I am a new DM. I've been using the lids from the Starter Set as a DM screen, but it hasn't been too useful, and I'm not quite sure what to do about it. Should I make one myself with cardboard and such or should I just try to buy it from somewhere? What have been your experiences with good DM Screens?
I really just bought the ~$14 one from WotC! Most of the info was great! Otherwise I printed out any tables I needed and taped them over the other ones in such a way that I could lift them like flaps without a problem. Works well for me!
I personally have taken two slotted 3-ring binders, and used the pockets on one side for basic PC and setting information while the other side is comprised of base rulings and monster statistics; most pertinent stuff in the middle! Then again, it's been too long since my last physical session because time, so I have recently just been utilizing one notebook, sticky notes, and flash cards for awhile now.
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My preference is a looseleaf binder for all my setting info/cheat sheets. In my current setting, the maps need to stay hidden from the players so they've all been moved over to a smaller folder of sheet protectors, that way I can still "sprawl" all my paper out and not cheat them of the opportunity to do some actual exploring.
Some nice DIY options - something I have made good use of recently is getting nice colour prints done cheaply - there's various websites out there that will print full colour for real cheap.
I use the official but I don't paste anything on it. I like it's content and tables because when are so many tables and info on the Screen I tend to not use it, I want a basic and clear information. One thing I do is use paperclips to hang my notes for the session on the screen, it's removable and harmless.
Our group just bought a custom made wood DM screen as a thank you gift to our DM. There are some really nice ones out there. I'm not sure if you're interested in going for something that pricey, though. It's nice if you regularly DM. Cool keepsake.
I made my own. I dm for a group that consists mostly of new players, so I created a screen that has useful rules/info for players on the outside, and info I want to quickly reference on the inside. It's proved to be super useful; "wait, what do short rests do again?" I just reach around the screen and point to the section on short rest/long rest. "Oh yeah, okay cool."
My player side has all the mechanical choices and info for combat (I've found this is super helpful for new players) in the centre panel (landscape a3). The right wing (portrait a4) has the advancement table, and skill info (descriptions, DCs, and contest rules), while the left wing (also portrait a3) has exploration rules (movement rules, exhaustion, and rests).
On the inside I tried to organise it according to the three pillars and the rules/tables I use most often and/or felt like would be most useful to not have to remember.
I used Pages to organise clippings, tables, and text boxes in "layout" documents, then printed out each panel and used supper 77 to adhere it to a long piece of card stock that I cut to the appropriate dimensions. I spent almost no money, a little bit of time, and I've got a tool that works great for our group.
Matthew Colville did a video about the DM Screen and in the description are a few personal recommendations of him. I can't paste right now, sorry, but it's in his Running the Game series.
That thing is freaking beautiful! Thank you for sharing that. I like the new Dm screens but they most definitely do not have enough information on them!
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"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
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I am a new DM. I've been using the lids from the Starter Set as a DM screen, but it hasn't been too useful, and I'm not quite sure what to do about it. Should I make one myself with cardboard and such or should I just try to buy it from somewhere? What have been your experiences with good DM Screens?
"You get that for killing Jews?"
"Bravery"
Inglourious Basterds
I use this one. Just pasted it right over everything from the official screen. So glad I did. It is so. Much better than the official one.
https://osdgeek.com/2017/02/11/custom-dd-5th-edition-dungeon-master-screen/
I really just bought the ~$14 one from WotC! Most of the info was great! Otherwise I printed out any tables I needed and taped them over the other ones in such a way that I could lift them like flaps without a problem. Works well for me!
Thank you for the suggestions! I'll buy the official DM Screen and paste better sheets onto it like all of you suggested. :D
"You get that for killing Jews?"
"Bravery"
Inglourious Basterds
I personally have taken two slotted 3-ring binders, and used the pockets on one side for basic PC and setting information while the other side is comprised of base rulings and monster statistics; most pertinent stuff in the middle! Then again, it's been too long since my last physical session because time, so I have recently just been utilizing one notebook, sticky notes, and flash cards for awhile now.
I just use this :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930855591?ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&qid=1490210238&sr=1-1&pldnSite=1
I'll chime in with the off-line preference... don't use one. Forego screens entirely. Roll open and keep the barriers down.
(not that there's anything truly wrong with screens, I just don't use them and like tables without them)
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Here's how I built mine: http://rpgindesign.blogspot.ca/2016/06/super-simple-diy-ultimate-dm-screen.html?m=1
Caution: Adult immaturity ahead.
Current Character: http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/User:Kydo/Ideas
Go to a restaurant supply store (or amazon) and buy a tri-fold menu holder. Then just fill with tagboard and custom inserts. Super cheap!
I use a laptop in place of a screen now. Laptop has Realm Works on it with all the information i need.
Daplunk's YouTube Channel: Realm Works and Hero Lab Videos / Campaign Cartographer 3+ Videos
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My preference is a looseleaf binder for all my setting info/cheat sheets. In my current setting, the maps need to stay hidden from the players so they've all been moved over to a smaller folder of sheet protectors, that way I can still "sprawl" all my paper out and not cheat them of the opportunity to do some actual exploring.
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D&D Beyond FoundersSome nice DIY options - something I have made good use of recently is getting nice colour prints done cheaply - there's various websites out there that will print full colour for real cheap.
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I use the official but I don't paste anything on it. I like it's content and tables because when are so many tables and info on the Screen I tend to not use it, I want a basic and clear information. One thing I do is use paperclips to hang my notes for the session on the screen, it's removable and harmless.
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester
Our group just bought a custom made wood DM screen as a thank you gift to our DM. There are some really nice ones out there. I'm not sure if you're interested in going for something that pricey, though. It's nice if you regularly DM. Cool keepsake.
I made my own. I dm for a group that consists mostly of new players, so I created a screen that has useful rules/info for players on the outside, and info I want to quickly reference on the inside. It's proved to be super useful; "wait, what do short rests do again?" I just reach around the screen and point to the section on short rest/long rest. "Oh yeah, okay cool."
My player side has all the mechanical choices and info for combat (I've found this is super helpful for new players) in the centre panel (landscape a3). The right wing (portrait a4) has the advancement table, and skill info (descriptions, DCs, and contest rules), while the left wing (also portrait a3) has exploration rules (movement rules, exhaustion, and rests).
On the inside I tried to organise it according to the three pillars and the rules/tables I use most often and/or felt like would be most useful to not have to remember.
I used Pages to organise clippings, tables, and text boxes in "layout" documents, then printed out each panel and used supper 77 to adhere it to a long piece of card stock that I cut to the appropriate dimensions. I spent almost no money, a little bit of time, and I've got a tool that works great for our group.
I am partial to this....but I am very biased :p
More here http://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/arts-crafts/1117-custom-made-dm-screen
"I was led to believe there would be punch and pie?"
Matthew Colville did a video about the DM Screen and in the description are a few personal recommendations of him. I can't paste right now, sorry, but it's in his Running the Game series.
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest