More Quick Crafts

As I said earlier in the month, I've been putting together a few 'quick craft' videos recently (using the webcam while I've been waiting for a new cable to arrive for my camcorder) - just to get a few more ideas out there ...ideas that don't really warrant a full episode of their own.

Well, in this one I show how I make little dais-like platforms...

...and in this one, I show how I currently handle secret passages.

I've also got something a bit different planned for my next video/pdf ...but more about that tomorrow ;)

Quick Crafts

I'm trying out a new series of videos (just using the webcam*) - with the aim of keeping them short and sweet ...just to share a few more ideas (ideas that don't really warrant a full video).

Anyway, in the first one I've been making some magical green flames...

...and in the second one I've shown how to convert your rooms from 2" wide exits, to 1" wide exits (so that they can be connected to narrow passages).

So, here's hoping that they're of interest (and feel free to let me know if you'd like to see more of this kind of thing).


*as I can film these with minimal fuss ...for example, when doing a regular video I have to move my 'crafting table' into place, set up the camera & tripod, balance desk lamps on nearby furniture, and so on ...all before I even start :S

Print & Paste Terrain : Skull Decoration

Well, it's time for another of my print & paste episodes ...and in this one I've been making altars, pillars, alcoves, and the like - all of which are decorated/filled with skulls.

So, if you're planning an adventure that takes place down in the catacombs, or in the lair of an evil cult, then (I hope) these new textures will be of use.

And, as is usual with this kind of thing, I've made the pdf available as a pay-what-you-want download over on DriveThruRPG - so feel free to pay as much (or as little) as you like!

Anyway, here's hoping you like 'em ...and if you're interested in chatting, sharing pictures of your builds, and so on - then come on over to the new Discord server and say hello :)

Crooked Staff Discord Server

Last week I decided to make myself a Discord server to accompany my various projects (mostly my 'print & paste' terrain, and mapping endeavours) - just to make it easier to chat with folks and such (as I hear all the cool kids are using it nowadays ...well, all the cool kids ...and me ;) ).

 Well, I've decided to do another 'lets draw a dungeon map' over there (i.e. where I start things off with an entrance room, and then get people to suggest what comes next) - and here's how it's shaping up so far...

So if you want to join in the fun (or just want to check out Discord), here's the invite LINK

* * *

What's Discord?

As far as I can tell, Discord is kinda like a cross between social media, a chat/messenger service, and a forum (that works in your browser or via an app).

So,anyone who joins can post messages, pictures, links, etc. ...or even just chat with me and other members.

And just like a forum, I've split the server into several sub-pages - for example, one for general chit-chat, one for 'print & paste' terrain, one for my VTT maps, and so on.

So, if it sounds interesting, come on over and say hello :)

Narrow Passage (VTT) tiles.

I've taken a short break from the cave maps that I've been drawing recently, and have instead been working on a small expansion set for the dungeon tiles... i.e. those pictured below:

And, at first glance, these might seem like a bit of a strange addition - as these maps do not conform to the usual size of 12x12 squares (or multiples thereof), and they don't have the normal '2 squares wide' exits.

However, the idea behind these is to allow us to add some variety to the dungeon in a few places - simply by overlaying one of the special narrow passages on top of an existing tile - i.e. this kind of thing:

Which means that we can turn something like this...

...into something like this!

So, as you can see, this helps to break up the 'modular look' that you can sometimes get with the regular tiles - plus it also allows us to have narrow passages that connect to the main dungeon at any point that we choose.

And if you're looking to get hold of all these tiles (both old and new) - they are freely available from my Patreon home page (i.e. you don't even need to be a patron ;) ).

Anyway, I hope all of that made some kind of sense, and I hope you'll be able to put them to good use!

Print & Paste Terrain : Coffins & Shrouds (and mummies)

I have to admit that my timing might be a little off with this one (considering the current situation) ...but I've been having a go at making some coffins for the 2.5D dungeon...

- left: the initial prototype / right: the finished piece -

And, as is usual with this kind of thing, I've put together a video showing how to put everything together...

...and (as you can see) I've also revisited the 'burial shrouds' that I made a while back ...and also made a few mummies :)

So, if you want to have a go at making a few yourself, then (just like all of the other products in the print & paste range) I've made the pdf available as a pay-what-you-want download over on DriveThruRPG.

Anyway, here's hoping you like 'em!

Random Dungeon Map generator

If you've been following the blog for any length of time you will probably know that I like to make lots of little (modular) dungeon tiles for use with virtual tabletops ...i.e. something like those pictured below:

Well, I was recently contacted by the guys from Fantasy Calendar ...and they asked if I'd be OK with them making a (free) random dungeon generator that featured my tiles.

So, of course, I said yes!

Anyway, the generator went live last night - so HERE is the link (note that only the artwork is mine - the website, the coding, etc., is all a result of their hard work)...

...and pictured below is an example map/screenshot:

So, as you can see, you can:

• Generate maps of various sizes (or even make a multi-level megadungeon).
• Click on some of the tiles to cycle through a few of the variants that I've drawn.
• Export the full size map (that you can then load into your VTT of choice).
• Download a dynamic lighting layer for (the paid version of) Roll20.

So yeah, I think the Fantasy Calendar team have done a fantastic job on this ...so if you like the idea of being able to generate a nice looking dungeon map with just the click of a button, why not give it a try :)

(note that Haxxer, from Fantasy Calendar Ltd., just posted on reddit if you want to give them any feedback)