How do you build up atmosphere in your game? Do you use any props?

I've seen some GMs go to extraordinary lengths to create the right mood, even installing specialised lighting or building elaborate models, but for myself, I once used a smoke machine and gave flashlights to the players to capture a tense modern horror feel, along with suitably timed sound effects. Nothing like a bassy recording of footsteps creaking around the room to put people on edge. Just make sure you have plenty of batteries handy if you want to try to recreate it!

I used an old banker's lamp for myself as GM, was seated a good distance from the players, and popped the collars on a coat so it wouldn't illuminate my face, which worked really well until the police called round wondering if the house was on fire, those mood killers .

I've used background music, lighting, soundclips, and pictures to provide atmosphere.

The most effective thing I've found for doing it, however, is varying the pitch, tone and rhythm of your voice (when I remember to, of course...I've only observed this, not mastered its use).  I don't advocate going overboard with this and talking at your players, but just subtle things.  The sort of stuff you learn for public speaking.  It all comes down to the GM in the end, and the voice is the most direct method for bringing players into the gameworld.

Quote from: The Traveller;557624How do you build up atmosphere in your game? Do you use any props?

I mostly create atmosphere through descriptions and mood in the game itself.

I sometimes use props, however, like letters written on parchment paper (dipping sheets of paper from which you have torn the edges apart and crumbled before hand into tea or coffee will do the trick very nicely), fake gold coins*, weapons and the like. I also use the occasional music or sound track very lightly in the background.

* Like these ones I photographed here:

For visits to the tavern, I dress up as a serving wench.

When we played Houses of the Blooded, I switched to drinking wine instead of cider during games. And our GM would lay the table and bring nibbles; olives, cheese, crackers, etc.

Said GM also makes a huge effort on his handouts; for the same game, he sent our characters (Via us) all invitations to an in-game ball. He produces newspapers, uses real-world floorplans for urban games, etc. Lots of fun. Our Ars Magica covenant has an IRL copy of our spellbook, and we have a container with all of our vis points, represented by painted beads.

In a Shadowrun game last year (Long after the smoking ban in Scotland), I played character whose tic was smoking. So I bought a packet of chocolate cigarettes, bought them to the game; these were in quite realistic looking packaging. In front of the players I opened the packet, took one out, put it to my lips, bought out a lighter... the looks of disgust, confusion and social terror were more than worth the pound it cost.

I used to, but I grew up and didn't have the free time anymore.

Plus players refused to drink anymore potions I made, even if they REALLY needed that healing one. They didn't like the taste (nothing noxious/toxic, just not fun flavors.)

I also made a mask for one persona, and a few wands. I had a friend make a werewolf daiklaive.

We also used to do different foods to theme the games, but we got old, and spend too much time doing other things, and it became: We can do that and not game, or ignore doing that and just play.

I tried using props, but it just felt kinda forced and was freaking a couple of Players out. I go for handouts and some setting fiction and that seems to be a much better solution.

Although, when we played Star Fleet Battles in the Navy and the ship was in port, we always played it in the Combat Information Center. Now THAT was atmosphere.

I've never really bothered with that atmosphere bullshit.  Run the game well enough with your words, and you'll create all the "atmosphere" you need.

RPGPundit

Quote from: RPGPundit;558074I've never really bothered with that atmosphere bullshit.  Run the game well enough with your words, and you'll create all the "atmosphere" you need.

RPGPundit

Yep.

Quote from: RPGPundit;558074Run the game well enough with your words, and you'll create all the "atmosphere" you need.

Yeah, well, you've never experienced atmosphere until you've seen me in my St Pauli Girl outfit.

Quote from: Black Vulmea;557636For visits to the tavern, I dress up as a serving wench.

This is the only way to run a tavern visit. Anything less and you are just doing things half-ass. Real GMs dress up like serving wenches and sloppy barkeeps.

Quote from: The Traveller;557624How do you build up atmosphere in your game? Do you use any props?

I've seen some GMs go to extraordinary lengths to create the right mood, even installing specialised lighting or building elaborate models, but for myself, I once used a smoke machine and gave flashlights to the players to capture a tense modern horror feel, along with suitably timed sound effects. Nothing like a bassy recording of footsteps creaking around the room to put people on edge. Just make sure you have plenty of batteries handy if you want to try to recreate it!

I used an old banker's lamp for myself as GM, was seated a good distance from the players, and popped the collars on a coat so it wouldn't illuminate my face, which worked really well until the police called round wondering if the house was on fire, those mood killers .

I have used everything. The most usual stuff I use is description, NPC characterization, mood in my tone and choice of words, some soundtracks and simple handouts. Also, I'm fond of playing by candlelight in almost any game.

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;558173This is the only way to run a tavern visit. Anything less and you are just doing things half-ass. Real GMs dress up like serving wenches and sloppy barkeeps.

Which is another problem with "atmosphere": There's a very fine line between stuff that "adds" to the sense of atmosphere, and ridiculous shit that makes the whole exercise seem corny or stupid.  And far too many GMs don't know the difference.

RPGPundit

I do nothing sadly.  

I be theh lame (sic).

I try for a good nitrogen-oxygen mix. I find it much more conducive to good gaming than methane or ammonia.

-clash