griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
    
 | | 07/15/2006 9:32 AM |
| OKay, so I said there wouldn't be an update due to the trip and stuff...yeah well it is pretty cool what you can get done early in the morning while the wife has a rough day at the hospital and comes home and drinks a couple of margaritas...and is still asleep...[:D][)]
First up is the entire gorge thus far. With the bridge in the middle a gradn 2 FEET long!! You can see that the gorge is massive. I eman look at the dwarves on the bridge....thie is something that was built to last....and be used by the horde!!!
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/bridge3.jpg[/IMG]
In this shot you can see the dwarves and a DDM fig inbetween the two towers. Again just showing the massive nature of this encounter....
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/bridge4.jpg[/IMG]
In this shot I wanted to show the brisge can handle a "larger base". Since I really don't know how far my PCs are going to be by this encounter I wanted to keep options open in case I need to use a large dragon or stay with the medium "ozzy", I used a King Snurre in the foreground to show that the scale, and focused on the dwarves to show the grid and the ability to hang off of the grid.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/bridge5.jpg[/IMG]
Now then it is time to show a little instruction on how I made the "towers". First, I started with a strip of pink foam that is 2x8. I measured the 8 inches and made a mark.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert1.jpg[/IMG]
After this mark I got the old carpenter's square out to make the line through the mark and give me an idea ofwhere I needed to make my cut with the HWFC.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert2.jpg[/IMG]
I repeated this procedure until I had eight individual foam pieces. Then came the glue.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert3.jpg[/IMG]
After slathering some glue on to the foam and then placing all the glue parts together. I then splaced some wieght on to the foam and left to dry. As, stated before, you want to put some weight on to the foam as to avoid the foam pulling apart. The last shot in this same room was really brown/orange. This was because the lighting so I changed the lighting around and got a more colorful shot.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert4.jpg[/IMG]
OK, I will give another update when I can...[:D]
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bigbadjon
Sergeant
546 Posts
| | 07/15/2006 10:01 AM |
| Lookin' good Griffrat. That is a large and impressive project. Mine is at a standstill unfortunately. Anyway the little tower in the first pick is still my favorite piece.
A little critique though. On your bridge floor tiles, your casts have alot of bubbles. Are you using wet water, pouring your plaster too fast, or did you want it to look that way?
Great work! | |
Evil triumphs when good men fail their morale saves. | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/16/2006 11:24 AM |
| BBJ, thanks and good eye!! Those floor tiles were some of the very first "no scrape" tiles. So I was messin around with the plaster to water ratios. I was usin a super thick mix and the bubbles got stuck there. I hadn't planned on using them for anything and just hanging on to them incase I got desperate or came up with a project. Well, I got desperate.
Over the course of this project I have ran out of dental plaster. I don't have the game budget right now to get more (that is an Aug. expense). So more plaster projects will be put on hold for a short time. Hence, all the pink foam pics and the tiles with the millions of tiny bubbles. Not that tiny bubbles are a bad thing!![)]
All in all I am happy that I am out of plaster, sort of. The shortage has forced me to think of different ways to overcome some technical modeling problems for the RHoD. Which is a good thing.
Okay, next time I post I will have more pics specifically the making of the rock spires like the first two. Thus, closing the chapter on the gorge....and then on to the ruins of Rhest!!! But first I have some honey-dos...[:D] | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/17/2006 7:23 AM |
| Well, I got the honey-dos done. Which, is a good thing.....hoo-ray done.
As soon as I was finishied I started in on the other two towers with an explination of how I made them. Now this is not the end all be all instruction. More of a guide for anyone that might be thinking, "How do you do that?"
First, after the glue had dried andthe foam had a good chance to set up. I wanted to make the towers level so they would be able to stand on the playing surface. To do this I rigged up two paint sticks from Home Depot with some rubber bands. Then took the old carpenter's square and made each side level with each other and then started to cut with the HFWC.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert6.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert7.jpg[/IMG]
After both sides of the foam were level. I traced out the outer most ring. This will give me an idea of where to carve/cut and not interfere with where the final turret implacement is going to be.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert8.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert10.jpg[/IMG]
Making the cuts to make the apperance of wind swept cliffs/towers. I loosend the wire wo that it would drag behind in the foam and made my cuts at a very slow pace.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert9.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert11.jpg[/IMG]
After I made the cuts one one tower I repeated the same process for the last tower. And, here is the final pinkfaom work. I figured that since "dwarves" made the bridge that it was only fitting that dwarves be in the shots before any paint, lines, or other model type things were added....
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert13.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/towert12.jpg[/IMG]
Today I am going to be painting and flocking and general catchup work....more pics later....[:D] | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/17/2006 6:51 PM |
| OKay, this is how the black cause way should look at my table when the players get here. I extended the "causeway" to encompass the entire battle matt. I am going to make some more low lying terrain for the aid of any PCs that fall off. (the white on one of the bridge tiles is where I need to re-paint a blemish [:I])
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/blackwatercause1dn.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/blackwatercause2dn.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/blackwatercause3dn.jpg[/IMG]
Here are some shots of the completed Vaarath's Keep. I have the bolders the giants thre during the last battle but they are not quite based. So, they aren't in the picture. Also, the gate house is not in the pic but will be further away from the actual keep itself when the actual game time comes. (sorry the pics came out a little blurred)
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/vkeepdn1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/vkeepdn2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/vkeepdn3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/vkeepdn4.jpg[/IMG]
Then finally here is what I was talking about when I spoke of "tracing the grid. Check out the bald guy!! Anyhow, I am laying out the plans for the Rhest Town Hall...[:D] More to come when I get time...[)]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/griffrat.jpg[/IMG] | |
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Most Edumacated
zenthrus
Warlord
5132 Posts
SLC, UT
| | 07/17/2006 8:15 PM |
| Exceptional work on Vraath's keep and the causeway. I can't wait to see the gorge painted. I imagine that will look exceptionally sweet.
You've about got me convinced to pick up some pink foam some time in the near future and start building terrain. Sadly, I have no idea where I'd actually store the stuff.... | |
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glumag
Warlord
5968 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 12:30 AM |
| Holy crap! now that's vraath's keep...makes my stupid little project look like crap [B)]
Awesome job, Rob! at least I have something to aim for now [:D] | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 7:00 AM |
| zenthrus:
Storage is always an issue. Doesn't matter if it is DF or HA stuff. Thanks for the vote of confidence on the gorge! I actually, started another little side project for a game that I am running in a couple of weeks. I should be able to paint all the stuff at the same time. I just wish it was so blazin hot outside. I would really like to slop the paint in the garage when the wife isn't home. But with the excessive heat I am stayin in the basement!!
glumag:
I can only take credit for being able to measure, cut foam and glue it together. The thing that really makes V's keep is the Hirst Arts blocks. Those things are the real star of thie undertaking!!
Today on the way home I have to get some foam core for the walls of the town hall. I am going to make the walls out of foam core and try to make the entire building with removable floors!
I don't know if the idea that I have in my head will even work but I will look around at Micheal's and hobby lobby. You know I love getting the strange looks when I go into those places as they are typically filled with non-gamer types (soccer moms) that just look at me as I make strange requests to the staff...[:D] Oh well being a gamer is not for everyone [)] | |
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Username
Warlord
5692 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 12:47 PM |
| AWESOME JOB!!!!
Can I come play?
[:D] | |
Originally posted by Schooly_D
Username - he deals in minis
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/22/2006 10:37 AM |
| I started making the ruins for Rhest. This took a lot longer than I had really wanted to spend. But not the creation but just figuring out how to make the darn buildings work in conjunction with minis and the battle matt. throw on top that it is not a normal building but one where the PC boat up to. The vison I had i my mind was not coming out. But then I had a moment of clairty and thought about how a group of us made terrain for Mordehiem (sp?) a GW game that was fun but all the buildings were ruined...
foam core.... I had forgotten about this stuff. Well not really forgotten but didn't have any. So after a quick trip to Mthe craft store on the way home. I picked some up and away I went....well sort of. [:I]
I couldn't figure out how to make the building two levels. this was key as there isn't a front door and the PCs are on the water front. So it took some time to come up with something so I am going with that something....
The something is like this; the first floor is at the water level and the second floor is above so just use the old fashion battle matt as the ground floor and put the built part up on that. I know now that it is obvious. But sometimes i ama little slow out of the blocks...
Here is what I have gotten so far....
Using my trusty carpenter's square I made some four inch strips the entire length of the foam core. I went with a four inch size as these ruins are supposed to be "impressive".
Then I cut out the foam for the roof and in the roof. The holes in the roof are some of the most impressive things from this encounter IMHO. Makeing them was of paramount importance. So, I gouged out a little section of the foam unhooked part of the hwfc and slid it through. re attached it and cut the foam and got my hole in the roof...[)]
I am calling this the roof as it is the top but it does not have a "roof" per se. Once, the roof was cut out of the inch foam. I measuered with the carpenters square a half inch down (or up depending on your point of view ) and made a mark with a sharpie.
With this mark I placed the first foam core piece. I used some nails that I had in the garage to hold the foam core in place. The foam core is only being held in place as it needs to stay there for the glue. Since the nails stick out from the foam core I amd going to remove them after the glue dries.
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building05.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building06.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building07.jpg[/IMG]
Here are the buildings with the "holes in the roofs"
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building11.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building04.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building02.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building03.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building11.jpg[/IMG]
An ettin for scale since they are in the encounter I was thinking I might want to actually place them in the building to help speed up combat encounters...
[IMG]http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/griffrat/RHoD%20terrain/building01.jpg[/IMG]
More as it comes along.... | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/25/2006 7:39 AM |
| The last update I left off with some plain buildings that had little flare. Heck they could barely be called ruins. Well after gluing a lot of Hirst Arts blocks to the sides of the foam core (hooray glue)
This was the most time consuming step of making the ruins. AS I wanted the bricks to be spread out for the next stage but I wanted them to be normal appearence from the horizontial angle. As the next step is going to be pretty cool. I think?
The description states there are alcoves and just buildings that at one time majestic and grand. To capture that feel I went with the fieldstone bricks. And scattered the bricks around on the sides of the building. One thing that I would like to point out. Where I could I covered up the holes and the rough cuts of the initial cuts into the foam core.
The description from the RHoD sttes the Greenspawn Hatchery is lashed with wood logs. I went with a metal gate for the dramatic flare and the ability to reuse the terrain for a different game in the future...
now the pics:
I am off for the rest of the week so I am going to be working on this stuff full bore. So there should be another update today or tomorrow.... | |
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Sean-Khan
Commander
2731 Posts
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Mama Cass
Warrior
286 Posts
| | 07/25/2006 9:35 AM |
| | So far, I'm quite impressed. I think I'm going to steal your swamp idea. I am a little confused on the ruined buildings, but I'll wait to see the finished product. It's got me very curious. | |
CHAMPION OF THE REDSPAWN ARCANISS
One day I will have to explain to my kids why they have to pay for their own college, but when they realize that I have a full set of Harbinger it should make sense to them... | |
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Ardus
Sergeant
364 Posts
Wisconsin
| | 07/25/2006 4:09 PM |
| Extensive and intensive project. I mess around with HA and the pink foam, but nothing to this extent. You have to have a lot of hours into all of this. It all looks great and I've picked up a bunch of ideas.
Most of all thanks for all the updates and pictures, the explanations help so much and pictures are literally worth a ton of words.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Ardus | |
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Champion of the Ramadeen | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/25/2006 6:27 PM |
| Thanks guys...the RHoD is a module taht I want this group of players to remember. The ruins are going to be set in the swamp but the terrain feature should be able (once done) to be used in any swamp/jungle area. So, that might give you a hint as to where I am going with the ideas/plans
Here is what I got done today.
First, I applied the base coat and noticed that I was starting to run low on the cheap black paint that I use for terrain. So I was "more than enthused about brushing on the base coat...
Since I was brushing the base coat on I had to go back and inspect the paint for areas that the brush had caused bubbles in the paint. And, after the bubble breaks the area left behind is bare.
I am really hoping that tomorrow I will make it to the store to get some more black paint and other misc crap...
bu here is the black blob of what I am going to be starting with tomorrow....
comments are welcome... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/26/2006 7:09 PM |
| Alrighty. here is what I have come up with for the "swampy/jungle" ruins. Remeber that the description in the RHoD states the alcoves and the statues are covered with moss. So here is what I came up with....
Questions and comments are welcome.... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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yack
Commander
3321 Posts
Gatineau Canada
| | 07/26/2006 7:46 PM |
| Ok griffrat!!!!
You have just out done yourself.... that is amazing!!!
Drool!!!! [^] | |
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Mama Cass
Warrior
286 Posts
| | 07/26/2006 8:07 PM |
| | Very nice, very impressed. Curiosity satisfied!! I'm definately stealing that idea... | |
CHAMPION OF THE REDSPAWN ARCANISS
One day I will have to explain to my kids why they have to pay for their own college, but when they realize that I have a full set of Harbinger it should make sense to them... | |
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kestrel.ca
Underboss
1687 Posts
| | 07/26/2006 9:05 PM |
| | Wow, that is impressive! That is so far beyond what I expected to see. When can I come over and play? [:D] | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/26/2006 10:54 PM |
| Thanks you guys....you guys can come over and gme anytime that you are in K.C.
Just let me know ahead of time and I will have a game set up...[)]
Left for me to do is the stuff with the lich and his lair and the actual fane of the "T"
I pity da foo!!!
I have an idea for the lich's lair which if it comes out it will be one of the most impressive things that I have done...and maybe the most trouble I get in with the wife.....then again. It is only a crime if you get caught.... right?
[:D] | |
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Can of the Cave Beer
Commander
2838 Posts
| | 07/27/2006 12:01 AM |
| Fantastic work, griff.
That lichen adds just the right touch! I keep seeing Ankor Wat or Zinj... | |
Champion of the Werewolf Lord, Knight of Anything Duergar, and Squire of Things Gnollish
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Ardus
Sergeant
364 Posts
Wisconsin
| | 07/27/2006 3:58 PM |
| Awesome effects w/ the lichen. Another great idea that I am stealing.
I can't wait to see what other ideas you have up your sleeve.
I am sure I will be impressed. Great job.
Ardus | |
Completed Trades (47): See |Trade Reference Thread |
Pending Trades: None | Bad Trades: Dred Lord,Charlottetown PE Canada, pexterblue1 Simpsonville, SC
Champion of the Ramadeen | |
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TYGRHobbes
Sneak
149 Posts
| | 07/27/2006 4:51 PM |
| | Wow is all I can say guys. Very impressive! Now you've got me wanting to do this. Too bad the group I run is already at the Fane of Tiamat. Hmm, maybe I'll get to try this out on one of the future modules coming out. Question, the pink foam insulation, can you get it at Home Depot and the like? I'm not sure what this stuff is 'officially' called. What do I ask for? Thanks!! | |
Champion of the Lamia
www.tygrhobbes.com | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 07/27/2006 5:01 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by TYGRHobbes
... Question, the pink foam insulation, can you get it at Home Depot and the like? I'm not sure what this stuff is 'officially' called. What do I ask for? Thanks!!
Yes, the pink foam insulation is sold at Home Depot and the types of DIY stores. It is in the insulation section and comes in sheets of 4X8 and varying thickness. If you ask for insulation then you will find the stuff. Also, the blue stuff works just as well. Just make sure that it is not coated with fiberglass. But the polystyrene type of foam and you will be fine....[)] | |
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TYGRHobbes
Sneak
149 Posts
| | 07/31/2006 3:53 AM |
| | Cool thanks! Glad you mentioned about the fiberglass part. I was wondering about that, thinking it would be bad to work with fiberglass in this way. | |
Champion of the Lamia
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Bert the Troll
Commander
3964 Posts
Adelaide
| | 08/07/2006 7:40 PM |
| Wow - jaw dropping good.
Impressed, and wished i had the space so I could make the time. | |
"Mutton yesterday, mutton today, and blimey, if it don't look like mutton again tomorrer." Bert the Troll - The Hobbit
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Zeb
Underboss
2027 Posts
| | 08/12/2006 2:36 AM |
| Thats it, I don't care what the wife says, we're moving to KC! I want in on that gaming group!!! [:p]
Seriously, when we stopped in KC, I wish circumstances had been different while we were there to allow an actual look at your work. Damn fine Rob, damn fine work indeed! | |
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 08/17/2006 5:53 AM |
| Thanks guys!! With school starting the posts and updates are going to be more sporadic...but they are coming...as is the impending start date for this campaign.... | |
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Nixlord
Underboss
2468 Posts
Quezon City, Philippines
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jacksonm
Warlord
5560 Posts
River City
| | 08/20/2006 8:40 PM |
| Fantastic work. Very impressive.
Thanks for sharing.
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griffrat
Commander
3507 Posts
| | 08/24/2006 1:24 PM |
| Thanks guys really. I have been swamped with work. But I got news!! I have 50# of dental plaster coming and will be here this Sunday!!! The stuff should have been here two weeks ago. but got shipped to my parent's house instead. Lucky for me taht my sister is going to the parental units domicile and has agreed to pick it up and bring it to the great city of Shawnee, KS.....we both live there.....So, the stuff for the ghostlord is coming...just not as quick as I would have liked..... | |
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