|
Post by skunkape on Sept 3, 2014 15:28:12 GMT
I agree with DMG here, while the 2.5d method works great for tiles, I prefer to fill the tiles with full 3d objects. I just think it adds more to the game that way!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2014 21:14:28 GMT
You make good points. I'm still going to do it though
|
|
sotf
Advice Guru
Posts: 1,084
|
Post by sotf on Sept 11, 2014 5:06:21 GMT
I'm hoping we get the water soon, that actually looks rather interesting at the moment
|
|
|
Post by DMScotty on Sept 11, 2014 6:27:09 GMT
Modular water vid hitting soon.
|
|
|
Post by thedmg on Sept 11, 2014 13:09:28 GMT
I think, I might do modular towns next...
|
|
|
Post by DMScotty on Sept 11, 2014 15:22:39 GMT
Working on a version of that myself...wink.
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Sept 11, 2014 17:14:52 GMT
And the race is on! They've lined up at the gates... chomping at their bits... and they're off!! thedmg through the gate and is pulling ahead by a nose, ladies and gentlemen, but DMScotty@admin is running strong. Who will come in first? Who will take our breath away? Both of these crafters have strong histories and imaginations! This is anybody's race! Stay tuned-in, crafters! Same craft-time, same craft-channel! (cue music: nah-nah, nah-nah, nah-nah, nah-nah, CRAFTMAN!)
|
|
|
Post by thedmg on Sept 11, 2014 22:42:33 GMT
2.5G Ultra
|
|
dmzane
Paint Manipulator
Posts: 150
|
Post by dmzane on Sept 12, 2014 8:38:23 GMT
And the race is on! They've lined up at the gates... chomping at their bits... and they're off!! thedmg through the gate and is pulling ahead by a nose, ladies and gentlemen, but DMScotty@admin is running strong. Who will come in first? Who will take our breath away? Both of these crafters have strong histories and imaginations! This is anybody's race! Stay tuned-in, crafters! Same craft-time, same craft-channel! (cue music: nah-nah, nah-nah, nah-nah, nah-nah, CRAFTMAN!) Omg this killed me.
|
|
|
Post by DMScotty on Sept 12, 2014 15:14:53 GMT
2.5D MEGA...in CAPS...lol
|
|
sotf
Advice Guru
Posts: 1,084
|
Post by sotf on Sept 15, 2014 21:37:35 GMT
And the race is on! They've lined up at the gates... chomping at their bits... and they're off!! thedmg through the gate and is pulling ahead by a nose, ladies and gentlemen, but DMScotty@admin is running strong. Who will come in first? Who will take our breath away? Both of these crafters have strong histories and imaginations! This is anybody's race! Stay tuned-in, crafters! Same craft-time, same craft-channel! (cue music: nah-nah, nah-nah, nah-nah, nah-nah, CRAFTMAN!) As long as this doesn't end up DBZ style with them yelling back and forth for weeks without doing anything...
|
|
|
Post by thedmg on Sept 15, 2014 22:53:45 GMT
I think sometimes people underestimate how much material is in the pipeline for our channels. I have about 65 videos in various stages of production right now. This does not include MiniMagic and my new channels which will start hopefully before the end of the year. Into this include Crafter's Tavern, research and devising a new rule system... plus my day job. I have been on somewhat of a hiatus the last few weeks because I have to slow down a bit. I had the flu for 3 months and I am trying to rebuild my health. I estimate there are about 800 to 1000 potential videos in the standard series. Delving the Dark has almost unlimited potential and I would love to see other channels do something similar (I mean that in the sense that I like that kind of thing and would really like to watch someone elses walkthrough, so not meant as a pissing contest . I also shoot videos for other channels as a business. I essentially shoot about 50 videos in 1 day and then edit and release them once a week for a year on the customer's channel. This is mainly focused at small businesses wanting to build up an information resource about their niche product or service. It is also turning into a YouTube advert business as well. There are about another 3 or 4 channels unrelated to crafting and gaming I would like to start. Including a channel about making videos. I also have a day job
|
|
|
Post by rane on Sept 16, 2014 0:02:59 GMT
I've come up with a method on how to do a modular river system for outdoor scenes - will be interesting to see what you come up with Scotty.
Also waiting on DMG's modular towns so I can start copying!
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Sept 16, 2014 2:47:44 GMT
I am astounded at both thedmg and DMScotty. The amount of ideas and imagination they both evidence is incredible. I never for a moment thought, that what we see here is more than the tip of the ice berg. I also realize that they are both very busy men. That being said, hear this: If I'm not giving you a hard time at least some of the time, then I don't like you . So, thedmg, DMScotty, get with it! No excuses! We want to see something come from all those hints and promises! Don't make me get my whip, now! They don't call me the Dungeon Mistress for nothing, you know ! Muahahahahah! BTW: Take care of yourselves, both of you. You might want to try some echinacea and garlic. These are great for rebuilding your health after an illness. Look them up.
|
|
|
Post by DnDPaladin on Sept 30, 2014 19:53:54 GMT
like everybody else im gonna put my 2 cents into this...
For me 2.5D Next is the best thing to do. as i said there is a clear lack of details compared to the original tiles. because tiles were created in one shot. kinda like a mold for tiles. the next method creates a base. but a base thats probably bigger then the tile itself and as such the base and the stuff that goes in it. do not really bland well together. so there is a clear lost of detail. but the question that i often asked myself was... is detail that much important to begin with ?
my other problem was that my games aren't at home. i'm playing in a store basement. i could ask the manager if i could leave my stuff over there. but im kinda not wanting to. so i came to the conclusion that i had a small box and that all my stuff should be able to get into that box. and up to this point im keeping up with it. so the transportation problem is a true fact here. its a thing that should definitely be taken into account when you do your stuff.
i used to use ropes for determining walls. now i have different set of walls. it think thats all you really need. but for the sake of it. i think i'll do use the foam boards. i dont think they are that pricey. granted card board is easily the best way to be cheap. it costes me nothing. i just pick it up at my job. but foam boards aren't pricey either.... i have like 12 for 5$... to me thats pretty cheap still and i dont need to have hundreds of them like i do cardboard.
the rest is all just furnitures and stuff... i have trees, rocks and bushes for outside thing. still have to make rivers though. for inside sets. i have some book cases, pillars, chairs, tables... i still have lots of things to do... but overall i think its the best thing to do. just have furnitures to decorates whatever you want to use. so i dont think the floor is really really needed to begin with.
conclusion, like DMScotty said. use whatever is better for you... but i think the top evolution is pretty much a mix of all these ! which is what i do.
EDIT: cities huh ! now that i'll be waiting for it ! right now i have 2 things, dungeons and wilderness. i'd be happy to have a town like structure. as for the water... i dont like DM Scotty way of doing it. seems to flat for me. though i can see the need for such flat thign if its just to simulate water following the floor itself. kinda like what you are doing right now. but i think these cannot really be rivers. i really would like to see a true river modular system.
|
|
|
Post by gnomezrule on Sept 30, 2014 20:23:42 GMT
I think sometimes people underestimate how much material is in the pipeline for our channels. I have about 65 videos in various stages of production right now. This does not include MiniMagic and my new channels which will start hopefully before the end of the year. Into this include Crafter's Tavern, research and devising a new rule system... plus my day job. I have been on somewhat of a hiatus the last few weeks because I have to slow down a bit. I had the flu for 3 months and I am trying to rebuild my health. I estimate there are about 800 to 1000 potential videos in the standard series. Delving the Dark has almost unlimited potential and I would love to see other channels do something similar (I mean that in the sense that I like that kind of thing and would really like to watch someone elses walkthrough, so not meant as a pissing contest . I also shoot videos for other channels as a business. I essentially shoot about 50 videos in 1 day and then edit and release them once a week for a year on the customer's channel. This is mainly focused at small businesses wanting to build up an information resource about their niche product or service. It is also turning into a YouTube advert business as well. There are about another 3 or 4 channels unrelated to crafting and gaming I would like to start. Including a channel about making videos. I also have a day job Pissing contest that would make a great Youtube channel.
|
|
milojaggerson
Paint Manipulator
Laying tile on the floors...
Posts: 161
|
Post by milojaggerson on Feb 2, 2015 18:59:58 GMT
Coming late to the table, I enjoy reading all of this discussion. This is an enjoyable art form regardless of the style employed to help tell tales of high adventure!
All the different types of tile creation methods under consideration have utility towards the same goal of telling a story in a way that brings all the participants the greatest amount of enjoyment. Really appreciate the comments AJ made regarding inclusiveness, and the points he made regarding using those things that work; they are quite insightful. Thank you to all the commentators in this discussion. All of the methods from this entire thread could be used together in one sitting or across multiple sessions to tell the story.
It is easy to envision using modular tiles or the 2.5 Next system for more generic areas of an scenario, then switching to specifically crafted tiles for special areas or sections of the story of particular significance. This is not to say that more generic pieces could not be used for important plot points, but specific set-pieces and special tiles can be used to great effect in enhancing the memorability of a particularly remarkable encounter.
For example: A group role-plays their interactions and ordinary encounters as they travel into the realm's capital city, following a treasure map that leads them to a forgotten and rusted sewer grate (at which point the players place their miniatures around a small sewer set piece laid down by the GM). Then, the 2.5 Next system might be employed to depict the more mundane areas of the sewers beneath the capital city of the realm in which the PCs are adventuring. At the adventure's climax, the DM may want a special tile to depict the living area of the mad enchanter living within the sewer's central chamber for the final combat. Upon resolution, the GM may again employ the Next wall sections as the party exits the sewers, until they reach the point of egress.
Or not.
A DM's decision to employ tiles, wall sections, and pieces should be considered with such ideas as: 1) Does it help propel the story? 2) Is the tile, section, or piece within the budget of time, talent, and funds for manufacture? 3) Are the sets manageable (in terms of available space at the table, complexity to set up, etc.) at a crowded table of eager story-telling participants?
Tiles and props are devices for assisting the narrative and enhancing the participants' experience in the session. Certainly, using such devices within a gaming session serve to mitigate position uncertainty and demonstrate relationships which may be too complicated to succinctly express solely through the verbal medium. If role playing, these are tools that should not be forced to take the place of the story, for they are NOT the story. A prop’s proper use should be to assist the participants in telling the story. A good prop can help make the story, but it should never BE the story. I believe this to be one of the implicit rationales behind the gridless methodology employed within 2.5D. Role playing stops and war-gaming begins whenever props and/or tiles become the story. This is not a problem when a group of players enjoy war-gaming, but breaking out the rulers to take minute measurements and making an endless consultation of charts is antithetical to role playing.
It is probably not the same for every group of players, particularly as there are different personalities within each group, yet another possible pitfall presents itself when pieces and fiddly-bits take the place of weaving an interactive fiction with the participants: A gaming session may be reduced to show-and-tell based on ego-centrism. Has everyone gathered to praise the cunning of the keeper? There is a certain wow-factor in a personally hand-made piece; players generally extend their kudos and accolades for the effort. It is nice when hard work is appreciated, but ultimately gaming is about the social experience of spending an enjoyable time with friends and family, creating a memorable event together. A tile created purely for the hubris and exaltation of the creator tends towards souring the experience for others.
It may be a matter of contention to others, but I find no shame in using one method in preference to another, or in mixing them up. Though pragmatic, use what works in helping you and your fellow players derive the greatest enjoyment from the shared sessions, and keep the story the story.
Please accept my apologies for waxing philosophic about props and gaming. For me it is part of what makes crafting for role playing (or war-gaming, for that matter - lol) an art!
|
|
jazhi
Cardboard Collector
Posts: 45
|
Post by jazhi on Feb 3, 2015 20:23:01 GMT
I've been involved in various online communities related to arts, crafts, and writing for many years, and this community is impressive in its inclusive and welcoming spirit. I'm also really impressed that the primary video producers work together instead of competing. It's so good to see that you guys get that there's more than enough room for everyone. Forums for other artistic or writing hobbies are NOT as nice as this one, as a general rule.
|
|
|
Post by runningwolf on Feb 4, 2015 13:25:35 GMT
Was snowed in this weekend. Well actually snowed out (g/f does some stuff with a group who runs a haunted house and they were doing construction last saturday), didn't get back to her place till about 4am and then the snow started... so just saw this post. Also I have not finished my first cup of coffee so if I brain fart please let it slide. Saw the OP saying a con of the 2.5d (and guess can be applied to tiles in general) about the space requirements. Generally I have only been setting up the tiles for combat sequences so that there is an idea to save some room. That's good for the combat but I know some people want the whole layout of a place laid out. I also know some people complain about a multimedia creep into games.... But we had that back in the 1980's as well. Set up the candles, oil lamps, and some mood music, but some people freak at the computer also being at the table..... I tend to run sci fi games (space stuff as well as post apocalypse). having the laptop with me to show a quick picture is par for course.... Find a pic of a mutant, a spaceship, or a planet that the party is orbiting. For a whole adventure map you can set a monitor set up on an end table or tv tray. Have the map on one layer (I use GIMP) and a layer painted black in front of the map. Go and erase the layer painted black as the party explores more of the area. That's my get around for that issue of the "not enough room" con. As always gaming styles are different and what suits me might not suit someoen else but I thought I would offer that idea up. Digital projection maps this just seems too much of an expense.
|
|
|
Post by runningwolf on Feb 4, 2015 18:11:36 GMT
I've been involved in various online communities related to arts, crafts, and writing for many years, and this community is impressive in its inclusive and welcoming spirit. I'm also really impressed that the primary video producers work together instead of competing. It's so good to see that you guys get that there's more than enough room for everyone. Forums for other artistic or writing hobbies are NOT as nice as this one, as a general rule. Yes it is I don't think I have ever seen anyone actually flame another person. I've never felt embarrassed to ask even a "stupid" question. On the same note as above since it is friendly here it is conducive to give and receive constructive criticism. Even on stuff I have seen that looks super good there are folks who will give a pointer to turn something awesome into something super cool dripping with awesome sauce . Also the cross pollination is great as well, and seeing people giving credit for tweaking an idea or being inspired by someone else's work. Another thing is that a with the amount of people here there are a lot of different skill levels, and a lot of the old timers remember being noobs. No one starts out being a master. I've seen some things posted on here that I will never use but have got a great idea from or a way to tweak another idea. In general it seems that most of us will do the same thing in different ways, and we enjoy seeing how someone else does something and Chinese Menu that way (I liked the way DM Scotty did this, and the DMG did that part of the project this way, and DM Nate had a nice way of putting on the finishing touches)*. I have mentioned that a lot of what I GM is sci fi. A lot of what is posted is fantasy (which I basically burnt out on 20+ years ago). The 2.5D concept works for a ton of different settings. I think that is what drew me into it (as well as being cheap). The same tiles you use for something in a Forgotten Realms setting someone else can use in a Supers Setting that I can use in an original sci fi setting. Just a matter of replacing a rock texture for a carpet texture for a concrete or steel grating one..... Not like casting something and needing new molds for a new genre or needing to learn a new skill set to make tiles for another setting. For me that is a major draw to the Craft. *No actual DMs were harmed in the production of this post and names were just thrown in as an example. The white zone is for loading and unloading. The MSRP may vary due to dealer participation.
|
|