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Post by DM Misha on Nov 16, 2013 2:40:16 GMT
Wasn't sure where to post this, but I have a question in regards to theDMG's video where he shows what pieces should be created for a basic modular set! He measures in cm understandably, but for the set I'm wanting to create I need a conversion into inches! You see, I'm cheating and using pre-printed 'gridded' dungeon floor tiles. I plan on basing them on cardboard, then adding walls. So as he's going thru his video and describing what he has, I'm getting lost as I jot these down on graph paper. Anyone able to throw me a bone? Also, if you're able to help, when listing tiles, please say whether or not to include the wall in the total room size or not! For example, you say a 2x2 tile, so that's 4 squares. I make my walls 1/2" thick. Should I include these IN the room, or OUTSIDE the room to make it a true 2x2? Please and thanks in advance!!!
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Post by DMNate on Nov 16, 2013 2:54:06 GMT
The answer to your question is completely hinged on how you like to DM. I'm making a modular set (as you've seen ^_^) and how I decided is by designing a few different dungeons on graph paper and counted how many of what kind I needed to make. Here is a list of different tiles I use.
1X1 blank floor 1X1 single side wall 1X1 corners 1X1 hall 1X2 blank floor 1X2 single side wall 1X2 single side wall with doorway 1X2 hall 1X3 blank floor 1X3 single side wall 1X3 single side wall with door 1X3 hall 1X4 blank floor 1X4 single side wall 1X4 hall 2X2 floor 3X3 floor 4X4 floor
Note: the units I use is 2 inch squares (e.g. a 1X3 tile would actually be 2 inches by 6 inches) Also, I use 1/4 inch walls, and it seems to look and work fine, but I guess it might depend on what you use to make the walls. I put the walls on the piece itself (without modifying the size to take into account the width of the wall). The only reason I think this could become a problem is if you use grids to play. If you do, perhaps taking into account and adding the width of the wall might work, but I fear this might make them less able to all fit together neatly.
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Post by DM Misha on Nov 16, 2013 3:13:01 GMT
I've still got some time before I get to my tiles, but in the meantime, I'd love to see your completed set! Following theDMG's video, he has you make about 80 tiles for his basic set! So I'd like to see others for comparison.
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Post by monkeywithtacos on Nov 16, 2013 7:00:30 GMT
I hate to say it but I gave up on trying to make a "generic" set. I love making my tiles for specific adventures too much. Though I have also considered doing what you are doing, I have even thought about using the premade tiles for templates and then adding on the space for the walls to the outside of them. (In fact I still might do this.)
To answer your other question though, at least for me, when I say 2inch x 2inch I am talking about the inside-the-wall distance. I usually make my walls approx a quarter inch in size. Hope that helps some!
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Post by onethatwas on Nov 16, 2013 8:45:36 GMT
I would recommend doing something less extreme as making 80 tiles gor a "basic" set. While for some people doing that can be very functional, i personally see a few problems with use (mostly personal preferences really).
However i do like modularity. What i do is basically make sure every tile conforms to some basic rules. For instance, every tile has doorways or entry points that are 2 inches wide. When i plan out a tile, i give a half inch along the perimeter for walls, meaning that as i cut my tile (measured in inches) i add one inch to my measurement (.5 + .5= 1 inch).
I make two hall sizes, one being 8 inches in length, the other 4 inches in length. This goes for all straight hall paths. For curved or turned paths, i use the same size and shape.
While this doesnt allow for much unique design, it does ensure i dont have to look for a hall connector that is the right size for my dungeon, or if the doorways will match up. On the flip side, i can still make unique rooms and dont have to sprnd too much extra time making the modular peices fit into the exact configuration i need.
So its a bit of a compromise really...
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Post by DMNate on Nov 16, 2013 10:53:42 GMT
I need to get mine ready for next friday for a session. I think I will end up with about 90 pieces, but is a little more versatile than theDMG's set (I follow him as well). I will let you know how it works out.
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Post by sgtslag on Nov 17, 2013 2:49:49 GMT
This may be of interest to you, regarding your printed tiles: link. Cheers!
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Post by monkeywithtacos on Nov 17, 2013 6:22:00 GMT
That is an awesome idea sgtslag....
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Post by DMNate on Nov 17, 2013 9:48:33 GMT
Very interesting... I'll have to mull that one over. I don't think I like it for a dungeon set up, but I really like it for a cavern or sewer system.
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Post by thedmg on Nov 17, 2013 12:35:16 GMT
Hi If I may... Adding a grid is a problem because you are leaving space for the walls. The solution is to make the generic squares (the 6.5cm ones) 3" x 3" with 1/2" walls (a bit larger, but still works). However... you must have half squares on the edges so that when the tiles join they make full squares at the joins. So what you have is a 2" x 2" square with a 1/2" surrounding it. This 1/2" surround must be divided into half squares where there are no walls. When they connect to other tiles they will form whole squares, eliminating your problem. Use this as your standard square size and everything else in my videos will work exactly the same. This modular square system merely aids in making everything line up correctly across all your tiles. You should be able to apply any printed grid tiles to this so long as it adheres to this pattern. Enjoy DMG
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Post by thedmg on Nov 17, 2013 13:02:32 GMT
Also a note on dungeon design... I do not make sprawling dungeons with long corridors to rooms, this is enormously wasteful from a construction perspective. If you watch my video DMG#010 you will see that the dungeon layout is compact. This aids in better utilising table space and is more realistic in terms of how a structure would actually be built.
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Post by thedmg on Nov 24, 2013 12:40:48 GMT
Here are two prototype modular squares representing how Grids can be done on the modular system using preprinted tiles...
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Post by thedmg on Jan 12, 2014 11:21:29 GMT
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Post by Sleepy Hollow Mike on Jan 12, 2014 12:27:12 GMT
I guess I kinda went the "hybrid route" I use parts of Dm Scotty's design along with parts of The DMG's designs. Of course I threw in some of my own homebrewed alterations! It seemed the more I tried to emulate the gridless ideas I was missing something. It was the "look" of the floors. I liked the painted stonework details on the floor. But everytime I tried to do it it always looked like ..well a grid! Maybe I, 'm doing too much detailing?...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2014 12:53:54 GMT
You can always simply print out sheets of dungeon floor texture images (rocks, cobble stone, flagstone, dirt, etc) and glue it to your tiles, if you find painting a chore (like me).
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valas
Room Planner
I'm being twisted, on the sideway down.
Posts: 459
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Post by valas on Jan 12, 2014 15:30:14 GMT
Yep, I've done both, paint and print out tiles to glue onto the cardboard. Painting to me seems the easier route.
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Post by sgtslag on Jan 12, 2014 16:03:28 GMT
Avery, the label paper maker, produces a label sheet, 8.5" x 11", for custom labels. Print the floor texture on one of these sheets, cut to size, peel and stick. I considered using this Avery product for making 3D castles, applying the print-outs to hard boxes, instead of printing them on card stock, cutting, folding, gluing -- card stock is too flimsy for me, as it tends to get damaged, and useless, too soon after I build them...
Anyway, look at your local office supply stores for full-sheet labels (European companies must make the same product in A4, and other sizes). I am sure other companies make similar products. They're great for such things as printing out glyphs, paintings, tapestries, or doors/trap doors in floors/ceilings (print, peel, and stick). Any object which can be printed, can be applied as a 'decal', using this type of product. Cheers!
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Post by skunkape on Jan 13, 2014 15:25:00 GMT
Love the intro of your vid dmg! Had a good laugh from it! Good way to incorporate printed tiles with the 2.5 system dmg!
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Post by DM Misha on Jan 13, 2014 19:01:25 GMT
theDMG - I watched your video, and the following is what I came up with. I based the cardboard portion in black, then used a stone texture paint (more on the walls). Then I highlighted the walls. You can still see the printed grid underneath! I think this is the method I'm going to use for my modular set, when I ever get around to it lol. But I think I will also use your 3" x 3" base square idea!
I've been busy raiding local cardboard bins in order to start assembling my Cavern Geomorph set (from another post)
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Post by DM Misha on Jan 13, 2014 19:04:14 GMT
theDMG - How you used the printed tile portions on the walls themselves as well, I'm wondering if this would work for rooms??
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