What are the "essential" tools for DMing?

[Waylander the Slayer]

For example, i currently use Jamis Buicks spreadsheet for mass NPCs. The Heroforge spreadsheet for NPCs with templates PRCs etc (this program is awesome). My laptop during the game which has music etc. which i modify for the gaming situation .

I also use minis, counters from the counter collection a battle mat and am looking forward to using the "dungeon" tiles and battle box from FDP. What does everyone else use that is useful as a tool?

 

[WalkingDead]

Just the DMG, really.

 

[Umbran]

Wow. You use a whole lot more than I do.

I have my books, dice, paper and pencil, and my DM's screen. Occasionally I keep notes on my computer, but that's just a text document. I don't presently use any computer DMing tools, and I don't weven own a laptop. I occasionally use a CD player for music. For big battles I may bring out a battlemat, but most of the monsters wind up represented by dice or slips of paper.

Books, dice, paper, pencil, a bottle fo soda and a bowl of chips. These are the essentials. All else are conveniences.

 

[Gunton The Terrible]

Imagination, creativity, player(s), patience, a plan, the ability to wing it when the players don't follow the plan, three core books, paper, pencil, dice, and a place to meet.

Did I forget anything?

 

[Crothian]

I have anotebook of ideas, dice, paper pencil, books if I need to reference them...and that's about it.

 

[Woas]

As a DM, I find having a few players around are really helpful tools.

 

[Teflon Billy]

I have anotebook of ideas, dice, paper pencil, books if I need to reference them...and that's about it.

You've got to stop posting my thoughts verbatim.

 

[RichGreen]

my list

Hi,

Books (usually more than I need but enough to do my back in)
My notes (see Books)
Pencil
Players, assorted
Beer. Coke or coffee
Battlemat
OHP pens for battlemat
Miniatures and/or counters

I never remember to bring paper but usually the players have some.
Cheers


Richard

 

[reanjr]

As a DM, I find having a few players around are really helpful tools.

Yeah... my players are tools, too.

 

[Teflon Billy]

Yeah... my players are tools, too.