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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Jul 2004 : 12:51:24
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Many DMs keep a few lists at hand while DMing-lists for when they need to come up with something on the spot. Things like a list of 25 names, 10 monsters, that sort of thing. So what kinds of aids/lists/particularly useful Dragon articles do you keep at hand like this?
(I'm asking because I'm refreshing my complement of these, and wondering what I should add...)
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jul 2004 : 13:31:23
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| The RPG stat cards from the D&D minis |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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brjr2001
Learned Scribe
106 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2004 : 02:44:18
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| when i Dm i use only one sheet. The DM Screen, which screens and it has usefull stuff its cool |
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Edain Shadowstar
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2004 : 04:50:33
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I usually keep my list of throw away NPCs and recurring NPCs around at all times. These lists are helpful if I ever want to throw something at the PCs on short notice, which I often do. I also tend to keep a list of who the PCs have made enemies out of handy, since it's usually a long list. Heh, it usually take my party about five minutes into their new character to make an enemy out of someone (although, in my current campaign they started out being hated by an organization or two).
Generally speaking, I keep all my resources handy when I'm DMing (my books, laptop, lots and lots and lots of notes, maps, Mountain Dew, my Caddyshack DVD), since I was a Boy Scout and "Be Prepared" is my moto. As my first DM once told me, "Being a DM is like being the guy in meat factories that hit the cows on the head with a sledgehammer before they get cut up. I have to look you in the eyes and bash you over the head, because if I don't what comes next is gonna be really sad." If anyone can figure out what he was getting at, let me know. |
Edain Shadowstar
Archwizard of Rel Astra and Waterdeep
"Mmm…pie…"
- Gaius Solarian, Captain General |
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kahonen
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
358 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2004 : 12:31:11
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One absolute essential is pre-generated random numbers.
There is nothing I hate more than a DM saying "... do a saving throw against ..." during a game.
I use two sets of numbers (produced using Excel before each session): the first is a 15 x 15 matrix of numbers (between 1 and 20), the second a long list of numbers (between 1 and 15). When I need to generate a D20 for a saving throw, I take the next two numbers from the second list and use these as an index to obtain a number from the first. If there is an effect, I inform the player. If there isn't an effect, they don't even know they've saved.
One result is that there is no unrealistic passage of information to a player, eg players encountering a monster for the first time don't find out about special attacks unless they are affected by them.
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brjr2001
Learned Scribe
106 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2004 : 15:23:14
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| i keep alot though not only do i keep a dungeon masters screen, i also take DMG PHB and the assortmeny of NPC's, monsters and alot of specialized class feats |
on second thought lets not go to candlekeep it is a silly place |
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chosenofvelsharoon
Acolyte
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2004 : 23:09:02
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in addition to dm screen and source books i always have extra character sheets, a map(s) of the area(s) my players are at, and my note book which has plot hooks, treasure stats, speeches, npc motivations, traps ect.
i find index card sized character sheets found here
http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/TGM_Initiative_Cards_Fantasy.zip
perfect for throw away npc's
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~chosen of Velsharoon
"and naught shall be left, saved shattered throwns with none to rule them but the dead." |
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Crust
Learned Scribe
USA
273 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2004 : 17:35:41
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| I have a monstrous binder that is literally bursting with maps that I've drawn myself or downloaded from those wonderful archives on Wizards.com, scores of NPCs (some former PCs) ranging from levels 1-30 in a wide variety of races, various notes, modules I've written, and character sheets. It's like a portable filing cabinet. I'm about ready to order a field pack online so I can carry everything in one bag. |
"That's right, hurl back views that force ye to think by name-calling - 'tis the grand old tradition, let it not down! Anything to keep from having to think, or - Mystra forfend - change thy own views!"
Narnra glowered at her father. "Just how am I to learn how to think? By being taught by you?"
"Some folk in the Realms would give their lives for the chance to learn at my feet," Elminster said mildly. "Several already have."
~from Elminster's Daughter, Ed Greenwood |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2004 : 08:37:03
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A similar topic came up at Candlekeep some time ago.
How about we have some kind of sharing of this material? It sounds like quite a few of us have some handy pieces that could help others in their campaigns. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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What aids do you keep at hand?
