Easy Props

Hey all - I just wanted to share a quick prop trick with all you budding dungeon masters out there. Now, I can't claim credit for this trick, but it's really effective and worth showcasing.

First, take a nice thick piece of paper (I used 120 pound stock), and with your miniature paintbrush and some black ink, paint a crude map of the starting area in your campaign world. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece - in fact, I made my map slightly inaccurate, but with enough of the major landmarks that really exist in my game world that it gives my players a rough idea of their surroundings and options as far as travel is concerned. I tried to make it look as if it was created perhaps by another traveler and found by one of the players. The map has a casual, unpolished air to it, with markings such as "settlements this way?" and is deliberately unprofessional.

The final, and easiest step, is also the most important. In order to give it that weathered, yellow parchment look, simply soak it in diluted coffee and let it dry. Bingo - instant map on parchment that looks pretty damn good and will thrill your players. It takes a little work, but man, the effect is phenomenal!