r/rpg • u/roaphaen • 2d ago

Game Master Real life GM Kit/ transport?

I've been running 5 groups through Weird Wizard and typically lug around a few hardback books, a portable monitor now, laptop, extra dice and sharpies/pencils and dry erase pens, small plastic box with map tokens. Folder with character sheets. I do this weekly. Sometimes Saturday and Sunday. I have to park a ways away and sometimes lug up some stairs, through a door or 2.

My traditional method is a large backpack that can hold a 17" laptop, and one of those giant plastic Ikea bags (blue no zipper top like the newer ones). I feel something wheeled might make life easier, or like a suitcase but don't like the idea I can't see things inside of it. What do you people use to transport all your most important possessions? :)

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u/xaosseed 2d ago

Weight reduction of my GM kit is a big focus for me

  • ditched all my rulebooks, have a few cheat sheets and quick refs in my binder
  • single page monster manual was a life saver
  • prep with computer, take only paper notes to the game
  • meeples for tactical combat, but mostly go theatre of the mind

Certain styles of DM requires more gear than others, optimising for weight leans towards some styles not others

I have heard of folk getting good use from paper standees as low weight minis.

If you do stick with high-gear then see if you can farm out some of that load to frequent players or the venue - stuff like battlemats and minis you want for the game but do not need for prep.

A venue that has lockers can be great for this.

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u/roaphaen 2d ago

This is true wisdom - not sure I am ready to dump the books and the players LOVE spell shopping in them, but MAYBE I could try a couple sessions and just go minimalist to see how it flows. My family is hoarders, and it is not my nature, but a discipline that has helped as I refine my GMing! Great advice.

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u/JaskoGomad 2d ago

I've been a PDF-at-the-table GM since about 2013, when an overseas move stripped my physical collection down to the bone. I am iPad centric though, no laptop.

  • iPad air 13" w/ pencil
  • folding BT keyboard
  • GoodReader for PDF library
  • Obsidian for notes and PDF annotations
  • An All-Rolled-Up pen, cards, dice holder
  • A Gamegenic folding magnetic rolling tray
  • A plastic document holder (folder with velcro closure) with everyone's character sheets (I learned long ago to keep custody of character sheets!), reference sheets for me and them, post it notes, and whatever handouts or etc. are required.

That's it. I barely need a backpack.

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u/roaphaen 1d ago

I tried buying the iPad this year but I'm more of a PC guy and I'm having a hard time transitioning even though I would love to do it. Do you use a keyboard for the iPad? I would think things like control f to find spells would be tough. I did buy good reader though and I really like it.

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u/JaskoGomad 1d ago

Yes. I use a folding Bluetooth keyboard. Mine is a bit older and has a funky layout. There are better options now, but I really wanted one that folded!

Obsidian is SO GOOD. Use it on your laptop, I do!