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Message: <blockquote data-quote="yangnome" data-source="post: 2582546" data-attributes="member: 7413">You just need to set up the right ambiance for the game.  part of this is making sure your players are in the mood for a horror game.  it's ok to joke around a bit, but it shouldnt get so out of control that it is distracting.  A few things you can do to help get them paranoid:Turn the lights out and use candles.  In the past, I've set up a bunch of tea candles in the center of the table.  these were great because, they were cheap and they only last about as long as the session.  As we got further into the night, they started burning out one by one with a little hiss.  of course hte room also kept getting a little darker each time.  Also, don't sit behind your screen, or in a chair all night.  Get up and walk around behind the players.  Move around behind them and don't let htem track you.  An occasional hand on a shoulder or a thud on teh table or wall next to them might help stir them up.Fluxuate your voice through the night.  I generally let my voice get very soft so they have to pay close attention to what I am saying.  I'll speak in calm tones, which helps ease their nerves.  Of course, this sets up places where you can begin talking in anxious or nervous tones, or yelling and screaming.  after lulling them into that security, this will help jerk their emotions around a bit.If possible, sit them with their backs to a window or doorway or something.  When talking to them, use eye contact, but occassionally look up beyond htem to that opening as if something is going on behind hte group.  Doing this at various times will make them a bit paranoid as well.Use props.  give them things they can hold in their hands and get into the atmoshpere of the game.  the more you can pull them away from the game stats and tabletalk and into their characters and the game, the better reactions you will get.Spread paranoia amongst the group.  pass notes out to players.  Perhaps one character makes another nervous.  Perhaps the note says smile and don't tell anyone what this says.  Stirring the unknown into the group will help isolate them and spread a bit more paranoia.</blockquote>

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