At the start of the second adventure path, we're supposed to have the players find a bloody note at the murder scene. I love it. I've also loved using the handouts that I've found on here. (Special thanks to Lilith for that amazing artwork and to Greg Volz for his letters in both Minkai and English, it really gave my Minkai PC a chance to feel special.) So, my next task is to make the bloody note. Making the note itself is easily done. The blood is giving me pause. I'm certainly not going to use real blood. For one, gross. For two, unhygenic. So, with that not an option, does anyone know a good way to fake dried blood? Has anyone else tried making these notes before?
I'm certainly not going to use real blood. For one, gross. For two, unhygenic.
I will use pigs blood - so that the note is still wet and terrifying. Remember: it should be gross. (and blood is ihmo not "unhygenic" - just wash your hands ;))
Some brown watercolor paint with a little red and a touch of black mixed in works wonderfully for dried blood. The "kids" style Prang or Crayola paints work well for this - soup it up nice and thick, then dribble it onto the paper. If you're looking for more of a "spray" effect, knock the brush against a finger (you might want to practice first to get an idea of how it will look). Don't be afraid to smear with your fingers either. :D
*loves making props*
......
*loves making props*
Oooh! I'm as giddy as a child in a sweet shop!
Would you care to expand on this and tell us all what other props you have created for RotRL?:-)
Oooh! I'm as giddy as a child in a sweet shop!
Would you care to expand on this and tell us all what other props you have created for RotRL?
I haven't actually ran RotRL, so I haven't made any props specifically for the AP...but I do love being crafty with handouts and whatnot. Feel free to ask questions and I'll tell you how I would go about doing them. :)
Pig's blood and Crayola on the same thread...
It could only happen here:)
Have fun chaps and ladies.
Rich
As it just so happens, I'm about to go out shopping in a region that has both a Toys 'R Us and a butcher. I think I'm going to have to investigate these options in a more hands on and wallet bearing fashion. I think I'm warming to the pig's blood idea, that's great. People blood I'd have problems with, but pig's blood would just be cool. If that turns out not to be an option, that colour mix of paints would be a good idea. and in fact, I think I might just write the note, cover my hands in paint, and then handle it a bit. It'll make it 'authentic'. I'll have to decide if I hand write the note while bloody handed or slather on the blood after. I'll also have to take pictures when I'm done so you can all bask in how awesome I am for being able to follow suggestions. ;)
As it just so happens, I'm about to go out shopping in a region that has both a Toys 'R Us and a butcher.
Um. That's...convenient. ;)
People blood I'd have problems with, but pig's blood would just be cool. If that turns out not to be an option, that colour mix of paints would be a good idea. and in fact, I think I might just write the note, cover my hands in paint, and then handle it a bit. It'll make it 'authentic'. I'll have to decide if I hand write the note while bloody handed or slather on the blood after. I'll also have to take pictures when I'm done so you can all bask in how awesome I am for being able to follow suggestions. ;)
Now, pork blood might be too pale - you might want to add food coloring to it to make it a bit darker (beef blood would be even better, but still not dark enough for venal/arterial blood). Get one of those cheap-o brush tip pens to write the note - that would be a nice touch. I would write it "bloody handed" and embellish after. If you want that "fresh blood" sheen to watercolor paint, add a drop or two of glycerin (glycerin is available in the cake decorating supply stores).
You could also use the movie-prop standby of corn syrup and food coloring. Dry it the paper in a low-temp oven (200 degree Fahrenheit should do it), particularly if you use blood or the syrup method. Should also give the paper a nice crisp crackle to it as your players unfold it.
And yes, please post pictures. :D