Tuesday 9 June 2009

In-Game Props

All GM's have done it at some point and given their players a map or a letter written on fake parchment. But props can be so much more than just 'player handouts' or miniatures. I have made my love of Floorplans or Dungeon Tiles clear in this blog several times. However I also enjoy using other in-game props or visual aides when running a D&D campaign. Here are a few of my favorite props from my own campaign.
  • 'Real' coins
  • Small Bottles filled with coloured liquid
  • Wooden Boxes
  • Fools Gold - Iron Pyrite
  • Fish Heads (Don't ask...)
  • Wax 'Seals' on letters
  • Rings
  • Candles

I once gave my players a small wooden chest filled with maps, inventories, and all sorts of clues. The contents of that box kept the group occupied for half the game session without me having to do anything. Of course roleplaying games are primarily about imagination but it doesn't hurt of you can provide your players with something tangible and real to hold.

1 comment:

  1. Those props are an excellent idea. I have used them to some extent in CoC games, where handouts are rather common: snippets of info, packages of matches, train tickets, it could all well be clues.
    I never got around to using them in fantasy settings, might give that a bit more attentnion now though. It is true that little things like that add to the atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment. I always try to reply as soon as I can, so why not pop back later and continue the conversation. In the meantime, keep rolling high!