Instead of a Screen...

[Ranger REG]

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.

But is it bulletproof?

Actually, I mean dice-proof. Hate getting pelted by my players.

 

[questing gm]

But is it bulletproof?

Actually, I mean dice-proof. Hate getting pelted by my players.

With its sturdiness as thick as the PHB covers, I'm hoping to get Deflect Book as a bonus feat

 

[Maldin]

For those people that were interested in my modified version of the Combat Computer I figured in an earlier post, I've put it up on my website at...
Maldin's Greyhawk - 2nd Edition Combat Computer

Enjoy!

Denis, aka "Maldin"
Maldin's Greyhawk Maldin's Greyhawk

 

[CharlesRyan]

When I use screens, I almost always use them as mats (in the manner suggested by RangerREG)--I hate having a barrier between me and the action. But this conversation has got me thinking about how I might optimize the collection of info I need into something even handier--like the combat calculator, but without the calculator part.

 

[Nebulous]

I like having the screen personally. I hide a helluva lot of miniatures behind it, although i don't really use the charts that much. It's also good for hiding the occasional dice rolls, although most are done in the open.

 

[ExploderWizard]

I like the screen as a staging area for minis, a place to keep my notes, a place to roll dice (especially a random roll for nothing) but the best use I get out of it is attaching maps to the inside of the thing with paperclips. I can have the area map and a couple different encounter maps pinned to the inside at once. On the encounter maps I can make notes and indicate starting positions for various critters including ones that may not be visible at the start of things.

 

[Maldin]

Hmmm... ok, now that I've done a test-print, I don't like the resolution of those files. This weekend I'll put up doubled-resolution files. Shoulda done a test print first! Doh! Apologies... download time will be greater for those files, of course. Look for page version 1.5, rather then 1.0.

Denis, aka "Maldin"
Maldin's Greyhawk Maldin's Greyhawk

 

[Gilladian]

I don't like a screen between me and my players either, so I found a way to eliminate the need - I have a taller small table (actually a cutting-table for dressmaking) at my end of the game room. All my stuff goes on it, and I can sit behind or beside it as I prefer (I have a swivel stool as well).

The players' table is about 8" lower than mine, so they'd really have to strain to look and see my notes. They also don't get to see my dice rolls very well, but if I want I can walk out from behind it to roll, or just pitch my dice down the table where they can see them.

 

[DeusExMachina]

What we do is usually use the coffeetable as the play table and everybodys its on the couch/chairs around it. As a DM I have a normal height small table with a DM screen on it next to me, so I can use it as a protected area for rolling dice and keeping notes.
Although at 6'4" I don't really have trouble looking over a DM screen either...

 

[Ranger REG]

When I use screens, I almost always use them as mats (in the manner suggested by RangerREG)--I hate having a barrier between me and the action. But this conversation has got me thinking about how I might optimize the collection of info I need into something even handier--like the combat calculator, but without the calculator part.

Microsoft Surface or similar touch-screen technology.

Or make the screens as stiff plastic laminated mats with [colored] tabs.