Monster Counters

[JacktheRabbit]

Maybe its just me but I have to say the flat pgo like counters are not the greatest idea in the world.

What I would really like to see would be creatures counters designed just like the old carboard counters used in Battletech. Basically a doulbe sided counter with a small plastic stand. I know Large sized creatures would need larger special bases to show how much space they take up but it would sure look better then all the counters laying down flat on the board.

 

[Lunn]

Steve Jacksson Games put out Cardboard Heros. But I don't remember any large creatures. You may want to check out what is available.

http://sjgames.com/

 

[Holy Bovine]

Also SJG sells the plastic stand separately so you could get Creature Collection from Fiery Dragon for the monsters and use the plastic stands from SJG. The square footage each monster takes up would have to still be kept track of manually but at least the width would be right.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

I just think that standing them up will make most creatures look more impressive then this simple flat sheet.

 

[Anakin]

so...how would one best go about mounting the Counter Collection on balsa? What kinda glue, sealant?, cutting, etc.?

I'm thinking maybe rubber cement (isn't that suppsoed to be good for wood/cardboard applications?), sticking the whole sheet of counters onto a whole sheet of balsa, waiting for it to dry, then hitting it all with the Dremel....

 

[smetzger]

Maybe its just me but I have to say the flat pgo like counters are not the greatest idea in the world.

What I would really like to see would be creatures counters designed just like the old carboard counters used in Battletech. Basically a doulbe sided counter with a small plastic stand. I know Large sized creatures would need larger special bases to show how much space they take up but it would sure look better then all the counters laying down flat on the board.

Its not just you. I agree, I wish they were standups like Cardboard Heroes.

 

[Piratecat]

I believe FDP made them counters because they could get twice as many on a page, thus holding down costs. I like them, myself.

 

[Lunn]

so...how would one best go about mounting the Counter Collection on balsa? What kinda glue, sealant?, cutting, etc.?

I'm thinking maybe rubber cement (isn't that suppsoed to be good for wood/cardboard applications?), sticking the whole sheet of counters onto a whole sheet of balsa, waiting for it to dry, then hitting it all with the Dremel....

I have been using the Permanent Glue Stic from Avery for mounting these counters to balsa. I haven't noticed any problems and it sets-up quickly. I haven't noticed any peel off. But then, I have only been doing this since Xmas.

The balsa I use comes in 2 inch x 3 foot long slats. I use 1/4 inch thick balse. I use a small hobby saw that I have owned for years to cut the balsa. A Dremel might work, I've just never use one.

Here is the method I use. I have been doing this during the game. If your DM need something soon, it doesn't take long to have a set of counter ready.

1. Punch out the counter you are going to mount.
2. Cut a piece of balsa to size.
3. Coat one side of the balsa with the glue.
4. Press back of counter to the glued balsa.
5. Remove any excess glue from around the edges.
6. Place counter face down on a paper towel and press with a stack of books (the PHB, DWG and MM work great for this).
7. Leave under books until set-up has taken place (normally 10 - 15 minutes).

 

[Psion]

Let me be the voice of dissention here and say I do not like the standup counters. I have some (from an old TSR-era adventure game). They are alright. But I dig the Claudio artwork and the capability to put them in categorized ziplocks bags and not have to worry about stands is a plus, and the stand-up counters tend to tip over if anyone at the table breathes.

 

[Crothian]

Let me be the voice of dissention here and say I do not like the standup counters. I have some (from an old TSR-era adventure game). They are alright. But I dig the Claudio artwork and the capability to put them in categorized ziplocks bags and not have to worry about stands is a plus, and the stand-up counters tend to tip over if anyone at the table breathes.

Let me second this. THe flat counters are so nice. You can just reach across the table with a pencil and move them. They don't fall over, they don't hurt when stepped on, and they are easy to store.