Difficulties using the dungeon tiles from Wizards of the Coast

[Ktulu]

Once I started using the sticky-tac stuff, I've had almost no qualms or issues using dungeon tiles.

I still don't use them as often as I use my Fantastic Locations maps, but they get plenty of play at the table.

 

[Daniel D. Fox]

I find them to be useful, yet a bit unwieldy due to the diminished sizes. I have personally purchased four sets of the last five releases.

The price is very affordable, but it comes down to whether you as a DM or player want to justify spending that much. Personally, I'd rather use Dungeon Tiles than drawing out the map on a featureless markerboard. However, there is something to be spoken about pre-drawing your maps on 1x1 grid paper they offer in massive sheets at Office Max. A pad is around 35 bucks, which I've used in conjunction with the Map Tiles.

 

[darjr]

I've got some. And I have used them effectively. But I quickly tired of the effort and abandoned them and went back to my battle mat. I love that thing.

I do love the dungeon dressing tile pieces and am using them on my battle mat.

I have interest in the boat tiles. That sounds like a great use for them, modular ships and vehicles, maybe some buildings. That and dungeon dressing/obstacles/terrain is what I want out of them now.

 

[alleynbard]

Again, the idea is not to replicate the environment in every detail, but in those details that make up the salient tactical 'texture' of the encounter.

—Siran Dunmorgan

I do the same thing on occasion. To be honest, I often did the same thing when I used a dry erase battlemat. I could never completely replicate what the area looked like just drawing by hand. So if I am going to fudge a bit, I would rather use the tiles so it looks pretty.

Besides, its not like my players know what the map really looks like.

 

[alleynbard]

Personally, I'd rather use Dungeon Tiles than drawing out the map on a featureless markerboard.

I have the same philosophy. The tiles bring something to the game.

I tried to use Dwarven Forge and cardstock models in the past but so many miniatures have protruding weapons or other features it made moving minis a pain in the butt. So tiles work best for me.

 

[alleynbard]

#1: If you buy enough to have options, you have too many to easily organize.

I placed mine in one of those stackable, tupperware drawer units. I organized them by type (outdoor, dungeon, etc.) and, if there are enough to warrant it, by size. No problems finding what I need.

I don't find them that expensive for what they give me in return. But I do agree that they are more expensive than other options. I likely have about 20 or more sets as it stands. It is nice being able to pull tiles as I need them. But then, like I said, I prep them ahead of time.

Finally, I don't have sliding problems because I sticky them to black foamcore. But if they are used "as-is" that can be a problem. I very often had dungeons disrupted by a careless hand or arm.

 

[alleynbard]

02-25-09_grymvald_group - a set on Flickr


I've used foamboard and electrical tape to build small dungeons, as shown on that flickr gallery. I had that built for several weeks as the group worked through it and it did not damage the tiles at all. I transported them in an art portfolio I picked up on sale at Blicks. Worked great!

Looks familiar. Your layout is just like mine, only mine is black. I agree, it works wonderfully.

 

[alleynbard]

It should be noted when I started using tiles I designed my own. Those worked out well, but I never seemed to have enough time to crank out the tiles I needed for a game session.

That's why I started to depend on other companies to do the work for me.

I still turn out a few tiles here and there. Since I just lost my job, maybe I should get back into tile making for my games. Would be a lot of fun and keep my mind busy as I hunt for a job.

Edit: I changed the word "business". I was using the term loosely and thought I better qualify. Though I am a graphics guy by trade.

 

[Mark]

Would be a lot of fun and keep my mind busy as I hunt for a job.

Have you networked with some other EN Worlders like Crothian?

 

[alleynbard]

Have you networked with some other EN Worlders like Crothian?

No, I haven't actually.