never experienced that problem, I wonder if this is a height thing though. How tall are you?

I loved having THAC0 and saving throws on a screen in 1e and 2e. In 3e I used a Ravenloft 3e screen a few times because I had it and I was used to using a screen, but I ended up never needing any of the info on it. Flipping THAC0 around and taking saves off a chart eliminated my needs to reference that information at the table.

Most face to face games I run now I just plunk down my books and module and printouts without bothering with a screen.

 

[Scribble]

I never experienced that problem, I wonder if this is a height thing though. How tall are you?

6'1"

Admittedly I exagerated the issue a bit. But the screen does get in the way of things happening closer to me... And since the table we game on isn't that big, it is a bit of an annoyance.

 

[Maldin]

i would love to be able to print out your version of the combat computer. the one in dragon magazine just doesnt print out that well. how big is yours ? looking at the size it looks pretty big.

Hmmm... unfortunately, I can't seem to put my finger on my original copy of Dragon 74 to see if I enlarged it or not. My CC disk is about 7 and 7/8ths inch in diameter. I don't think I'd want it any larger or smaller. Unfortunately I won't be able to get to it for a couple weeks, but I'll post a note in this thread when I get it on my website. It will be in the "Mechanics" section.

Denis, aka "Maldin"
Maldin's Greyhawk http://melkot.com

 

[JRRNeiklot]

Something like this a dm's version of this would be nice:

http://www.kenzerco.com/popup_image.php?pID=149&image=0

 

[questing gm]

Here's an idea. Take the DM Screen ... now read the following carefully ... lay it FLAT on the table. Voila. The Screen is converted into a Mat.

That's odd. I thought that was what the 3.x DM screens was for. Still wondering why they called it a screen though.

 

[Ranger REG]

That's odd. I thought that was what the 3.x DM screens was for. Still wondering why they called it a screen though.

Well, it is a screen, not a shield.

 

[Fenes]

I use my 4-panel screen next to my laptop to hide my notes, and the rolls I make secretly. If I roll openly - it enhances the tension at times - I roll next to the screen on my books. I do not use battlemaps, so reaching over the screen is not needed.

 

[Holy Bovine]

I have always used a screen but it wasn't until I got a landscape style one that I liked them. Way easier to reach over and see over too. The new 4E screen is amazing - as thick as the cover of the PHB, laminated and has all the info I would want to reference in game except the weapon tables (which I'm going to print out and clip to it). I really can't recommend it enough - it is simply the best Dms screen I have encountered in 20+ years of using them.