WIP Wednesday! Prop-ably a Good Idea

Integrating props into your DnD campaign can certainly bring it to life even more but alas, it’s yet another task on a lonnnnng list of many for one’s prep. DM Ben doesn’t do very many props per se as he really prefers to focus on other core aspects such as terrain, miniatures, and item/face cards. Still, sometimes you uncover a prop that just screams, “Integrate me!”

That’s definitely the case here! Dungeon Crate’s September 2023 featured item was a really slick, antique-looking faux leather take-along case that opens to reveal organized storage for wands of writing, paint brushes, or whatever you need to take with you on your traveling adventures.

So that got DM Ben thinking that maybe he could use this fun, Indiana Jones-style prop to deliver and house a critical campaign map for players (for the Acquisition’s Incorporate D&D 5e module). Admittedly, he doesn’t do a very good job of helping his players visualize where they are and where they could, or more importantly, should go next. That’s probably because he’s always concerned the group will just go completely off the rails. 😉

The plan here is to have the group come across a valuable map during a high roll on an investigation map because it’s just more exciting to uncover that old parchment rather than have it handed to you. Plus, there’s just something special about dusting off an old, mysterious map. Wouldn’t you agree?

So he’s printed the module’s campaign map on 11×17 paper (so it’s easier to read) and then will slip it in this handy new-found case (once he figures out how to properly fold it in there for bloody sake). Now every time he needs to reference a particular location, the map will be at arm’s length on the game table and everyone will get a better sense of where they are or what’s next. Perfect!

Sometimes great game ideas don’t hit the DM until they’re literally staring him/her in the face! Thanks, Dungeon Crate!