Random GMing idea #276: Ask each of your players to bring a game-related prop to the next session.
The prop could be anything that enhances the game for the whole group — a plastic sword, a hand-drawn map of the team’s HQ, a bag of plastic Pieces of Eight, a mix CD of background music, etc.
You’d have to mention upfront that it doesn’t need to be a complex prop, and I’d recommend awarding bonus XP or offering some other in-game incentive. Plus, of course, bringing a prop or two yourself! But if it worked, wouldn’t this be neat?
4 Comments To "Props for Everyone!"
#1 Comment By ScottM On September 11, 2006 @ 8:17 am
Hmm, while I’m not sold on the value of most props, this does relieve the GM of the obligation to provide all the props, which is a huge relief. Especially if you’re thinking of playing with lots of props. It might be worth a shot…
#2 Comment By Martin On September 11, 2006 @ 6:03 pm
At worst, it sounds like you’d get no props from the players. 😉
#3 Comment By Impulse On September 15, 2006 @ 9:16 pm
A player in my group who was playing an escaped convict wore an eyepatch and a hook hand to each session, as his character lacked both a hand and an eye. Worked really well to keep him in character, although he did tend to brandish the hook around a bit much. 😉
#4 Comment By Martin On September 15, 2006 @ 11:26 pm
I like the sound of that, Impulse. I hadn’t thought of player-provided props as a way to encourage staying in character, but that makes sense.