Props in your game... DO IT!
I have a different prop for almost every big NPC in the game, and my players LOVE it. It makes for VERY simple recognition...
Let me start at the beginning... I own a small theatre group. Over 15 years, I've gathered quite a few props, or have learned how to make them.
So sure, I have a leg up on most GMs, but a little effort can go a long way.
For example, I took some foamboard (<$5 for a HUGE sheet at hobby shops) and pasted a printed out symbol of Kord, then put it on a piece of string; when the symbol goes on, the party knows it is the hated Zachic, selfish priest.
Cheap props can be purchased at costume/party stores. The sheriff in town has a cigar that when you blow through it, it glows. Don't know how, but it does. Combined with a horned prop helmet I had and a gruff voice... well, the group pays attention. The cigar was only $1.50.
A cheap mustache is for one PC's father, and I bend in the sides for the grandmother. Then I wiggle it around and crack up the group. But the important thing is, they KNOW who they are talking to.
A little more expensively - a few years ago we did an "Annie" spoof, so I have two red curly wigs. I sprayed one grey for the priest. An NPC woodcutter in town, who happens to not know who his father is has the red curly wig. The group hasn't figured it out yet, but *I* get a good chuckle everytime I switch between the wigs and give some subtle clues.
Granted, between prop making and years of on stage experience, I'm not shy about introducing things to make the NPCs colorful and memorable. But any DM worth their salt should have no problems using some imagination and simple supplies around the house. In fact, having some props to nudge (or hide behind) make it even EASIER to create characterization, and give your players an even better game!
So go for it! Trust me, your players will REALLY appreciate it.
I have a different prop for almost every big NPC in the game, and my players LOVE it. It makes for VERY simple recognition...
Let me start at the beginning... I own a small theatre group. Over 15 years, I've gathered quite a few props, or have learned how to make them.
So sure, I have a leg up on most GMs, but a little effort can go a long way.
For example, I took some foamboard (<$5 for a HUGE sheet at hobby shops) and pasted a printed out symbol of Kord, then put it on a piece of string; when the symbol goes on, the party knows it is the hated Zachic, selfish priest.
Cheap props can be purchased at costume/party stores. The sheriff in town has a cigar that when you blow through it, it glows. Don't know how, but it does. Combined with a horned prop helmet I had and a gruff voice... well, the group pays attention. The cigar was only $1.50.
A cheap mustache is for one PC's father, and I bend in the sides for the grandmother. Then I wiggle it around and crack up the group. But the important thing is, they KNOW who they are talking to.
A little more expensively - a few years ago we did an "Annie" spoof, so I have two red curly wigs. I sprayed one grey for the priest. An NPC woodcutter in town, who happens to not know who his father is has the red curly wig. The group hasn't figured it out yet, but *I* get a good chuckle everytime I switch between the wigs and give some subtle clues.
Granted, between prop making and years of on stage experience, I'm not shy about introducing things to make the NPCs colorful and memorable. But any DM worth their salt should have no problems using some imagination and simple supplies around the house. In fact, having some props to nudge (or hide behind) make it even EASIER to create characterization, and give your players an even better game!
So go for it! Trust me, your players will REALLY appreciate it.