Hey there, fellow gear hoarders and dice goblins! Sure, you can play D&D with nothing more than some dice and imagination. But we both know that’s not why we’re here. Some accessories just make the game more. More immersive. More fun. More everything. Let’s talk about those accessories that make our tabletop role-playing games just a little more awesome.
1. The Game Master Screen
My absolute favorite GM screen – the Valhalla screen from Dog Might Games – is no longer around, which honestly breaks my heart. But there are some killer alternatives out there that will make you feel like the most put-together Dungeon Master at the table.
Wyrmwood has some beautiful wooden screens. Elderwood Academy’s Master Tome series is elegant. But right now, I’m really digging the LaserOx Dungeon Master Screen. It comes in six different wood combinations, each one handmade. The panels are standard letter-size, and they’ve got these hidden magnets so you can easily attach your notes. It’s the kind of GM screen that just makes you feel good when you set it up.
Recommended: LaserOx Dungeon Master Screen
2. Battle Mats
We’ve all seen the ungodly number of battle mats out there. Neoprene mats with crazy terrain. Fancy roll-up maps. But the one I’ve used most often is the official D&D Adventure Grid.
It’s about $24, double-sided with stone on one side and grass on the other. But here’s why I love it – it folds. No rolling, no trying to keep a massive map flat. Just fold it up and toss it in your bag. It’s sturdy enough to use regularly but light enough that you won’t throw your back out carrying it to game night.
Recommended: D&D Official Adventure Grid
3. The GM Backpack
As a game master who runs regular games at a local game store, I’ve struggled with bag solutions. The name-brand bags start around $60, and they just get more expensive from there. I didn’t need something huge, just something that actually worked for my stuff.
Then I found this bag on Amazon for $37.99. It may not match the quality of some of those fancy name brand bags, but it does everything I need. Padded straps. Comfortable to carry. A HUGE main pocket for your game books. A laptop pocket. Tons of little compartments for dice, pencils, and whatever else I want to bring. The best part? There’s a little top pocket with pluck foam for miniatures. Just be careful – load this thing up, and it gets heavy fast.
4. The Dice
I have kind of a lot of dice. But two sets are my absolute favorites.
First up, the Legacy of Blue Eyes Liquid Core Dice from Misty Mountain Gaming. These dice have these crazy blue dragon eyes that are always watching you. Misty Mountain has everything from basic acrylic sets around $10 to metal and gemstone dice. They’ve got a lifetime warranty, and their designs are pretty awesome.
For pure beauty, nothing beats my hand-cast resin dice from 2 Crazy Casters. Deep purple with these sparkly inclusions that catch the light just right. The numbers are crisp and easy to read. They don’t have an online catalog, but their website gallery is worth checking out if you want something truly unique.
Misty Mountain Gaming Dice (use code SHORTREST for 10% off!)
2 Crazy Casters
What About You?
I’ve shown you my favorites – now I want to hear from you. Drop your must-have RPG accessories in the comments.
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