Check out Lukes channel for some amazingly useful terrain tutorials and hobby motivation! ua-cam.com/channels/smD5774MOQhjYBkXqu3Jdw.html US GUIDE to 10mm foam Because it's hard to cut down the 6" and 12" tiles with a hot wire, it might be worth making these just that little bit thicker and just slapping the chipboard on the bottom of the half inch foam. The only thing you lose here is direct compatibility with the archive building floor tiles, though even then you can still use them together, they'll just be a bit shorter. Drop me a comment if you have any more questions about this. Alternatively You can just use a rolling pin to flatten the 1/2" piece down enough to fit the chipboard beneath, which is easier to do if you do it to a small section of the foam at a time.
Love those embankments, I hate seeing swaths of flat grasslands. When I was younger we used to use green play dough slapped onto the game table and formed into knolls and slopes. Got kind of gross by the end of a season though, ugh!
I can imagine! Keeping things rolling and realistic is part of my plans for all natural tiles in future, I think it's somewhere crafted terrain has a real advantage over printed or purchased terrain in making it playable. Ground covers and static grass give minis much more purchase on it than smooth resin/plastic :)
I just want to say I'm super excited to see that Luke did a collaboration with you, as that means you should be getting some much deserved attention! I don't really even make terrain, but I've found your system to be really inspiring, so I keep watching to see what you do with it. And I'm always incredibly impressed!
Thanks Austin! Yeah Luke has been great to be honest, really helpful to a small growing channel like me and just generally a good laugh to work with - If you get a chance I highly recommend checking out his version of this video :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial thank you, but this is a game changer. I love this and I love how much thought went into this. Great video, great build. This is splendid!
Thanks, been looking for the best way to make a modular set of Gaslands Tiles with road and dirt sections - you just gave me the last bit I needed design wise. My biggest problem is cutting with no hot wire as I have bad hands and eyes, but I'm working on a jig that will should allow me to cut up to 10mm foam in the same way as using using a rotary cutter on paper or a matt cutter on card. Good to see someone using the same foam as me as well as the properties seem slightly different than the blue stuff.
I'm so happy to have found your channel thanks to your appearance on GGS! I've been on a proper binge. You've got me thinking how to adapt your castle ramparts to make jettying upper floors on buildings...
Hey Matt, wonderful and brilliant video! You and Luke are great. Definitely been looking to join the world of static grass and now I think I have to. Cheers!
Love it!! I have similar pet hates of battle mats. Been trying to think of a way to make and store something exactly like this! Thank you! Even the storage issue I love, can't wait to see how you make them
Glad to hear I'm not the only one 😅 The storage video should be coming soon (ish 🤞). I won't be releasing next week because I'll be on my first family holiday in years (and this video took two weeks!) But as soon as I come back its one of the two first videos I have planned 👍
Great boards, love the tips. Have a cheap large wooden box from The Works, part fill with sand, instant woodland scenics level box,and easy cleanup,if like me overspill some.
Thanks Paul! Good for the plaster, definitely but for the static grass you want a clean surface so you can brush up the excess and reuse it :) a stocking over the end of a hoover is useful here!
These turned out really great. I hope you make modular roads and rivers as well. A lot of river tiles I’ve seen sit on top of mats and give an unnatural elevated look. Love your channel.
They're definitely on the list, I have some really cool plans for them too :) Totally agree on the raised rivers btw, it's part of the motivation for this tile system :)
It got me started that's for sure! The difference working with better equipment now is like night and day though, can't thank my patrons enough for helping me fund upgrades like that :)
I like your clean painting style. Slightly weathered, neat :) Thanks for the video! Static grass adds something to realism. I'm not a gamer (I like this gaming world/universe though) but what you do is quite artsy too 👏
@@RPArchiveOfficial Don't do it for the subs mate. Forget the algorithm because it's absolute shite anyway. Do it because you love it and want to share your ideas with the community. Keep doing exactly what you're doing and the subs will come.
these make me think of an old channel i used to watch where the guy made scenery for flames of war...forget the name but he made modular pieces just like this (using toothpicks too i think!) and equally as epic looking. thanks for sharing :)
Just found your channel, this is awesome. I recently have gotten into Geek Gaming products, your videos are super useful. Especially the modular Mountain
My god these look great, I've seen Luke make some other boards but these top the cake with how versatile they can be. and lucky us ... getting 2 videos within a week :D (edit: just read the community post)
Haha, yeah sorry to break the bubble on that, much as I'd love to release more often, I think I might break the space-time continuum if I did...these things take forever to make! Oh and they will only get more versatile, I have such plans for this system...
I am a 13 year old DM and i always wanted to make things like this and you are kind of my model. I wanted to keep things in budget and now i can! Thank you( don’t look to my bad English, i am from Europe ;)
That is amazing to hear man! If you need any help or advice just let me know 😁 And your English is pretty good! A lot better than my.... Name a language 😂
How do even come up with all of this? It’s actually incredible! One of these days after I’m finally satisfied with my number of miniatures (or at least semi-satisfied) I’m definitely building some of these.
For that kind of mold, it can be useful to have a tray/pan of sand for support rather than putting blocks under the corners. You get even support across the mold and a really stable molding platform.
I've never support the idea of terrain and scenery for DnD, because it take ages to build, paint and get boring/repetitive the more you use it. But this makes so much sense and is the first time I've seen someone make a small tile based modular system. I'm final a believer and supporter of terrain and scenery in DnD.
I would love to see one of your games, maybe on an alternate channel or a stream to see these used in practice and how long it takes to change things up when your players inevitably do something unexpected
Here's the thing about being a terrain dm, and BMC has talked about this in the past - you don't HAVE to use terrain for EVERYTHING. Especially if your players decide to upend your rough plans/options without warning. At the end of the day, you're putting effort in so they can enjoy the game more - if they decide to circumvent that, it isn't your responsibility to desperately follow along and show terrain at the same quality you had planned. It's their loss, and sometimes that's worth it for them to naturally change their plans. If they're the kind of players who are almost obnoxiously trying to catch you out or force you to change plans just to be trolls though, that's another problem/conversation that needs to be had, because that's... More than a little unfair. Though, the more modular the terrain, the easier you can just turn on a pin like that... I often find I can make it work even if plans change, and if it takes a little longer, I give them the option - get a cup of tea while I sort the terrain, or just go without for this encounter. I've never had a problem with it :)
First - this is brilliant. Second - I have done the "sticks to hold stuff together" like you do with the sticks. I ran into the problem that after in and out several times the holes get larger and it no longer fit snug. Have you come up with a way to solve this? I was thinking magnets somehow... Third - This is brilliant!
Honestly? I've found that with xps foam which tends to re-expand a little, plus the bbq skewer being a bit thicker than a cocktail stick, it seems to reset itself pretty well. I can't yet speak for the long term obviously, but I already have a method in mind to adapt it for magnets - I'd just rather not because sticks/tabs havre more stability benefits :)
Check out my first video, I talk about how the grid is totally not needed, especially in a game with a dm arbitrator :) It actually slows down movement and measures at longer distances, like outdoor environments...
Hey, I’m still pretty young but I’ve been into this community for about 4 years now. I’ve just recently found your channel and think that it is absolutely MIND BLOWING. I’m going to come into a lot of time soon and was considering starting to make my own videos. It would be really cool if you could give me your thoughts on that or just read this comment. Again, I absolutely love what you’re doing and can’t wait to see more revolutionary ideas from you!
Hey man, great to hear you're getting into the hobby! Make videos if you want to make videos man, maybe do some documenting your hobby journey as you get into it? That'd be cool :)
at about 8:10 you talk about weight and sizes of the miniatures. i have only regiment bases (about 10x10cm) which are all magnetized and steel trays. not too heavy, but also not as light as plastic bases... Do you think they are too heavy for the static grass? cheers
If the majority are plastic, the base isn't stupidly heavy and you give the grass 3 coats of scenic sealant and a Matt varnish spray on top, I think you should be OK for casual use. Gaming club level abuse will probably still flatten it over time though. You can get some longer term resilience by spraying the pieces with matt varnish after each use, if you REALLY want to make sure....
When i look at this i see opportunity when it comes to dnd. Now if you have a standard play matt you might draw some trees for a grass land and maybe a rock. In this i could see a ranger ducking for cover behind rocks to get half or 3/4 cover and so many ways to just think about and use terrain
As a note, any form of static should work to get the grass to stand up, so you can try this without an applicator. I've even had luck using a party balloon that I've rubbed on my head for a few seconds!
How would you protect the edges of these tiles? I'm looking at making some 11x15in tiles and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to make them tough enough to stand storage...etc
'stackable' in the thumbnail refers to the ability to use them stacked on mountainblocks to create multi layered terrain mainly. It only partially refers to the storage box that let's you're store them in close proximity safely. Not technically stacking, but close enough to it in result :)
So for us ‘Merkins, pound shop varnish is basically like a Krylon clear coat spray? Also, any recommendations on the best inexpensive PVA for the grass? Mod Podge or basic Elmer’s? Or more like wood glue in viscosity?
It's true - I've been following Luke for a while and he's the aesthetic god of gaming supplies. The combination of you two can outperform WETA workshops, I'm pretty sure.
I know you probably won't have time to answer this question, but what would you recommend as a beginner? Like, what ist the number 1 must have? Specifically for D&D?
No 1 must have specifically for terrain? I'd say start with the wall and temple system, my first few videos. The dungeon tiles are easy to make and let you make rooms without walls that you can add walls to later with the magnetic building system The stair pieces let you show stairs, temples, settlement walls and more if you get creative, and they're one of the easiest builds Building the battlements for it is a bit more optional for a beginner as they're a little more complex, but might be a good project to push your skills to that next level. If not, try the magnetic building system's walls and columns. They're pretty simple to build and they'll get you started with magnets. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions :)
Love everything you do on your channel. Currently trying to make these and I have noticed that you use magnets on your hills grassland tiles. One thing I am a little confused about is if I want to place magnets on larger tiles (12x12 inch) where would I place them? Or, would you suggest only doing 6x6/3x3 only? I am hoping to do some of each of the grassland/road/hills tiles soon, so this would be a big help to keep them all on magnets. Thanks!
@@RPArchiveOfficial Yes, but I ended up going with 3D printing tiles and using the rest of your systems on top of the 3D printed tiles, love it so far! Using your system for magnets, flocking, and details on blank tiles pretty much
Apologies for being pedantic but the base layers isn’t chip board, it’s hardboard (Yanks call it maisonite). Just don’t want people ordering the wrong stuff to make their own beautiful scenery.
Interesting! It seems to be called chipboard online, and in the links to the brand I use that I have on my equipment list though... so from that perspective, I think sticking with chipboard as a name would be less confusing, though I might add some of this info to the entry in the equipment list if I get a chance :)
I have a question regarding dnd mins and raised bases. I have been using the standard WotC and WizKids Nolzurs bases, but i was planning on upgrading to raised bases like you have on many of your minis. First off, where do you find these bases reliably? And second, am i able to remove my minis from their current bases and attach them to new raised ones? If so, how?
The next video is literally all about this subject, coming within the week :) you can tear them off the old ones with clippers, aim to damage the old base, not the mini obviously, I show a bit of doing this in the wall crawling monsters video. As for bases you can order them from games workshop or reaper, you want 20mm(small) 25mm(medium), 50mm(large), 75mm(huge) etc :)
I've watched you applying the grass several times in this video, do you use long grass then short grass? Or you mix the long and short grass together of like colors? I'm eager to start your modular grasslands they look amazing, then move over to your caves. I've done a ton of crafting and I'm finally getting good enough to tackle something like this
Only thing I'm confused by is that at 01:32 the note on the bottom says that it'll be in your pinned comment on the video - did that pinned comment get deleted or?
Yes, I've since upgraded :) I don't grout or trim the edges any more either, i have plans for magnetic dirt attachments that work a bit like the balconies to hide the sides of the tiles when needed...
Started with warhammer when younger, picked up some basics from UA-cam years ago but most is experimentation and self taught, alongside seeking out new ideas online wherever I can find them (and crediting the originator!) I've got some getting started videos, I highly recommend black magic crafts older getting started videos, and my Patreon discord has a lovely community that loves to help out newcomers :)
Hey, I'm not sure where to find the video about making your own Scenic sealant. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could send it my way! Specifically the one geek gaming scenics made for static grass.
I show it in the grasslands video I believe, either that or the modular hanging moss video from way back :) but the recipe is pretty simple and in every pinned comment where I use it!
It wouldn't blend as well and it'd look stomped flat everywhere, you can still do it, but I'd advise getting an applicator, they're a lot of fun and you'll get long term use out of a decent one, especially if you make your own tufts (cheaper)
I absolutely love these. You've thrown me into yet another crisis on whether i prefer a grid or not (which honestly happens about monthly at this point). A question -- I often find myself 3D printing some stuff and they don't have bases, so i've taken to using a 1in washer and basing it with whatever is appropes for the miniature. But for this, with the static grass-- that be too heavy, then and crush it, correct? I mean, i know i can easily print bases with the lip like that, but for some reason, i can't bring myself to print miniature bases. I've not had the chance to work with static grass yet, though it's on my list, esp after watching this amazing video!
Hi Kate! Sorry for not replying, UA-cam flagged your comment as spam for some reason :/ Anyway, I'll be doing a video soon on why those lipped edge bases are better, it's more than just the static grass, but washers shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as you seal the grass properly the way I say here with multiple coats of sealant. It's pretty solid after that. That hill giant is solid weighty plastic and is on a flat base (which I will be rectifying soon!) and the grass barely flinched. Seriously though, if you can print those bases - do. they are So. Much. Better, and I only realised this when moving from wargaming to D&D more recently! Washers will be ok, but their weight is more of a problem than a benefit when tying to keep them standing in the right place on slopes and things like that. plus they make the mini more likely to break off the base if you drop them, because of the weight :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thank you for the answer and great content. I have a static grass applicator on the way in the post so hopefully I'll be making something close to the stunning terrain shown in this video soon.
I'll be honest, the white splotches don't look like problems, they look very much like rocks. I can't tell you a specific rock name but those white splotches I see on rocks when I'm out hiking.
I know you are looking at lower cost, but this is a perfect example of where crafting with a 3-D printer makes sense if you have one. You use crafting techniques shown and then combine the flat rocks from a 3-D printer instead of a plaster mold. You save a ton of your time with the rocks and don't have the print time of the rest of the tiles. Believe it or not you can create the bases in 1/10 the time of doing it on a printer, but the rock printed is faster on a 3-D printer. Some have said, "Well then you have lines." I promise that you can take a very cheap FDM printer and slow down the settings and still print realistic rocks especially with non-straight contours like your molds. ua-cam.com/video/qDW7g3JOqLA/v-deo.html This video shows you how to do your settings.
Just did some today! 😁 200 degrees Celsius, and in a very British answer 'until its dry' 😂 Seriously though, 2-3 hours ish? You could probably get away with less, and it depends how much and how deep, this was an old frying pan full 😁
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thank you very much! While a bug crawling out of base might add a bit of spectacle, it's something I can definitely live without. ;)
This video doesn't help the idea in my head that every British terrain painting/crafting channel basically lives a short drive away from one another...
It's pretty true. I could get to guy at midwinter minis in less than a day, easy :) That said, you can get to damn near anywhere in the UK in less than a day 😂
ok so you say to come here for grass tiles from the magnetic dirt tile video and then not only is this video irrelevant to that one, you also dont show how to make those grass slabs, keep up the good work but you need to organize this shit and remake some videos my friend
I said the new magnetic grass video that is currently on patreon for a few months before public release I believe? This is the older original video Reworking old videos is something I'm working on, but it takes time :)
Not gonna lie, it really feels like you just mailed him the stuff instead of truly collaborating because you guys don't show up in the same shot, but that could be covid safety.
![One Terrain for All Games - Brutal Cities [MDF]](/img/n.gif)
Check out Lukes channel for some amazingly useful terrain tutorials and hobby motivation! ua-cam.com/channels/smD5774MOQhjYBkXqu3Jdw.html
US GUIDE to 10mm foam
Because it's hard to cut down the 6" and 12" tiles with a hot wire, it might be worth making these just that little bit thicker and just slapping the chipboard on the bottom of the half inch foam.
The only thing you lose here is direct compatibility with the archive building floor tiles, though even then you can still use them together, they'll just be a bit shorter. Drop me a comment if you have any more questions about this.
Alternatively You can just use a rolling pin to flatten the 1/2" piece down enough to fit the chipboard beneath, which is easier to do if you do it to a small section of the foam at a time.
Always blown away by the thought, planning and cleverness that goes into your system. Nicely done!
Thanks Eric :) I spend a lot (some might say obsessive) of time thinking about how to make these systems work so it's nice when people can tell!
I love this community.
I just love the modularity and compatibility of everything. Great video 😃
Thanks Pepko!
Love those embankments, I hate seeing swaths of flat grasslands. When I was younger we used to use green play dough slapped onto the game table and formed into knolls and slopes. Got kind of gross by the end of a season though, ugh!
I can imagine! Keeping things rolling and realistic is part of my plans for all natural tiles in future, I think it's somewhere crafted terrain has a real advantage over printed or purchased terrain in making it playable.
Ground covers and static grass give minis much more purchase on it than smooth resin/plastic :)
Wow, the tie up has done your channel a deserved world of good!
Thanks man! Yeah it's been awesome seeing all these new subs and views this week :)
I just want to say I'm super excited to see that Luke did a collaboration with you, as that means you should be getting some much deserved attention! I don't really even make terrain, but I've found your system to be really inspiring, so I keep watching to see what you do with it. And I'm always incredibly impressed!
Thanks Austin! Yeah Luke has been great to be honest, really helpful to a small growing channel like me and just generally a good laugh to work with - If you get a chance I highly recommend checking out his version of this video :)
This is absolutely genius!!!! You keep on innovation the tabletop game!
Thanks Franky! You've done some great stuff too, you've got such a unique style :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial thank you, but this is a game changer. I love this and I love how much thought went into this. Great video, great build. This is splendid!
Thanks a lot man, it's really nice when the effort that goes into this stuff is recognised :)
Thanks, been looking for the best way to make a modular set of Gaslands Tiles with road and dirt sections - you just gave me the last bit I needed design wise. My biggest problem is cutting with no hot wire as I have bad hands and eyes, but I'm working on a jig that will should allow me to cut up to 10mm foam in the same way as using using a rotary cutter on paper or a matt cutter on card. Good to see someone using the same foam as me as well as the properties seem slightly different than the blue stuff.
Happy to help :) yeah the grey foam has qualities all its own, but it's not all good...
I'm so happy to have found your channel thanks to your appearance on GGS! I've been on a proper binge.
You've got me thinking how to adapt your castle ramparts to make jettying upper floors on buildings...
Oh that's coming as a video, I've just been busy ;)
@@RPArchiveOfficial I will replace all that thinking with doing, then. I have some foam to cut...
Oh man, another great video! These tiles look stunning! Another project for me to add onto the continually expanding crafting list 😂
Happy to be fuelling your craft pile ;)
Excellent! 😃
Adding the dynamic shots was probably a pain, but I think it was worth it!
Thanks! Glad you liked them :)
Oh they turned out amazing! will have to replicate this just for myself one day.
Thanks! I'm pretty happy with them :)
Hey Matt, wonderful and brilliant video! You and Luke are great. Definitely been looking to join the world of static grass and now I think I have to. Cheers!
Dooo iiit :) you won't regret it haha
Love it!! I have similar pet hates of battle mats. Been trying to think of a way to make and store something exactly like this! Thank you! Even the storage issue I love, can't wait to see how you make them
Glad to hear I'm not the only one 😅
The storage video should be coming soon (ish 🤞). I won't be releasing next week because I'll be on my first family holiday in years (and this video took two weeks!)
But as soon as I come back its one of the two first videos I have planned 👍
Great boards, love the tips. Have a cheap large wooden box from The Works, part fill with sand, instant woodland scenics level box,and easy cleanup,if like me overspill some.
Thanks Paul! Good for the plaster, definitely but for the static grass you want a clean surface so you can brush up the excess and reuse it :) a stocking over the end of a hoover is useful here!
You've really got some brilliant ideas on this channel. Keep 'em coming!
Will do!
I really like Lukes base-ready mixes
They are solid. Makes a lot of things in terrain building easier.
These turned out really great. I hope you make modular roads and rivers as well. A lot of river tiles I’ve seen sit on top of mats and give an unnatural elevated look. Love your channel.
They're definitely on the list, I have some really cool plans for them too :)
Totally agree on the raised rivers btw, it's part of the motivation for this tile system :)
You deserve soooo much more attention from the hobby community!! I genually hope you get everything you deserve!! Congrats my bro 💪
Thanks Pedro! I think I'm getting there slowly 😅
Two desk lamps and a cell phone camera works really well!
It got me started that's for sure!
The difference working with better equipment now is like night and day though, can't thank my patrons enough for helping me fund upgrades like that :)
I like your clean painting style. Slightly weathered, neat :)
Thanks for the video! Static grass adds something to realism.
I'm not a gamer (I like this gaming world/universe though) but what you do is quite artsy too 👏
Thanks man! My painting is...intermediate at best I think, especially when I can't devote as much time as I'd like to each model 😅
@RP Archive Yes, need to make compromises but your passion shows :) 👍
Great as always. Your layouts are beautiful.
Thanks Chris :)
Top quality content again. Excellent design and execution. You should have more subs by now.
Thanks man, hearing that is always nice when the algorithm gets frustrating. This video seems to be doing well though!
@@RPArchiveOfficial Don't do it for the subs mate. Forget the algorithm because it's absolute shite anyway. Do it because you love it and want to share your ideas with the community. Keep doing exactly what you're doing and the subs will come.
these make me think of an old channel i used to watch where the guy made scenery for flames of war...forget the name but he made modular pieces just like this (using toothpicks too i think!) and equally as epic looking. thanks for sharing :)
This video is very dynamic and different, with a new style for the ground.
Thanks Patrick! I'm aiming to up my game on the video side of things, make them nicer to watch and generally more enjoyable :)
For the woodland scenics molds, the boxes they come in actually are perfect to hold the mold flat
Hmm, mine didn't come in a box, just a card piece to hang it up in the shop :)
Just found your channel, this is awesome. I recently have gotten into Geek Gaming products, your videos are super useful. Especially the modular Mountain
Thanks Robert :) plenty more coming!
I just found this channel. This is terrific stuff! Really inspirational!
Fantastic, have subscribed, all the best Garry
Thanks Gary!
My god these look great, I've seen Luke make some other boards but these top the cake with how versatile they can be.
and lucky us ... getting 2 videos within a week :D
(edit: just read the community post)
Haha, yeah sorry to break the bubble on that, much as I'd love to release more often, I think I might break the space-time continuum if I did...these things take forever to make!
Oh and they will only get more versatile, I have such plans for this system...
@@RPArchiveOfficial yeah nah, that's fine. I fully understand how long editing can take and fully applaud you for doing so with great quality.
Always appreciated man :)
Brilliant system, and you're exactly right at the end about how goofy terrain looks sitting "on" the ground.
Legends supporting legends
You're very kind 😅
Man this was such a cool idea, I'd be tempted to scale this up for a board for my Warhammer games, would definitely make it easier to store!
Sounds awesome man! this kind of thing works better the bigger the tiles, but is also less flexible, so there's some give and take :)
First of all, you have crazy skills. If I had had his back in the 80's playing D&D....OMG!!!
0:32 uhm what why is no one talking about this, also very good video the tiles look amazing.
Thanks man :)
I'm getting one of those Static grass applicators for Christmas.
They're awesome!
The heavy metal montage was definitely a nice surprise!
Haha! Glad you liked it, love a bit of metal 🤘😆🤘
Rock on Sir!
SO COOL! Nice job!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Wesley! :)
Very nice terrain, all the best Garry
Thanks Gary!
These look killer!
Thanks Michael!
I am a 13 year old DM and i always wanted to make things like this and you are kind of my model. I wanted to keep things in budget and now i can! Thank you( don’t look to my bad English, i am from Europe ;)
That is amazing to hear man! If you need any help or advice just let me know 😁
And your English is pretty good! A lot better than my.... Name a language 😂
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thank you, i will let you know when i need any help.😁
Incredible.
How do even come up with all of this? It’s actually incredible! One of these days after I’m finally satisfied with my number of miniatures (or at least semi-satisfied) I’m definitely building some of these.
I think about it.... A lot 😅
For that kind of mold, it can be useful to have a tray/pan of sand for support rather than putting blocks under the corners. You get even support across the mold and a really stable molding platform.
Ah, solid advice man!
I've never support the idea of terrain and scenery for DnD, because it take ages to build, paint and get boring/repetitive the more you use it. But this makes so much sense and is the first time I've seen someone make a small tile based modular system. I'm final a believer and supporter of terrain and scenery in DnD.
Glad I could change your mind! Welcome to this side of the hobby 😅
I would love to see one of your games, maybe on an alternate channel or a stream to see these used in practice and how long it takes to change things up when your players inevitably do something unexpected
Here's the thing about being a terrain dm, and BMC has talked about this in the past - you don't HAVE to use terrain for EVERYTHING. Especially if your players decide to upend your rough plans/options without warning.
At the end of the day, you're putting effort in so they can enjoy the game more - if they decide to circumvent that, it isn't your responsibility to desperately follow along and show terrain at the same quality you had planned.
It's their loss, and sometimes that's worth it for them to naturally change their plans. If they're the kind of players who are almost obnoxiously trying to catch you out or force you to change plans just to be trolls though, that's another problem/conversation that needs to be had, because that's... More than a little unfair.
Though, the more modular the terrain, the easier you can just turn on a pin like that...
I often find I can make it work even if plans change, and if it takes a little longer, I give them the option - get a cup of tea while I sort the terrain, or just go without for this encounter.
I've never had a problem with it :)
60 seconds in and I'd laughed twice. Got a sub and bell from me mate :D Really well made video
Thanks man, It's nice people are noticing the extra time I'm putting in tbh :)
Thanks RP.
Thanks for commenting Janet :)
First - this is brilliant.
Second - I have done the "sticks to hold stuff together" like you do with the sticks. I ran into the problem that after in and out several times the holes get larger and it no longer fit snug. Have you come up with a way to solve this? I was thinking magnets somehow...
Third - This is brilliant!
Honestly? I've found that with xps foam which tends to re-expand a little, plus the bbq skewer being a bit thicker than a cocktail stick, it seems to reset itself pretty well. I can't yet speak for the long term obviously, but I already have a method in mind to adapt it for magnets - I'd just rather not because sticks/tabs havre more stability benefits :)
Absolutely amazing! But since there is no grid system, how can I tell how much my players can move?
Check out my first video, I talk about how the grid is totally not needed, especially in a game with a dm arbitrator :)
It actually slows down movement and measures at longer distances, like outdoor environments...
Hey, I’m still pretty young but I’ve been into this community for about 4 years now. I’ve just recently found your channel and think that it is absolutely MIND BLOWING. I’m going to come into a lot of time soon and was considering starting to make my own videos. It would be really cool if you could give me your thoughts on that or just read this comment. Again, I absolutely love what you’re doing and can’t wait to see more revolutionary ideas from you!
Hey man, great to hear you're getting into the hobby! Make videos if you want to make videos man, maybe do some documenting your hobby journey as you get into it? That'd be cool :)
at about 8:10 you talk about weight and sizes of the miniatures.
i have only regiment bases (about 10x10cm) which are all magnetized and steel trays.
not too heavy, but also not as light as plastic bases...
Do you think they are too heavy for the static grass?
cheers
Honestly I think they'd be borderline, the width will work in your favour but obviously the weight won't.
Are the minis plastic or metal?
@@RPArchiveOfficial some plastics some metal...
If the majority are plastic, the base isn't stupidly heavy and you give the grass 3 coats of scenic sealant and a Matt varnish spray on top, I think you should be OK for casual use. Gaming club level abuse will probably still flatten it over time though.
You can get some longer term resilience by spraying the pieces with matt varnish after each use, if you REALLY want to make sure....
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thank you, will give it a go! :)
When i look at this i see opportunity when it comes to dnd. Now if you have a standard play matt you might draw some trees for a grass land and maybe a rock. In this i could see a ranger ducking for cover behind rocks to get half or 3/4 cover and so many ways to just think about and use terrain
Definitely, I love the depth it brings to combat!
Daemon Prince spoted 8:24
As a note, any form of static should work to get the grass to stand up, so you can try this without an applicator. I've even had luck using a party balloon that I've rubbed on my head for a few seconds!
To some degree, but without a solid power supply it doesn't usually end up too much different than dropping on by hand...
Unfortunately :/
I might be missing something, but where do you get the foam from in the UK?
Check out my equipment list in the description, there's links and a guide :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial thanks man, I saw it after I typed this out!! But top man for replying!
How would you protect the edges of these tiles? I'm looking at making some 11x15in tiles and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to make them tough enough to stand storage...etc
Check out my homemade storage video. Solves 90% of these problems and you can do it with corrugated card if you want :)
If you have to build a shelved storage box for it it’s not stackable. Stackable terrain/table pieces can be put on one another without extra stuff.
'stackable' in the thumbnail refers to the ability to use them stacked on mountainblocks to create multi layered terrain mainly.
It only partially refers to the storage box that let's you're store them in close proximity safely. Not technically stacking, but close enough to it in result :)
So for us ‘Merkins, pound shop varnish is basically like a Krylon clear coat spray?
Also, any recommendations on the best inexpensive PVA for the grass? Mod Podge or basic Elmer’s? Or more like wood glue in viscosity?
Pretty much
As for glue, mod podge works too
@@RPArchiveOfficial By the way, hope you are feeling better. Your videos are awesome and have been a great inspiration!
Slowly, slowly :) not there yet, but it does get better consistently!
Great video! I' know I'm late to the party but what are the giant models used on 4:12 and 10:07 ? They look awesome!
Wizkids Hill giants :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial thanks a bunch!
It's true - I've been following Luke for a while and he's the aesthetic god of gaming supplies. The combination of you two can outperform WETA workshops, I'm pretty sure.
His stuff is just awesome.
What miniatures at 4:35?
Frostgrave barbarians, wizkids Hill giant :)
I know you probably won't have time to answer this question, but what would you recommend as a beginner? Like, what ist the number 1 must have? Specifically for D&D?
No 1 must have specifically for terrain?
I'd say start with the wall and temple system, my first few videos.
The dungeon tiles are easy to make and let you make rooms without walls that you can add walls to later with the magnetic building system
The stair pieces let you show stairs, temples, settlement walls and more if you get creative, and they're one of the easiest builds
Building the battlements for it is a bit more optional for a beginner as they're a little more complex, but might be a good project to push your skills to that next level. If not, try the magnetic building system's walls and columns. They're pretty simple to build and they'll get you started with magnets.
Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial thanks that helps a lot! Have a nice day.
You too man :)
How many 12", 6", 3", and corner pieces do you recommend creating first? I couldn't tell if you mentioned it anywhere in the video.
There's a list in the archive index patreon post :)
Love everything you do on your channel. Currently trying to make these and I have noticed that you use magnets on your hills grassland tiles. One thing I am a little confused about is if I want to place magnets on larger tiles (12x12 inch) where would I place them? Or, would you suggest only doing 6x6/3x3 only? I am hoping to do some of each of the grassland/road/hills tiles soon, so this would be a big help to keep them all on magnets. Thanks!
Larger tiles basically just mirror where smaller tiles would attach to them :) half inch, then 2 inch gap, then 1" gap, then 2",then 1" etc :)
What do you think of the tiles from Anomalia Games for someone who doesn’t feel confident with the foam?
I can't recall specifically, mdf?
@@RPArchiveOfficial Yes, but I ended up going with 3D printing tiles and using the rest of your systems on top of the 3D printed tiles, love it so far! Using your system for magnets, flocking, and details on blank tiles pretty much
How did you make the bare ground tiles?
Dirt and grout mix over foam :)
where are the wolves models from?
Wizkids
Apologies for being pedantic but the base layers isn’t chip board, it’s hardboard (Yanks call it maisonite). Just don’t want people ordering the wrong stuff to make their own beautiful scenery.
Interesting! It seems to be called chipboard online, and in the links to the brand I use that I have on my equipment list though...
so from that perspective, I think sticking with chipboard as a name would be less confusing, though I might add some of this info to the entry in the equipment list if I get a chance :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial As long as people can order it successfully then it’s all good. I suspect different industries have different names for it.
Sounds likely. Frustrating for the consumer, but ah well.
I have a question regarding dnd mins and raised bases. I have been using the standard WotC and WizKids Nolzurs bases, but i was planning on upgrading to raised bases like you have on many of your minis. First off, where do you find these bases reliably? And second, am i able to remove my minis from their current bases and attach them to new raised ones? If so, how?
The next video is literally all about this subject, coming within the week :) you can tear them off the old ones with clippers, aim to damage the old base, not the mini obviously, I show a bit of doing this in the wall crawling monsters video. As for bases you can order them from games workshop or reaper, you want 20mm(small) 25mm(medium), 50mm(large), 75mm(huge) etc :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thanks man, i appreciate it.
Love the shorter video!
Thanks for the feedback River! That's good to know :)
What length of static grass do you like to use?
A mix of 4 and 6mm :)
I've watched you applying the grass several times in this video, do you use long grass then short grass? Or you mix the long and short grass together of like colors?
I'm eager to start your modular grasslands they look amazing, then move over to your caves. I've done a ton of crafting and I'm finally getting good enough to tackle something like this
@@StefanTrondsen I mix the 4 and 6mm together, but keep the colours seperate, applying 4/6mm dead first, then 4/6mm autumn :)
Magnets was DEFINITELY the way to go
Which one is the video on Luke’s channel that’s the sister to this one? Can’t seem to find it..
Link in the description I think? :)
Cool 👍🙂
Thanks!
Only thing I'm confused by is that at 01:32 the note on the bottom says that it'll be in your pinned comment on the video - did that pinned comment get deleted or?
It got unpinned - should be back now. Really not sure why UA-cam keeps doing that...
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thank you so much! I heavily appreciate it! Timely response too.
would it be better to use your magnet method
Yes, I've since upgraded :) I don't grout or trim the edges any more either, i have plans for magnetic dirt attachments that work a bit like the balconies to hide the sides of the tiles when needed...
How did you learn this crafting? Was it a class or did you have a mentor? Im new to this and very much want to learn this art of crafting scenic tiles
Started with warhammer when younger, picked up some basics from UA-cam years ago but most is experimentation and self taught, alongside seeking out new ideas online wherever I can find them (and crediting the originator!)
I've got some getting started videos, I highly recommend black magic crafts older getting started videos, and my Patreon discord has a lovely community that loves to help out newcomers :)
Hey, I'm not sure where to find the video about making your own Scenic sealant. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could send it my way! Specifically the one geek gaming scenics made for static grass.
I show it in the grasslands video I believe, either that or the modular hanging moss video from way back :) but the recipe is pretty simple and in every pinned comment where I use it!
Do you have to use a static grass applicator? Would the grass look weird without one?
It wouldn't blend as well and it'd look stomped flat everywhere, you can still do it, but I'd advise getting an applicator, they're a lot of fun and you'll get long term use out of a decent one, especially if you make your own tufts (cheaper)
I absolutely love these. You've thrown me into yet another crisis on whether i prefer a grid or not (which honestly happens about monthly at this point).
A question -- I often find myself 3D printing some stuff and they don't have bases, so i've taken to using a 1in washer and basing it with whatever is appropes for the miniature. But for this, with the static grass-- that be too heavy, then and crush it, correct? I mean, i know i can easily print bases with the lip like that, but for some reason, i can't bring myself to print miniature bases. I've not had the chance to work with static grass yet, though it's on my list, esp after watching this amazing video!
Hi Kate! Sorry for not replying, UA-cam flagged your comment as spam for some reason :/
Anyway, I'll be doing a video soon on why those lipped edge bases are better, it's more than just the static grass, but washers shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as you seal the grass properly the way I say here with multiple coats of sealant. It's pretty solid after that. That hill giant is solid weighty plastic and is on a flat base (which I will be rectifying soon!) and the grass barely flinched.
Seriously though, if you can print those bases - do. they are So. Much. Better, and I only realised this when moving from wargaming to D&D more recently! Washers will be ok, but their weight is more of a problem than a benefit when tying to keep them standing in the right place on slopes and things like that. plus they make the mini more likely to break off the base if you drop them, because of the weight :)
I was going to ask how you could place minis on the grass without injuring it, dont have to now :)
I thought I'd mention it to avoid comments, then didn't mention it in the road video and got them anyway 😅
@@RPArchiveOfficial XD
I'm a little late to the party on this one, but would the magnet system you've shown in other videos work similarly to the skewer system shown here?
Pretty much, if you want to use magnets just don't bother with the skewers or card at all, like I did with the roads :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thank you for the answer and great content. I have a static grass applicator on the way in the post so hopefully I'll be making something close to the stunning terrain shown in this video soon.
No doubt man! Enjoy the result :)
I'll be honest, the white splotches don't look like problems, they look very much like rocks. I can't tell you a specific rock name but those white splotches I see on rocks when I'm out hiking.
Good point..
Is that eva foam?
Xps :)
let them eat cake!
6:00
I know you are looking at lower cost, but this is a perfect example of where crafting with a 3-D printer makes sense if you have one. You use crafting techniques shown and then combine the flat rocks from a 3-D printer instead of a plaster mold. You save a ton of your time with the rocks and don't have the print time of the rest of the tiles. Believe it or not you can create the bases in 1/10 the time of doing it on a printer, but the rock printed is faster on a 3-D printer. Some have said, "Well then you have lines." I promise that you can take a very cheap FDM printer and slow down the settings and still print realistic rocks especially with non-straight contours like your molds. ua-cam.com/video/qDW7g3JOqLA/v-deo.html This video shows you how to do your settings.
Why do you look like David Beckham and Daniel Radcliff's love child?
"Ten points to Gryffindor"
"Thanks Dave"
i'm offended🇱🇺 by the title
Haha! Well played sir ;)
I hate sand.......
Hello Matt, I'm sure you've been asked this a thousand times so apologies in advance. Baking dirt, temp and time? Thank you in advance. :D
Just did some today! 😁 200 degrees Celsius, and in a very British answer 'until its dry' 😂
Seriously though, 2-3 hours ish? You could probably get away with less, and it depends how much and how deep, this was an old frying pan full 😁
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thank you very much! While a bug crawling out of base might add a bit of spectacle, it's something I can definitely live without. ;)
Haha 😂
This video doesn't help the idea in my head that every British terrain painting/crafting channel basically lives a short drive away from one another...
It's pretty true. I could get to guy at midwinter minis in less than a day, easy :)
That said, you can get to damn near anywhere in the UK in less than a day 😂
@@RPArchiveOfficial I didn't expect a response on a video that's almost a year old, so thanks for that!
I can relate being a swamp-German myself!
I try to reply where I can 😅
ok so you say to come here for grass tiles from the magnetic dirt tile video and then not only is this video irrelevant to that one, you also dont show how to make those grass slabs,
keep up the good work but you need to organize this shit and remake some videos my friend
I said the new magnetic grass video that is currently on patreon for a few months before public release I believe? This is the older original video
Reworking old videos is something I'm working on, but it takes time :)
Not gonna lie, it really feels like you just mailed him the stuff instead of truly collaborating because you guys don't show up in the same shot, but that could be covid safety.
Check out his version of the video on his channel linked in the description :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial found it but fyi the link doesn't go to the video it goes to his page. I guess ill just have to watch all his videos again :P
Damn, not sure how that happened :/
First
You look scary for me to look at... Are you a sith.. ??...
Peace is a lie, there is only passion...
@@RPArchiveOfficial I was only joking with you.. Love what you do mate lol keep it up mate