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Post by ReliantLion on Sept 28, 2014 3:29:46 GMT
I was pretty excited when the kids finally went to bed to do some trees, only to find out that all the paper towel and TP carboard tubes had been thrown away. But I started on these anyways. Pictured here is the beginnings of a modular tree system. It is mostly inspired by DMScotty's tree video here: DM's Craft - Episode 18: TreesShown is what materials you will need, in addition, you will need cardboard tube rolls (TP rolls will probably work best because of the small diameter of the tree trunk, as well as their pre-destined length of 4 inches), and wax paper to hot-glue proof a portion of the trunk. The idea is that you put the tree base down on the table, then 'click' the trunk into the base with the magnets, and then you can 'click' another tree base on top of the trunk. Both sides of the base will be painted. I haven't decided if I will put hot-glue roots/branches on the bottom side of the base or if I will leave it flat. Play-ability wise, I think flat will work better, but doing the texture on both sides might look nice. What do you guys think? Again, sorry for the ridiculous size of this image. Please let me know if it is an issue. Here is the next part
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Post by tauster on Sept 28, 2014 7:32:06 GMT
Great modular system - love it!
[edit] Remember to leave enough space between the tree 'levels' for putting miniatures there - that way you can have enemies (or players) climb in the trees and snipe from hiding. [/edit]
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Post by DMScotty on Sept 28, 2014 12:56:24 GMT
Great idea!
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Post by ReliantLion on Oct 2, 2014 1:42:32 GMT
Updated first thread with the next few steps. You don't need to use Conduit, you could just use the TP roll (not pictured) glued to the trunk of the tree. I used Conduit because it would be a bit more solid and gives a bigger gap for the trunk to slide into. I hope this gives a better idea of where I'm going with this. Please excuse the typos in the pictures, my kids are still awake asararrarrgghhh!
The last two pictures show what it looks like functionally better than I can describe in words. In retrospect, the whole thing is really tall. I wish I had made it shorter, but whatever.
PS - Welch's fruit snacks are off the hook! This is actual cardboard and not cardstock. When you buy the huge boxes of the fruit snacks, they come in these ultra-durable boxes to protect the awesomeness inside. Which is then promptly devoured by the children, may they rest peacefully at night.
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Post by skunkape on Oct 2, 2014 20:53:36 GMT
Interesting idea! I look forward to seeing the final product!
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Post by ReliantLion on Oct 10, 2014 12:42:53 GMT
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Post by DungeonMasterRandom on Oct 10, 2014 14:27:01 GMT
I love those roots. Kind of comic like but still realistic. Something I will steal for sure.
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Post by Erasmas on Oct 10, 2014 14:36:44 GMT
These look really nice! I think that it would be okay if you went ahead and painted the magnets as well. I would test it first, and you'd probably want to keep the paint layer somewhat thin... but I don't think it would stop them from working. But I think a lighter brown (like a timber-cut stump) would look really sharp!
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Post by SpielMeisterKev! on Oct 10, 2014 15:55:37 GMT
Howdy,
The end product is fantastic...
EXALT BUTTON, Kev!
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Post by skunkape on Oct 10, 2014 18:23:42 GMT
I really like how you finished them!
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Post by curufin on Oct 10, 2014 19:09:41 GMT
What are the knots? Nuts or beads? Nice work.
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Post by ReliantLion on Oct 10, 2014 23:43:04 GMT
I should paint the magnets. For whatever reason I was thinking not to, but the magnets don't actually touch inside the trunks. I ended up using conduit for the trunk instead of doll rod and TP roll because A) It looks better, and B) It's way sturdier.
The knots are those generic friendship beads. They are meant to look like branches coming out. They also serve the function of preventing the trunks from rolling around during storage. They happen to be spaced out in 1/3's for that reason, but their height along the trunk is arbitrary. [For those interested, the easy way to do 1/3's is to put one bead on, then let it dry (takes seconds on conduit), then roll it so the bead stops whatever you are using as your cylinder, then put a bead on top of the cylinder, flip it and repeat.]
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Post by sunfishh on Oct 19, 2014 7:19:42 GMT
Your idea is brillant and the execution is amazing!
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Post by DnDPaladin on Oct 19, 2014 12:13:30 GMT
you know i was skeptical when i saw the first few pictures, thought the idea was awesome. but i just couldn't picture the whole thing.
now it just look amazing ! i think i'll make 2 or 3 just in case i want to put chars up there too.
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