Game Master Tools

We all have our own approach to our games. The purpose of this thread is to share what those approaches are, giving one another some new tools to put into their GM portfolios. I'll start.



I like a hardback notebook that can take some abuse without coming apart. I tend to spend money on notebooks that will last, and these have given my the least grief. Recently, I have come across the Code&Quill Monolith. Here is the website.

It's $25.00 with free shipping (though this might only be within the United States). The back is extremely durable, it has a lay-flat design, and the paper is very high quality; in fact, one of the first 5-Star Reviews is titles "Perfect for GMing." LOL.




- It comes in its own box; not important at all, but it made me feel special and ensured it didn't get thrashed during delivery.




- It comes in Gray/Black (which I got), or red. The outside is textured almost like a football, so it has really nice grip whether it is in your hands or on a surface. There is also a red place-saver internally.




- There are three page layout options: Line Indentation only, Dot Grid (left) and Line Indentation (Right), or Dot Grid only.
- I went with Dot/Line as I use grids for my maps and keep notes on lines. It's extremely convenient to have both in one place.


The only con I can think of so far is that it doesn't have a few pages at the beginning dedicated to an editable "table of contents" as some notebooks have. But that is forgivable under the circumstances.



I have grown fond of Tul pens. They have a wide range of colors, and their .5mm needle points are great for everyday writing. I often don't write with larger pens than that, unless it is for headings.

For my maps, I use simply mechanical pencils to draw the setting, capital letters for PCs and color pencils to bring some life into it - usually this is red circles for enemy combatants and different colors for PCs to follow them more easily.

+++

I am also huge on stationary, so I am always looking for new tools. Bring 'em on!

Has anyone come across this before? It looks outstanding just at first glance:

Customizable Planners for Players and/or GMs

My GM tools are mostly just taking random notes in OneNote on windows. Not exciting or as satisfying as pen and paper, but easy to pull up on multiple devices, reference quickly mid game, etc. Was super convenient especially when I would update more from the office, so I didn't have to carry anything between home and the office every day.

As far as stationery...do you ever fuck with fountain pens? I have been using my Lamy Safari and some notebooks with high quality paper at home just for to-do lists, christmas lists and stuff and unfffff........

DUDE.... this link never turned blue for me. I am shook and apologize.

You know, as someone who is so locked in to the computer so often, I never could get into keeping my notes in a digital form. That makes very little sense, I know that, but I have always kept a hard notebook of some kind.

I have yet to fuck with Fountain Pens, but I have been extremely curious. Speaking of high-quality paper and fountain pens though... I just bought this Bad Boy Pocket Journal from Lochby. It's pricey, yes, and I got it as a journal to keep in my truck and keep important notes in. Having said that, this dude's review totally sold me on it.

I bring it up because he nerded out on the Tomoe River paper quality and fountain pens lol:


I am going to check out the Lamy Safari now. Thanks for the recommendation.