Setting the Mood

[Catavarie]

No you perverts I'm not talking about getting a girl into your closet converted into a RPG Library, I'm talking about setting the mood for gaming, background music, lighting, wacky hats, props. What have you used that seemed to work, what have you used that made you players think you were queer (no offense to any queers ), what ideas have you heard of or seen but haven't tried yet? Just wondering.


My game room has midevil style tapestries on the walls, and a single over head light shines over the table at low levels, I also occasionally use candles placed about the room...I'm married guys not gay...I have a cheap boombox that plays celtic music at low levels in the background, the chairs and table are covered in celtic knot patterned tapestries. Various midevil weaponry (Swords, Axes, Spears, Daggers, Sheilds, Maces, Flails, & various armor pieces) lay about the room. My wife has been a big help in setting the right mood in the room.

Hmmm...now that I actually type it out the room does seem a bit over the top but hey it looks cool

So what about you guys?

[SyrinxNymph]

Wow, that's cool.

I don't have a room of my own for this stuff, but here's a few things I've heard about:
1) Music, of course. I've heard of both indian flute music and slow metallica (ever heard "Unforgiven?")
2) An online friend does his games outside, in the woods by his house. Apparently it's dark out there, leaving the players more vulnerable to surprises, etc, which he specializes in. Another friend sets out chinese mats to sit on, which makes the group less distractable because it discourages movement.

I'm sure there's other stuff, but I can't remember right now. I'll edit it in if it comes to mind.

[derbacher]

Way more involved than I get, but I've used some of these as well.

1. Always have music ready to go. MP3s of everything, cued up and sorted in folders for different events.

2. Pictures of all important (or even not-so-important) NPCs printed up, so players can actually see who they are talking to. It makes it much easier for my younger players (aren't they all!) to talk in character when they see who they are talking to hanging from my GM screen. (I just don't make a very convincing elven princess ).

3. Big laminated map of the campaign world on the wall, so they are reminded where they are at.

4. Candles. Lots of flickering light, although the game table is well lit.

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mission continues.

[Mr_GrinReaper]

A cold basement. lol

I would think you would make a great elven princess. Pfft!

I think the candles would be nice.

[derbacher]

A 250 lb., shaved headed, goateed elven princess? Maybe in your world!

See the avatar?
<-----

that's me, but with less hair!

[Nightcloak]

We play in the dinning room. Well, it more of a game room. It has several book shelves, two mounted swords, and two Frazetta pictures on the wall - so I'm not sure if "dinning room" is an appropriate name. I'm just happy that the fabulous Mrs. Nightcloak is supportive of my hobby/game addiction.

[Blade of Desecration]

Our group just plays in the basement of whoever's house we're at. And let me tell, you, all these basements are cold as graves. It's fun though.