D&D Players And DMs Share Creative Tips For Alternative Minis

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One of the best features of is how imaginative the game can be, inspiring story-rich roleplaying through the companionship of a party of adventurers and friends. Creativity and improv are often hallmarks of a fun session, but that doesn't necessarily have to be relegated to the narrative being told. Sometimes, with the right people, visual representations can be just as inventive as any spoken word can be. Often, the more unique and silly it is, the better for creating an engaging and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Recently, Reddit user Whats_Up4444 posted a story about their neighbor, who is a DM, who was seen purchasing a giant red dragon plushie holding a bottle of Tabasco sauce to be used in her upcoming session.

The post inspired over a hundred comments, many of whom were from people sharing their own experiences with alternative miniatures used in games. Although professionally made minis, or even 3D printed models, can be beautiful and detailed representations of things outlined in official game materials, sometimes using children's toys or candies can just be a lot more fun for everyone, and certainly create some more motivation in battle.

Whether it's a DM wanting to do something fun and unique, or a case where the DM doesn't have enough time to prepare, alternative minis are a good choice. Using something unexpected for a miniature for a game can create some of the best and most memorable games, and in an unexpected twist, has the possibility of causing players to become more immersed in the experience rather than taking them out of it.

One comment on the thread from awetsasquatch mentions how a friend used desserts as enemies in a game, with the BBEG being a full cheesecake that would be awarded to whoever managed the final blow. With the party members knowing that they could eat what they killed, many became even more invested in the experience. Others mention using children's toys, alcohol, LEGOs, or plushies similar to what the original