Dungeon Accoutrements (Vinyl Map Update 7/9)

[Operator5]

The playtest for Thrilling Fantasy went well and I have been encouraged to schedule another round soon. Since I want to give these new rules the full test, I decided that the next game would give the players just two models each (they had about 30 for the first game). The players would work together against a GM/Random control dungeon. Each player would have a hero and a squire or follower. Now, I would love to use a 3D dungeon, but my Kickstarter Dwarven Forge tiles won’t arrive until October (bummer). And since this is just a play test, I did not want to spend the time building a dungeon when I would rather work on the rules. So I decided to get a 2′ x 3′ map printed (about $34 from uprinting.com). I did want to add some 3D elements though since this is a miniatures game. So, I blew the dust off my tools and set to work

Here is the map I will be using (it’s okay if the players see it, knowing the layout won’t help them much).



The first thing I wanted to do was create some doors to show where the entrance to the rooms are. And, I wanted to be able to represent open and closed doors. With that in mind, I pulled out some scrap PVC sheet (if you have never used the stuff, find a place to get it and you’ll be ecstatic!) I then found two PVC H-Beam scraps about 2″ tall. I glued them to a piece of the PVC sheet to act as the base. I glued them about an inch apart. Then, I took a piece of balsa and sized it to slide within the grooves. Now, I can slide the door out when it is open, or leave it in to show it is closed. Still a bunch of work to do on this first sample. I think I will sculpt a little bit of all up each side to add stability and give it a better visual appeal.

And here is the first shot of the door-in-progress.



I'll post more images and WIP bits as I add scenics for it.

[Jakar Nilson]

Why don't more dungeons have cannons behind doors as traps?

[Operator5]

Never give the GM ideas. 

[beefcake]

What did you get the map printed onto?
That door looks like a good design.

[Operator5]

The map is just slightly heavy poster paper. It's not designed for heavy wear and tear. Though after I sent it to be printed, I found this place bannersinvinyl.com where you can the same size banner done in vinyl for less than $30 (plus shipping of course).

We'll see how the subsequent doors go, I'm going to alter the design slightly so that they can be assembled faster.

[SBRPearce]

Nice. What are the beige-primed figs waiting to leap out at the door-opening character?

[Operator5]

Those are some old metal GW and mixed company skeletons. Though those particular models will not be part of the game, some of their brethren may be. 

Gonna try and give a quick update tonight. We'll see how that goes.

[Operator5]

So, I found a place to get a vinyl map printed (better than the paper one I had ordered) and I got it yesterday. This is a 2' x 3' dungeon map. Easily rolled and stored. The Miniature is a 28mm miniature to show the size. And I included the start of one of the doors on there as well.





Rich