behind the screen

A GM’s best kept secret. What is behind their screens when you sit at a table? I know it seems like we are hiding the game-breaking information. Things we cannot have you know about because it would spoil the fun. It’s just not true (well, most of it anyway).

I have seen others reveal what they keep behind the screen, and it’s pretty much the same as mine (even online). There is nothing that you can take a peek at that would ruin anything we have been planning. Unless you stand there and read everything there, it’s just not possible. Most of what is kept there is quick reference for things, and notes for possible encounters, and perhaps the minis that go with them.

What do I have? Well, at my computer I have extra space, almost like a keyboard shelf. There, I keep books that I have pulled that have my monster stats and often the book that has the setting the group exploring. On my desk are my dice, a pen, scratch paper, and my notebook. That is pretty much the same if I play at the table too.

Most of us keep our notes for the session in a notebook of some kind. If you don’t want your players to know what is in there, close it when you do not need to use it. Being online, I don’t have to worry about that at all. I have two notebooks, the first half is in my older notebook which I keep handy each session, in case I have to reference it. The other has the current session notes.

I do not keep quick references. They are at my fingertips through my computer (or iPad at the table). I have often thought about getting some down on paper and attaching them to my screen, but never do. I still seem to run a decent game without them, so I don’t quite have the motivation to get that done.

If you are new to this, keep what is behind the screen specific to the session. Dice, paper, pen, and some notes for the session encounters, both NPCs and monsters are best. Don’t overcrowd your space with extraneous things that are not needed. Remember, it is okay to let your players know that you did not prepare for them to take a left in Albuquerque.