This is CRIMINALLY underrated. As someone who's suddenly been charged with being a DM for the first time without playing the game before, this is so so helpful while I scramble to prepare everything I need and trying to learn the entire handbook. You have earned yourself a very grateful new subscriber!
played a few one-shots, and couldn;t find any new-player, intro campaigns (loads of homebrew, indie stuff that used more rule books that I had and I didn;t want to be reliant on others for the rules for my characters). So I ran DoSI with a few friends and strangers, and now we're running LMoPwith the ArcKnight terraina dn characters set, all having a great time.
Same thing here! I never played the game but i suddenly have to dm for a group of friends so it is so helpful to see videos like this that help understanding ur job as a dm
Not gonna lie, I have been searching for a good, high-quality, in-depth example of what a good DM screen looks like where every part can be adjusted at will. Accidentily stumbled upon this gem, and I must salute you for this piece of brilliant information! Thanks!
I DM for a diverse group of players with many different experience levels, from beginners to experts. On the OUTSIDE of my DM screen, I have inserts with large fonts, with information useful to the players. Two Panels are taken up with Actions in Combat, Two panels are the description of Conditions. I might take out the Conditions inserts, and replace them with descriptions of the Types of Damage and Types of Magic on one panel and Movement and vision abilities. (I got this idea from your video).
Your Character Card section wow’d me. Thought this was really good (but nothing I hadn’t seen in 15 years of DMing) until that. Using this idea going forward!
As someone who feels like they know rules and mechanics fairly well, this looks like the most helpful thing! Instead of using all my brainpower remembering what the rules are/looking them up when I'm not 100% sure, we use that brain power improvising all the things I maybe should have prepared! AWESOME video! And nice DM screen 😉
I really wanted a beginners dm screen with the basic maths, and it was impossible. On my first campaign, i bought a card holder. Then put note cards with nit reminders but the actual math. Such as how to roll attack. How to roll initiative. How to determine weight lifting. Math for the simple. How to cast a spell. How to use spell slots. What is upcasting. So, all this might seem basic or simple. But if you are like me and you read the dmg and the plb and still don't understand how to dm, it is worth it. Like math is important and is more handy than anything else on there. I wanted a thing to look at when the players ask a question and be like yes this is how.
Solid work! It’s funny; I completely redesigned the Witcher RPG GM screen because it was so unusable. But the DnD DM screen was decent enough that I only taped a few sections to it that I find helpful. Now you’re inspiring me to just do a fully custom DM screen design for myself. Haha. Great vid, Flappy. First video I’ve watched of yours. Liked and subscribed.
I like the variety of what you're including, not just being focused on one aspect, such as only combat related, spell related, etc. Well presented and perfectly explained. Many thanks.
This is the best video I've ever seen on DM screens. I must admit, I've gotten lazy. My DM screen is empty and it just creates a barrier between me and the players. Also hides my laptop screen and the minis I'm prepping. But this video makes me wanna put in a little work and try new things! Thanks for sharing
This is insane. I was quite underwhelmed with my DM screen (the basic DM screen you can buy from WoTC) because I was using it more as a wall that hides my DM stuff than to recall the actual information at the screen, so I started to search how to build my own screen. Ended up in this video. Your information is AMAZING. Extremely useful and something that totally would work for me. I'm going to make a variation from myself. Very useful tips. Amazing. Subbed.
Ok bro, I am gonna share what I have on my DM screen too, so maybe you can get ideas if you ever remake the video some of them are situational on the campaign - Light sources and the range they light (you only need torches, lanterns and candles, spells are the players job to know) - travelling distance/day, since it comes up very often - random encounter chances, if you use random encounters - random weather table just so I remember weather is a thing -lifestyle expenses, because how much the drinks cost will certainly happen often -object AC and object hp I used to put a lot of other things too, but I have found out that most of them I never use. Next time I will make a dm screen it will have way more space for sticky notes...
I’m not even finished watching but I can tell ALREADY this will be the most helpful video about DM screens I’ve seen so far. I’m preparing to DM for the first time and I’ve been feeling super overwhelmed about how to set up, so thank you!
Also thank you for keeping it succinct. Very frustrating to watch some videos that are 20+ minutes long and still come away with no useful information.
It's so interesting seeing how different DMS handle this. Almost everything on your list is completely useless to me but it's clear you need it. I have a whole other list of things I need for my personal reminders
Been DMing for a few years now, can say definitely some useful stuff here I will be implementing. I already had some of this on my DM screen but I'll be adding quite a bit. Thanks!
I love having a lot of this stuff (like spell requirements, exhaustion, etc.) on the OUTSIDE of my DM screen for my players to see. Most of them are new and so having reminders that they can try to disarm people in combat or that they need sleep is super handy!
I was expecting this to be kind of like a listicle type video, but this is insanely useful. I'm bookmarking this to implement later. Recommendation based on what Humblewood did - if you're sticking around in a certain town - what the shops have for sale might be a good sheet for one of the panels.
Watching this as a player, makes me _really_ appreciate all the work that goes into GMing TTRPG games. THANK YOU to everyone who puts in this energy and time for us, the players. ♥
I'm a semi-forever DM, this is oddly similar to my layout. I wrote all my screen sheets by hand on homemade parchment paper but yours is more organized. Wish I had done the description of the schools of magic, that's super useful and is something I'm always looking up.
Just realising what a bad DM i am.. its my and my teams first time ever playing. So I will definitely be better in the next story.. Huge thanks for this
I don't usually recommend putting stat blocks on a screen. I prefer them somewhere where I can write and rechange health and where space isn't a issue. But what I also find handy is the price chart for adventuring gear (kinda takes up a whole page) and for magic items just to help price if things are bought As well as dmg rules that might be handy since let's be honest if the dmg needs to be opened you are fucked for rules. Extreme weather and travel is found in the dmg. As well as sky ships random encounter tables, or owning a business
I think the take away here is to make a DM screen. Use a simple tool to create pages for it. And add pages with rules you have difficulty remembering when playing.
There are some of these DM screens with pockets on both sides. If players ask a number of questions, or often make references on certain rulings. These answers can be provided within the outside pockets for the players to view.
What i realised from this is that there are some useful stuff on your screen, but also some stuff i would never put there because i know a lot by heart, so i need to make my own custom screen at the end
Back in first edition all you really needed was combat tables and saving throw tables if you ignored stupid things like weapon speed factor. Add in spell and class descriptions and weapon damage tables and you were ready go. No need for a battle map. The modern game looks quite complicated to run by comparison.
You don’t need to use a battle map if you don’t want to. People like using mats cause it can actually speed up the game as you don’t have to keep a good image of the encounter in ur head
We make cards for conditions and combat. They also include Concentration. This way, you can just hand the card to the player and away you go! Let me know if you’d like a set to try!
Great video. I always thought the store bought screens were not very helpful and I discovered the 'fill your own' screen a while ago, but this video reminded me of some other info I could put in the screen, so I will revamp the whole thing now. Also, huge thank you to the other comment, their ideas helped a lot too.
Can you post a link to your slides? That would be so helpful. This looks absurdly useful and I'm not thrilled to take the time to build one of these from scratch.
How did you get the chart to work and read clear in slides did you hand draw it or import it from sheets I got mine to come over but it’s black and white one and the print is soooo small! Please help
Where did you find the charts and different list that aren't typed out. I looked through images etc but can't find ones that are quality enough. Super helpful though I will be adding stuff forsure!
Are you willing to share your slides? I’m sure with the new OGL developments it makes things harder for you, so I totally understand if not. But your hard work is very valuable and thanks for sharing how you made your own.
Is this file available anywhere? I'm already thinking of adding some stuff about travelling and more nature interactions (as my party loves that) but using this as a base might be a good idea. (Found it on discord I apologize)
Looks great! I see these alot but never printed my own because all the things in them didn't seem to apply. Like. I could never figure out "what" things to put because literally every session I'm looking up new stuff. Anyone else have that?
I buy screens just for the art anyway. I don't think I have ever looked at any of the info. I have a total of 4 screens now, couldn't even tell you what's behind any of them lmao
This is CRIMINALLY underrated. As someone who's suddenly been charged with being a DM for the first time without playing the game before, this is so so helpful while I scramble to prepare everything I need and trying to learn the entire handbook. You have earned yourself a very grateful new subscriber!
Same here 😆 glad I’m not alone
Hey that’s my position too bro
played a few one-shots, and couldn;t find any new-player, intro campaigns (loads of homebrew, indie stuff that used more rule books that I had and I didn;t want to be reliant on others for the rules for my characters). So I ran DoSI with a few friends and strangers, and now we're running LMoPwith the ArcKnight terraina dn characters set, all having a great time.
Same thing here! I never played the game but i suddenly have to dm for a group of friends so it is so helpful to see videos like this that help understanding ur job as a dm
Same here, only a year later 😅 how's the DMing been going?
oh THIS is gonna be useful. im using a briefcase as a screen bc it was four bucks at goodwill, + it gives me extra style points
I can just imagine (pulls out brief case) “are y’all ready to play a game of class?”
Not gonna lie, I have been searching for a good, high-quality, in-depth example of what a good DM screen looks like where every part can be adjusted at will. Accidentily stumbled upon this gem, and I must salute you for this piece of brilliant information! Thanks!
Why would... why would you lie about that in the first place.
I know this is a year old but I had to post to thank you for the "learning about..." grid because I am constantly "winging it" and this is so concise!
I DM for a diverse group of players with many different experience levels, from beginners to experts. On the OUTSIDE of my DM screen, I have inserts with large fonts, with information useful to the players. Two Panels are taken up with Actions in Combat, Two panels are the description of Conditions. I might take out the Conditions inserts, and replace them with descriptions of the Types of Damage and Types of Magic on one panel and Movement and vision abilities. (I got this idea from your video).
Same! My players have found it super helpful!
Your Character Card section wow’d me. Thought this was really good (but nothing I hadn’t seen in 15 years of DMing) until that. Using this idea going forward!
Might as well put it on a sticker and stick it on your players shirts
Should post a google drive link to this.
did he post it?
Did anyone get a link?
No
As someone who feels like they know rules and mechanics fairly well, this looks like the most helpful thing! Instead of using all my brainpower remembering what the rules are/looking them up when I'm not 100% sure, we use that brain power improvising all the things I maybe should have prepared! AWESOME video! And nice DM screen 😉
I really wanted a beginners dm screen with the basic maths, and it was impossible. On my first campaign, i bought a card holder. Then put note cards with nit reminders but the actual math. Such as how to roll attack. How to roll initiative. How to determine weight lifting. Math for the simple. How to cast a spell. How to use spell slots. What is upcasting. So, all this might seem basic or simple. But if you are like me and you read the dmg and the plb and still don't understand how to dm, it is worth it. Like math is important and is more handy than anything else on there. I wanted a thing to look at when the players ask a question and be like yes this is how.
Solid work! It’s funny; I completely redesigned the Witcher RPG GM screen because it was so unusable. But the DnD DM screen was decent enough that I only taped a few sections to it that I find helpful. Now you’re inspiring me to just do a fully custom DM screen design for myself. Haha. Great vid, Flappy. First video I’ve watched of yours. Liked and subscribed.
As a Dm, and having built my own screen, I'm always unsure what to include. This is amazing, thank you so much
I like the variety of what you're including, not just being focused on one aspect, such as only combat related, spell related, etc. Well presented and perfectly explained. Many thanks.
This is the best video I've ever seen on DM screens. I must admit, I've gotten lazy. My DM screen is empty and it just creates a barrier between me and the players. Also hides my laptop screen and the minis I'm prepping. But this video makes me wanna put in a little work and try new things! Thanks for sharing
This is insane. I was quite underwhelmed with my DM screen (the basic DM screen you can buy from WoTC) because I was using it more as a wall that hides my DM stuff than to recall the actual information at the screen, so I started to search how to build my own screen. Ended up in this video. Your information is AMAZING. Extremely useful and something that totally would work for me. I'm going to make a variation from myself. Very useful tips. Amazing. Subbed.
Didn't come here expecting this to be as helpful as it was. Holy smokes. Really well thought out. Thanks a lot for this!
nice! i saw this in my reccomemded and was surprised of how little views it has! really underrated content
Thank you. I usually forget so many things and am just happy that the story somehow progresses. This helps a lot.
Ok bro, I am gonna share what I have on my DM screen too, so maybe you can get ideas if you ever remake the video
some of them are situational on the campaign
- Light sources and the range they light (you only need torches, lanterns and candles, spells are the players job to know)
- travelling distance/day, since it comes up very often
- random encounter chances, if you use random encounters
- random weather table just so I remember weather is a thing
-lifestyle expenses, because how much the drinks cost will certainly happen often
-object AC and object hp
I used to put a lot of other things too, but I have found out that most of them I never use. Next time I will make a dm screen it will have way more space for sticky notes...
Ay RUclips is hard, but you are good at it. First vid I’ve seen of your channel, a whole year old, but 10/10 got my sub. Excited to see more
I’m not even finished watching but I can tell ALREADY this will be the most helpful video about DM screens I’ve seen so far. I’m preparing to DM for the first time and I’ve been feeling super overwhelmed about how to set up, so thank you!
Also thank you for keeping it succinct. Very frustrating to watch some videos that are 20+ minutes long and still come away with no useful information.
It's so interesting seeing how different DMS handle this. Almost everything on your list is completely useless to me but it's clear you need it. I have a whole other list of things I need for my personal reminders
I always find people’s DnD stories fascinating, because I seem to have the opposite problems that everyone else has.
This.
@@bob8mybobbobAnd this.
Been DMing for a few years now, can say definitely some useful stuff here I will be implementing. I already had some of this on my DM screen but I'll be adding quite a bit.
Thanks!
bought a wooden dm screen and forgot everything i needed to put on the thing, this helps so much!
I love having a lot of this stuff (like spell requirements, exhaustion, etc.) on the OUTSIDE of my DM screen for my players to see. Most of them are new and so having reminders that they can try to disarm people in combat or that they need sleep is super handy!
Thank you this will really help my next session. New to DMing and there's loads here I didn't realise I needed.
I was expecting this to be kind of like a listicle type video, but this is insanely useful. I'm bookmarking this to implement later. Recommendation based on what Humblewood did - if you're sticking around in a certain town - what the shops have for sale might be a good sheet for one of the panels.
Watching this as a player, makes me _really_ appreciate all the work that goes into GMing TTRPG games.
THANK YOU to everyone who puts in this energy and time for us, the players. ♥
High-quality, underrated channel! great stuff!
I appreciate the kind words, thank you
Really good video. I like how you explain how to do things, not just what to do.
Thanks! I’m getting back into DnD and I’d like to DM. This was so helpful that I subscribed immediately so that I can watch more of your videos later.
wow, great video. Love the tip on the characters struggles. That is something I always tend to overlook for some players who aren't vocal.
Fantastic sheets! really like what's you've put together
I'm a semi-forever DM, this is oddly similar to my layout. I wrote all my screen sheets by hand on homemade parchment paper but yours is more organized. Wish I had done the description of the schools of magic, that's super useful and is something I'm always looking up.
Found the links in your discord after searching for dm screen, thank you!
Just realising what a bad DM i am.. its my and my teams first time ever playing. So I will definitely be better in the next story.. Huge thanks for this
Thank you for this video! I am looking to start DMing and this was tremendously helpful!
Oh! I want to run a one shot for my birthday but haven’t played in years. So now I’m falling down the rabbit hole …but this was fun to watch thanks.
How you only have 700 subs, this is amazing. keep it up
Hands down best video, saved my hide big time! Thanks ❤
This is the best DM screen advice I found! I'm taking notes while watching haha. THX!
just wanted to let you know that, as a new dm, this video really helped me.
Now to find a dm screen with slots for paper xD
Just handwrite it all out on a science fair poster board, big DM energy.
Also blu tak/ tape on an already existing screen works (I’m a year late though lol)
I don't usually recommend putting stat blocks on a screen. I prefer them somewhere where I can write and rechange health and where space isn't a issue.
But what I also find handy is the price chart for adventuring gear (kinda takes up a whole page) and for magic items just to help price if things are bought
As well as dmg rules that might be handy since let's be honest if the dmg needs to be opened you are fucked for rules. Extreme weather and travel is found in the dmg. As well as sky ships random encounter tables, or owning a business
randomly got this recommended to me. The algorithm tidal wave is coming!
Same!
I think the take away here is to make a DM screen. Use a simple tool to create pages for it. And add pages with rules you have difficulty remembering when playing.
that like was pretty smooth, you're earning a sub
There are some of these DM screens with pockets on both sides. If players ask a number of questions, or often make references on certain rulings. These answers can be provided within the outside pockets for the players to view.
this was posted a while ago, but can you share a link/image?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is sooo helpful and saved me so much time
What i realised from this is that there are some useful stuff on your screen, but also some stuff i would never put there because i know a lot by heart, so i need to make my own custom screen at the end
This has been beyond helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Back in first edition all you really needed was combat tables and saving throw tables if you ignored stupid things like weapon speed factor. Add in spell and class descriptions and weapon damage tables and you were ready go. No need for a battle map.
The modern game looks quite complicated to run by comparison.
You don’t need to use a battle map if you don’t want to. People like using mats cause it can actually speed up the game as you don’t have to keep a good image of the encounter in ur head
i literally love this video thank u so much
So glad i found this Channel 🎉
Saved for later, thanks my guy!
We make cards for conditions and combat. They also include Concentration. This way, you can just hand the card to the player and away you go! Let me know if you’d like a set to try!
Can you send me a set? The concentration card is a great idea!
Is there a place we can download or purchase this file?
Great video. I always thought the store bought screens were not very helpful and I discovered the 'fill your own' screen a while ago, but this video reminded me of some other info I could put in the screen, so I will revamp the whole thing now. Also, huge thank you to the other comment, their ideas helped a lot too.
Would you be willing to link your Google slides for us?
same need
I believe they’re on his discord
can you give us a link with all of the screen insert to download? this is hella helpful 😲
Thank you - That's awesome.
This is a great video!
Can you post a link to your slides? That would be so helpful. This looks absurdly useful and I'm not thrilled to take the time to build one of these from scratch.
so helpful for a beginning DM! Thank you!
I am just having troubles finding the correct links. Could you share them please? Awesome!
For non-US reference: A4 is 8.3 x 11.7 inches.
You are a saint, thank you for removing the burden of looking this up!
One Format to rule them all. Except American.
So cool wish you could share that would love to have half that stuff on my gM screen
could you add a link for the google slides doc
You are awesome!
How did you get the chart to work and read clear in slides did you hand draw it or import it from sheets I got mine to come over but it’s black and white one and the print is soooo small! Please help
This was a nice video
Great guide.
This is awesome. Could you please share a link to this google slide I like yours a lot and it'd be nice to not have to start from scratch.
Was thinking the same... would love to get into it and tinker with it versus making it from scratch... alas...
Where do you find the folder thing?
Can we get a link to the sheets?
any chance this has been shared as a pdf or doc somewhere?
can you do a drive download for this? pretty please
Do they make those in horizontal arrangement? I want them in wide- it's better on my table, and what if I'm short!
Could you share the google sheets file? Would really like it so I can print it for myself and modify it to my liking
@GetFlappy, Awesome vieo! Could we get a link to this google slides please so we don't have to start from scratch?
Where did you find the charts and different list that aren't typed out. I looked through images etc but can't find ones that are quality enough. Super helpful though I will be adding stuff forsure!
Are you willing to share your slides? I’m sure with the new OGL developments it makes things harder for you, so I totally understand if not. But your hard work is very valuable and thanks for sharing how you made your own.
Slides are available on my discord!
How did you make/insert the tables?
Is this file available anywhere? I'm already thinking of adding some stuff about travelling and more nature interactions (as my party loves that) but using this as a base might be a good idea. (Found it on discord I apologize)
Excellent 👍🏽
can we get a link to this?
Can we get a link to print it out?
I think they’re on his discord
This is a great design with an intuitive layout. Do you have your google slides available to share?
Gotta get jump rules on there lol
Is there a way to download the Google files so we can customize this? ❤
did you post this document you are showing in the video? id love to use it
Could you share this please?
the spell memory and character notes are a must have for dms like myself who know most of 5e inside and out but sometimes let things slip
Hey! Do you have these things somewhere to copy? I always have so much to do and no time. It would help me a ton!🙏
this has been so good for updating my DM Screen 🙏🙏, do you happen to have the sources for the movement and action summaries on the first dm screen?
Looks great! I see these alot but never printed my own because all the things in them didn't seem to apply. Like. I could never figure out "what" things to put because literally every session I'm looking up new stuff. Anyone else have that?
Do you have a link for these slides?
Idk how to use a dm screen it just looks cool
Where do you even get a decent dm screen tho? Like an empty one..
Uh, can you upload your slides for us to download and use for ourselves? Please?
I buy screens just for the art anyway. I don't think I have ever looked at any of the info. I have a total of 4 screens now, couldn't even tell you what's behind any of them lmao
Is there a link to a downloadable version of your DM screen?
Nvm I found it. I think.
where did you find it?