Roleplaying games are all about gathering your friends around a table, enjoying some tasty snacks, telling great stories, and making unforgettable memories. You want players to feel immersed in the story, the setting, and the characters’ lives, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by using props and visuals. They can help bring the game to life in a way that words cannot and allow players to become more engaged with the campaign.
Why Props and Visuals Matter
Using the right props and visuals throughout your campaign can make the story feel more real. A scary moment might feel more suspenseful. A dramatic moment… more captivating. If you hand players a signed letter sealed with red wax or show them a detailed map of the dungeon they are about to explore, they can experience the narrative on a sensory level. They can better understand what their character might be feeling as they open the sealed letter and read through the handwritten note. Their characters’ responses become more authentic and genuine. The use of these props can also help those who are new to role-playing games. New players can often feel overwhelmed with long-winded explanations or descriptions. They may feel more comfortable stepping into their character's role and participating in the roleplay when they can feel, see, or experience the story as it unfolds.
Types of Props
A variety of props can be used during your role-playing sessions. Many of them fall into the following categories:
- Physical Props: This category includes real-world objects, including letters, coins, potions, candles, and jewels.
- Visual Aids: This category includes miniatures, maps, character portraits, or custom artwork. These aids help players visualize their environment, characters, and movement.
- Digital Visuals: If you’re playing online, digital visuals such as animated maps or virtual images of the items detailed above can help players feel more immersed.
Choosing and Integrating the Right Props
When introducing props to your campaign, you want to ensure they fit with the theme, tone, and period of the story you are trying to tell. Players may feel disconnected from the narrative if the props chosen seem out of place or inconsistent with the already established setting. It is also important to consider the space you have available. Where are you running your campaign? Is it at your dining room table? Dedicated gaming space? Typically, props should be easy to handle and not disrupt the game's flow. Introduce props when they enhance the story, not detract from it. Timing is key! Lastly, you want to gauge your particular group's preferences. Not every group is the same. Some may prefer drama and extravagance, while others prefer props to be used minimally. And if you are new to using props and visual aids, you can start small and build from that foundation as you become more comfortable with the concept.
Need a place to keep all your RPG notes organized? Check out our collection of themed notebooks here!
Final Thoughts
Using props and visuals is a great way to make your RPG sessions more immersive and fun. Experiment with what feels right for you, your players, and your campaign. And remember, roleplaying games are all about making unforgettable memories with people you love, so don’t overthink it.