Roleplaying Game Aids

So everybody has their favorite things to bring to a roleplaying table. Here are just a few that I like to use.

Maps and Hex boards. As much as I dislike 4th edition D&D (we use the books to prop up our monitor) they did do one good thing with the Dungeon Tiles. These pre-made tiles with everything from pit traps to forest scenes come in really handy for battles and just having a good time at a tavern. We also have an old vinyl mat with squares that fit miniatures that can be drawn on with erasable marker. Both are good to liven up the imagination and show exactly where your characters are during battles.

Music, Music, Music. I don't use this as much as I'd like, but music does set a mood. Classical/instrumental are good for setting up a battle or even a romantic interlude. Even songs with lyrics might be good for a tavern with a bard. I like a lot of John Williams, In the Halls of the Mountain King, and a lot of game music, including World of Warcraft. Believe it or not a lot of video games hire full orchestras to play their sound tracks.

Minatures. My kids love to see their characters represented by miniatures, even if they aren't quite right. Most hobby stores sell the little miniatures and Blood Bowl/Warhammer has some excellent miniatures for use as masses of bad guys.