I'm creating this post to separate my DM ramblings from my creative ideas, creations and paints. This post will contain most of my creations, reconstructed mini pics and images.
Some random table-top pictures of my creative work for OUR game. What will all of this turn into at its end?! Enjoy the insight into the terrible and devious mind of you DM! You guys are the best and thanks for the fun 1x a week! Pretty awesome and enjoy my ongoing work in creating things for our game. Those "balls" are my favorite and yet to be done but my plan and thought for them is pretty fun! Yep, they look like a mess now but wait until they're placed on the table!
Tonight, I worked on some random plants and stuff that my daughter gave to me when she moved out of her apartment. She was throwing this stuff out and I told her "Give it to me". I have much more but this is what I modified from her stuff so far. I took some fake house plants and made them into a couple of tropical looking trees and a massive bush (it's BIG)! I LIKE!
So tonight, I got some simple white rocks. I wanted something to add to my cold climate and snow areas. I thought I could do something with these, and they could work great for ice and snow terrain. So, I started playing around with them...............
They started like this (which was fine, but I needed an "ICIER" feel:
My 1st step was to add some silver shading to make them "shimmer".
Next, ice has a light blue shimmer, so I added a very faint blue to each.
Then, I added the first gloss coat to make them look shiny and "cold"
And now with gloss and a bit more color......
After, drying I subdued some of the gloss. Yes, I know they don't look as good as above but it's a process....
This is where I am with the watery rocks. I'm thinking of adding some silvery highlights to them next.
A couple of pics of minis I bought and repainted to look better. These are both gargantuan sized minis with a couple of medium and one large floating around in the bottom pic.
First was my continued obsession with buying, painting and reconfiguring minis. I have a horde of minis on my desk from heroclix and other sources outside of D&D and Pathfinder. many of these minis need a bit of touch up for them to be acceptable. This could be slicing off guns and lazers and repalcing them with medieval weapons, repainting because the original paint was horrid or even slicing off a head and replacing it with some thing else. I've even added arms, wings, horns or other things to spice up a mini which just wasn't worthy for out table-top.
More important than the first was my need to relook at Desicus's stat sheet and update where necessary. He continues to gain xp's as you do and maybe at a faster pace with him doing the work for his beloved and betrothed. Hmmmm?
I then worked on some already prepared future missions which are planned but I continue to adapt and modify them as time goes on. These could be personal creations or published modules but I'm leaning heavily towards published modules moving forward. You may have had enough of the DM's dastardly offerings for now.
Looked over the next "Game" that you players will compete in. It's been done for many, many months but I'm waiting to start it when I feel the urge. For now, it's waiting and as time goes on, I have fun reading it over and modifying it for what I hope is the better.
I hope you know how important the boards are to me and my enjoyment with the game. I love seeing and reading your posts. Really gives me insight into your thoughts as players and characters. With that being said I also hope you enjoy reading my ramblings and if you do here are 2,000 xp's if you text, email or say to me in game "DM Ramblings"!
This post is not about being creative but doing the tiresome chore of putting away the minis that were used for the Night Crawler Estate adventure. There were quite a few but I'm, happy to say they are all away with none missing!
The next BIG CHORE is pulling out the minis for the next BIG adventure which has way more minis than the Night Crawler Estate adventure. I'll get to that tomorrow I hope but, in the meantime, there are other adventures that may need your attention first.
I've had one of a few next possible missions set for quite some time (besides minis pulled). However, one is pretty epic and massive. I've mentioned this before but wanted to say that I continue to explore ideas and add to its flavor. Tonight, I decided that this vast "area" would have some items of need. In other words, besides exploring, uncovering secrets, finding treasure, engaging in mysteries, battling wondrous monsters and much more I decided to add a "Need".
Exploration in of itself is awesome as long as the area is fun and interesting. However, adding a need and purpose adds so much more.
I totally agree, need, desire and purpose, are vital especially when trying to get the characters to move in that direction. Plus, they make that area have a such a great story or a mystery to have so much more depth.
What the heck are these large disgusting looking things I bought and painted. A bit oversized on a large base but way too small for a huge. I think they look quite creepy for insects.
These things were really a garbage purchase. They were horrible pieces of rubbery junk. I informed the seller of my dissatisfaction and I'll see what happens.
They offered me a $2 refund. Better than nothing, I guess. I also realized grasshoppers often have black eyes, so I repainted them black. They are FAR from done as I need them to look much better for plastic rubbery toys. There will be some mutilation to the mini like slicing off some leg parts and repositioning the severed appendage to look right.
I've been working on a specific module to run for the last couple of weeks. The fun is it involves an old school prominent NPC that may need help. Additionally, it's a classic module rated the BEST EVER on many boards and gaming sites. I also think it is the BEST module ever written! This mission, if and when accepted is one that has an exceptionally high potential for a TPK. It includes an enemy that I do not want ever defeated unless I have no choice due to your actions. Some have expressed a great interest in this adventure and in time it will come to fruition. The group will have a choice to decline, but I doubt you will do to the mission, the individual involved and the one asking you to undertake it!
Of course who knows if this even hapens as you run your adventuring career!
sounds exciting you know the one sure hook for this group ... greed, greed is good especially for pirates and dwarves ... the paladin just hint that there is some evil at play ...lol
I felt I should post something to keep your interest. I paint and work on so much stuff I forget to share much with the group. However, here is a pic of dollar minis repainted and made into some devasting enemies!
I've finished a major mission write-up which I think eclipses the Monastery of Souls. Maybe not, but it is so different that I guess I'm just feeling it right now. This one involves a bit of a challenge amongst players! No harm against each other but a test of each to see who is the best! It's been written but now the harrowing experience of pulling of the minis and writing their stats is on the horizon. That I DO NOT love.
Oh, just for kicks in the distance of the Pumpkin King being worked on and painted. He or it will be a fun big time encounter or enemy!
Besides doing other game things tonight I've taken some random arms and hands from spare minis and made them into an undead of sorts. I'm displaying the start of the mini as I just cut them from their source and glued them to a base. Anyone want to give me an idea of what special ability a floating hand like this would have in game? I have ideas but yours are always great to hear.
And the next step........
And coloring the arms to a more natural color.
And making them somewhat bloody as they are undead detached arms.
It took about 90 minutes but all the terrain and tiles have been put away for the Monastery of Souls. Of course the level where you're battling Desicus remains but putting away all the stuff on the top level was quite a chore. I am very happy as now you have abundant space for your chartacter sheets and dice to take on this major enemy in battle. That terrain set-up, although gorgeous and one I'm very proud of, was a bit of a hindrance due to its size on the table.
What's been going on behind the scenes of our weekly game? Well, I'd say alot! First, I've been emailing with Tom on his planning to bring in his new PC. It's been fun and he's been throwing out some crazy interesting ideas. Where they all land we shall see but he will be joining in March.
I've also been doing my usual painting and buying of minis. I will no longer ever buy a full case of any mini release and that's been my way for a few years now. However, I certainly still buy minis and those include ones released from the new sets. I just pick and choose which ones are needed and creatures I don't have yet. If I see a cool looking NPC I'll always pick that up especially common looking NPC's that can be bought in mass and used as a group.
I haven't written any new adventuires because I feel there's no need. Why? Well, first you are on a pretty major adventure and I believe it will run a bit longer. After that we have Tom joining so once that happens my creation shifts a bit. Not to make easy adventures but to make adventures where a lower level party member can have success as well as the higher level characters a challenge. It's not easy but I've done this before and have become somewhat of an expert.
I've also continued to flesh out the on-line game (Monster NPC Battle) you will be playing shortly. These games are created from scratch and take me weeks if not months to finalize. First, I have to come up with the idea. Then I have to write rules, challenges and what the winner will get (easiest part). I also double, triple and quadruple check the game to search for any loop-holes or ways that one can take advantage of a game situation. That's not easy as I wrote the game so I'm bias thinking most is good as written. In my re-reads I do, however, make many changes and adjustments.
I'm also on Etsy, Ebay, and other game sites buying stuff. I often see things on Ebay at a price I wouldn't pay and place an offer if allowed. Often the seller rejects my offer and we haggle a bit but hopefully come up with an agreeable price. This is a 50/50 chance with my experiences.
I only buy game stuff (minis, terrain, paper, markers, laminating paper, pencils, ink, etc.). Nothing else besides beer! 🤣
Oh, the secret phrase of the week for 1,000 bonus xp's is "6 Players? Why not?" You know how to get the bonus xp's by now.
Tonight, I worked on the terrain set-up some more trying to get it perfect. Well....it's as perfect as it's going to get and it should be fun. I'll bet the group flees this mission immediately and then I have to spend hours putting everything away 🤣. Either way this is ready and I do think you guys are good with the mission as you met Vesib Vonner and agreed to guide him to the church to gain entrance to pay respect to his brother. Let us see how this goes!
I've mentioned this before but I've been working on a pretty fun and big mission for a while. The time invested has been writing it, creature and NPC stats and pulling minis but tonight I spent hours setting up terrain. This mission deserves a great terrain so tonight I took the time to prepare it. I pulled much terrain from various storage spaces to fill in the needs. Was an all-nighter to be honest and I think tomorrow I'll look everything over to ensure it's ready to go and up to your standards!
Here's a litte fun distant and purposely blurry picture of the terrain I set up tonight (well at least half of it). As you can see it's quite a large set-up but this may not be all of it! If you look you can see other terrain in the picture in the works.
Being on the Wicked Wench inspired me to ask for a specifuic Christmas gift. Tonight it is in use and it is Captain Bluebeards Ale Mug! And I think that should be the secret word of the week for 500 xp's.
So, for Christmas I asked for a bunch of game stuff. What else, clothes?
I'm at a point with my collection where I love stuff that I can be creative with and turn into something awesome. Yes, I still love prepainted minis like the ones you got for the Chrstmas Contest, but my time is often spent reconfiguring unpainted minis, painting minis and searching for "off the cuff" minis and things.
Well, the pictures are something I felt would be of great use in the game and isn't really available in pre-painted mini form. It's undead skeletal dinosaurs. Bought a bunch for pretty cheap and based them, modified some with cutting off heads and replacing them and now will work on painting them a bit. They will make a great addition when needed and all for cheap ($30). This many D&D or Pathfinder minis would easily be $250+ (estimate $10 cost for a large mini and there are 25)! Good stuff and the pic are them "out of the box" and simply based. Next will come some touch up paint!
Touch up Paint added. Bones are predominantly white, not yellow.
This post is connected to my last Post #35 so read that first. Here I enlighten you with terrain pictures of what you may encounter. I hope I'm not giving too much away here but enjoy the pics and speculate.
Really? Does the terrain scream "church" to ya'? 😁 If it is a church that would be a pretty large one. Now, could it be a Monk's Rest, a Warrior Meditation Temple, a Summonong Chamber or many more crazy DM ideas!
With the group's victory against Varouga and the cloud giants I have something WAY different, fun and much more light hearted in store. This might be something you could use. Oh, don't get me wrong it is dangerous, challenging and more than you'd expect but it has potential to play better or worse depending on decisions. Low level character or not you as players haven't changed so your thoughts and planning will be just as sharp. Are there any new PC's to come? There were deaths!
However, don't ever take my words as absolute as day to day thoughts and ideas change. I also have something very involved, creepy and fun dealing with a certain creature type that you either love or hate.
Let's not forget Captain Bluebeard wants the Kraken!
To your delight I've added nor painted any more additions to the cloud giant legion! They are what they are and ready for battle as is!
What I did do tonight was paint a few minis and take some junk and start to make "something"? I have no idea what the junk will turn into but when I picked it up I thought "hmmmm, maybe I can do something with that?" The three minis are in paint process and about 1-2 steps away from completion. One is a mummy, one is a wizard and one is a tumbling circus freak! Oh, by the way the secret bonus word this week for 1,000 xp's is Circus Freak!
I thought these would be great for the next major enemy considering how cool they are in their television series! Anybody know who they are? I think it's pretty simple. 😂 All kidding aside they will be display minis as I thought they were just too cool not to get! They are what I'd consider "huge" minis placed on a medium base. They will go next to Pete's Efreet mini from the DM Guide he gave.
Size comparison to show how oversized they are as medium minis!
I believe the cloud giant mission will be reaching its climax soon (easy men). You've killed a number of them and know where the castle is and have discussed plans to enter. The way things have played out I believe the castle exploration/battles may not be as involved as they could have been. That's good for you. In no way does that mean I believe it will be easy as I still believe a TPK is without question still on the line. However, you've made things easier with your battle success and this gives you a chance.
I do however, guarantee that the end encounter will be epic in scale, fun and danger! Varouga is absolutely NO joke and she may still have others by her side. How many others? You shall see very soon I believe! I wish you sincere luck as I want the Sea Dogs to survive as there is so much ahead for you!
I've had fun with this mission but I feel it's moving slow. I understand your tactics and in no way want to rush your approach but with that being said it's MY job to keep the game moving and I've taken steps to ensure that. I'm not making things easier, but simply having things happen in a manner that works to move you forward.
With these simple steps I believe next week might reach the epic battle with the cloud giant queen. If not there will be battles before her which will almost be as epic. I look forward to them!
I want you to have 100% success & survival but I find that hard against the "Queen of the Clouds"!
So far 4 of 5 players got the bonus xp's this week for sending me the secret word on the boards. Good for you and thanks for reading our posts!
UPDATE: Anybody want to guess who hasn't yet? I'd think you'd be surprised 😮
So, just for crazy information I made the Cloud Giant Queen my wallpaper on my phone! Looks so good I'd hate for her to be one I'd have to remember in passing!
With that being said I want to remind every player that your characters are not static or stagnant. If you like your PC but feel dismayed by their abilities, skills, battle abilities or anything else know things can be modified to make them more of what you want. I've done this many, many times with players to enhance their fun with the character they have. If you DON'T feel a strong love or need to continue your current PC for whatever reason then role up something new to ensure you maximize your fun at the game. That's what the game is for - MAXIMUM FUN!
In the end it is all about coming to the game, loving your PC and having fun with him in the game world.
I have been down this route before. Sometimes, classes look good on paper/ in the book. But then you start playing them, and they just dont match, what you thought it would be like. The DM helped me, alot. With situtuion. we worked together to change some things around. Look at some new prespectives . And it worked. Also feel free to ask me stuff also. I can help with feats and such.
As mentioned below in DM Post #21 I always have missions ready. So for now one involves dragons (maybe a BIG one), one involves undead (maybe a POWERFUL one) and one involves secrecy/information gathering (ones that work in the night most likely led by ONE).
So please survive this cloud giant ordeal as I have so much in store for you movoing forward at this level. Now to be honest if things go drastically wrong it's not hard creating a 1st level mission. As an experienced DM I can do that in less than an hour. Creating a deadly enemy at 1st level is pretty simple as compared to creating one for a 13th level or above party.
Do you guys have an idea as to the reason for this? I'd love to hear why you think its so much harder creating a 12th level adventure as compared to a 1st. Can't wait until Wednesday to game!
I would say that low level characters face less complex challenges obviously so less time has to go into planning. Basic encounters and role playing and some skill checks are challenging enough at low levels...
Also being said encounters are generally basic and involve smaller numbers...less minis to pull-We know that is John''s favorite part 😀!
I've just about finished writing and identifying minis for what I feel is a truly exciting mission ahead. There was a type of adventure that I felt was requested when last asked about mission desires. I've been relentlessly working on this one for a few weeks and it's just about done (in fairness I was working on another to meet ALL your needs but moved off from it).
My hints and clues to it, if accepted, are energy oh my, dead or are they, a place to rest in peace, a good sanctuary can be transformed, many battles, epic end battle and a chance to encounter many things never before dealt with.
Sounds fun to me and hopefully you as well. As I've always said go awith what you want. If you don't like a mission then pass and search elsewhere. Krinthius is a good but dangerous world where things always need to be rectified.
I always have missions on the ready although in truth I may not have the minis pulled out yet for all. However, if you redirect and it was unexpected I ALWAYS have random encounter minis ready for battle or random role play encounters on the wait! Any good DM has to be ready for the unexpected.
Continue making things for no reason other than the game! Got a rock in my greenbelt walk with Zoe and added it to a cobra-head piece. The end result is here! The stone does not look as good as it does in person. Looks very natural and quite shiny when you see it first hand. VERY!
Tonight I worked on painting some vicous undead. Spectre, ghost or something in between. I like the mini and paint job and look forward to throwing them out against ya'!
Enjoy my continued purchase of minis to one day delight you in battle!
You know I must have one of the largest mini collections in general. Seriously, I have so many thousands and being a member of the mini boards I see what others have and know I have at least equal to the top collectors and probably more!
That white spot on the base has been corrected! Did u see it? I did!
I do not see any white spot. How many minis do you have. I think you made a game of it, for us to guess the amount. I dont remeber what that number was
Anybody remember BIG BABY DINOSAUR?! I'd guess you do!
Well, he's been to the salon and got a make-over! He wanted to blend in with the crowd a bit more and for 1,000 xp's the secret phrase is "Blend in with the Crowd" in honor of Big Baby Dinosaur!
Thank you, but to be fair it was really a simple repaint. He also has red eyes now but you can't see them in the pic. He does look more intimidating and natural with his new look and when I put on the game table will be differnt with attacks!
Some mystical horse minis in the process of being turned into something fun! Step by step paint process. Only 2 steps done here. They were gray to begin.
Can't post an update as they are still drying! from the last photo.
Some updated pics as the work continues to progress. They are quite shiny which can't be seen in the pics sadly. Still a ways to go.
I can't post a pic as no one has ever seen it but I've heard the Cloud Giants have an Ice Tiger that is as powerful, if not more so, than the leading giant!. It's said that it has blue crytals along its back which can do devastating damage and its white claws can deal some unknown mystical damage! Let's keep some calm and not even bring up the stories about its speed and bite attack! Hopefully this is all rumor!
You are 100% correct and I'm glad you picked that up, but there is a story and reason behind it! Remember, it's only 1 Ice Tiger they say!
Now, let's not forget that a drow is an underdark creature but they can move to the surface with some difficulty. An elf is a woodland race but they can move to the mountains.
So, can an "Ice Tiger" which likes the cold survive in the clouds? Does it require a certain temperature to survive? How cold does an ice tiger need its temperature? How warm or cold is it in the clouds?
Hope I got ya' thinking 😁! The DM always has a story for everything and the Ice Tiger and the Cloud Giants certainly have one. The funny thing is I write stories and the reason for everything but more often than not you guys never get these details.
Sometimes at the end of a mission I throw out details about the characters or reasons for things but I certainly leave stuff out as sometimes there's too much.
So, I love your intuitive nature with the ICE TIGER and the CLOUD GIANTS, but that is something which maybe you can figure out as players and even work to your advantage. OK, too many hints being given!
Here are a couple of pics of my painting to bring to the table to challenge you! I buy, modify and challenge you! Yes, your attention is drawn to that big guy in the back. However, I needed to get some nice dinosaur minis repainted for our game. Pathfinder and D&D offer such a slim pickin' of dinosaurs so i bought a bunch which needed work!
That big guy, looks like some type of construct. He definitely looks deadly. As for the dinosaur. Do you buy regular dinosaurs toys and just put them on bases. I remeber as a kid you could buy a big bag, of all random types.
Here are some pics of crazy things I created and am working on to bring to the table at some point! What the hell are each and when completed and brought to the table what can they do? The 2nd mini is on a HUGE base! The top is a LARGE base.
Here you remember was the illithid pool I created way back when. If you look really closely, you will see the illihid tadpoles swimming within its center. The pool walls are bit yellow and is something I changed after the illithid adventure so it could be re-used at some point. However, I don't really like the repaint and will modify it when necessary.
This is a favorite of mine and took some time to create. It involves a lot of left over crap like a dog bone, a piece of Styrofoam, toothpicks, a couple of marbles and some other things which I don't have identifiable names as they are just "junk". In the end this is the creation!
This creation is just about done. I cannot give you an answer as to what it is as that will be figured out when needed. I simply took some crap and built it to be what it is. Tubes, toothpicks, beer caps and many other odds and ends makes a great dangerous entity in Krinthius! This will be encountered and when it is I feel sorry for the group! Does it NOT look dangerous?
Creative Post #70
Some random table-top pictures of my creative work for OUR game. What will all of this turn into at its end?! Enjoy the insight into the terrible and devious mind of you DM! You guys are the best and thanks for the fun 1x a week! Pretty awesome and enjoy my ongoing work in creating things for our game. Those "balls" are my favorite and yet to be done but my plan and thought for them is pretty fun! Yep, they look like a mess now but wait until they're placed on the table!
Creative Post #69
Tonight, I worked on some random plants and stuff that my daughter gave to me when she moved out of her apartment. She was throwing this stuff out and I told her "Give it to me". I have much more but this is what I modified from her stuff so far. I took some fake house plants and made them into a couple of tropical looking trees and a massive bush (it's BIG)! I LIKE!
This one is NOT DONE.
These two are DONE:
UPDATE: I finished the bushes.
Creative Juice Post #1
Who bought these cacti? I think John but please correct me if I'm wrong. I LOVE them.
They are great, and I think I painted them up nicely.
Creative Post #68
So tonight, I got some simple white rocks. I wanted something to add to my cold climate and snow areas. I thought I could do something with these, and they could work great for ice and snow terrain. So, I started playing around with them...............
They started like this (which was fine, but I needed an "ICIER" feel:
My 1st step was to add some silver shading to make them "shimmer".
Next, ice has a light blue shimmer, so I added a very faint blue to each.
Then, I added the first gloss coat to make them look shiny and "cold"
And now with gloss and a bit more color......
After, drying I subdued some of the gloss. Yes, I know they don't look as good as above but it's a process....
This is where I am with the watery rocks. I'm thinking of adding some silvery highlights to them next.
Creative Post #67
A couple of pics of minis I bought and repainted to look better. These are both gargantuan sized minis with a couple of medium and one large floating around in the bottom pic.
Creative Post #65
Tonight, I continued a few projects.
First was my continued obsession with buying, painting and reconfiguring minis. I have a horde of minis on my desk from heroclix and other sources outside of D&D and Pathfinder. many of these minis need a bit of touch up for them to be acceptable. This could be slicing off guns and lazers and repalcing them with medieval weapons, repainting because the original paint was horrid or even slicing off a head and replacing it with some thing else. I've even added arms, wings, horns or other things to spice up a mini which just wasn't worthy for out table-top.
More important than the first was my need to relook at Desicus's stat sheet and update where necessary. He continues to gain xp's as you do and maybe at a faster pace with him doing the work for his beloved and betrothed. Hmmmm?
I then worked on some already prepared future missions which are planned but I continue to adapt and modify them as time goes on. These could be personal creations or published modules but I'm leaning heavily towards published modules moving forward. You may have had enough of the DM's dastardly offerings for now.
Looked over the next "Game" that you players will compete in. It's been done for many, many months but I'm waiting to start it when I feel the urge. For now, it's waiting and as time goes on, I have fun reading it over and modifying it for what I hope is the better.
I hope you know how important the boards are to me and my enjoyment with the game. I love seeing and reading your posts. Really gives me insight into your thoughts as players and characters. With that being said I also hope you enjoy reading my ramblings and if you do here are 2,000 xp's if you text, email or say to me in game "DM Ramblings"!
Creative Post #62
This post is not about being creative but doing the tiresome chore of putting away the minis that were used for the Night Crawler Estate adventure. There were quite a few but I'm, happy to say they are all away with none missing!
The next BIG CHORE is pulling out the minis for the next BIG adventure which has way more minis than the Night Crawler Estate adventure. I'll get to that tomorrow I hope but, in the meantime, there are other adventures that may need your attention first.
Creative Post #58
I've had one of a few next possible missions set for quite some time (besides minis pulled). However, one is pretty epic and massive. I've mentioned this before but wanted to say that I continue to explore ideas and add to its flavor. Tonight, I decided that this vast "area" would have some items of need. In other words, besides exploring, uncovering secrets, finding treasure, engaging in mysteries, battling wondrous monsters and much more I decided to add a "Need".
Exploration in of itself is awesome as long as the area is fun and interesting. However, adding a need and purpose adds so much more.
These will be amazing once you put your creative flair on them
Creative Post #54
What the heck are these large disgusting looking things I bought and painted. A bit oversized on a large base but way too small for a huge. I think they look quite creepy for insects.
Creative Post #53
I've been working on a specific module to run for the last couple of weeks. The fun is it involves an old school prominent NPC that may need help. Additionally, it's a classic module rated the BEST EVER on many boards and gaming sites. I also think it is the BEST module ever written! This mission, if and when accepted is one that has an exceptionally high potential for a TPK. It includes an enemy that I do not want ever defeated unless I have no choice due to your actions. Some have expressed a great interest in this adventure and in time it will come to fruition. The group will have a choice to decline, but I doubt you will do to the mission, the individual involved and the one asking you to undertake it!
Of course who knows if this even hapens as you run your adventuring career!
Creative Post #50
I felt I should post something to keep your interest. I paint and work on so much stuff I forget to share much with the group. However, here is a pic of dollar minis repainted and made into some devasting enemies!
Creative Post #48
I've finished a major mission write-up which I think eclipses the Monastery of Souls. Maybe not, but it is so different that I guess I'm just feeling it right now. This one involves a bit of a challenge amongst players! No harm against each other but a test of each to see who is the best! It's been written but now the harrowing experience of pulling of the minis and writing their stats is on the horizon. That I DO NOT love.
Oh, just for kicks in the distance of the Pumpkin King being worked on and painted. He or it will be a fun big time encounter or enemy!
Creative Post #45
Besides doing other game things tonight I've taken some random arms and hands from spare minis and made them into an undead of sorts. I'm displaying the start of the mini as I just cut them from their source and glued them to a base. Anyone want to give me an idea of what special ability a floating hand like this would have in game? I have ideas but yours are always great to hear.
And the next step........
And coloring the arms to a more natural color.
And making them somewhat bloody as they are undead detached arms.
More progress:
Creative Post #43
It took about 90 minutes but all the terrain and tiles have been put away for the Monastery of Souls. Of course the level where you're battling Desicus remains but putting away all the stuff on the top level was quite a chore. I am very happy as now you have abundant space for your chartacter sheets and dice to take on this major enemy in battle. That terrain set-up, although gorgeous and one I'm very proud of, was a bit of a hindrance due to its size on the table.
Creative Post #42
What's been going on behind the scenes of our weekly game? Well, I'd say alot! First, I've been emailing with Tom on his planning to bring in his new PC. It's been fun and he's been throwing out some crazy interesting ideas. Where they all land we shall see but he will be joining in March.
I've also been doing my usual painting and buying of minis. I will no longer ever buy a full case of any mini release and that's been my way for a few years now. However, I certainly still buy minis and those include ones released from the new sets. I just pick and choose which ones are needed and creatures I don't have yet. If I see a cool looking NPC I'll always pick that up especially common looking NPC's that can be bought in mass and used as a group.
I haven't written any new adventuires because I feel there's no need. Why? Well, first you are on a pretty major adventure and I believe it will run a bit longer. After that we have Tom joining so once that happens my creation shifts a bit. Not to make easy adventures but to make adventures where a lower level party member can have success as well as the higher level characters a challenge. It's not easy but I've done this before and have become somewhat of an expert.
I've also continued to flesh out the on-line game (Monster NPC Battle) you will be playing shortly. These games are created from scratch and take me weeks if not months to finalize. First, I have to come up with the idea. Then I have to write rules, challenges and what the winner will get (easiest part). I also double, triple and quadruple check the game to search for any loop-holes or ways that one can take advantage of a game situation. That's not easy as I wrote the game so I'm bias thinking most is good as written. In my re-reads I do, however, make many changes and adjustments.
I'm also on Etsy, Ebay, and other game sites buying stuff. I often see things on Ebay at a price I wouldn't pay and place an offer if allowed. Often the seller rejects my offer and we haggle a bit but hopefully come up with an agreeable price. This is a 50/50 chance with my experiences.
I only buy game stuff (minis, terrain, paper, markers, laminating paper, pencils, ink, etc.). Nothing else besides beer! 🤣
Oh, the secret phrase of the week for 1,000 bonus xp's is "6 Players? Why not?" You know how to get the bonus xp's by now.
great jobn .. they look amazing
Looking forward to delve into the Monestary of Souls ... it looks amazing
Hard to see but only thing for certain is evil breed here and must be crushed.
Creative Post #40
Tonight, I worked on the terrain set-up some more trying to get it perfect. Well....it's as perfect as it's going to get and it should be fun. I'll bet the group flees this mission immediately and then I have to spend hours putting everything away 🤣. Either way this is ready and I do think you guys are good with the mission as you met Vesib Vonner and agreed to guide him to the church to gain entrance to pay respect to his brother. Let us see how this goes!
The pic may be blurry. But I can still make out things. Looks like a chruch😃
Creative Post #39
I've mentioned this before but I've been working on a pretty fun and big mission for a while. The time invested has been writing it, creature and NPC stats and pulling minis but tonight I spent hours setting up terrain. This mission deserves a great terrain so tonight I took the time to prepare it. I pulled much terrain from various storage spaces to fill in the needs. Was an all-nighter to be honest and I think tomorrow I'll look everything over to ensure it's ready to go and up to your standards!
Here's a litte fun distant and purposely blurry picture of the terrain I set up tonight (well at least half of it). As you can see it's quite a large set-up but this may not be all of it! If you look you can see other terrain in the picture in the works.
Three Ale per day keep the goblin away!
Creative Post #38
Being on the Wicked Wench inspired me to ask for a specifuic Christmas gift. Tonight it is in use and it is Captain Bluebeards Ale Mug! And I think that should be the secret word of the week for 500 xp's.
Creative Post #37
So, for Christmas I asked for a bunch of game stuff. What else, clothes?
I'm at a point with my collection where I love stuff that I can be creative with and turn into something awesome. Yes, I still love prepainted minis like the ones you got for the Chrstmas Contest, but my time is often spent reconfiguring unpainted minis, painting minis and searching for "off the cuff" minis and things.
Well, the pictures are something I felt would be of great use in the game and isn't really available in pre-painted mini form. It's undead skeletal dinosaurs. Bought a bunch for pretty cheap and based them, modified some with cutting off heads and replacing them and now will work on painting them a bit. They will make a great addition when needed and all for cheap ($30). This many D&D or Pathfinder minis would easily be $250+ (estimate $10 cost for a large mini and there are 25)! Good stuff and the pic are them "out of the box" and simply based. Next will come some touch up paint!
Touch up Paint added. Bones are predominantly white, not yellow.
Creative Post #36
Everybody likes pictures!
This post is connected to my last Post #35 so read that first. Here I enlighten you with terrain pictures of what you may encounter. I hope I'm not giving too much away here but enjoy the pics and speculate.
Creative Post #33
With the group's victory against Varouga and the cloud giants I have something WAY different, fun and much more light hearted in store. This might be something you could use. Oh, don't get me wrong it is dangerous, challenging and more than you'd expect but it has potential to play better or worse depending on decisions. Low level character or not you as players haven't changed so your thoughts and planning will be just as sharp. Are there any new PC's to come? There were deaths!
However, don't ever take my words as absolute as day to day thoughts and ideas change. I also have something very involved, creepy and fun dealing with a certain creature type that you either love or hate.
Let's not forget Captain Bluebeard wants the Kraken!
Creative Post #32
To your delight I've added nor painted any more additions to the cloud giant legion! They are what they are and ready for battle as is!
What I did do tonight was paint a few minis and take some junk and start to make "something"? I have no idea what the junk will turn into but when I picked it up I thought "hmmmm, maybe I can do something with that?" The three minis are in paint process and about 1-2 steps away from completion. One is a mummy, one is a wizard and one is a tumbling circus freak! Oh, by the way the secret bonus word this week for 1,000 xp's is Circus Freak!
Creative Post #31
I thought these would be great for the next major enemy considering how cool they are in their television series! Anybody know who they are? I think it's pretty simple. 😂 All kidding aside they will be display minis as I thought they were just too cool not to get! They are what I'd consider "huge" minis placed on a medium base. They will go next to Pete's Efreet mini from the DM Guide he gave.
Size comparison to show how oversized they are as medium minis!
Battle to the death! Varouga will eat meese stone.
Creative Post #29
I believe the cloud giant mission will be reaching its climax soon (easy men). You've killed a number of them and know where the castle is and have discussed plans to enter. The way things have played out I believe the castle exploration/battles may not be as involved as they could have been. That's good for you. In no way does that mean I believe it will be easy as I still believe a TPK is without question still on the line. However, you've made things easier with your battle success and this gives you a chance.
I do however, guarantee that the end encounter will be epic in scale, fun and danger! Varouga is absolutely NO joke and she may still have others by her side. How many others? You shall see very soon I believe! I wish you sincere luck as I want the Sea Dogs to survive as there is so much ahead for you!
Creative Juice Post #27
Some things on my mind.
I've had fun with this mission but I feel it's moving slow. I understand your tactics and in no way want to rush your approach but with that being said it's MY job to keep the game moving and I've taken steps to ensure that. I'm not making things easier, but simply having things happen in a manner that works to move you forward.
With these simple steps I believe next week might reach the epic battle with the cloud giant queen. If not there will be battles before her which will almost be as epic. I look forward to them!
I want you to have 100% success & survival but I find that hard against the "Queen of the Clouds"!
So far 4 of 5 players got the bonus xp's this week for sending me the secret word on the boards. Good for you and thanks for reading our posts!
UPDATE: Anybody want to guess who hasn't yet? I'd think you'd be surprised 😮
Creative Juice Post #26
So, just for crazy information I made the Cloud Giant Queen my wallpaper on my phone! Looks so good I'd hate for her to be one I'd have to remember in passing!
With that being said I want to remind every player that your characters are not static or stagnant. If you like your PC but feel dismayed by their abilities, skills, battle abilities or anything else know things can be modified to make them more of what you want. I've done this many, many times with players to enhance their fun with the character they have. If you DON'T feel a strong love or need to continue your current PC for whatever reason then role up something new to ensure you maximize your fun at the game. That's what the game is for - MAXIMUM FUN!
In the end it is all about coming to the game, loving your PC and having fun with him in the game world.
Creative Juice Post #25
And who doesn't love pics dedicated to what is B4 you!
Creative Juice Post #24
And who doesn't like pictures? Here's my work desk with minis and other crap for the game.
Can that really be a hairspray cap and a rock picked up from the Greenbelt behind my house? NO WAY!
All work in progress!
Creative Juice Post #23
As mentioned below in DM Post #21 I always have missions ready. So for now one involves dragons (maybe a BIG one), one involves undead (maybe a POWERFUL one) and one involves secrecy/information gathering (ones that work in the night most likely led by ONE).
So please survive this cloud giant ordeal as I have so much in store for you movoing forward at this level. Now to be honest if things go drastically wrong it's not hard creating a 1st level mission. As an experienced DM I can do that in less than an hour. Creating a deadly enemy at 1st level is pretty simple as compared to creating one for a 13th level or above party.
Do you guys have an idea as to the reason for this? I'd love to hear why you think its so much harder creating a 12th level adventure as compared to a 1st. Can't wait until Wednesday to game!
Creative Juice Post #21:
I've just about finished writing and identifying minis for what I feel is a truly exciting mission ahead. There was a type of adventure that I felt was requested when last asked about mission desires. I've been relentlessly working on this one for a few weeks and it's just about done (in fairness I was working on another to meet ALL your needs but moved off from it).
My hints and clues to it, if accepted, are energy oh my, dead or are they, a place to rest in peace, a good sanctuary can be transformed, many battles, epic end battle and a chance to encounter many things never before dealt with.
Sounds fun to me and hopefully you as well. As I've always said go awith what you want. If you don't like a mission then pass and search elsewhere. Krinthius is a good but dangerous world where things always need to be rectified.
I always have missions on the ready although in truth I may not have the minis pulled out yet for all. However, if you redirect and it was unexpected I ALWAYS have random encounter minis ready for battle or random role play encounters on the wait! Any good DM has to be ready for the unexpected.
Creative Juice Post #18
Fiddled around with a D&D Lion Mini with some repainting. Can you tell which one has been repainted?
Creative Juice Post #17
Continue making things for no reason other than the game! Got a rock in my greenbelt walk with Zoe and added it to a cobra-head piece. The end result is here! The stone does not look as good as it does in person. Looks very natural and quite shiny when you see it first hand. VERY!
Creative Juice Post #16
Tonight I worked on painting some vicous undead. Spectre, ghost or something in between. I like the mini and paint job and look forward to throwing them out against ya'!
Enjoy my continued purchase of minis to one day delight you in battle!
You know I must have one of the largest mini collections in general. Seriously, I have so many thousands and being a member of the mini boards I see what others have and know I have at least equal to the top collectors and probably more!
That white spot on the base has been corrected! Did u see it? I did!
Creative Juice Post #15
A purposely small and distant pic of your potential enemies (but u can easily see it large)! They look like easy pickin's don't they!
On another note so far 4 of 5 players gained the bonus xp's this week for the secret word!
Creative Juice Post #14
Anybody remember BIG BABY DINOSAUR?! I'd guess you do!
Well, he's been to the salon and got a make-over! He wanted to blend in with the crowd a bit more and for 1,000 xp's the secret phrase is "Blend in with the Crowd" in honor of Big Baby Dinosaur!
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Creative Juice Post #13
Some mystical horse minis in the process of being turned into something fun! Step by step paint process. Only 2 steps done here. They were gray to begin.
Can't post an update as they are still drying! from the last photo.
Some updated pics as the work continues to progress. They are quite shiny which can't be seen in the pics sadly. Still a ways to go.
Creative Juice Post #12
I can't post a pic as no one has ever seen it but I've heard the Cloud Giants have an Ice Tiger that is as powerful, if not more so, than the leading giant!. It's said that it has blue crytals along its back which can do devastating damage and its white claws can deal some unknown mystical damage! Let's keep some calm and not even bring up the stories about its speed and bite attack! Hopefully this is all rumor!
Creative Juice Post #10
Here are a couple of pics of my painting to bring to the table to challenge you! I buy, modify and challenge you! Yes, your attention is drawn to that big guy in the back. However, I needed to get some nice dinosaur minis repainted for our game. Pathfinder and D&D offer such a slim pickin' of dinosaurs so i bought a bunch which needed work!
Creative Juice Post #7
Here are some pics of crazy things I created and am working on to bring to the table at some point! What the hell are each and when completed and brought to the table what can they do? The 2nd mini is on a HUGE base! The top is a LARGE base.
That gold buddha could be used for some many things. By just changing the color. Very cool
Creative Juice Post #4
Here you remember was the illithid pool I created way back when. If you look really closely, you will see the illihid tadpoles swimming within its center. The pool walls are bit yellow and is something I changed after the illithid adventure so it could be re-used at some point. However, I don't really like the repaint and will modify it when necessary.
Creative Juice Post #3
This is a favorite of mine and took some time to create. It involves a lot of left over crap like a dog bone, a piece of Styrofoam, toothpicks, a couple of marbles and some other things which I don't have identifiable names as they are just "junk". In the end this is the creation!
Creative Juice Post #2
This creation is just about done. I cannot give you an answer as to what it is as that will be figured out when needed. I simply took some crap and built it to be what it is. Tubes, toothpicks, beer caps and many other odds and ends makes a great dangerous entity in Krinthius! This will be encountered and when it is I feel sorry for the group! Does it NOT look dangerous?