This is the 13th of an 18 part series on How to be a DM. To start at the beginning, click here.
The stage is set, but where are the actors? You need some way to represent the characters in the scene.
Tokens vs Standees vs Miniatures
Some DMs use flat cardboard tokens to represent the characters. Cardboard tokens are cheap and store easily. You can have hundreds of them and always have the correct depiction of the monster.
But if we are going to have lovely scenes with 3D props I think we can do better than that.
Some DMs use cardboard stand-up characters with bases, sometimes called “standees”. They certainly look more realistic than tokens and are an affordable option.
I generally use plastic or metal miniatures. These can be purchased either prepainted or ready to paint. I also supplement these minis with re-purposed toys or I’ll craft miniatures when needed.
Using 3D miniatures is costly, but really packs a punch. Luckily, I have a sizable collection that I have collected over the years. I try to get prepainted minis whenever possible, but painting minis can be a relaxing hobby.
But even with a big collection, it is still cost prohibitive to always have enough miniatures to exactly represent every monster in every encounter. So I end up using the next-best mini that looks similar to the desired monster and simply tell the PCs, “Imagine all these guys look like this mini.”
Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do!
Now that the actors have walked on stage, it is time to say “Roll for Initiative!” and let the battle begin!
Bitzy the Bard
“Life is an adventure story and you are the star. Choose to play a hero!”
