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.

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## 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.

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![goblin.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/thecrazygm/AK3eEu4PzohqCjsdLE72MSLUGhJKdBR1MPntbZUt4faBm5XtZPGUAKk4kGYPsBQ.png)

## 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.

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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