What is the best material to use for creating DM Screens?

[el-remmen]

So, other than what you've said so far, if you were to make a new screen today, knowing everything you've experienced with your current screen, and having seen a lot of other people's screens at conventions (I assume), what would you do differently?

I would do four things:

1) I would make the panels slightly wider (no more than an inch wider) and maybe an inch or two lower to allow for more easily fitting stuff on them and being able to see over it when sitting (though I tend to stand when DMing).

2) I would use construction paper to creat matte borders for table to make them stand out more and more easily changed.

3) I would have fewer tables on the DM side (eliminating ones that are hardly ever used - particularly some skills) and make the ones I have there larger - I would also include some other tables for some house-rule stuff I use now that I did not then (like influence).

4) I was traditionalist in putting the weapon damage tables on the outside for the players - but that stuff is so small in order to all fit - it is not convenient - and no one uses it as reference anyway - instead I would put larger version of some basic often forgotten rules and some kind of spot to put stickies or cards with spells that are in effect, etc. . .

 

[Transit]

Restaurant Supply houses carry plastic menu holders that come in various sizes and can be used to make good DM screens.

 

[Mark CMG]

What is the best material to use for creating DM Screens?

Rubber. If the players are made of glue. That way everything bounces off of the DM and sticks to . . . Well, you get the idea.


Actually, I use The Worlds Greatest Screen -

http://www.hammerdog.com

I've had it for years without any problems and use it both when DMing and when designing, so nearly every day, really.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Restaurant Supply houses carry plastic menu holders that come in various sizes and can be used to make good DM screens.

I'll have a random encounter please, with extra treasure. And a BBEG after that, hold the henchmen.

 

[Mark CMG]

I'll have a random encounter please, with extra treasure. And a BBEG after that, hold the henchmen.

Isn't that a dessert encounter?

 

[tylermalan]

Isn't that a dessert encounter?

Ooo hoo hoo! Yes!

 

[tylermalan]

2) I would use construction paper to creat matte borders for table to make them stand out more and more easily changed.

Can you explain/elaborate on number 2?

 

[tylermalan]

Rubber. If the players are made of glue. That way everything bounces off of the DM and sticks to . . . Well, you get the idea.


Actually, I use The Worlds Greatest Screen -

http://www.hammerdog.com

I've had it for years without any problems and use it both when DMing and when designing, so nearly every day, really.

I have all these great LINKS to click when I get home!

 

[el-remmen]

Can you explain/elaborate on number 2?

Let's say a table you want to paste onto your screen is three inches by seven inches.

I would cut a contrasting color of construction paper, let's say a medium gray, to be an eighth of an inch wider and higher and paste the table onto that first, before pasting it onto the back foamboard.

The reason for this is that it helps the individual tables stand out to the eye, and the thicker stock paper does not ripple and crease like thinner general printer paper does. You can apply it cleanly and easily off the screen to the construction paper backing before putting the whole thing onto the screen.

Also, while it will adhere, something about construction paper, makes it easier to peel off without ripping in case you want to move or replace the table.

Is that clearer?

 

[tylermalan]

Yeah, that's way clearer! And also makes sense. Thanks! This is stuff I wouldn't have thought of on my own.