Props and Costumes

Embers, a live-action role-playing game, by Embers Productions

Copyright 1999, Embers Productions. All rights reserved.

The Clothes Make the Man (Or Garou, or Totem Spirit, or ravening monstrosity)

It is a well known fact that what we wear influences how others perceive us, and even how we perceive ourselves. A policeman would not be so intimidating without the uniform. Executives feel more professional and thus more confident when they wear business suits. The disenfranchised Goth communicates her angst to others by her black makeup and somber clothes. And because our attire is such a powerful symbol of what we feel inside, it can also be used to change how we feel. Much like forcing a smile in the midst of a depression can help to cheer us up, wearing clothing that symbolizes a specific emotion can nudge us towards genuinely feeling that emotion. This is why we strongly encourage our players to dress up in the Embers game - it helps provide a richer environment for both you and the other players. . This document is intended to help spark ideas for those who wish to enrich their roleplaying activities in this manner.

Ideas

There is no magic formula for determining what prop/clothing would most bring out a character's essence. But here are some tips that may help:

• Read the character background. Read it again. Write down a few adjectives that would describe the character. What objects would suggest these adjectives? For instance, if the character is nerdy, maybe a pair of bad glasses would work. If she is very anal retentive, severely slicking your hair back might do the trick. If he is really smarmy, then an open shirt, chain necklace, and pinkie ring might help get you into character.
• Read the character background. Read it again, concentrating on colors. If the character is a repressed romantic, then maybe wearing neutral colors with a bright tie could bring that out. If she has a bleak outlook on life, then maybe everything you wear should be dark grey. If he is very strongly Irish, then green would be a natural (or maybe just tartans).
• Read the character background. Read it again. Root through your closet. Does anything jump out at you? (If so, call an exterminstor, then try again). What do you already own that the character might also wear?
• Read the character background. Read it again. Are there any external characteristics that might help? If the character has tattoos, try some temporary tattoos. If the character is old, try greying the edge of your hair. If she is a shaman, then a headband or crystal would be appropriate.
• Above all, do not stress out about this. The game is meant to be fun - if you can't think of anything, then just wear something comfortable.

Sources

Enriching the roleplaying experience with costumes and props does not require hours of sewing or hundreds of dollars. While we would be overwhelmed if players spent weeks getting just the right outfit, we feel that simpler methods, and more modest accessories will more than suffice. The following are are just a few suggestions on where you might find good stuff for costuming/props.

• Thrift stores. A great place to pick up decent clothes cheap. Goodwill and Salvation Army are prime examples
• TJ Max and More. A good place to find odd knick knacks.
• Christmas Tree Shops or Ocean State Job Lot. It's like God put all His stuff in a box, shook it up, and let half of it fall out into these stores. Great places to find just about anything.
• Fabric Stores. If you're going to make something on your own, a good fabric store is a great place to start.
• Amerindian type stores. They are very Nature oriented , so they provide a good source for Garou ideas.
• Pagan/Occult/New Age stores. Garou are very spiritual and often tend towards Pagan-like attitudes. A small crystal or charm may be all the prop you need.
• Leather stores. Most Garou live fast and die young. That's what leather is all about! Check out Vanson Leathers (http://www.vansonleathers.com) or Berman Leather Co. (617-426-0870), among many other sources.
• Goth stores. The Garou world is a dark and depressing one. Goths are dark and depressed. One example is Hot Topic (http://www.hottopic.com).
• Your closet. Don't forget the most convenient and inexpensive source of props and costumes!