Happy Lazy Sunday, everyone.
Today's GM advice is an improv technique I call "What's in Their Pockets?" It’s a simple, zero-prep tool for making your world feel more real and lived-in.
The Scenario
We’ve all been in this situation. The party has just defeated a handful of generic enemies—some city guards, a few goblins, a couple of bandits. The combat is over, and the first thing the players say is, "I loot the bodies."
The boring, default GM answer is usually something like, "You find 3 gold pieces and a rusty shortsword." It’s functional, but it’s a missed opportunity. We can do better with almost no extra effort.
The Technique: Add One Personal Item
Here’s the trick: when the players loot a generic NPC, give them the standard loot, but also add one small, mundane, personal item. This item shouldn't be magical or valuable. Its purpose is purely narrative. It's a tiny clue about the life this person lived before they met the party.
This small detail can instantly transform a faceless enemy into a person, adding a surprising amount of depth to the world.
Examples in Action
- The Goblin: Instead of just finding a few copper pieces, the players also find a smooth, perfectly round river stone tucked into a small pouch. It's not magic; the goblin just thought it was neat.
- The City Guard: Along with his standard-issue gear, he has a half-eaten apple and a small, folded drawing of a stick-figure knight, clearly made by a child.
- The Cultist: In a pocket of their dark robes, they have a worn wooden token from a village harvest festival. A reminder of a life they lived before their dark pact.
These tiny, insignificant items can spark unexpected moments of roleplaying and reflection. They remind the players that the world is populated by people, not just stat blocks. It's a simple technique that requires zero preparation and is a perfect tool for a lazy GM.
As always,
Michael Garcia a.k.a. TheCrazyGM