Hills Are Not Small Lumps! Better Sloped Terrain for D&D and Wargaming
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
- Hills are not small, but they often get crafted this way for convenience, and I'm…not a huge fan. So I decided to craft some epic modular hills that can be easily stored, but combine to show realistic, vast sloping hills and valleys for D&D and wargaming.
It also contains constant setbacks, so with any luck it'll be helpful even if it’s not hill terrain you're looking to craft!
This build can be scaled up or down quite easily, but the main point is to have hill terrain for D&D and wargaming that suits the epic vision we all have in our head from watching LOTR and other films, of grand slopes and rocky outcroppings, sweeping valleys and winding shapes…
I should make clear, I'm not saying other ways of making hills are bad. Rather they just don’t fit what want to get out of hill terrain. If you agree, hopefully this video will be useful :)
⚔️ SUPPORT BY JOINING THE ARCHIVE ON PATREON: / rparchive
🛠️ SUPPORT BY BUYING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS: bit.ly/RPEquipment
Everything I use should be linked on the equipment list above, so it's also a library of where to find stuff…
🔔 Subscribe and click the bell for more D&D terrain!
👍 If you found this helpful, help me out and like the video up there!
Other builds featured in this video:
Mountainblocks: • MountainBlocks - DIY c...
Grassland tiles: • I Hate Flat Grasslands...
Realistic roads: • Flat 'Hovering' Roads ...
Wall and temple system: • Easy Modular Temple Te...
Timestamps
00:00 intro
Check out my full modular terrain systems: bit.ly/RPArchiv...
Follow the channel to make sure you catch new videos as they're released:
Facebook: bit.ly/RPArchiveFB
Instagram: bit.ly/RPArchiv...
For any metric users who aren't comfortable with using the inches side of the ruler, I've linked a conversion calculator here: www.rapidtable...
#Rparchive #Archivemodularterrain #Archivewildtiles
So what do you guys think about this method of showing epic hills? As always guys I'm more than happy to answer as many questions as I can :)
Template Dimensions - downloadable version available as a thank you to patrons if you feel better using the exact one I did: www.patreon.com/posts/early-access-are-48962079
6" long
3" high slope, gentle at the bottom and curving out flatter near the top (you can see in the video)
1/2" high strip along the bottom
Leopard spot technique mixes:
1:1 yellow ochre to tan
1:1 black to tan
It looks *really* good! By the way, when a vital piece of equipment (such as a hot glue gun) breaks down after a long term of service, it is possible that difficulties may arise in locating a replacement that perfectly suits your needs. Yes, I know Amazon is King of the Universe, but it can be surprisingly (and frustratingly) hard to get just the right piece of kit (and in a timely manner, as you experienced). For such vital items, finances permitting, it may be advisable simply to keep a spare on hand, and seek a replacement backup at your leisure. That way, you won't find yourself having to settle for second best to get back into the action. =^[.]^=
Thease hills are awesome! Do you think it would be possible to Seperate the top layer so we can open em up and show tunnels/burrows bellow?
Could also be made to make Hobbit burrows? and houses by just lifting off the top layer, and showing off this internal house within?
@@Raycheetah Just seen this for some reason! Thanks UA-cam...
Anyway, I do this for quite a lot of stuff, but not tools so far. You make a good point, especially for the cheaper stuff :)
I need to make hills for the Sudan and your module system is quite interesting. Your grassland hills are perfect for South Africa, but I have to buy all the tools still.
"A smaller nozzle is always better. You can always widen the hole. It's a lot harder to make it tighter." - RP Archives, 2021.
Yknow, I didn't even click when I said it 😅
@@RPArchiveOfficial Are you joking? 😂
I thought this channel was family friendly lol
@@lucasdeconninck1232 mostly 😅
@@navidryanrouf441 I have said nothing that does not refer to hot glue guns - where other's minds go is none of my business 😁
Dude this is an incredible idea! An imposing castle on the hill is such a difficult thing to visualise... until now! Your ideas and system continues to impress!!!
Thanks Mathius (great username btw 😅) Giving you the flexibility to show things like that was definitely the goal :)
Your terrain is the Gold Standard IMO. One day I hope to be willing to dive back into that rabbit hole but for now I have to keep my urge to craft down to a minimum for the sake of my time, wallet, and sanity. Keep up the excellent work!
Totally understand, you'll get back to it one day :)
Going back to these videos, it strikes me that you really have achieved something truly unprecedented in wargaming and rpgs. You have created a high quality system i have never seen anywhere else, and made things like these hills that are so grand compared to anything else modular within this community. You have struck gold, Matt, and I am both thankful for your generosity in sharing it and intrigued for whatever you may create next. I wish you well, and good luck.
Thank you so much man, I put so much work into planning this stuff, it's really awesome to get comments like this :) much appreciated!
Some day this is going to be your full-time job and I'll never be able to keep pace... I'm looking forward to that day!! Epic as usual. Really looking forward to surprising my players with these in the long-off future.
Haha, don't worry, to get these videos out I'm running overtime, I'm hoping if it becomes my full time job I'll actually get my evenings and weekends back to spend with family and friends :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial this could easily win on shark tank. You could get some legitimate financial backing to start up a company producing these modular rpg systems. I want some of these so bad.
I’m amazed yet again !
10/10
It would be relative simple to make a tile, with a area for smaller swappable modules. Like a massive rock, a cave entrance, a wooden watchtower. Or something completely different.
Your builds always get the creative juices flowing.
Outstanding work this time!
Oh definitely, but this project dragged on a bit as it was with all the setbacks! Maybe in the future ;)
I have been binging all of your videos and they are some of the best on the platform.
Another great video! And so nice to see that you and your fiancé share gaming as a hobby! My husband and I met as a part of a gaming group quite a few years ago. It is wonderful when your lifemate shares your hobbies too. We love your videos too!
Oh it's amazing :) makes scheduling D&D easier too 😅
Going back to my childhood, this has been an interest and passion. As I matured into a teenager and young adult, I had to sell off or otherwise donate projects I had made over the years to clear out space. I gave up he hobby as I entered my 20's. There was never enough space, and work ensured there was never enough time. You do amazing and inspirational work.
Honestly - I had exactly the same experience, so don't give up!
You can absolutely rebuild your collection from scratch. Check out my first video and see what I started with :)
your wisdom at the end of the video applies to everything, not just crafting, so its real solid advice. Also as per usual, solid video
Thanks as always man - That particular wisdom came from my Fiance, so I can't take credit 😅
@@RPArchiveOfficial You must be very lucky than with such a wise Fiance :)
I am 😁
I would be interested in seeing some images of all your sets combined, eg flatland into hills into caves with some buildings. also seeing the setup of this in real time to get an idea of how putting the time / investment into crafting tiles with your method pays off.
It's freaking awesome how you make all your builds compatible🤯great efforts!
My friends and I have been wargamers and ttrpg fans for a long time, and we've been talking a lot more recently about seriously getting into custom terrain. This video has given me so much inspiration as to what's capable, and what's missing in that space. Thank.
Happy to help man! 😁
I think your stuff is bang on, Recently I watched you make thatched rooves, when combing it flat I found it easier to add hair conditioner and water makes the job much easier and makes it shine
Another fine innovation in the realm of terrain. You are truly on on the cutting edge! This system is really cool, well done.
Thanks Eric! I love your current 40k series actually, eldar/tau terrain tutorials are seriously lacking and you've managed some awesome organic shapes :)
Keep up the amazing work! You dont know how badly i would love to make all these tiles! You are seriously one of the best crafting channels on youtube!
Thank you so much! And I'm sure you'll get there one day :)
I just gotta say the message at the end really resonated with me as I've had a few life setbacks lately.
Just keep going, it's all we can do. Good luck man.
Matt your eye for detail and want for better and more realistic game terrain is amazing. You and I seem to have the same thought form for design and realism.
OH MY F***** GOSH this is a new level of awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
Haha! Thanks Helena, I do try 😅
I absolutely adore the verticality with these, you could probably add in some kind of standard spacers to create even greater vertical change without making the storage requirements too crazy, maybe even modularise it so can create tiles by their grade and plug em together for the big hill!
These remind me of some board games out there, where you can build the board with preexisting pieces, like Mansions of Madness, or Heroscape, but with a crafters flair. Definitely cool stuff, especially these hill pieces. I like how the insides look like brown wood, reminds me of old furniture.
Matt,
Looking at this again. Fantastic job! This setup presents so many possibilities! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching Jay 😅
OMG....I need a set of these YESTERDAY!! Well done!!!
Thanks Rob! 😁
What a beautiful modular set! I think you've really outdone yourself on this one - it is so hard to see the seams and it looks so real. Thanks again for the awesome content!!
Thanks dollie! I love the grass for that 😄
oh man this is amazing! really love your video. you have a natural charisma that made me continue watchign the whole video even though im not into making tiles myself. Your passion made me want to continue watching, great job keep it up!
Thank you so much! Thats so nice to hear man :)
I feel bad only having found your videos recently. The atmosphere is very calming and watching you put out these pieces with well explained details and step by step process explanations is extremely entertaining. Keep up the good work me and my friends will be here watching the entire way greedily devouring all of your content lol!
Oh my goodness! How did I miss this righteous hill video?! Those look awesome!
Thanks Jacob!
this video is really awesome , you have the best modular system ive ever seen , these hills are freakin bad ass
Very nice build!
I always learn something from each of your videos and I appreciate that.
I do try to make them useful in as many ways as possible :)
Omg I cant unsee how much your eyebrows move. its amazing! 🤣😂
Ohh I see the way you made them in the video. I did not see the video after the fact. Thanks, great job.
Happy to help :)
It always surprises me to come back to these videos and see that you have less than 100k subscribers... your system is so clever and works so well that I'm surprised more people aren't at least watching for inspiration, even if they don't build the pieces!
Honestly, I think the subs will come with time :) UA-cam has started opening the algorithm gates, I just need to keep going a little longer 😄
@@RPArchiveOfficial Well, best of luck anyways, man. Your work is definitely a cut above!
You are responsible for the creation of many worlds, I love the content, keep it up!
It's great how many shapes can be assembled from these modules. Very creative!
I'm aiming for maximum flexibility :)
With the amount of bad luck you were having, I thought for sure the cut in of you going up the stairs with a cup of tea was going to end horribly! Glad to see you made it out alive. Good advice on taking breaks. reset, reassess, and reengage. I find have an 'easy win' when restarting can help out a lot too. find a small achievable task or goal and get it done. You're restarting and on a winning streak then. Helps on longer tasks too to help keep motivated. great video as always! terrific ideas and execution!
Haha! Great advice actually, that and splitting up problems into manageable tasks - all good stuff :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial Manageable tasks is crucial to those that have kinds/family, work a ton or just have very limited time. Paint minis on a lunch break? Why not? It makes you learn to paint fast at least!
@@claylewis8233 exactly! I try and paint a little at least where I can, theres a nice video by a guy called benji (benji's hobbies) on the subject, nice video, worth a watch :)
First video of yours I've seen; hit the subscribe button 2/3rds the way in. Can't wait to watch more of your stuff, your previous clips and future releases
Awesome, thank you!
That idea probably made me consider actually trying to make some terrain and not only to watch your videos for relaxing entertainment.
Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial Will do. But first need to finish my work-study room first.
These are such great ideas! Really appreciate the amount of effort you put in to making these videos.
Curses, I threw out my packing foam xD. Looks great as always Matt!
I know that feeling 😅 thanks man!
Jesus man, these are absolutely unbelievable. Subbed.
Great information! Now to get the sections of grass, not to look like sections because of the shade difference!
Honestly, this was a problem with the batch of static grass I used. This batch was darker than others due to some production problems that are now resolved - so some look lighter here, but when you use all the same grass that doesn't happen, check out the grasslands video :)
You are a freaking artist. Your work is amazing!!
Thank you Carra! 😁
love to see the game room for all your terrain, it's stuff with so much amazing terrain.
haha, when not in use it mostly lives in storage boxes to save space, but yeah, when I do a full layout it is...something 😅
Wow mate, looking really awesome and seamless!
Thanks man! I used this trick for roads and grasslands too, it worked much better there to be honest 😅
This'll be great for actually adding that difficult terrain for valley ambushes so rangers can shine, love your work as always dude!
Definitely, thanks good Sir!
Dude, you continue to out-do yourself. This is incredible!
Thanks Michael!
Holy Cow Batman! this was amazing! I found your channel the other day and have been binging your stuff. While making things, so many new projects. Thanks for the inspiration. When I redo my tiles I will use this idea for sure
Glad to hear it man :) awesome name BTW 😂
@@RPArchiveOfficial Thanks my players helped me pick it.
Best terrain hills I've ever seen. Great work man.
Thanks David :)
Juste found this vid. Very nice and inspiring. I’ll view the previous ones . Blue thumb and one more follower.
Thanks arnaud, welcome to the archive :)
Really liked this. I'm not so much on magnets, in general, but the rest of this is definitely gonna help me. As for luck, we've all been there, and I like you letting newer builders know this. Eyes open, and all that. The trade off is that its all cyclical, and those streaks of blissful perfection more than outweigh the rough patches, at least in my experience. Good stuff. Enjoyed it
Definitely, there are so many good moments in the hobby :)
and also, I must convert you to the church of magnetism. I just need to make it attractive :D
I'll get my coat...
@@RPArchiveOfficial I don't _not_ like the idea. It just seems not worth it, for my style of building. Money, nitpickiness about N/S poles, money, one more set of stuff to store, money, nitpickiness about entirely hiding them, money, a bunch of other reasons, and money are why. Same reasons I don't really mess with LEDs. Srsly, tho, I'll likely do more with both mags and LEDs, in future.
Really, of your stuff, what I'd like to be able to get my hands on, here in the States, is 3+" XPS. Here, in the South, it difficult to even find 2". I'm always jealous of the Northerners and Canadians
@@CampaignTerrain ah of course! because less need for thick insulation...I just ordered mine online :) bit of a delivery fee but rolled in with how much I got it wasn't that bad, and I'm sure I'll use it all someday 😅
Money wise, not sure if you know but it's a LOT cheaper to buy them in bulk from a proper magnet online store. Like I get 3mm magnets for 4 to 5p each...
I've got some links in my equipment list to US magnet online shops, if you wanted to have a poke? non-affiliate, just aiming to get you guys the best deal :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial I'll look into it, for sure. I've been wanting to experiment, but it's a bit back-burner, just yet
@@CampaignTerrain fair enough man :) Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to help!
Really nice, they look like proper Northern hills :) Looks like you could run a Pike race up some of them.
There you go again, making me stay up even later, I can’t just save these vids for later!
At least my videos are shorter these days 😅
@@RPArchiveOfficial Short is good, but a longer "process video" isn't a bad thing, either. =^[.]^=
This was both interesting, calming/relaxing thanks to the music, and inspiring there at the end Sir. Enjoyed watching the process to its completion. Maybe one day after I work through the wall of plastic and resin that is my army I'll be able to try and attempt something like this.
You'll get there man :) maybe use something like terrain as a break from painting?
this is ..... SICK!!!!
Got to say, it's pretty damn awesome to set up 😅
@@RPArchiveOfficial indeed
This makes the terrain look so much more real!
This terrain is amazing. Kudos for your creativity.
Thanks ingeloak! 😁
I can't wait to finish defending my dissertation, so I can get a break and craft again.
Until then, I'll live vicariously through you UA-camrs.
Hey, I live vicariously through let's players, we all have things we don't have time for and might again one day 😅
Best of luck on your dissertation!
good luck with your bad luck streak. Keep up the awesome terrain videos!
Thanks Jack, will do!
Great work as always! You keep inspiring more and more with each of your videos!
Thanks! Glad I can help 😅
That's really next level terrain!
Thanks man!
Beautiful build. May your luck change for the better, soon.
It's getting there, I think. Push through! :)
Engineer, philosopher, mortician. Brah... what career field is this channel NOT taking you in to? Subbed.
Another comment UA-cam didn't show me! Thanks man :)
Now this is modular hills done right!
Thanks! Glad to know I reached the goal 😅
This looks wonderful, great job
thanks man!
This looks absolutely amazing. Brilliant tutorial!
Really cool idea-thank you for sharing the technique!
You are quite welcome :)
Looks really amazing. This system would be great for any terrain-based war-gaming.
I think it would be EPIC for LOTR...
This is an absolutely brilliant idea. Going to have to adapt this for a gridded miniatures game I'm working on. Think this idea would be great for the terrain I'm building.
Glad I could help!
Excellent take on hills!
Thanks! I blame watching LOTR too many times...
...Nah. No such thing :D
An absoltuely incredible build mate! i can hear the Lord of the rings fanfares as you pan across this rohan stand in.
Would absolutely love to play at a table with these but God the prospect of building or storing this much terrain makes me balk at the thought of making some myself... Still! really makes me think about how powerful a character terrain is in an rpg. What a moment cresting a hill can be...
It is incredibly inspiring in person :)
Space wise, they take up a single 3ft by 1ft shelf (at the top for more headroom) on my storage shelves - and not even that really because one of the boxes is half empty 😅
I do custom home construction. The way everything that could happen did happen to happens to me every couple years. There are just certain projects where everything goes wrong.
This is really great.
These look soooo cool
Fantastic! Just needs about a thousand sheep. :)
haha! Yknow I have some sheep minis? totally forgot they would suit 😅
It's damn hard to position a 40k or fantasy battle army on a hill like that...But they look amazing.
Fantasy? Oh yeah. 40k...you'd be surprised... I tested various hollow based round models of various sizes.
No worse than open ruins, which no-one seems to mind 😂
this is really cool!
thanks man!
I watch Luke at Geek Gaming and would love to have his stuff but im in the U.S.A. but this hill system is by far the best. I'd love to see this system done with a beach and bunkers have fun crafting
I don't know how easy or expensive it would be for you to get, but Minwax makes a polycrylic water based protective finish that works extremely well for sealing terrain. It's made to seal furniture and hardwood flooring, so it's super durable and doesn't leave any chalky residue after it's dry. They make a variety of finishes. The Ultra Flat is what I use and it looks great! I've sealed a 30"x44" playing surface and I haven't put a dent in my quart container of the stuff! In the US it's like $10.
You can't get it over here, I have to improvise :) also I wouldn't use it for sealing the grass, it won't soak down, there's a reason I use scenic sealant! 😁
Wooooow these are amazing!
Thanks man :) got a new one coming out soon!
You should make a wide hill with a road with switchbacks! The straight up the hill road is the only flaw.
Oh I know... Possibly a project for the future!
this is... incredible... just that
Thanks Juan :) I had ups and downs..but I got there!
This is so stupidly good.
Thanks Michael 😅
Brilliant work!!
Thanks Rick!
This is art.
Thanks man, comments like that really make me think about my work in a different way :)
If you do end up "messing up" with rocks and you want to fix a leopard spotting mess, look at some of the really cheap craft paint options. The large container Applebarrel flat white tends to end up with a very plaster like surface when dried if you don't thin it much. It tends to start out extremely thin anyway to a point where it's close to what most want anyway for painting flow, and it works great for things to paint with the leopard spotting technique or if you want to use washes/inks/glazes for the painting rather than a normal paint style. I've used it rather heavily for things I want to look like stonework for a while...either on its own or with a light drybrush highlight on some things.
Sounds interesting! :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial It's one of those things where some of the really chalky result paints tend to be very useful without mixing other stuff into them.
interesting from a video game perspective for randomizing terrain
12:02 very "keep calm and carry on! ".
Great tile design!
Also you really need to keep the wire of the static grass applicator touching the wet glue. It’s not really doing much if the static field is entirely above the surface.
in my experience, its still pretty effective even with a little distance, and it stops building up a giant mound of wasted grass/glue on the end of it :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial the wire can be touching anywhere in the conductive glue, you don't need it to be right under the grass
In my experience that's simply not true with weaker applicators, and the wire needs to be moved to closer positions regularly, which really messes with application if put IN the glue.
Plus you need to dip it in a new place for every tile. A lot of glue and grass gets wasted that way. I have tried it both ways :)
You should make a big Catan board with your tiles.
Matt, if we rendered your eyebrows immobile with hot glue, would you still be able to craft?
It’s not a distraction-I have to watch these 2 or 3 times at least anyway because there’s SO MUCH info I don’t want to miss.
Your hills are astonishingly good but I wish there was a sure-fire way to eliminate the visible breaks between tiles. I don’t think anyone has perfected that yet, but yours are pretty much the best I’ve seen in that regard.
Haha! Honestly hadn't noticed how much my eyebrows move but my Fiance assures me you're right 😅
As for the lines, there a bit more visible in this build than my roads or grasslands, because my batch of dead grass had some production issues (fixed now) and came darker than previous. I was hoping it wouldn't affect the colour too badly but it really did :/ As long as you double check your colour batches are the same (keep a small pot of the first batch around to compare with future batches you get for other tilesets), you should have no problems getting them to blend :)
Great video. Good ideas and much inspiration.
However I have an idea. Currently you are using a magnet at every attachment point. This is expensive on magnets and requires a code for the N and S polarity of the magnets to make sure that they attract and do not repel.
If doing this same project I would use a 2-inch or 50mm FLAT HEAD nail in the left of a pair and a magnet of any polarity on the right of any pair. Then, in use, a magnet and a neutral nail head would always line up when they come together. This halves the cost of magnets PLUS pushing a 2-inch long nail into the foam is a lot easier than glueing in a small magnet.
Worth a thought?
Barry
This is something I've been experimenting with, but doesn't always work in all situations for a few reasons. I'll be starting to implement it in some places soon (already have in others, like using paper clips and tin in various builds) :)
@@RPArchiveOfficial Fair enough, just trying to save you a few pennies. If lining up is a problem then two flat-head nails can go in side-by-side or you can use a flat floorboard brad which has had the last centimetre bent at 90 deg in a vice. That would then give you a 1 cm wide contact point and the rest of the brad still goes into the foam.
Barry
Interesting on the floorboard brad, hadn't heard of that one. Might have to look into it!
@@RPArchiveOfficial They are flat and stamped from steel sheet. Being a soft steel they always bend if I hammer them in wrong. In your case use a good vice and hammer over the last 1 cm or so to the desired 90 degree angle. You get a greater contact area for the magnets and still get a long steel tail to bury in the foam.
Simples!
Barry
Simple enough for me, the problem is it adds another tool (vice) many won't have access to and is another barrier to entry :) still might play with it as an option though
Very inspiring!
Thanks Natasha! 😁
An interesting challenge you could try, and I think you'd enjoy this, would be to find a way to use sawdust in a build. Think about it, its incredibly easy to obtain, even just by using a drill if you are determined enough. It would be incredibly useful to have a use for extra sawdust besides being an incredible hazard in one's woodshop. However, if you decide to ttake that on, be careful. Sawdust that is pushed to combustion is incredibly dangerous and I've learned that the hard way.
I've had some thoughts on using it, honestly the weird thing is getting it in bulk as I don't do much actual woodwork 😄
Very inspiring.
wikiPete Tip for (Smol Git) Magnets; You can line the magnets up with a piece of clear tape between them, pull the magnets apart, then glue the "taped" magnet into ... whatever ...
I'll be back when I have an illustration
My Idea; use a sticker or paper-based tape or something to hold the magnet in place, then apply a decoupage of some sort (like ModPodge) to make the covering permanent.
Here's a/my video showing how I use tap to hold magnets in place for super-glue ua-cam.com/video/kgYbH4c7rmM/v-deo.html
Interesting method :)
This is amazing work keep it up
Will do phoenix :)
best system, hands down.
Genius! That is all.
AWESOME! Subbed!
Welcome to the archive Mike 😁