GM Tip of the Week

Minatures. Very few words strike fear into the hearts of GMs like that one can.

Fortunately, you don’t really need to go and spend a stupid amount of money at your FLGS, or make a crazy order from Reaper Miniatures, Oathsworn, Bombshell or any one of a whole bunch of other companies (… although I encourage you all to take a look at the offerings, just on principle). Paizo Games also has a functional line of cardboard pawns that can be quite useful. You can use literally anything for miniatures, and don’t need to spend a lot of money to get most of it.
Candy or food bits has the fun option of letting the player who took out your mob eat the vanquished foe. Make note of player allergies, however, and you should probably not use anything sticky or that might roll or leave residue.
Glass blobs are good for mooks, and one can also use stones, poker chips or just about anything else to represent both player characters and opponents. These can often be found in larger sizes, and they make very nice oozes just by themselves.
Make your own cardboard pawns; bribe the group’s resident artist for the illustrations, if you’re lucky enough to have a resident artist. Most artists will take cash, but many will accept other bribes, or trade in skill. It depends on the artist.

If you absolutely have to have miniatures …
Reaper’s Bones line is cheap, and easy to work with; wash, boil to straighten warping, if needed, and paint away. Or just throw coloured washes on them and call it good; no one will complain if they’re not fancy.
Paizo’s cardboard pawns are likewise a decent investment. I have not yet figured out a really good way to store them, they are an efficient choice and allow for some surprising flexibility.

Virtual tables are a little easier on the miniature front, but one has to find the images one wishes to make tokens out of. There is freely available clip art all over the place, and there is always the option of asking someone who’s work blows your mind if they would object to you using their images. Some may even be willing to put together thumbnail packs for you, if you are willing to throw money at them for the purpose.

I feel I should note that many artists are – understandably – reluctant to allow their work to be used freely. Don’t be surprised, or hurt, if they say no.

Excel can be made to make simple maps, although I’m not sure myself how. Someone who does may feel free to comment; I invite knowledgeable sorts to do so.