I have a large battle mat that I use during my games, with 1" squares on one side (and hexes on the other, but we don't use those). I want to make chips or small tiles that I can use to represent lots of enemies, allies, and items of interest to help roleplay the PC's tactical network software.
I was thinking about red diamonds for enemies, blue squares for neutral NPCs, green squares for allies, and yellow stars for items of interest or important locations (doorways, access computers, etc). For the material, I'd love to use "chips" or some kind of tile that could be durably pushed around a board, but I don't know where to get such a thing. I may have to stick with thick cardboard from a local art store. Any ideas?
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Making chips for a Tactical Network on the battle-mat
Mon, 2011-07-11 08:21
#1
Making chips for a Tactical Network on the battle-mat
Mon, 2011-07-11 09:46
#2
Re: Making chips for a Tactical Network on the battle-mat
Funny you ask. I met up with the guy who designed Old School Hack who had a bag of fantastic little 'chips' exactly what you're looking for. After the game, I begged him to share his secret, and after claiming the Eye of Nazdash from its volcanic temple, he told me ...
Go to Michael's (or whatever craft store). They have a punch with makes large paper circles, about an inch diameter. Aquire this item.
Next, go to the hardware store. There is a man there who is the Keeper of Washers. He will ask you three riddles ("Can I help you?", ""What size is it?" and "Are you sure that's legal?") Answer each, and he will do your bidding. Send him to retrieve metal washers which match the size of your punch. He has access to a hoard of these, so if he refuses to provide enough, kill him and loot his shelves yourself. Aquire these items.
Next you must acquire paper, and double-sided tape. I already had these from a previous quest, so I'll leave that up to you.
The final item you require is a computer, not unlike the one you already use to access these forums, and a printing device. Using the arcane rune processor (I like OpenWizard, although Microsoft Wizard will work as well), type in the names for your figures, such as "bad guy", "big bad guy", "easy chair" and so on. Space the words such that they are one inch apart in every direction. Command your printer imp to imprint your runs onto paper.
Now, using your first quest-item, paper punch, punch out the circles (careful so as to put the name in the center of the circle). Using your double-sided tape, or perhaps glue, adhere the circles to the washers, name-side facing out (you can adhere them to both sides, or just one).
Advanced students of the art may alternate sizes, making big people with big washers, and small people with small washers (making sure to match the paper size to the washer size, a common mistake).
Now that I have empowered you with this secret, go forth and use it wisely, only for good.
Mon, 2011-08-01 20:29
#3
Re: Making chips for a Tactical Network on the battle-mat
I heart this.