Using Visuals in Game

[mythago]

I run Delta Green, so visuals (i.e. handouts, maps, photos) are pretty much a necessity.

 

[haiiro]

One of the campaigns I'm in uses a portrait of each PC and significant NPC. The NPC portraits are on stand-up cards, and the DM moves the card for the NPC who is talking to the fore, then back again, and so forth. It sounded sort of silly at first, but it works really well.

This is in addition to extensive maps, minis and a soundtrack. I love this game.

 

[Waylander the Slayer]

For those of you do use pics and graphics, how do you presnt it? Do you print out the items or pics on card stock? Do you let the PCs keep them?
Or do you make someone draw your pic. and make it look like superman and every other character in your game and shamelessly plug the product. Great job ALISH20, teach that putty cat some manners by humbling him.

 

[haiiro]

For those of you do use pics and graphics, how do you presnt it? Do you print out the items or pics on card stock? Do you let the PCs keep them?

I used to draw magic items on the blank side of 3x5 index cards; on the lined side, I listed physical traits and quirks of the item (always cold to the touch, etc.). I really enjoyed this approach - even though I'm not much of an illustrator - and so did my players at the time. They kept the cards.

 

[megamania]

I use maps constantly that aid the PCs to understand their location. From there minitures with a dryerase mats (x2 so it covers 44x66ins!) and I have pieced together foam to recreate scenery. Lessons the arguement of if someone can be seen to hit with use of a laser pointer.
Also, sometimes I give out "official" scrolls or the such for characters to read and have that pertain to the story.

At one convention I went to someone used an overhead projector well to show our sailing ship and the island we were trying to reach. This worked well but I doubt I'll ever buy one.

 

[V_Shane]

Here is my monthly series. Could help you a bit.

 

[Waylander the Slayer]

Thanks Shane! I had already picked up this product. It is a great idea and a very good item to pick up IMHO. I can't wait for the next product to come out.
Does anyone here regularly use the Dwarven forge items in game?

 

[V_Shane]

The Dwarven items I have in volume 2 come out around the 24th. But they can be used for more than Dwarf of course, the pieces of armor are illustrated to look stockier and stubbier. I think its funny in games I have been in when everyone assumes a magical piece of armor will fit them. One thing I plan on having also is armor for women adventurers (I have one in Vol 1), thank you for supporting this concept, I really want it to grow as a resource for gamers.

 

[Silver Moon]

For those of you who enjoy visuals, let me put in a plug (and not for my own Story Hour, for a change) for an excellent reference source that is hosted here on EN World. The following link is to the excellent work of Cloudio Pozas:

http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/hosted/Pozas/gallery_main.html

I have used several of these pictures to create NPC's for my ongoing campaign.

 

[machine]

In his Dragonstar game, my GM combs the internet for pictures for the PCs, NPCs, ships, locations, etc.

His his work really adds a lot to the visual atmosphere to the game. Check out Renderosity.com for a starting point for character and NPC pics.

machine.