More aids

Today I will delve into the history, the lore, and the incredible contribution of the magical item pictured above;

 THE 6" MEASURING STICK! 

I will also discuss some of the other incredibly dull things we do to enhance our playing of Pulp Alley.

But first...

Previous post covered the boards, the dice and the card holders. Forgot to mention, that the magnetic boards were purchases from the local dollar store. They are inexpensive, slightly larger than 8.5" x 11", and being whiteboards, one can write notes on them if required.

The numbered magnets were made from very thin magnets that were free! I had found a decent supply of real estate advertising, kitchen fridge magnets. I peeled off the advert, then used a hole punch to make the shape, added coloured stickers to match the dice colour, finally added stick on numbers to reinforce the die type. At the time I could only locate 3/4" stickers otherwise I would have completely covered them.

The other magnets are just dollar store finds.

Some of the other stuff that we use, simple measuring sticks, rulers, plot points, & storage.

Measuring sticks
Really a simple thing, but given how many times you need to set up plot points, or figures at least 6" apart, the fact that you walk up to 6", or move up to 12" (double stick) if you run, having a 6" measuring sticks comes in really handy. Mine came from Michael's and were to be used for a wooden palisade, but when I realized what size they were, well there was no going back. They also come in handy during the turns for movement, checking for close range, etc. The rulers are also hand too.

Yeah I know a tape measure is pretty good too, but it can be so much easier just to place the stick, or multiple sticks if you have to place a plot point at least 6" from a number of figures. The use of a preset ruler trumps the awkwardness that sometimes happens when using a tape measure.

The little blast markers were borrowed from another game (Blotz makes something like them) We use these to keep track of combat actions taken during a turn. Of course any marker will do, but these have a certain slam, bang feel to them. I just ordered some from Blotz so I will soon see how they compare.

Everything in its place

Dollar store storage is my way of keeping all the little scenic bits, plot points and other markers organized. For plot points I try to avoid simple markers as I prefer something more three dimensional. 

These plot points are a sample and were used in our playing of the Vice City campaign. So two robbery markers, a murder victim, and a kidnapping. Still a work in progress, there are as many plot points as you can imagine, the charts in the books give you some ideas.