I know there's probably a million threads out there on this, a few of which I've already scrolled through, but I'm trying to figure out what to put on my DM screen and figured I'd ask here. I'm using the basic 5E screen, but a lot of the info on it I never use, so I was trying to figure out what else to put on it. Right now the only extra notes I have on it are my player's Passive Perceptions and a table for skills because the one that's already on the screen is horribly organized. What notes do you keep on your DM screen that you find super useful?
In additional to passive perception, I also have passive investigation and insight, AC, and speed (if different than 30ft). I also have a list of languages each knows (for RP to know who understands a monster/NPC that uses something other than common) General info I have is: Small list on names and places in case I need one on the spot. Basic pickpocket loot (if I have a sticky finger rogue in the party). Any similar campaign specific info that I might need quickly.
Conditions. It seems whever I say "your character is restrained" then a player will say "what does that do?". When I tell them, they say, "No, I don't think that's right, let me check the book..."
Personally, I have a mental block about remembering half cover and three-quarters cover, so I have those at the top of the screen.
I usually put the key themes of the game somewhere on the screen, so I am constantly reminded of them. For example, the current game has the themes Isolation, Rural Divide, and Hidden Evil, with a side dish of Not Learning From The Past. I need to be reminded of those so I can make sure all interactions are building one or more of them.
Common healing - mainly standard and greater potions. Conditions. A shortlist of names for on-the-fly "What's your name?" scenarios. Perhaps your PCs' ACs so you don't have to ask them if something will hit on surprise attacks against the party.
I don't know why I didn't think to add the passive insight, investigation, or AC (especially considering how many times I have to ask my players the last one). Having basic pickpocket loot is GENIUS and definitely something I'll need to either put in my notes or on my screen, and same with player languages. Half cover and quarter cover is already on the screen I use, same with statuses (thank god because I can never remember those either). Having key themes on the screen is an amazing idea, and something I'd never have thought of. For some reason the screen I use doesn't have healing potions on them, so I'll definitely have to fix that. I covered my bases with random npc names, already got like 4 sheets of usable first and last names in my notes which has been unbelievably handy. Saw that online DM screen when I was looking for stuff earlier, and I wish I could put all of that on my screen because everything was really good for referencing things.
A list of names of people, places and shops, at least, so if it comes up unexpectedly your not left with Kevin, the owner of the wal-mart in Springfield.
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I know there's probably a million threads out there on this, a few of which I've already scrolled through, but I'm trying to figure out what to put on my DM screen and figured I'd ask here. I'm using the basic 5E screen, but a lot of the info on it I never use, so I was trying to figure out what else to put on it. Right now the only extra notes I have on it are my player's Passive Perceptions and a table for skills because the one that's already on the screen is horribly organized. What notes do you keep on your DM screen that you find super useful?
In additional to passive perception, I also have passive investigation and insight, AC, and speed (if different than 30ft). I also have a list of languages each knows (for RP to know who understands a monster/NPC that uses something other than common) General info I have is: Small list on names and places in case I need one on the spot. Basic pickpocket loot (if I have a sticky finger rogue in the party). Any similar campaign specific info that I might need quickly.
Conditions. It seems whever I say "your character is restrained" then a player will say "what does that do?". When I tell them, they say, "No, I don't think that's right, let me check the book..."
Personally, I have a mental block about remembering half cover and three-quarters cover, so I have those at the top of the screen.
I usually put the key themes of the game somewhere on the screen, so I am constantly reminded of them. For example, the current game has the themes Isolation, Rural Divide, and Hidden Evil, with a side dish of Not Learning From The Past. I need to be reminded of those so I can make sure all interactions are building one or more of them.
Common healing - mainly standard and greater potions. Conditions. A shortlist of names for on-the-fly "What's your name?" scenarios. Perhaps your PCs' ACs so you don't have to ask them if something will hit on surprise attacks against the party.
We play online, so I personally always have this open: 5e Online DM Screen
I don't know why I didn't think to add the passive insight, investigation, or AC (especially considering how many times I have to ask my players the last one). Having basic pickpocket loot is GENIUS and definitely something I'll need to either put in my notes or on my screen, and same with player languages. Half cover and quarter cover is already on the screen I use, same with statuses (thank god because I can never remember those either). Having key themes on the screen is an amazing idea, and something I'd never have thought of. For some reason the screen I use doesn't have healing potions on them, so I'll definitely have to fix that. I covered my bases with random npc names, already got like 4 sheets of usable first and last names in my notes which has been unbelievably handy. Saw that online DM screen when I was looking for stuff earlier, and I wish I could put all of that on my screen because everything was really good for referencing things.
A list of names of people, places and shops, at least, so if it comes up unexpectedly your not left with Kevin, the owner of the wal-mart in Springfield.