Experts say once you build one custom terrain game piece, you’re hooked. Well, those guys sure are right. Ben’s got the fever now and there’s no sane end in sight.

As the group plays Thunderspire Labyrinth, Ben wanted to introduce a more credible connecting plot line to the Pyramid of Shadows D&D module. Thus, a prison block was placed within the Horned Hold to introduce the hook.

The key jail cell components included:

▪ A custom hand-painted miniature to play the main character
▪ A new NPC card for identity and key data points
▪ Floor Terrain and Accessories: Hirst Arts molds (#701, #282, #203, #75, #76, #70)
▪ Chain: Michaels Craft Store
▪ Paints: (Graveyard Earth, Silver, Blood Red, & Chaos Black)
▪ Flock: Dirt from Skullcrafts and dead grass from Citadel

Ben focused on more ornate touches for this piece. It’s the little things like the torches/sconces, tiny buckets, bit box minis, and steel cell doors that really makes this unique build work.

You can learn more about this build by watching the video flyover on our YouTube channel.

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Stop Ben if you’ve ever heard these joyous questions around your table:

• “What? Where’s my sunrod radius again? Can I see that square?”
• “Sorry, still confused – which area on the map is on fire?”
• “I don’t get it…what mysterious rock is protruding out of that wall?”

Son of a B@tch! Yes, these are all valid questions but they often deflate a DM’s initial storytelling rhythm. Ben always wants a game accessory that pops and better translates his module vision.

Three Sage Games has answered Ben’s cry for help with some crafty Crystalline Counters. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors to help you better organize your game map and story components. Of course, Ben recommends the combo pack for starters as you get a nice trial mix.

And there are plenty of color applications including:

• Black: Call it a special mineral, coal or mining material.
• Red: Place it on a base to denote a bloodied creature.
• Orange: Rejoice as you now have the perfect fire source.
• Blue/green: Use ‘em to mark a gem stash on the map.
• Purple: Search for the magic stone.
• Clear: Uncover a great raw diamond find.

Ben got fixated on the very affordable orange as the practical in-game fire uses are abundant (so consider picking up a dedicated pack of that color). Remember – the best game accessories occasionally spark great encounter ideas. So why not pick up some Crystalline Counter packs for your Battlemat and see what new plotlines unfold?

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Dungeons and Dragons teamed up with Jones Soda this holiday season for a little beverage hilarity.

There’s lots to belch about here. The artwork is top-notch and fitting of WotC’s 4E book cover art. Tasters will also dig the cool label descriptions such as Dwarven Draught’s “It’s good for what ales you” and Bigby’s “You gain thirst immunity for 2d10 minutes.”

Cream Soda was Ben’s top pick (went down like liquid candy) and Pure Cane Cola was the wackiest (just didn’t taste right). Enjoy six fun flavors and labels in all including:

• Sneak Attack (Cream Soda)
• Potion of Healing (Black Cherry, Sugar Free)
• Bigby’s Crushing Thirst Destroyer (Pure Cane Cola)
• Illithid Brain Juice (Grape)
• Dwarven Draught (Root Beer)
• Eldritch Blast (Green Apple)

Approaching our first anniversary, Ben felt a Pile soda was appropriate (and they make great gifts). If you’re feeling especially adventurous, try crafting your own label. Sadly, you can’t mix and match flavors in a single case and that text input box can screw ya on line breaks…but all and all, Jones D&D Soda was the toast of the year.

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Does a DM ever really have enough beds for his room set-ups? They have many uses ya know including a typical barracks’ setting, a comfy room at the local Inn or an item of stature in the Captain’s quarters.

With so many possibilities, we manned up and took a daring stab at creating our own cot mold. Of course our home brew beds will never measure up to Dwarven Forge (our favs). Still, we feel our option is a respectable item in the perennial do-it-yourself bargain bin.

The paint job was a bit of a head scratcher – particularly the blanket. Ben tried several colors but the green had a nice army-issue-kinda feel to it (for the average minion).

The bed surplus has already come in handy several times. Most notably during our Friday Night Strike game when we played the Bloodtower on the Moorland delve from the Open Grave book.

Keep looking for ways to take chances in your own Dungeons and Dragons projects. Don’t let the usual creative hesitations and doubt hold you back. You will be surprised at the results.

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