Suggestion for the New C&C CK Screen

Frost · Post by **Frost** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:14 pm

If TLG ever puts out a new CK Screen, I highly recommend taking a look at Goodman Games DM Screen as an example.

Granted, it's for 3.5 D&D, but I think it is a great example of a GM screen. The information layout is great and the material they used is unbelievably sturdy.
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CharlieRock · Post by **CharlieRock** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:38 pm

I liked the information the C&C screen had.

Other things that might be nice would be XP/HD Chart, random treasure table (particularly the gp value of gems and jewels), encumburence of common items, and/or little numbered squares along the top or sides that I could use a paper clip or clothespin to keep track of rounds with (just slide the marker down to each successive square as the round begins).

Most importantly though, is totally bitchin' artwork. Not punk stuff that I would be embarassed letting other gamers know I bought. Cause impressing the players with stuff like that is the CKs real job.
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:39 pm

It should be 8 panels, and contain the complete text of the script of gamer-friendly movies, such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail or The Princess Bride.

That would be hilarious to see.
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Frost · Post by **Frost** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:52 pm

Ha, actually the GG DM screen is 8 panels (spread out between two screens) Given how concise the C&C rules are, I don't see that necessary. However, because it is 8 panels, GG used a nice large, easy to read font. What really sets the GG screen apart is its sturdiness.
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CharlieRock · Post by **CharlieRock** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:01 pm

KenzerCo's Kingdoms of Kalamar screen is impressive. It has flip out sheets that have more stuff on them. All in all it has 32 panels. And is quite sturdy. Unfortunately the artwork was never as good as the other screens so I didnt use it as much. Call me shallow. heh
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Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:03 pm

My link just went to a Dungeon Crawl classic module.
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Orpheus · Post by **Orpheus** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:48 pm

serleran wrote:
It should be 8 panels, and contain the complete text of the script of gamer-friendly movies, such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail or The Princess Bride.

That would be hilarious to see.

Star Wars as well. I find that Star Wars and Monty Python quotes are the most oft-repeated.

I actually deduct XP for those who utter them during games.

Frost · Post by **Frost** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:15 pm

Sir Ironside wrote:
My link just went to a Dungeon Crawl classic module.

Actually, it comes with a DCC mini-module, but the price is really for the screen.

This link shows an image of the actual screen (be sure to scroll down):
Dungeon Crawl Classics #39: The Ruins of Castle Churo
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moriarty777 · Post by **moriarty777** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:31 pm

To be honest, having both the screens (the Goodman Games 3.5 ones and the CK Screen).

I prefer the setup of the CK Screen. There is a 'typo' of sorts that needs correcting and maybe the class skills will needs a couple of tweaks to better mesh with the 4th printing of the PHB but most of the info as-is seems perfect for C&C. I never consult the PHB behind the screen except to look up details concerning a spell. I think the only addition would be the simple turning rules somewhere on a new version of the CK Screen.

If I ran a 3.5 game, I'd happily use the DCC Screen but I'm not sure which I'd use. I almost would have preferred a combination of both screens but I prefer these more than some of the other screens I've seen for 3.5

M
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Pat Payne · Post by **Pat Payne** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:36 pm

CharlieRock wrote:
KenzerCo's Kingdoms of Kalamar screen is impressive. It has flip out sheets that have more stuff on them. All in all it has 32 panels. And is quite sturdy. Unfortunately the artwork was never as good as the other screens so I didnt use it as much. Call me shallow. heh

But -- but.... the Kingdoms screen had a favorite pizza toppings tracker...

CharlieRock · Post by **CharlieRock** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:26 pm

Pat Payne wrote:
But -- but.... the Kingdoms screen had a favorite pizza toppings tracker...

As far as utility goes, the KoK was the best (imo) by far.

But it has to look good, too.
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:28 pm

But isn't the KoK screen a little bit too much for C&C? I'm not sure if there are even that many rules in C&C to reference on the mega KOK screen.
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Frost · Post by **Frost** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:24 pm

Yeah, you could probably fit the entire C&C PH on that KoK Screen.

As for the Goodman screen, one thing I do not like about it is the art layout. I much prefer one or two big pieces of art (e.g., like the current CK screen) rather than a bunch of little panels.
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Steerpike · Post by **Steerpike** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:26 pm

Warhammer FRPG has a nice DM screen that is well-made, sturdy, and includes the pertinent information.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:27 pm

I LOOOVVEE the KoK screen, its the only one I have ever bought multiples of. I think it helped me keep DMing 3E for at least an extra year.

As for C&C, yes, it would be over kill, and I am happy with the old C&C screen, the art for it, and how sturdy it is. It does its job, unless it involves spells I never have to refer to the PH during game time.

We definitely need a new one to reflect the class changes of the new printing though, and I think that is why those mock ups were at Troll Con, because they are looking to do exactly that.

Now if the Trolls are looking for ideas to expand the screen into more panels, make it so I am far less likely to have to open the PH, give me the spell lists with AoE, save, duration, SR, and affects, all abbreviated, but understandable. IE start with what you have in the PH tables, and add the AoE, save, and duration, etc....
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:29 pm

As long as the screens come with a mini-adventure, or even better, a pull-out, hole-punched, index for the 4 core products.... yeah. That would be my request.
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Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:47 pm

The index for the core 4 is an awesome idea!
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sieg · Post by **sieg** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:17 pm

I'd like some of the 'outside' panels having info useful for the players. Like the 1E screen of yore, having the equipment lists and prices easy for the players to see would be good. EXP charts maybe as well, but that's just gravy.
But yeah, thicker cardboard is a must...

Mike
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Rigon · Post by **Rigon** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:17 pm

serleran wrote:
As long as the screens come with a mini-adventure, or even better, a pull-out, hole-punched, index for the 4 core products.... yeah. That would be my request.

I cuold get behind that.

R-
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tylermo · Post by **tylermo** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:43 pm

Suggestion...make more of the screen that Stephen was using at TrollCon. See Breakdaddy's thread about TrollCon photos to see what I'm talking about.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:49 pm

tylermo wrote:
Suggestion...make more of the screen that Stephen was using at TrollCon. See Breakdaddy's thread about TrollCon photos to see what I'm talking about.

You know, I have the Runequest/Mongoose Screen made on that heavy duty card board stuff, and I don't like it because it is too heavy. I much prefer a thinner card stock and then laminate it.
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Frost · Post by **Frost** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:55 am

Just a question for you guys with the KoK screen... did you use it that much in actual play? It always seemed kind of gimicky.
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CharlieRock · Post by **CharlieRock** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:41 am

Frost wrote:
Just a question for you guys with the KoK screen... did you use it that much in actual play? It always seemed kind of gimicky.

I used it but not as often as the Dragon Magazine screen. Not because of any lack of utility. It was (honestly) because I didnt like the artwork. I was only half joking when I said it really doesnt matter as long as it looks good. I use the C&C 'Golden Familiar' screen and barely use the info. I just like the way it makes the table look when we play. I'll even set it up to the side of the table so I can see it, too. I used the 2 edition M&M screen when I play 1 edition M&M (really doesnt help at all there, info wise) because the picture looks neat. I'm the GM that takes a couple minutes out of game time to cover up the printed page on a module just so the players can look at the illustrations. I'm the player that keeps a copy of Castellan's Guide or the Palladium Book of Arms & Armor handy just so I can show other players what weapon I'm using.

Handy info is just the icing.
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Post by **finarvyn** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 11:05 am

Frost wrote:
GG used a nice large, easy to read font. What really sets the GG screen apart is its sturdiness.

Here are my thoughts on the ultimate GM screen(TM):

1. Large font size so I can read tables while gaming. (For the C&C screen, I need to lift it up to read parts of it. Sort of defeats the purpose of a screen, right?)

2. Sturdy. I don't want the wind blowing it over or getting "accidently" knocked over by a savvy player.

3. Contains only key information that I need while gaming. I need combat charts, monster HD charts, treasure charts, stuff like that. I don't need all of the other stuff like character class information which would be on a character sheet or I can look up in between game sessions.

4. It would be either OD&D or C&C.
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Frost · Post by **Frost** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:28 pm

I'm with you on the artwork, Charlie. I used to use my old 1e DM screens for that reason (I just paper clipped 3.5 info to the inside of them).
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Piperdog · Post by **Piperdog** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:54 pm

I have really become a fan of the landscape style screen; for us short guys, we can actually see the players!
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:29 pm

PIperdog wrote:
I have really become a fan of the landscape style screen; for us short guys, we can actually see the players!

The players should not be allowed to see the hallowed glory of the all-mighty Castle Keeper!!!

~O
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Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:48 pm

Omote wrote:
The players should not be allowed to see the hallowed glory of the all-mighty Castle Keeper!!!

~O

Ignore the man behind the curtain!

I like a lot of the suggestions in this thread.Landscape formatLarge fontsAdventure includedIndex for the 4 coreHeavy construction ala WW screens, which I've owned and loved.
I'd really just prefer a wrap around piece of art for the players side. If I recall on my old AD&D screen all the info was never referred to, by the players. I can't even recall once.

Just my 2cents. I've already got the most up to dated one but if a modified up-to-date new screen appears I'd certainly purchase that.
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:43 pm

I really like the Dark Heresy and 2nd version of the WFRP2nd edition GM screens. They are heavy stock with good sized fonts and provide most of the info you'd need. They aren't landscape however, as some folks seem to prefer. I actually prefer the full sized versions since they tend to hide dice rolls better. I like to roll out in the open a lot, so this isnt a deal breaker, but sometimes I just like to roll something behind the screen for whatever reason. Maybe my players are too tall (glares at Todd and Eric, my 6'3" players)

CharlieRock · Post by **CharlieRock** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:57 pm

Frost wrote:
I'm with you on the artwork, Charlie. I used to use my old 1e DM screens for that reason (I just paper clipped 3.5 info to the inside of them).

Was that the one that had the Hook Horror on it?
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