Another 30 days in the books so that can only mean it’s time for another video on the Pile’s little ol’ YouTube channel. This week Ben shows you his approach and final pieces for his new underground cavern environment inside D&D’s Pyramid of Shadows module. So let’s light a torch and press onward…and downward.
Ben is making a concentrated effort to better incorporate terrain effects into his game boards. Bypassing this occasional combat twist feels like a bit of a lost opportunity. While you never want to overwhelm an encounter, a subtle tactic stimulant now and again is certainly worthy of DM consideration. Ben’s got a quick modular mud hive square tutorial that when complete, will serve as a sort of a Monsters-at-Work road sign for his adventurers…perceive with caution.
Ben is feverishly working on finishing his custom creepy cavern crawler lair – his homebrewed underground add-on level for the entrance room of the Pyramid of Shadows module. Water effects are now involved and as many of you know, those pieces can take a painstaking amount of time to produce. Don’t fret – there’s still plenty of D&D goodness to talk about this week (while we all wait for Ben’s new terrain to dry). Let’s mosey down the Pile aisles and see what we can pull off his RPG shelves.
Insulation foam has been taunting Ben for many years now…practically daring him to man up and take the plunge. His apprehension with the material is quite humorous, especially when you consider its light weight and pink color. Thankfully, a homebrewed underworld in D&D’s Pyramid of Shadows has forced his hobby hand. Let’s pop a sun rod and examine Ben’s initial foray into the mysteries of foam.
Steadfast at the helm of his mighty terrain ship, Captain Ben stares sternly into the eyes of the great White Whale. The time has come for this mighty beast of intimidation to be dealt with directly and decisively. No longer shall his Hirst Arts cavern floors scour the seas of disappointment. Avast Ye Maties! It’s time for a showdown of mythical proportions – let’s show these tiles who’s boss.
Terrainaholic’s recent Hobbython was the perfect opportunity to stroll down redemption lane. Ben decided to re-tackle a classic D&D environment – caverns. After all, this terrain was the very first Hirst Arts product he’d ever tackled…there was plenty of upside to be had. Plus, he was determined to learn from lessons past. Let’s tear open the envelope and take a look at his early redo results.
Ben’s been little hell bent on making a memorable city experience out of the typical get-up-and-go module transition. So much so that he wanted his Thunderspire town terrain to pack a little more personal punch. Several NPC mingling encounters were planned but why not give each proprietor’s storefront a quirky name and engaging ye olde shop sign? Well, that’s just what the gang at the Pile did. Come on in – we’re open.
Ben’s absolute favorite new upstart vendor on the dealer floor of Gen Con 2012 was Legendary Realms and its magnificent, pre-painted terrain. Their RPG accessory offerings have it all: creativity, innovation, modularity, affordability and quality. Join Ben in this multi-part review as we give three mighty cheers for the little guys and everything that’s right about our cottage industry.
Every Gen Con has a couple exhibitors who essentially produce one-of-a-kind wares just for the big ol’ convention. Arena Gear is one such vendor and has now made Ben’s highly coveted Day One Visit List for two straight years. If you don’t hit these master craftsmen right out of the gate, this particular booth safari could be a bust. With that said, let’s see what unique specimens Ben brought back from Indy.
Building what the game group can’t see is about as tough as it gets for us terrain-ers. Yet, that’s just what Ben was tasked to do in his latest Thunderspire Labyrinth D&D game. Believe or not, he doesn’t have an unseen, shackled imp in his minis collection. So let’s see how he tried to pull off this little ol’ illusion by making one from scratch.
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