Treasure Tables is on hiatus as of December 13th, 2007 -- after two years of daily posts, I needed a break. If you're looking for GMing material, I have two recommendations: the hundreds of posts in TT's archives, and my new project, the multi-author GMing blog Gnome Stew. Happy GMing! -- Martin

Why You Should Use Props in Horror Games

Sat. July 22, 2006 

Props are a good thing in any RPG, but they really shine in horror games (especially victim horror, like Call of Cthulhu). Why? Because in a horror game, the PCs tend to be extra cautious about their environment.

Saying that the party finds a mysterious carving is one thing, but actually pulling out a weird little statue and setting it on the table takes it to a whole new level. Now it’s not just the PCs who will be wary — your players will be, too.

To add a bit of icing to the cake, when you break out the prop, ask “Is anyone touching it?“

More posts about: Genre Advice, Props and Ambience

Comments

4 Responses to “Why You Should Use Props in Horror Games”

  1. greywulf on July 23rd, 2006 2:33 am

    Far and away the best prop for horror gaming is music and low lights. Sets the atmosphere perfectly.

    That aside, junk shops make great places to go scenario hunting. Nothing like a carved fingerbone or old book to set the creative juices flowing :)

  2. MountZionRyan on July 24th, 2006 6:38 am

    Be sure to check out http://www.miskatonic.net/pickman/mythos/ for some great prop ideas and instructions.
    Also, here’s a really cool prop http://www.madhauscreative.com/head%20in%20a%20jar.html

  3. Tom West on July 24th, 2006 3:34 pm

    Ah. I remember GMing a Call of Cthulu session with everyone using miniatures. During a lull I walked over to the table and palmed one of the miniatures. 10 minutes later I’m sitting at my chair and order everyone to place their characters after there’s been some minor exploring.

    Of course someone eventually claims he can’t find himself… Moments later there’s dawning recognition that one of their party has simply *disappeared* and nobody noticed.

    Even better, no-one even noticed I’d been by the table. Several swore I’d never left the chair. That certainly set the atmosphere :-) .

  4. Martin on July 24th, 2006 3:56 pm

    greywulf: Oooh, good point on junk shops. There’s a store in NYC (where I grew up) that only sells fossils and skeletons — what a cool place that would be to snag an intriguing horror prop!

    MountZionRyan: I’ve seen the head in a jar prop before, and that thing is downright creepy.

    Tom: That’s excellent! It sounds like the kind of thing you could never plan, but when that flash of inspiration strikes…