Proxy Mini

[J.Quondam]

The most epic 4E encounter I ever played in had the enemies entirely as candy. Minions were M&Ms, medium monsters were gobstoppers, large monsters were York Peppermint Patties, and the BBEG was a pair of Snickers taped together. Yes, you got to eat what you killed. Yes, we used very poor tactics to try and kill steal for the candy. Yes, it was nearly a TPK

When experience is measured in calories instead of XP.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

When experience is measured in calories instead of XP.

”What’cha playin’?”

”Lard of the Onion Rings. Next week, Call of Chalupas.”

 

[aramis erak]

I mostly use some standard wooden boardgaming bits for use on maps; I print most maps to 1cm grids when I use them...
PC's and major NPCs: mini-meeples (I ordered the sampler).
Non-unique NPCs: 8mm gaming cubes. (I ordered bags of 10 in a half dozen colors, then numbered them in contrasting paint pen)
Mounts, vehicles: 10mm gaming disks (Again, numbered

Note that the footprint of the mini-meeples is about 10x12mm; they actually work best on half-inch grids.

I've often used 1/2" cardboard counters (I've enough in my SFB collection...), and a few RPGs came with same (FASA-Trek 1E & TFG's Crime Fighter, for example), and I've a number of Character-Scale wargames with counters (EG: Musketeers, Outdoor Survival, one of Yaquinto's album games).

I've also used the 3/4" counters in TFT that came with the various elements. I've found the 1" ones in neoTFT are too big for comfort on the tiles from same said big box; the 3/4" ones from original TFT are a MUCH better fit on those tiles.

I did use 20mm samurai for an L5R campaign - Zveszda and Caesar brands - and 1"= 6 shaku = 1 ken (≃5' 11.6"). It was very pretty... but not worth the effort. Especially given that my players faced a lot of monsters, and suitable minis were rare.

 

[Eltab]

One Saturday morning at Origins (during the 4e era) the DM used pieces of candy for the minions. One of the PCs was about 12 years old and his character would not leave this particular room with regenerating minions. The character was tracking down the player's breakfast.

 

[Fauchard1520]

So for one spell that created twinkling motes of force, each mote was represented by a needle covered by tiny, faceted clear and icy blue beads which sparkled. For another effect, the beads were larger and red. And so forth.

Do you have any pics? I'd actually like to see this one.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Do you have any pics? I'd actually like to see this one.

No pix at this point. If I stumble across where I stashed them, I’ll take some, though!

 

[Bluenose]

For games where it matters, I use bottle tops (plastic or metal) with a picture of the PCs face or the enemy fastened to the top with clear sellotape. Although I've got a lot of minis the only ones I use regularly for RPGs are the spaceships.

 

[The Green Hermit]

Not all of us own the complete collection of 3D-printed critters or expertly-sculpted pewter heroes. When it comes time to represent your dude on the tabletop, sometimes you've got to sub in pennies, spare dice, or Peanut M&Ms.

Therefore, in the name of commiseration, what is the best best (or worse) items you've used as a "proxy mini?"

(Comic for illustrative purposes.)

We usually use Risk pieces. I have bought some minis (both 3D and 2D) but have found that it takes a lot of time to get them sorted out, especially if I'm not sure we'll be using them.