What Do I Keep Behind My DM Screen? Returning to In-Person Play

[@SupergeekMike]

What do YOU keep behind your GM screen? Thanks so much to Frontier Wargaming for sponsoring this video! Visit the Kickstarter for the Gamemaster’s Chest at the link below: www.kickstarter.com/projects/frontierworkshop/gamemasters-chest?ref=5xavic

[@talscorner3696]

I really don't use a GM screen anymore xD I only GM in person at Cons and by now the stuff I GM I pretty much know by heart, so I don't need anything other than me brain, a can of booze and a proactive attitude

[@Lurklen]

A notebook per campaign. The minis I think I'll need. Dice. A (now quite old) surface pro 4. That's it. Everything else is on the laptop, or in the notebook. nd if it isn't there, I don't have it (for away games). My screen, which was made by a friend, has various bookeeping rules (item costs, size categories, lighting ranges, stuff like that). But yeah, that's it. I've been thinking about some kind of initiative tracker, but haven't figured one out yet. (The example in the video for the kickstarter seemed cool, but I kind of want something like a series of flippers on a stick or something I can flip per turn.) My notes are mostly digital, and those that aren't each fit in a small 10x8 notebook. Sometimes I'll have separate sheets that live in those. I have worked with smaller notebooks for away games. Off table stuff I keep sketch pads per campaign, and keep a lot of visual notes and doodles. But those don't come to the table. Anything else I just remember. That Strahd book is crazy! Way more intense than how I do things, though I do gather a ton of info, most of my campaign notes exist in a single Notepad file per campaign, with other Notepad files for locations, PC's, and important NPC's. (I've been thinking about using Campfire, or World Anvil or whatever, but haven't made the jump yet.) The Chest is cool, but I don't really need it as I don't do travel games as often now. But some of the ideas are neat, I really want to use more magnets in on my screen.

[@justinrandall9550]

I don’t use a screen at all. All my info is on my laptop and I roll in front of my players because it doesn’t really matter if they see. I use one note for the story, npcs, and the books are always on hand if I need them. Been doing it since Covid ended and it’s actually really freeing. My players seem to really enjoy it and I have plenty of space to set up anything I need

[@KarinVoll]

i use a rocket book for my analog notebook

[@aficklefangirl2566]

Mike, how the hell are you putting out so much quality content with a NEWBORN???? I'm certainly not complaining - your uploads always brighten my day! Just impressed, and maybe starting to suspect you might not be human...

[@scottjeppe7220]

A baby costs money , you got to pay the bills.

[@chrisg8989]

Nearly every father manages to have a full-time job while also having children. Crazy I know.

[@wormer104]

He showed you. He’s electing to record instead of passing out.

[@CaseyWilkesmusic]

There is no such thing as “paternity leave” when you’re self-employed!

[@wormer104]

@@CaseyWilkesmusic Um….it kind of can. There’s no rule against it.

[@manueltorresart2345]

You're spoiling us Mike. Also I find funny to see you as a teacher with the pointer and at the same time use it as a weapon to punish unruly behaviour.

[@MogoPrime]

What a coincidence! Just this morning I read Ginny Di's email newsletter where she answered the question of what she keeps behind her screen. It's amusing when there's synchronicity in the world.

[@NoHypeMedia]

Bro is PUMPING out content

[@adamcimrmann]

Children are expensive

[@tellmeaboutyourgame314]

As a DM and parent to young children: how

[@demetrinight5924]

No matter how many things I have had behind my GM screen, a separate side table has always helped to declutter the space directly in front of me. This GM screen would likely also help significantly.

[@Blerdy_Disposition]

This chest looks wicked as hell. I never care for gm screens since i dont hide my rolls but i csn definitely see this being used for say when i run games in conventions!

[@ger_hynes]

Mike you're doing an incredible job of not resembling a zombie (you can't be getting too much sleep). I have a 6 week old and think only about 1/8th of my brain works at any given time. Thank you for the quality videos which help keep me awake when I'm running on 2-3 hours sleep.

[@SLorraineE]

I was so concerned when I saw the mini thumbnail in my phone notifications and thought the picture had only half rendered somehow. Then I clicked on it and saw the title and it made so much sense!

[@daniellewasdelayed8921]

I would have no use for the chest but the moment you opened it, my eyes lit up and a massive grin crept across my face. What a gorgeous work of organization

[@chrisg8989]

Recently, I have stopped using a DM screen, and it has really helped me play the game straight and let the dice tell a story. I've often felt the desire to fudge dice rolls or alter the HP of monsters to better control the flow of a combat, but with no screen, the temptation is completely removed. I highly recommend removing your DM screen. Try it out and see how it changes your game!

[@Dalenthas]

Love that the mechanical pencil you pulled out was a Paper-Mate Sharpwriter, my favorite mechanical pencil, and Adam Savage's too!

[@jloost-gamer]

Very interesting to see what you keep behind the screen and how awesome the Gamemaster's Chest is! I recognizs your tendency to put the onus on yourself to bring a lot of materials for players (pencils, spell cards etc.). I also tend to do that for newer players, but with my more experienced groups the players take care of their own stuff and I luckily need to bring a little less!

[@dolphin64575]

I don't need it, but it looks SO PRETTY AND USEFUL! Love seeing this combo of TTRPG and organizing content, never imagined it would happen

[@BlackOpMercyGaming]

You genuinely seem like a DM that would be awesome to play with… I don’t know, we share very similar views on rulings, the importance of role-play and everything, but you just overall seem like a very genuine, kind and understanding game master

[@tellmeaboutyourgame314]

I run exclusively online. But i recently designed a "DM Screen" that's a single sheet of paper with a handful of rules i always have to look up (mostly the Conditions), the chart for average creature stats by CR, and a space to put all the PC's names, who their player is, and whether they're currently concentrating on a spell. Very much curated to my specific weaknesses as a DM. All the stuff I need in my face all the time.

[@jlhitz35]

I don't know what we've done to deserve this daily content, but I love it! Thanks for all your hard work!

[@starscream71288]

I could definitely get used to daily Spergeekmike content.

[@SupergeekMike]

Just for this week! (But also, yes, there will be a video tomorrow and another Friday, so we are gonna be daily for this week lol)

[@AnonZeMouse]

My DM screen is basically my laptop so I guess it doesn't count? Otherwise I have a tab for the character sheets so I can double check spells/abilities in moments where vagueness wants to be clarified, a list of my homebrew items so I can recall how they work, a one note of the quest list/NPC motivations and characteristics as I struggle with RP improv, and an encounter page with monster notes. Otherwise, I've got 2 dice trays, and a number of spare sets of dice just incase anyone forgets theirs.

[@bristowski]

This is a good channel. I like Mike.

[@Icon1906]

Another banger of a video! It's wild that the videos are so fantastic even with mini Mike! Hope the little one is doing good! Make sure you get some sleep because you definitely deserve it! This video comes at a perfect time of me. I literally thought to myself it would be cool to have a video showing what other dms keep behind the screen so thanks! Also question for you? I bought a 6 feet long chalk broad to use as the battle map and to keep the dice from flying off the table. I love using it but all my players don't like it. They listed of various concerns about the biggest one is they didn't 't like how I asked them not to eat on it and to use a small baking sheet to keep your drink, character sheet and dice on it. I would like to continue to use the chalk broad for dnd since I bought it just for running table top games with. Any advice from people would be appreciated. Hope everyone has a great day.

[@k1tkat-kate]

I've never been a GM but that looks EPIC!!!!!

[@KarinVoll]

For notetaking, i personally would reccomend rocket books, they are analog, but simple enough to scan and categorize that you get the best out of both worlds.

[@GAdmThrawn]

Online play, I still use a DM screen for the same reason why I would for in-person play. My desk space is divided between computer, a spot for dice and dice tray (I mainly use physical dice during games, but sometimes I'll switch to digital [it's the clacking sound that I enjoy]), campaign notebook with pencils (quicker and easier to keep notes than to switch windows to a Google doc and type), and drink. I keep books down to the side where they are within reach as I know them a lot better and it's faster for me to flip through pages than type something on DnD Beyond or Google search.

[@southron_d1349]

Working out what one really needs to run a game is useful thing to do. I don't use electronic devices or miniatures to run games. I could ditch a couple of books, though. DM screens are there to hide notes - I rarely refer to them. But since we're playing online with interstate players, I can fill up the study with lots of crap and it's not a bother. AUD$342 (not including shipping) makes the Chest a case of "well, that was nice". I've seen other versions of this and they all look great, particularly Mr Mercer's. But the cost seems to far exceed utility.

[@manahakume9870]

LOL i used the nursery for non baby things too XD it was a strage room while we had our floors replaced when she was 2 months old lol

[@RobKinneySouthpaw]

I've found children's washable markers make far easier wiping wet-erase markers than actual wet-erase markers.

[@TheWordN3rd]

Lol. I play fully online but I'm so tempted 😂

[@BegravelseinBrussels]

I really want one of these behind the screen videos to show someone dramatically and slowly pulling out....a laptop!

[@katharinameinzer6297]

Telescope pointer? Retractable Pointer? I would prefer oversized conductor stick ;)

[@RottenRogerDM]

We all use back scratchers. You can point with them. Rake the mini back to the dm. And if you really good, flip the mini from prone to standing.

[@robofeeney]

Oh it was an ad all along! How do you manage so many massive books behind the screen? Do you find use from all of them every session. Thanks for sharing with us

[@CashCab1221]

My biggest concern with the case would be the straps being annoying by blocking my DM sheets. If they are removable thats great.

[@Leader1138]

I keep candies behind my DM screen. AND MY NOTES. Yes, notes...

[@BetaBRSRKR]

two things behind my screen. A table of target numbers with percentage chance to succeed. And a sticky note to remind me that one of my players has blindsight 60ft and can't see past that distance.

[@RottenRogerDM]

This is video is more of what is your dm Kit. I keep a self created DM screen nearby for conditions and current Adventure League rules which I scissor up for one panel. My DM’s Kit 2024 Currently it a computer bag, and toolbox. I leave a white board at the local friendly game store. I leave a tripod in the trunk. The computer bag contains. The 15-inch laptop. A Sleeve bag protects the laptop. The carry bag is briefcase for a 17.3 laptop, which is big but I wanted the extra space. Wireless mouse. $20 Webcam which is used infrequently. One short cable to attached the phone for mobile hotspot. The campaign book or module, plastic folder, and occasionally a clipboard. Side pockets will have various things like necklace, badge, stickers, and small props. The sleeve bag and computer bag have been great protection as if I don’t place the bag in the center of the dining room table, the cats push it off. The Toolbox is HART Stack system which costed $99 after taxes. I have organized it so it only has two parts. The bottom and the organizer unit. The organizer is used for mini storage but can only hold up to large minis. It also has sand timer, soda rings, chess pawns, and mini bingo chips. The bottom which is still be reorganized as needed, has the following. 10-foot power cord. 1 pencil case with dice bag. Dice bag has lots d20s and 8 each of the other dice. 1 pencil case with dry erase markers, pencils, and sharpener. 1 notebook binder with pregens, Adventure League DM & Player’s Guide, Blank pc sheets, blank log sheets, and other new person information. Skully. Dice Tray. PHB. Swag dice & minis. Advertisement band. Small white board. Legal pad. Gallon Ziploc bags with giant size minis. Wooden or foam “I” for inspiration. 2 Dry Erasers. Fidget toy for ADHD players. If I running a con, I add more. Four or more white boards. Three or more tripods. Two six foot by two Adventure League Banners with tripods. PC kit. Purple Swag and Seek bag from Dragoncon. Orange binder with PCs. Phone. Pencil case with medium bag of dice, dry erase markers and erasers, mini, life counter. PHB if I remember it.

[@RottenRogerDM]

Storing minis in the chest could be a problem. You have to remember to PULL that week's minis from your collection. And Remember to put them in the box. Now if I could only REMEMBER to do that each week.

[@talscorner3696]

I think there's a base misassumption that many GMs (including me xD) work under. That there's only one type of material; the shit you physically use at the table. Only recently (15 years of practicing the craft and a master's degree in game design later xD I'm very much feeling dumb for realising something this simple this late) I've come to the conclusion that there's at least 2 types of material. The material you study and prepare your sessions on (i.e. for example, the big Binder of Strahdness that you made), that will never see the light of the table. The material you actually use at your table (i.e. Anto's or Professor Dungeon Master's notebooks, for example), that you fill with the specifics you need and the condensed/digested/munched on stuff from the studying material. Note: none of the ttrpg books I've ever seen so far has been a working book. They've all been studying books and that bothers me autistic brain so much. Also: thank the bloody gods for cards! I have made MtG sized cards for all the stuff I most commonly use.

[@saraphys5555]

Im gonna tell ya something, as a dad of 4 years, with 2 kids... "After Midnight"...get use to it! Its 5am as I write this, and Im up because of 2 factors...but the main one being, that I was pushed out of bed by my 4yo...and 3yo... we have a Queen-size bed, but those tiny Younglings take up SOOO much space! So, yeah... also, at this point, the best sleep period they have is between 10pm and 2am when they wont wake up for anything... so... Dad advice. As the Nazi Lion King song goes... "Be Prepared!" ...this isn't ending anytime soon, mate!

[@pedrogarcia8706]

maybe I'm the only one who does this but even when I run in person I'm running from roll20 so I use a laptop instead of a screen. I have the roll20 game open and then 5etools in another tab for rules.

[@Apfeljunge666]

personally, I only have a laptop and my dice/dice tray behind my DM screen. Everything I need is on the laptop.

[@JoULove]

Only sad it doesn't look like a treasure chest... Is that the deluxe edition? 🤔

[@Stephen-Fox]

Mike... I do not mean this as a criticism, but... How the hell has your video production rate gone up now that you've got a tiny human to take care of? (at least this one is one of those shorter videos you mentioned trying to do more of in your last ~30 minute video, I guess)

[@SupergeekMike]

Lots of emotional and logistical support from SupergeekWife ☺️

[@k3rvyn]

Wow.. This looks cool, but man. That would be too much stuff for me. I don't have minis and will never buy them again (I gift all the ones that come with kickstarter to my brother), so it would be more stuff for me. My setup is a small bag, with dice, some sheet of paper, my prep notes and a very low gm screen.

[@SussySerbo]

It definitely looks like a neat little doodad, but I travel via public transport to run my game and I can safely say that I will never be interested in buying something that heavy and bulky XD

[@ani_anonymuncle]

Let it be known that both Supergeek Mike and Mary Shelley had to complain about Lord Byron randomly appearing, unwanted and unnecessary

[@lukerazer9565]

Could you not bring a pencil sharpener to solve the pencil problem?

[@undeathghost5627]

I mean yeah but I think his point is more that Mechanical pencils solve the problem without creating more. After all, as someone who has a lot of easily-distracted players at their table, a pencil sharpner is loud and distracting (even the manual ones that you just turn) ontop of messy.

[@RottenRogerDM]

@@undeathghost5627 Used a 89 cent sharper. The one which just a razor blade and catch all. I did use mechanical at one time but they occasionally did come back. So I started using just straight #2 wood. BUT DON'T buy Personalized pencils unless you know they are going to be very good.

[@RandallReverse]

Another video??? Mike you’re far too kind to us lowly viewers