Creating in-game "atmosphere"

[cmrscorpio]

This is the key to creating your creepy (and memorable) atmosphere. Monsters don't matter. PRESENTATION matters.

QFT

Presentation is *the* key.

Whenever you are describing things, do not use your regular talking voice. Talk in a hushed, slightly raspy tone and dart your eyes from one player to the other when you are decribing something you want to be creepy or unnerving. Also while describing, try to sound disgusted. Never smile

Conversely, after having described everything else in a hushed tone, be loud, forceful and even a little angry when you describe the last and most horrible monster they are going to see for the session. And say all this through a teeth-clenched, sadistic smile.

Hold your body tightly together. Only make small gestures to pantomime the features of the creatures you are describing, such as when you describe liquid oozing from a creature's eye, draw your finger across your face where the ooze is flowing. When you describe the thick muck that the characters are in, pantomime wiping the muck off your arm.

 

[Hussar]

Heh, it's funny how different DM's approach this. Some go for a more theatrical approach, some go for a more mechanical one.

No deeper meaning, just a nice showcase of playstyle emphasis.