Supplies for a New DM

[Buttercup]

2) Prerolling encounters.

I actually do this, sort of. I have encounter tables set up, that say something like this: Four times a day, roll a d10. Then I list what happens with each possible result. If one of those is, say, an ambush by 1d12 goblins, then I have 12 goblin counters handy, and a stat block for goblins with a range of hitpoints.

I just started doing this a couple of months ago, and I think makes my games go much more smoothly. It's not like I'm taking all the chance out of the session, I'm just planning for it.

Also, since I write all this up in Word, I cut and paste monster stat blocks into another document, which is in alphabetical order. Then, the next time I need goblins, I just cut and paste them into my current adventure notes.

 

[starwolf]

Dish Towels....or at least a large roll of paper towels.
Inevitably there is always one seriously clumsy player in every group, meaning at least one spilled soda or beer per playing session.

 

[doctorjeff98]

I keep all my notes (& dice that I don't want players to see) on my laptop.

I also rely on my laptop.

 

[haiiro]

Ok, how useful is it as a new DM to have a game mat or battle mat and a DM screen? Are these just frilly accessories or do they actually help with the game?

I've always loved having a DM's screen available. Most of the time I'll use it normally -- putting it between myself and the players -- but it also works quite well set off to the side. That gives you room to lean in over the table (assuming that's where you play), which is particularly nice if you're using a map -- and you still have a hidden spot to lay out notes, monsters, etc.

For 3e (and presumably 3.5e), I think a battlemat of some sort is pretty much required. I don't like pre-drawing everything to minis scale, but I also don't like talking my way through most 3e combats -- there are too many movement-related options. For my next game, I'll be drawing up likely combat areas in advance, and just loosely mapping the rest in small scale (not suitable for minis).

I also like to have a binder of some sort available, in which go pregen encounters, notes, statted monsters, errata, etc. The biggest thing I'll be doing differently with this in my next campaign is photocopying monster entries, then statting out the specific creatures and putting both items in the binder. This should eliminate the classic "Hey, he's got the Monster Manual open to the Os, and this thing is pretty big -- I bet it's an ogre!" situation.

There are lots of great suggestions in this thread so far -- just don't try to do it all at once.

(Edit: typo.)

 

[Trevalon Moonleirion]

Marvelous suggestions in here!

I personally don't really like notecards... they've just never done a whole lot for me. But onto the list of the stuff that I use very frequently.

*DM Screen--I'm the kinda guy that has always seen a GM screen at a roleplaying table. It feels very odd to play without a screen, I like having the charts in front of me, and I like being able to hunch behind the screen to give evil looks at the PCs. As a player I like screens too-especially if the artwork is good. The lack of artwork on the player side of the screens really sucked in 2e.

*Binder--I keep all of my crap that isn't on a computer in here. Maps, player backgrounds, reference sheets, blank paper, both of my DM screens. There are several great articles on building a great GM Binder at Roleplaying Tips ... look around in the early to middle hundreds.

*SOMETHIGN with a grid that let's you keep track of all the movement in combat. I personally do enjoy having a battlemat that you write on with wet-erase markers.

 

[DaveStebbins]

A DM Screen is more of a personal preference, I don't bother with one anymore, but then I've been DMing for over 23 years...

The best battlemat tip I ever read was to build a short table (about 6-8 inches tall) just for the battlemat. This raises the battlemat slightly making it easier for everyone, including the DM, to see from anywhere around the table. The primary benefit is that it gives people access to the table underneath as space for books, dice, etc. This extra space has been a godsend for us, as our battlemat (an old chalkboard, scored with a one inch grid) is fairly large. We made ours by just screwing dowels under each corner of the chalkboard.

-Dave

 

[Sam]

We use a battlemat religiously. Though you have to be careful your players don't turn the game into a "chess match". I also use note cards for nearly everything.

As for the DM screen, I go back and forth between using it and not. Sometimes I like having it there, other times I like having an open field to the mat/players. FWIW, I typically don't use the charts ot the screen when it is up. I just like having some barrier. Also lets me roll dice for effect (just rolling dice when there is no reason to, to keep the players thinking) without worrying that someone will see a 1 or 20 and start meta-gaming. DM screens also let you fudge rolls much easier.

That said, I like to roll attacks in front of my players, even when using a screen.

 

[Sam]

The best battlemat tip I ever read was to build a short table (about 6-8 inches tall) just for the battlemat. This raises the battlemat slightly making it easier for everyone, including the DM, to see from anywhere around the table. The primary benefit is that it gives people access to the table underneath as space for books, dice, etc. This extra space has been a godsend for us, as our battlemat (an old chalkboard, scored with a one inch grid) is fairly large. We made ours by just screwing dowels under each corner of the chalkboard.

-Dave

That's a great idea. Allows the players (and the DM) to keep stuff on the table, but you're not constantly asking people to move their stuff when you have to draw on the mat. I think I'm going to have to build me a little battlemat platform. Thanks for the tip!

 

[KnowTheToe]

If you elevate the battlemap, don't peoples dice go rolling under it?

 

[Sam]

If you elevate the battlemap, don't peoples dice go rolling under it?

If you elevate it oh, 4-6", then there's enough room to put things underneath but it is still low enough to roll the dice on the mat.

In thinking about this, I don't think I'll make a platform for my large mat, which takes the whole width of the table, but it should work find for the medium size one that I have....