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GM screens: Do you use them?

Started by JongWK, September 25, 2006, 04:08:50 PM

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JongWK

September 25, 2006, 04:08:50 PM
I wonder how many people actually use a GM screen? I've basically gone most of my gaming life without using them, and I'm curious.
"I give the gift of endless imagination."
~~Gary Gygax (1938 - 2008)

jrients

#1
September 25, 2006, 04:11:41 PM
I use a screen whenever the table size allows it.  It's my DM's security blanket.
Jeff Rients
My gameblog

flyingmice

#2
September 25, 2006, 04:15:35 PM
Nope. I tried it once, and felt cut off from my players.

-clash
clash bowley * Flying Mice Games - an Imprint of Better Mousetrap Games
Flying Mice home page: http://jalan.flyingmice.com/flyingmice.html
Currently Designing: StarCluster 4 - Wavefront Empire
Last Releases: SC4 - Dark Orbital, SC4 - Out of the Ruins,  SC4 - Sabre & World
Blog: I FLY BY NIGHT

Wandering Monster

#3
September 25, 2006, 04:18:54 PM
I haven't used one in years.  I tried a few times, but I'm a very animated GM with a tendency to jump around and gesticulate wildly, which more often than not led to my launching the screen across the table...  Plus, I found that it obstructed my view of the battle mat (side note:  I often knock over the battle mat too, but my players won't let me get rid of it... pesky players).
 

Caesar Slaad

#4
September 25, 2006, 04:26:36 PM
Yeah, but I don't rely on it. I use it less since I started using the "on screen DM screen" in the sage/solevoir SRD.
The Secret Volcano Base: my intermittently updated RPG blog.

Running: Pathfinder Scarred Lands, Mutants & Masterminds, Masks, Starfinder, Bulldogs!
Playing: Sigh. Nothing.
Planning: Some Cyberpunk thing, system TBD.

Mystery Man

#5
September 25, 2006, 04:35:29 PM
I threw my screen out many moons ago. I never used the tables on the back of the thing, and it kept falling down.
 

Vellorian

#6
September 25, 2006, 04:49:52 PM
I usually use a "screen" to the side, mainly for the charts that are necessary so I don't have to go looking them up (presuming I'm using a game that needs charts).  I don't like it between me and the players.

Of course, I generally do a lot of standing up and pacing about to run my games, which makes it a bit impractical.  I also improvise a lot.  I'll ignore rules in the book, especially if they get in the way of the story.  When I get a rules-lawyer in the group, this will usually come up a time or two before I explain: Rule #1: I make the rules.  I may (or may not) choose to use the rules that the dude whose name graces the cover suggested that I use.  My prerogative.
Ian Vellore
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -- Patrick Henry

JongWK

#7
September 25, 2006, 05:03:02 PM
Here's another question: Do you think official screens are worth their price? Which ones do you find useful or a waste of time?
"I give the gift of endless imagination."
~~Gary Gygax (1938 - 2008)

Caesar Slaad

#8
September 25, 2006, 05:06:49 PM
Quote from: JongWKHere's another question: Do you think official screens are worth their price? Which ones do you find useful or a waste of time?

The Spycraft 1.0 Screen sucked.

For D&D, I found the Kalamar screen very cool and useful, but practically it was a bit overbearing. I really only use 1 or 2 tables and repeatedly used those, so I find an over-huge screen to be less than practical, and am considering seeking out and buying some of those customizable screens that you insert your own printed panels into.
The Secret Volcano Base: my intermittently updated RPG blog.

Running: Pathfinder Scarred Lands, Mutants & Masterminds, Masks, Starfinder, Bulldogs!
Playing: Sigh. Nothing.
Planning: Some Cyberpunk thing, system TBD.

Mcrow

#9
September 25, 2006, 05:10:41 PM
I have used them in the past for more crunchy games where things like Gm screens are helpful.

But now I make a point of not playing games that I would need a GM screen to keep track of stuff.

Bagpuss

#10
September 25, 2006, 05:39:34 PM
I tend use a long and low one, or just a small one to one side.

I find the tall ones cut you off from the players.
 

Mr. Analytical

#11
September 25, 2006, 06:04:07 PM
In the real world, where the adults live, you don't need to hide what you've written in case people try and copy you.

I don't use them and frankly, I look down on the people that do as n00bs and peasants who deserve little better than to be blood-eagled and to have their family sold as slaves.

Bagpuss

#12
September 25, 2006, 06:16:13 PM
Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalIn the real world, where the adults live, you don't need to hide what you've written in case people try and copy you.

It's not so much seeing what I have written down I worry about, but seeing how little I have written down, so they can tell when I'm bluffing and making it all up as I go along.
 

Mr. Analytical

#13
September 25, 2006, 06:24:22 PM
Well if players can't tell when you're blagging it you're either not good enough at blagging it or you're putting too much prep time into it.  The aesthetic I go for when GMing is heroin-using jazz musician, furiously improvising and making things up as I go only for me to pull it all together in a final moment of genius.

EDIT: Like the youtube btw, but the girl could really do with a sandwhich.  Mmmm... boney cunt.

beejazz

#14
September 25, 2006, 06:25:35 PM
I like to obscure dice rolls.

It allows me to roll the dice and say no anyway.

That said, I don't always need a screen to do it.
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