Mini Dungeon Master’s screen for fifth-edition Dungeons & Dragons

15 Replies

For reasons explained in my post “Dungeon master’s Screen,” I tend to use a screen. Standard-sized screens stand too tall for my taste, so I prefer the 6-inch-tall mini version of the World’s Greatest Screen from Hammerdog games. This screen is constructed like a loose-leaf binder, with clear-plastic pockets on both sides.

Mini dungeon master's screen on tableI have created rules inserts for fifth-edition Dungeons & Dragons, which you can download as a PDF file. Put them in the Hammerdog screen, or just put the inserts on cardboard and fabricate your own screen. You’ll need to add your own pictures.

Update: My improved inserts include more panels that you may need. Choose the ones you find most useful.

Update: NewbieDM used my rules inserts as part of his own homebrew DM screen.

15 thoughts on “Mini Dungeon Master’s screen for fifth-edition Dungeons & Dragons”

  1. Mike van Schijndel

    Thanks! This is very handy. All the charts I really need. I nicked this for use in our 5th edition campaign! 🙂

    Reply ↓

  2. Pingback: My homebrew 5e DM Screen | www. Newbie DM .com

  5. Roland Volz

    I love these screens! Great job!

    Is the 4×6 template available anywhere? I’ve been meaning to make my own card inserts for a Fate game, but the basic guidlines I used look like crap. The guides on this one are really professional!

    Reply ↓
    1. DM David Post author

      Hi Roland,
      Thanks for the good word. I do the screens in Adobe FrameMaker, so I doubt that you could make use of my templates. If I’m wrong, let me know.
      —
      Dave

      Reply ↓
      1. Andrew Goulart

        Hi Dave,

        I do have Adobe FrameMaker. If you’re willing to share the templates, I’d love to take a look at them!

        Andrew

        Reply ↓
  6. Jorrit

    Thanks for posting the pdf with ruleinserts David. Excellent stuff!
    One thing about it puzzles me; the information about light on page 5 mentions additional range for dim light. I would expect a longer viewingrange in bright light then dim light. Maybe the middle column should be labeled ‘darkness’ instead of bright light?
    Ive tried to find the information in the Players Handbook and DM guide hoping that would clarify it, but i can’t find it.
    Im probably interpreting the info wrong. Any clarification would be appreciated immensly.

    Reply ↓
    1. DM David Post author

      Hi Jorrit,
      The rules for light sources assume that you’re using the lantern or torch in complete darkness. The bright light figure tells how far the bright light extends from the source. The dim light figure tells how much farther dim light extends. For example, if you hold a torch in darkness, you get bright light 20 feet out, and dim light from 20′ to 40′ out.
      –
      Dave

      Reply ↓
  7. Angie

    Hi!
    This is great! I’ve had one of these screens for a long time, but have had trouble finding the time to make my inserts. Thanks so much for sharing!

    I found one small typo, if you’re interested. You have the heading for the incapacitated entry as ‘incompacitated’

    Thanks, again!

    Reply ↓
    1. DM David Post author

      Hi Angie,
      I’m pleased that you liked the inserts. Thanks for the correction! The spelling is fixed. I’m chagrined that it was incorrect for so long.
      –
      Dave

      Reply ↓

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