Grave robbers salivate over Egyptian tombs and care not for the cushy afterlife. Consequently, mighty Pharaoh’s have gone to great lengths to foil these evil doers. The threat of eternal damnation just isn’t enough to scare off treacherous thieves. An agonizing death is always the best deterrent. And with that, Ben’s created his first of many custom terrain tramps to fit our sandy atmosphere. Read with caution.

Cage Trap
Great googly moogly – things are getting especially dangerous. Ben finally got off his chicken-shard sphinx and made his first custom tomb trap. He was inspired by the cages in Pirates of the Caribbean movies but had grander plans.

The trap will rest high above, cloaked by the darkness. A simple floor plate will release the hanging hazard on the unsuspecting party. After encasing a victim (hopefully a stronger, melee fighter), a beefy monster will spring forth and assault the group – now minus one of its attackers.

Here’s your building supplies list:

• Wire mesh (can get a whole roll cheap at Home Depot)
• Metal cutters
• Super Glue (stored in your fridge)
• Black Primer
• Small piece of chain link for the top

Make sure to build your cage around a bulky mini (so there’s ample room). For assembly, Ben just Super Glued four sides together. The chain at the top was made rigid with some super glue. Don’t forget to cut out the bottom row of the cage.

For the metal paint jobs, Ben found a great YouTube video from a helpful Australian hobbyist. His steps were perfect for Ben’s own old steel cage. Start by painting the metal bars with Boltgun Metal and a Badab Black wash.

Now for a smattering of rust, try the following:

• Limited dabs of Ogryn Flesh wash
• Use a heavy dry brush of Bestial brown
• Continue with a lighter stipple brush of Blood Red
• Go with an even lighter stipple brush of Blazing Orange
• Finish off with a lighter Ogryn Flesh wash (optional)

Ben sprinkled a little moss flock in a few spots but that actually looked kinda gnarly. Besides a spring trap, this cage could also serve as an in-room, makeshift jail cell. Of course, it’s no Dwarven Forge accessory but Ben still pats himself on the back for the effort and final result.

Miniatures Spotlight
We got more miniatures to make your ragtag adventuring life miserable.

Amir
Maker: Mage Knight
Set: Nexus #31
Price: $4.50-ish
Best feature: Gotta be the headgear
Use: Could be a fun fellow tomb raider run-in encounter

Astral Stalker
Maker: Wizards of the Coast
Set: Desert of Desolation, #26
Price: $2.99-ish
Best feature: Those Hulk Hogan-esk python arms
Use: Pyramid guard patrol for sure

Giant Spider
Maker: Reaper Miniatures
Set: Legendary Encounters
Price: $3.99
Best feature: It’s rippled backside
Use: Blocked, webbed passageway

Gargoyle
Maker: Paizo and Wizkids
Set: Pathfinder Battles Heroes and Monsters, #24
Price: $3.99
Best feature: The looming wingspan
Use: Tomb guardian with great diplomacy skills (or statue)

Editor’s Note: A hard-earned summer vacation for this RPG blogging crew next week. Never fear – we’ll be back on June 30th with another D&D entry to tickle your senses.

Questions to Ponder: How did you like our custom cage trap? How would you spring it on an unsuspecting foe? Would you build it any differently? Got a better use for any of this week’s miniatures? What kind of monsters are you expecting to see in the tomb?

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