The Little Things Can Be Magic

Theatrical Properties or “props” are a staple in most theatre productions and movies. It’s the things that can jump out ya as cool gadgets and objects like a sci-fi blaster to as mundane as a cute little coffee mug. Just like costuming, it helps solidify the surroundings and immerses the audience into the scene – making a little “magic” happen.

The cool thing is that we come across these all the time in everyday life and sometimes maybe, just maybe – you’ll come across these in game…

Here’s a great example of something mundane, but can help create a little “magic”. In World of Warcraft mmorpg, where the world of Azeroth exists, there is a lonely lighthouse off the coast of Westfall. The ghost of Captain Grayson still watches over the lighthouse and has a grudge against the murlocs that attacked the it some time ago. You can learn about his tale during his quests.

This is where it gets cool…

Luckily, he can speak to both factions and offer quests. The one in particular we are concerned about is The Coastal Menace (20), which you take on Old Murk-Eye who led the attack on the lighthouse. Note: The quest requirement is level 15, but he’s a real challenge at that level.

Old Murk-Eye Patrols the coast nearby and can sometimes catch you off guard – so keep your eyes peeled. Also, watch out for the other murlocs – they don’t take well to tourists.

Once dispatching him, head back to Captain Grayson.  Make sure to nab the Scale of Old Murk-Eye for the quest. The rewards are kinda cool.

Your two main choices start with Grayson’s Torch. This offhand item looks like ordinary torch, which makes a handy prop walking or running in dark places and at night. The downside is that it unequips (like many off-hand items) when you speak, cast or emote. But it can have uses if on patrol someplace or need a “light”. You can pick up a item drop later (way later in outlands), but this one is the earliest and available to both factions – which makes it a nice item to quest and explore for.

For those wanting another choice: We have the Buckler of the Seas. This unique shield is in the form of a ships wheel. Luckily there are two other shields with this model if you pass on it. The third choice, the Torchlight Wand, is rather bland compared to the others, using a well-used wand model.

Now, for horde wanting to know a quick route to Westfall – here is the one I take:

You can start from Booty Bay or the Grom’gol Base Camp. Either can be reached easily by Zeppelin or Ship. Once at either location, start swimming. Note: Be careful of the local hostiles while you swim, you will need to keep a good distance away from the coast until you reach the Yojamba Isle. That’s the isle where the Zandalar Tribe are. From there it’s a just a short swim to the lighthouse. An alternative route could be to get killed (it’s easy) near Grom’gol and hope it places you in the graveyard near Duskwood. Then just watch the road and head west to Westfall. The swim may be longer, but it’s a better chance at not getting killed.

Seems like a lot of work, especially for Horde – but it does pay off in having a choice of two unique items for costuming or a prop to have about.

Can’t find a prop? Make one! Using emotes and your imagination, you can “create” an unique wand, ornate shield or etched sword. Using a description to blend it in with your character can make it work as well. Just remember to not overdue it or create something that may mess up role-playing for others. An example would be something that can be used to God-Mode another role-player’s actions or force rp on someone.

For those in other games, apply the same principle. If you can, see what the quest reward or item looks like. You never know when something that may be junk or overlooked can be a really nice item to have to use with role-playing. In tabletop games, find an object that fits your character and is a subtle “signature”.

My D&D Example: I had a human mercenary warrior who really, really liked his ale. So much he had a secure holder and lid made into his shield for his “favorite” stein. Yeah, a little “different” but it helped make the rp fun and my character recognizable and memorable in a subtle way.

Hope this helps create a little “magic” for you all.