3-D Settings and Miniatures

[taliesin15]

On one of those map threads I was reflecting that I've done topo style maps in some detail for very hilly areas--there's a practical problem though with these outdoor areas--that is areas that are more 3-D, like forests with very tall trees, or mountainous/canyonland type areas as well--its kind of hard using miniatures during game sessions...seems like what I did was simulate PCs and NPCs at different levels using upside down ashtrays and cups and the like, and of course there are some expensive toys that do this, but seems like the former looks pretty unrealistic, and the latter too expensive and bulky to be really practicable (not to mention are there products out there with the specific series of slopes I want to use?)

I'd really like to run some adventures in these kind of 3-D outdoor settings because it seems like it could be refreshing and realistic...think of forests or hill areas one has been...or books detailing battles in such settings (Civil War battles in rural Tennessee and Virginia come to mind)--it just seems like there's something we're missing with the 2-D nature of using minis on a flat grid.

 

[frankthedm]

It is called terrain. Unfortunatly, you have to move beyond the grid to use it.

Styrofoam, glue and paint.

http://www.terragenesis.co.uk

http://www.terragenesis.co.uk/infopages/page369.html

 

[rgard]

On one of those map threads I was reflecting that I've done topo style maps in some detail for very hilly areas--there's a practical problem though with these outdoor areas--that is areas that are more 3-D, like forests with very tall trees, or mountainous/canyonland type areas as well--its kind of hard using miniatures during game sessions...seems like what I did was simulate PCs and NPCs at different levels using upside down ashtrays and cups and the like, and of course there are some expensive toys that do this, but seems like the former looks pretty unrealistic, and the latter too expensive and bulky to be really practicable (not to mention are there products out there with the specific series of slopes I want to use?)

I'd really like to run some adventures in these kind of 3-D outdoor settings because it seems like it could be refreshing and realistic...think of forests or hill areas one has been...or books detailing battles in such settings (Civil War battles in rural Tennessee and Virginia come to mind)--it just seems like there's something we're missing with the 2-D nature of using minis on a flat grid.

Those are great links posted by Frank. You can also pick up GW's 'How to make wargame terrain' or something titled like that. It's a great book and walks you through making the terrain too.

And as Frank said, you have to get beyond the grid, but use a yard stick and you will be good to go.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[TheAuldGrump]

Quick 'n' Dirty Forests.... Go to model railroad stores, and get the Woodland Scenics tree kits (a bag of plastic trees for about twelve dollars). Take a bunch of AOL disks, glue the tree bases on 'em, cover the disk and part of the bases with sand, and spray 'em black, dry brush the bases with cheap brown acrylic craft paint, dry brush again with grey, this time getting the sand too. Paint and assemble the trees (in that order...) and glue into the bases. Get some turf or modelling flock from either Woodland Scenics or Games Workshop and glue in patches on the disks - putting it down in patches rather than covering the base allows you to stretch out a package of flock quite a bit. Spray with a sealer. Done.

You can make a forest pretty darned quickly that way, and can lay it out as desired on the table top. And you can get rid of all those AOL CDs, your CDs that got burned wrong and became coasters, and your sister's Boy Band collection.

I am also passing fond of cardstock terrain from such companies as World Works Games and Fat Dragon Games. And if you have the energy Hirst Arts makes a wonderful series of molds for casting buildings out of hydrocal.

The Auld Grump, who needs to make some more forests for his Hordes games....