Cheaply DIY Gelatinous Cube for D&D (The DM's Craft, EP71)

[@peterstec3118]

Till the last moment I wondered why not complete a cube by adding last side. But then an adventurer got eaten by cube. Great idea. Thank you Sir Scotty

[@theDMsCraft]

So very welcome...I love playability

[@theDMsCraft]

Due to the fact that the cube is very hard to see in dark dungeons I like to keep the cube almost clear.

[@grinofthegrimreaper]

Istead of plastic sheets, try using acetate sheets. Acetate sheets deform on contact with hot glue so you're cube is cubic enough for you to fold it, but each side will be randomly warped and deformed (on top of hot glue work) ;) It feels more natural ;)

[@13thBear]

Incredible! Dude, you are soooo talented! You really, REALLY need to publish a book of all your ideas and projects for the gaming genre. You deserve success and recognition. Yep, and a shout out to your helper/suggester The Brave.

[@VbitemeV2]

If you painted the inside with Tide detergent and added a UV LED you can make the cube glow.

[@NathanThompsonBlueEyes]

That is wicked, Dan.

[@nolanstockwell2896]

I bet your party LOVES you!

[@Valandar2]

I once made one by making a 1 1/2 " square lidless box, and liberally coating the inside with mold release. I then started pouring clear hot glue in it, dropping in random bits of skeleton figures and equipment. Once it cooled, I removed the box, then added a bit more hot glue to the outsides. It probably weighed more than this, and cost more (including the cost of bits from the Bits Box).

[@theDMsCraft]

Fun

[@AJPickett]

If you are really keen to add colour to the cube (which as Scotty said, is not a classic GC, as they are fully transparent and nearly invisible in the dim light of the dungeon), say, its got alchemical properties (spits a ranged acid blast for instance, or can release an aura of toxic mist), make it as described, then mix a tiny tint (and I mean tiny!) of acrylic paint to a two part epoxy resin glue, such as Araldite or equivalent, and apply to the finished model, it looks great.

[@evilbetty9423]

I was thinking a nice touch would be if you glued a few random things to the inside of the cube, like maybe a sword and a few bones or something.

[@JERRYR708]

The cube fits perfectly along the walls so nobody gets around it. The blurred effect when a guy is trapped inside is neat. If there were torches hanging on the wall, I wonder if it would stop the cube from advancing.

[@gengar807]

I like how you left one side open so if a player ever gets engulfed in the cube, you can literally put the character piece in the cube.

[@theDMsCraft]

DustyLynx Me too =)

[@ajwhitewolf]

This is brilliant, that cube looks fantastic! Being able to put figures inside really puts it over the top.

[@Tea4three]

You can also get this sort of plastic off of the front of doll boxes.

[@FGBill]

I like your idea of the hollow cube to put things in. That definitely is a plus for your design. The "rubbery" substance mine is made of has a tacky/oily feel which makes it a little creepy to the touch. It even leaves a smear on the map! :-) Thanks for a good how to demo. I'll definitely watch more!

[@CrimsenOverlordVideos]

I usually use my dice box, but this is great if I want a big one. The finished product actually shows up really well on camera too. ;)

[@Syrinscape]

This is sooooo coool! You're a legend... My son and I are going to try some of these things!

[@theDMsCraft]

Glad I could help.

[@cliffcampbell8827]

...or maybe just a hint of crimson, like it's finishing off a prior meal.

[@TheLPSlayer]

It looks better than i imagined at first, and you can even catch miniatures with it.

[@theDMsCraft]

I found mine in a junk bin so I got it free. you could use thinner type plastic (sheet Protector) but the thinner the plastic the less stable the cube and the easier it is to bend the plastic with the gluegun.

[@terrainaholic]

I thought you were going to convert a clear dice box and hot glue the exterior. Great to see you go the extra mile and show us there are many ways to skin a cat:)!

[@sophiescott143]

That's awesome. I've been trying to figure out a good way to make a gelatinous cube :)

[@MrTimHerr]

Just saw this thanks to a post on one of the Facebook D&D 5e groups. Brilliant. The day after watching it I made one of the cubes in no time, no muss, no fuss (beyond lightly singed fingers - my fault). Impressive results and the kids think it's great. Until it eats their characters in our next game.

[@theDMsCraft]

Fun times!

[@scimerio1117]

I've just made mine. It turned out great! Thank you, Scotty! It will be awesome on the table.

[@theDMsCraft]

Both those would work but I prefer it clear as it fits the monster description.

[@RAPTOR948]

Nicely done, I'll need to take this to heart if I make my own dungeon game.

[@johnpiernicky8674]

You should have added a few bits like weapons, shields, skulls/bones to the sides with the hot glue. Then, you should have painted it to give it that realistic look and color! Take it up a notch!

[@theDMsCraft]

Always option. I like the clearness of it as the description says it is clear and hard to see. Color makes it easier to see. I didn't like the aesthetics of sticking stuff to the outside. Most stuff inside but that would make it so I couldn't put minis inside.

[@sharonkerr9207]

Why not use clear packing tape on the inside to fasten the sides together? Wouldn't that be simpler than trying to glue it?

[@theDMsCraft]

+Sharon Kerr-Bullian That could work but may pull loose sometime in the future.

[@iendariehold4181]

I think the best part is when you play with what you made the best. Thank you.

[@theDMsCraft]

+Iendarie Hold =)

[@HowtoRPG]

The Brave is so clever, great idea. I have to try this.

[@Secundussy]

What about adding miniature swords and skeletons to the inside?

[@theDMsCraft]

Always an option

[@benriley6716]

Actually made this off your video. Worked perfectly! Thanks for the vid. Using it as a wandering monster in house rules version of the board game Labyrinth. Thanks again DM Scotty. Love the site.

[@theDMsCraft]

So cool =)

[@captcorajus]

Awesome... I saw the end result before you put the figure into the cube. Love it. Subscribed!

[@francescospuntarelli7369]

Funny idea to leave it open below... I was wondering what you could put inside but simply open is better to capture victims

[@theDMsCraft]

Can see the characters inside =)

[@matheusolivaer]

That's genious! i love gelatinous cubes! One of my games best scene was when an monk traped inside a huge cursed armour walked inside a room and a gelatinous cube fell over him. The cube's paralising venom couldn't touch him, but he was suffocating. The party had an white half-dragon who froze the cube and the barbarian broke it in pieces. Then, the wizard used "Shocking Grasp" as a defibrillator to bring the monk back. =D

[@theDMsCraft]

So fun.

[@beverlylee6357]

Where did you get your dungeon pieces from? So cool

[@theDMsCraft]

I make them, check out my other vids on dungeon tiles.

[@Tichsta]

The clear plastic cubes that Chessex dice come in also work great for this project + they are very sturdy.

[@theDMsCraft]

True.

[@xkerix123]

This is amazing. I can't wait to try to make this!

[@theDMsCraft]

Have fun

[@ravenstrahd5234]

You could use this to craft living spells too.

[@theDMsCraft]

True

[@Jorrellds]

You should try applying a heat gun afterwards to give it a bumpy texture. Not to hot though. You want gelatinous cube, not gelatinous soup.

[@DarmokAtTinegra]

One of my absolute favorite monsters anywhere - this and the carrion crawler have tender places in my heart I just can't explain. I've spent a long time looking at a lot of different methods to make a cube because, damn, why is that D&D Mini so expensive, and this is certainly the easiest and cheapest. Reaper is coming out with one for their Bones line which is sure to be cheap, but I'd like to make some mocked up exactly like the classic illustrations.

[@theDMsCraft]

This one can hold minis inside. That was a plus for me.

[@DarmokAtTinegra]

Oh absolutely.

[@dutchmanoutdoors7212]

One of my friends, co GM, and I were tinkering with ideas to make gelatinous cubes of various sizes. The prices for D&D mini cubes were outrageous on eBay at the time so we tried using various gels and epoxies, none of which worked as well as we had liked. The only cool effect that came from it was the novelty of putting figures in the gel so you could see the bones and weapons. When I showed him this video we both raced to complete one to see which came out better. Amazing concept and design.

[@MemoryOfGravy]

I haven't even got a group to play with yet but I already am desperate to make one of these!

[@theDMsCraft]

They are fun to make...hope you find a group.

[@seamusfinnerty5897]

Chessex dice container and hot glue, done

[@theDMsCraft]

The problem is the container is rectangular but that can work too.

[@1337to1337]

I just finished my set of 12 cubes, what I used was old jeweled Cd cases. I had a bunch laying around, and still see them in dollar stores 10 for $1... I was able to get 4 2x2 squares from one front cover and back cover, the plastic was easy to score with a craft knife... and some of the color cases made for some nice looking cubes... I have a set of clear, red, blue, orange and green now..... awesome video by the way!!

[@gravestoneparanormal4715]

This is a brilliant technique! I've made Gelatinous Cubes with resin, a total nightmare and they're really not functional as far as playability. Your cubes are much better, player characters can actually be engulfed within the cube which adds so much more to the encounter. I had a thought, you could print skeletons and equipment of the proper scale and glue them within the cube. The 3d effect would look as if the cube recently had a tasty meal - Great work Scotty, well done!

[@icewind1462]

I love this idea. The GC is one of my favorite monsters. The funniest encounter we ever had involved one of these majestic creatures. :P yes I said Majestic. This is a great way to get GCs The production minis are so bloody expensive, like 50$ and up for them. it's crazy, I have two from the original mini line was lucky enough to get them from 8$ box sets of 8 figures. They are my favorite, but when I make some those will become my favorite hehe.

[@DennisStewart]

For some asking where to source plastic for this, you can use the clear to go boxes/lids from restaurants. one place near me uses a clear lid for biscuits and gravy which yelds a 6x4 flat area to work with. If you are practiced you can cut the ends off of two liter soda bottles, cut open and get it to lay flat with a little heat from a heat gun on low or a hair dryer on high.

[@sanguisdominus]

To be honest, I think the way you did it makes more sense. You can visualise the shape of the cube FAR easier, and maybe add ripples to the cube centred around the faces of it. Seriously, this way makes more sense to me than doing it before cutting the cube pattern.

[@sanguisdominus]

Man, the kind of plastic you're using is called acetate. As usual, though... mind-blowing tutorial, with an absolutely amazing, effective and most importantly - usable end result. I think I'ma write a few cubes into the campaign I'm working on JUST so I can use this. :p

[@MisterDungeonMaster]

I tried this with a light-weight shrink film and made the mistake of using a hi-temp glue gun... I aborted the project when the film started curling over on itself. Maybe I'll make it into a jelly or an ooze instead.

[@tanke1305]

That is funny I saw the one The Brave made on the forum, and made one last week for me game on saturday. I just painted mine with very watered down blue paint, it gives it a little of a shine.

[@beguiler87]

Wish I'd thought of the plastic when I made mine. I simply made squares out of hot glue on parchment paper, peeled the squares off the parchment when the glue had cooled, and attached them to each other.

[@venusboys3]

Very cool! I wonder if you could use the plastic from a large packaging blister. Also, I'm half tempted to make one with a face on it, like the slimes in Minecraft.

[@gravestoneparanormal4715]

Quick question - where did you buy the clear plastic ? I've priced write-on transparency film for overhead projectors and it's not even remotely cheap. Any ideas ? Thanks

[@blanklink]

Awesome man! I'm subscribing just because of this video. You seem like an awesome GM.

[@OpposingReflection]

Dude so awesome! Also could add a faint tint of green like it's rotting or something. Super awesome love your channel!

[@theDMsCraft]

Thanks for the compliment...I kept it clear because lore says it is very hard to see in dark dungeon corridors.

[@OpposingReflection]

TheDMsCraft that makes complete sense. I didn't think of that Lol. But I'm still really new to all this. Been playing for just about a year and a half now.

[@PaladinDragoon]

texture the inside as well, some applied washes for depth, maybe do a watered down mix blue and purple washes, dry brush a bit of white over the edges

[@VsevolodTheTabletopCrafter]

Да уж, я похоже зря запарился. Хотя, вроде у меня порелЬефлей. В любом случае hail to DMcraft!

[@carjackedseraphim]

@venusboys3 -- you sure can. I posted about my DIY Gelatinous Cube back in June -- check it out on my blog carjackedseraphim.blogspot.com

[@CarpeMetus]

Only an evil DM uses a gel cube. I based one off the colour out of space, it has a 75% chance to to 1 damage straight to wound (plus it's normal damage) and regain the % roll of vitality damage it gave you back as it's own health. Yup it's a vampiric gel cube, with prismatic spray to raise it's AC. I guess that makes me uber evil.

[@FernandoDenise2558]

It has a low armor class, if you move quick and use arrows you should be good.

[@francescospuntarelli7369]

Sikeman214 and thas the point.. can an arrow kill a cube.?

[@jakemosley2822]

Have you thought about maybe putting clear resin on the inside and floating a skeleton mini in it to make it look like the cube had eaten someone?

[@theDMsCraft]

I like the fact that you can put figs inside so no.

[@jakemosley2822]

Fair enough LOL

[@GodrockTadaka]

So perfect, insta-sub.

[@theDMsCraft]

+GodrockTadaka Thanks ...I think so too =)

[@Battleguild]

If you were to give the GC color, would you rather use a colored plastic instead of the clear or by using a paint - let's say a watered down metallic green?

[@JamesCrawfords]

You could take a warhammer bit, like an arm or a weapon or something, and stick it in the glue so it looks like something has already been dissolved.

[@stevedowning3892]

The genius of these videos comes out in those "why didn't I think of that?" moments

[@NieroshaiTheSable]

I would personally use the plastic box to injection-mold transparent silicone caulk, I think. It would look a lot more gelatinous and less like a solid cube with squiggles. And you could base it.

[@Slashgate_]

Have you considered using a colored plastic to make the gelatinous cube have a coloured hue???

[@gettingpolitical]

Water down any color paint you like and give it and once or twice over to add some color. I enjoyed the vid, pretty simple DIY that is very practical to game play. Loved it

[@theDMsCraft]

awesome

[@roxannemyers6859]

I just recently accepted the DM hat and love crafting nifty things for my victi-...ah...party members. I paint and customize their minis, make custom map tiles, and even made a custom baby owl bear mini. I can't tell you how stoked I am to find this channel.

[@theDMsCraft]

Glad you did...lots of stuff here for a DM crafter like you.

[@mikeogden6239]

This is great!! I'd add a light snot green wash to it though.

[@theDMsCraft]

Cool idea, I wanted to keep to the classic clear though.

[@damianvanwonderen8217]

you can do led light into it

[@theDMsCraft]

Very true

[@theDMsCraft]

cool

[@theDMsCraft]

Cool

[@krylissnorwind7528]

Or, if you want to go through some glue sticks, take a plastic, square container, use some mold release and then fill the container with hot glue. Give it a few hours to harden and then you can cut into it to make the center hollow. You can also use your hot glue gun to add texture to the outside.

[@ilProde]

Thank you for the credit DM Scotty ^^ (yes, on the Tube I use the italian version of my nickname)

[@FGBill]

I made one using the rubber stuff that's used to make worm fishing lures.

[@dubbydapanda7189]

You never stop amazing me with these builds DM Scotty. I'm definable going to make a massive gelatinous cube.

[@theDMsCraft]

Have fun!

[@mikegould6590]

All I did was take a spare Chessex cube and cover it in hot glue. Done.

[@theDMsCraft]

+Mike Gould Perfect.

[@mikegould6590]

theDMsCraft The best part: I've used it already. >:)

[@theDMsCraft]

Awesome

[@tablegoblin]

I attempted this and it came out pretty well. I have some 3d tiles I got from a kickstarter and sadly it's just a tick too big. but I am planning to make some of the tiles from the other videos to use it on. this was awesome and I am really happy with the results. thanks for the tips.

[@theDMsCraft]

Glad you found it useful...no wall problems with 2.5D

[@taylorgulledge3858]

8 people disliked this.... that's 8 more slots open in hell

[@tyarlashan]

Why not have keep pieces as tabs instead of cutting away the 4 squares completely?

[@theDMsCraft]

can always do that.

[@Zookmottin]

I need to make a elder black pudding I'll let ya know what I do :P

[@trex8038]

Insane cool. You are a master artist of the hot glue gun. Seeing all of your videos will now consume all of my free time. :)

[@theDMsCraft]

Awesome....enjoy them.

[@danas612]

I love this...I'm going to make a larger version for my LJN AD&D action figures.

[@theDMsCraft]

Awesome...have fun!

[@AoWgoldsteel]

The gelatinous cube shown in pictures has a light blueish tint to it. If I wanted to give it a bit of color would that be something that could be done on this piece?

[@theDMsCraft]

+AoWgoldsteel A very light wash of blue acrylic paint.

[@raffaelepassarelli6444]

what do you think of using hot candle wax?

[@quickplaya]

Why not use clear green plastic instead?

[@chrispetersen4863]

Awesome way to take The Brave's idea and run with it!!

[@williamleitz3551]

Hey dm Scotty could you tell me the dimensions for the gelatinous cube? thanks

[@theDMsCraft]

2"X2" cube

[@ketchupguns]

i cant believe i bought a gelatinous cube mini.

[@KirKanos08]

This is really great! I can't wait to surprise my players with a homemade gelatinous cube!

[@theDMsCraft]

They will really be surprised when one of them gets stuck inside the cube...lol

[@Torokon666]

is there a way i can make it look green AND able to see through?

[@theDMsCraft]

+manfredusdelicious You could wash it with some light green acrylic craft paint.

[@Torokon666]

thx :) dont stop making awesome videos!

[@theDMsCraft]

You keep watchin' and I will keep makin'

[@flamedance58]

Very clever!

[@VbitemeV2]

Or use glow in the dark hot glue sticks

[@micahhenry]

Only DM Scotty can make drying glue compelling.

[@edsapp6678]

Easier technique use a cube a set of dice comes in then hot glue it..works great and sturdy..leave the bottom open to capture monsters/characters..thanks for the inspiration

[@theDMsCraft]

If you can find a square one...yes. Most I have seen are rectangular-shaped.

[@edsapp6678]

@@theDMsCraft yeah i cut them or in my world they are rectangle shaped

[@theDMsCraft]

@@edsapp6678 awesome, Just curious...what die set?

[@edsapp6678]

@@theDMsCraft I've used chessex or some generic from the hobby shop with a similar dice cube..your waymore talented than me at crafting so I try to find something shortcuts..I really enjoyed your purple worm build that was what first got me into crafting

[@edsapp6678]

I think bescon is another..anyway..u are awesome..I've had a dream of doing a legend of sleepy hollow diorama since I was like 7 so if u tackle that one day maybe I can copy yours..be cool to do that albeit it 40 years later..ately I've been trying to improve cheap dragons w green stuff paint and cardboard..that's a fun one too

[@DarkMorgan]

it would've been even better if you painted it green

[@theDMsCraft]

You can always do that but the lore says it is hard to see because it is like clear jello so I was keeping with the background of the monster.

[@DarkMorgan]

theDMsCraft You're right, I was thinking of the newer art work. Great job btw :D

[@xpluscollectorscrew]

I'd say more jade or turquoise....maybe even purple...

[@theDMsCraft]

How about pink with sparkles...lol

[@morrigansbestcrow]

TheDMsCraft I am about to be running a game for a very queer group and I might do that as a joke, then again they will likely just think it's due to my love of glitter

[@golemandgoblin8205]

Dude, this is great. I will give this a whirl soon. -Golem

[@theDMsCraft]

+Golem and Goblin Cool, have fun.