3D Dungeon/Town Building Sets

[Creamsteak]

I was just browsing and noticed this mageknight set of 3d dungeon terrian, and I know there are many others out there. Which ones are the most successful, does anyone use these, which are most expensive, which are cheap, which look great, and which are just 3d grids? Are there any out there that allow the DM to actually stack layers if they want? What about handling, is it hard to move Minis about inside of an intriquite layout? Hard to see the action? What about outdoor terrain?

Does this subtract from the action? Add to the visual? Would you just rather have counters and a simple grid (or, dare I say it... even less)?

I know that, for the cheapest solutions, you could use cardstock print-outs. I've been considering this for a while, but I sincerely doubt my craftsmanship abilities and the durability. Anyone worked with that? Does it even withstanda spilled drink?

 

[gill_smoke]

I really like the sets from World Works Games (http://www.worldworksgames.com/index.html). I print straight to cardstock and assemble from there. No it doesn't stand up to spilled drinks but stands up to lots of abuse. Visability can be a problem but more importantly our group moves faster one can assemble pieces so our group is going to try the e-tiles from Skeletonkey Games(http://www.skeletonkeygames.com/). There are also the mini pictures from Wizards of the Coast Map a week feature. Most of this stuff is for interiors Penguin labs has Trees and outside terrain to print on cardstock and yes minis (heavy metal ones) do not crush your little model.

We did a conversion of (I6) Ravenloft and I modeled several floors of the castle, using World works' Gothic Dungeons, while we could not stack the main floors the towers came out nicely.

 

[MerricB]

Later this year, Wizards is producing Map Folio 3D, which apparently will allow you to construct a fold-up cardboard town (or similar).

Cheers!

 

[Denny]

Later this year, Wizards is producing Map Folio 3D, which apparently will allow you to construct a fold-up cardboard town (or similar).

Not to pimp my own product but (I saw this thread in my hit tracking) we've already done that at WorldWorks with VillageWorks: http://www.worldworksgames.com/villageworks.html (Makes you wonder where the "big guys" get their inspiration from). You can create hundreds of different buildings with modular stackable levels and roof designs. We are in the process of converting many of our PDF model sets to full print versions for those of you who don't want to print from home. These sets will begin their journey to retail as early as May.

Our Chunky Dungeons 1.5" http://www.worldworksgames.com/chunkydungeons.html set is also being converted to print this May.

Unlike "bigger" companies we take customer input very seriously and the business is largely guided by its users. Support the little guy!

(Since this thread is about the products I produce I had to jump in. I will however understand if you need to delete my post based on forum rules)

Denny

 

[Goobermunch]

There's always Dwarven Forge. I own a few of their sets and have been quite impressed with the craftsmanship and quality. My gaming group feels that they add a positive not to our games.

--G

 

[MythosaAkira]

...VillageWorks: http://www.worldworksgames.com/villageworks.html (Makes you wonder where the "big guys" get their inspiration from).

If we're talking WotC (TSR), probably from products they published in the past with fold-up cardstock buildings, like "Cities of Mystery" (1989), "Castles" (1990), "Strongholds" (1992), etc. It's not really an original concept.

Being able to download a PDF of buildings and print up as many as you want, on the other hand, is nice

 

[MythosaAkira]

Which ones are the most successful, does anyone use these, which are most expensive, which are cheap, which look great, and which are just 3d grids?

I'm partial to MasterMaze (from Dwarven Forge), which is probably the most expensive. The cheapest are probably the PDF-based ones from companies like WorldWorks and Microtactix, though I can't say for certain.

Personally, I think MasterMaze looks great because the pieces are sculpted, rather than flat and textured, making them look the most "realistic". But what I've seen of the PDF scenery is pretty impressive, particularly the WorldWorks stuff. My one big beef with MasterMaze is that the pieces have little "chunks" taken out of the edges for bow-tie connectors, to keep the pieces from sliding around. But I never use them, so they detract slightly from the look.

Further answers are based on MasterMaze (MM), since I don't have experience with the other products (non-electronic or PDF).

Are there any out there that allow the DM to actually stack layers if they want?

You can with MM, though you need to use pieces of the same height for the risers (or the pillar pieces).

What about handling, is it hard to move Minis about inside of an intriquite layout?

It can be, depending on how constricted the layout is, but I generally don't run into any problems.

Hard to see the action?

If you're sitting far away and the walls block your view, yes (this would be the case with any 3D product). But if you're close enough to the scenery/figures, no.

What about outdoor terrain?

Depends on the pieces. Large 3D buildings would get in the way just as much as walls. Trees, fences, etc. - probably not.

Does this subtract from the action? Add to the visual? Would you just rather have counters and a simple grid (or, dare I say it... even less)?

While counters and a grid (or a Chessex battlemat) would be quicker, we prefer regular figures and MasterMaze for the visuals. It helps with some elements as well (making line-of-sight easier to discern, for instance).

 

[Denny]

If we're talking WotC (TSR), probably from products they published in the past with fold-up cardstock buildings, like "Cities of Mystery" (1989), "Castles" (1990), "Strongholds" (1992), etc. It's not really an original concept.

Being able to download a PDF of buildings and print up as many as you want, on the other hand, is nice

Well, credit where credit is due of course and I have nothing but fond memories and respect for those days of old. I do have to say though that quality was certainly lacking in those early releases and because of that many gamers have a warped notion of what cardstock terrain is today. I would like to think that the "new generation" of cardstock models for RPGing have raised the bar to the point where they've become a real viable alternative to other more expensive plaster or plastic cast options. They look just as good (and in some cases better) than molded pieces, they are sturdy enough for multiple replays and you can’t beat the price.

I think gamers are changing their minds about cardstock terrain for the aforementioned reasons and companies like WOTC are taking notice of this grassroots trend. Hopefully small businesses like WorldWorks can maintain some small foothold in the industry we’ve helped revive before it becomes oversaturated with competing products. If you have any doubts about cardstock, its durability, value, quality and any other concerns come join us at the WorldWorks Games forums and talk with other users of the product

 

[kengar]

As a frequent user of Denny's products and poster on his Forums (as "bighara"), I gotta give it up for WorldWorks! Denny's stuff is great-looking and it's easier than you'd think to put together. (You can see some examples of it on my site. Link in sig </pimp> )

 

[Toscadero]

3D Dungeon/Town

I've used some of the skeleton key games and 0one games PDF's. The great thing is that you can print as many as you like. I was interested in trying the Dwarven Forge products, but decided to look for a cheaper alternative. From there, I found the mage knight 3D dungeons but kept looking.

Finally I stumbled on the Hirst Arts Castlemolds at www.hirstarts.com. I've been building and painting my own dungeons and buildings with the Castlemolds for the past 5 months. You can find a great comparison article between Dwarven Forge and Castlemolds at http://www.terrainosaur.com/

Currently I use a mixture of Castlemolds, PDF printout maps and my battlemat. It all depends on the situation, time constraints and the feel that you are trying to evoke. My last meeting lasted four hours and the group investigated a gothic dungeon I had built from the castlemolds. The pieces added a lot to the meeting.

I currently building a 3D Inn that will be the main base for the PC's.