DMing Tools

[The Argent Lord]

Hey, so I'm running a D&D campaign for a bunch of newbies, and I'm looking for some tools to help it run smoother. In particular, I'm looking for a dice program that can do something like, for example, save the entire party's spot and listen modifiers, and do a mass roll when I need to check if they're seeing or hearing anything. Suggestions of other tools are also appreciated.

[Nikose Tyris]

Pen and Paper.

I've yet to come across any program that was anywhere near that versatile.

[Tev]

Pen and Paper.

I've yet to come across any program that was anywhere near that versatile.This. It's a tabletop game people. I've actually found that trying to tech-out your tabletop RPs is actually more distracting and takes away from the fun. Just take the time to scribble up a chart or build a little excel document and write in the numbers that you need.

Also, rolling dice no matter how inconvenient the amount (you "crock of 'd6" Star Wars players know what I'm talking about) is always more satisfying than flipping a screen or pressing a button and letting a glorified calculator have all the fun.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Improvisation. Learn how to improvise- know how to calculate stats quickly so you can throw up NPCs in a few seconds. Have basic outlines of different types of buildings that youc an modify in a jiffy. Nothing is more stale than DM has designed a dungeon- we better check it out.

[EVILNess]

Keep some index cards handy, as they make great scribble tools for players. They are also much easier to change and reference on the fly than a character sheet.

At the start of the night have everyone jot down some key things about there character's stats... HP, full attack bonus (BAB+stat mods+w/e else mods), Saves, common skill checks (Listen, Spot, etc), spells per day, that kind of thing. Technical numbers that benefit from being lined up in a row.

I find it easier to do that for the session and I also recommend you have any wizards come up with a few "standard" spell preps so they can go "I prepare this list of spells." to keep things moving when things don't require fine tuning.

I actually very rarely use my character sheet anymore other than to update a level or my feat list, maybe add a new HP total. Most of my stuff is done on index cards.


Also, advice as a DM: Don't be afraid to lie to your players and find/make a screen so they can't see your rolls. Sometimes, its just easier and more dramatic to say screw it you were seen no matter if you rolled a 20. All things, even rules bow before keeping the game rolling.