The RPG Props Thread

[tellius]

I've been thinking of lugging an out of use laptop home from work to give that a go, but the times I have used them before, the simply took up too much table realestate and instead became a distraction rather an a prop helper (I too love the idea of having several images available on demand).

I am curious how you guys (or any others) cope with that?

[aramis]

If you have a newer TV, odds are you can use that as an external monitor. But the "out of use" laptops at workplaces tend to be older models....

The distraction factor is how you use it, and whether you let your players use their own electronics.

[Kyle Aaron]

simply took up too much table realestate and instead became a distraction rather an a prop helper

It helps that I use rules-light systems, so the space which would normally be taken up by a GM's copies of rulebooks, instead that's my laptop. I don't think I could do it with GURPS4e or something. But looking back I guess I did it - I've got a table that'll seat 6, and usually we're 4 or 5, so there's enough space.

As for distraction... well, that's just a matter of concentration. I'm not sitting there playing Diablo while the players argue.

[tellius]

The distraction for me was more about having to move the laptop around all the time as it was getting in the road of the various other props (Trees, walls, maps, dice).

Maybe I have to have a rethink about seating and how it all hangs together or maybe (more likely) I am just all thumbs and no dexterity.

[RPGPundit]

I live in an apartment with a gigantic living room. My GM table is over in one corner, next to my computer desk, while the players are about six feet away on one of the two couches or two lounge chairs.

RPGPundit

[thedungeondelver]

I'm a big user of Dwarven Forge - and Benoist I like your setups - and I'm an either/or kind of guy.  Either we go with the full bug and use proper minis and so on or no minis/terrain at all.

[RPGPundit]

I don't use minis at all, but I have to admit, those are gorgeous. If I was ridiculously rich, they'd be enough to make me want to get a massive collection.

RPGPundit