How to Make the Ultimate Cheap Dungeon Terrain for D&D & Pathfinder (Episode

[@samthesmart1]

"I'm best known for Ultimate Dungeon Terrain." Aw, Professor, aren't you better known for your humorous, thoughtful, insightful commentary on RPGing in general? Cheers for this latest version of UDT.

[@ronniejdio9411]

Famous for UDT Infamous for his The Great Batsby game

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Kind of you to say.

[@ronniejdio9411]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 you know for someone who has never done miniatures I highly enjoy these videos and might try some during the holidays. The campaign videos are packed full of knowledge and tips but also entertainment value. Tons of channels are cool and in watch several but no one delivers the goods on both like PDM. And yes I've watched the Batsby video as well as the valentines video multiple times

[@b0therme]

I thought he was most well known for his glorious thick hair! -Baldly Sourgrapes

[@mergus]

"Why are there Final Fantasies 7, 8, and 9? The answer is, each version gets consistently better." That is, at best, debatable, Professor.

[@MrJormun]

"triggered"

[@RokuroCarisu]

FF9 is still my favourite. It only lacked in monster variety, ironically because it avoided using pallet swaps.

[@mergus]

@@RokuroCarisu See? Always cut corners. Always!

[@ballelort87]

LOL

[@tagg1080]

9 and 10 are the best by far. Fight me.

[@josephbradshaw6985]

I don't have any UDT, but I have started putting down 1 room at a time, only. No more big set ups. You are either 'in reach' or 'in range' or 'out of the room'.

[@TheGrizzledGeek]

You can't say no to DM Scotty! Give my best to Scotty, Wyloch and the gang!

[@adamsteed8573]

Thanks for the video. I finally made my own foam core double sided zoned terrain and love it. Made one side dungeon and other side wilderness. Looks and works great. I found a good effect for the outer ring of the wilderness side was to have an almost black / dark green background. Then paint dark brown lines radially outward every couple inches. Then use a dark evergreen color and make diagonal bush strokes by stippling down each side of the brown lines to give it the vibe of an evergreen tree. Blend everything together and it ends up looking like the outer edge vanishes deep into a forest. Thanks again for the inspiration to craft one for myself.

[@roderik4]

I'm not into crafting, but I'm always sharing your videos with more capable friends with the hope that they will craft some UDT for our game sessions. I've already implemented the idea for combat encounters

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thank you thank you thank you.

[@Cyxos]

I just had a revelation. The 3.0 is kind of the same size as Swedish flat and round hardbread, and with the right brand it already comes with a rocky texture. Just imagine: The final step of the dungeon is to eat it. Talk about instant gratification and it solves transportation on the return trip :D

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Mmmmmm. Flatbread....

[@dangerdelw]

UDT 4.0- just a pizza 🤞

[@emarsk77]

@John O A whole pineapple slice in the centre for melee range and you're good to go. Or, if you're anti-pineapple, a big slice of salame will do.

[@dangerdelw]

John O the toppings can be miniatures!

[@benvoliothefirst]

And lo, on the fifth day the party did find themselves engulfed in the morass of cheese, as the pepperoni-demons attempted to drown them in sauce. Many good men were lost that day.

[@TabletopWitchCRAFT]

Nice work Dan...always looking to improve...the sign of a true professor!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I appreciate that!

[@irishthump73]

Great to see UDT constantly evolving and improving.

[@DjigitDaniel]

Absolutely brilliant, professor. I was just mulling over making some UDT this weekend, so perfect timing. Have fun in NC! 👍🏻

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Glad the timing worked out.

[@zombielandiii2711]

It's like Christmas to me when you show a craft video. Love you prof ! Edit : also love your Bilbo outfit 🤪

[@hfritz8589]

I really like these the best out of all the DIY tiles I have seen. They will have some weight (biggest downside I see to XPS) but not be too thick. I take it these are the "floating" type of laminate flooring as opposed to the self-stick type? They do see awful thin for "floating" type though?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I used the sticky type. I have this with me at Jeffcon right now.

[@hfritz8589]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1Wait a minute! I just realized I posted this comment under the incorrect video! I *thought* I posted it in the video from a couple years ago where you showed making tiles with foamcore and 4x4 laminate samples from big box! If you like I can delete here (or maybe you can) and I will post under the correct video. Apologies!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

@@hfritz8589 Not necessary. The important thing is I answer your question. I put the foam core on the sticky side with extra glue. You can add a couple of drops of hot glue on the corners on the bottom to prevent slippage.

[@hfritz8589]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 That is what I would have initially thought, but actually reviewing the video the glue is in the "picture"/textured side of the tile. That is why I am wondering about the stickiness of the down/back side of those tiles. BTW, I did make a post in the correct video, I will go back and add all the context I get from you here! Appreciate all the sharing you do! A comment for this terrain as well - I DO like this, but I need some time to work the players towards it as they are all young kids (5-8)(and maybe their parents) and I think they need some help to get the feel of this to start with. Enjoy Jeffcon!

[@hfritz8589]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 and to be clear, all of this blather from me is about Ultimate Dungeon Tiles for D&D & Pathfinder! (hence the offer to delete and repost there), not these types of *Dungeon Terrain*. So no sticky side in hat video, just DAP adhesive on the "up"/picture side of the tile. Thank you sir!

[@mattigus]

I really like the idea of UDT's abstraction of combat terrain, and was thinking about ways to do a similar thing with noncombat terrain. I came up with an idea inspired by Index Card RPG. Make a terrain base similar to the UDT disc, but make it a rounded rectangle slightly larger than a 5x8 index card. On the non-textured side, glue a plastic sheet that will allow you to insert a 5x8 index card sized sheet in it. When playing the game, you can lay the tiles down with the card side up. The cards will have abstract locations or areas on it, like "tavern" when you're in town, or "stockades" in a dungeon. When players want to go to the location, you can flip it to the textured side and place minis to set the scene, depending on what they are doing at the location. In the event that a fight occurs in one of these spaces, transfer the minis to the UDT disc, add more stuff if necessary, and run the combat encounter. This system should abstract exploration so that it's still easy and non-restrictive, while still allowing minis and terrain to flavor and evoke the scene. Also using a relatively small 5x8 space and only using the UDT disc for combat, players won't automatically assume "combat" when they see miniatures on the table.

[@oKingLexx]

I love this! I bent the idea from a round bit to a strip so it would fit more easily in my storage. Thank you as always.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I will say this version hasn’t held up too well. I’d recommend a round wood circle-you can get them at Home Depot & just paint the pattern on (or use stones made from styrofoam plates). It’s a lot more durable. Thanks for watching!

[@Darkwolf-94]

Coming in late to the conversation but is the a thickness you would recommend. I ask cause found a 12 pack of 12" on Amazon(looking to make a few different terrain)but their thickness is 3mm do you think that is to thin for possible travel version

[@doeliewaaje1761]

UDT is like some boss fights, you just never know when it'll reach its final form...

[@NexamTube]

Hey Professor! I love the idea of UDT, it sound like the perfect in-between Theater of the mind and Grid combat. But I have a lot of questions and there is about no infos on internet about how to run this. I understand the basic idea, but what about difficult terrain or moving with a melee character inside the middle circle to attack the ranged characters there, spell radius or movement inside of the center zone, what about opportunity attack ? That would be great to have a blog post or a video breaking down a few combat example with different terrain features and characters... I couldn't find anything online about that.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Here is such a video. I also demo how to use it in "The Lost City." kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZDLomqAeppoebM

[@therealfosgate]

I think I prefer 2.0. For traveling I'd consider cutting it in half and using rare earth magnets to "snap" the 2 halves together.

[@jimmybrook7119]

My local hardware shop is loving me right now. My friend’s a leather worker and we’re going to try making some terrain that you can roll up. I’ll keep you posted.

[@Phleanix]

Any update on this? It's an old comment... but I'm curious! haha

[@dreamwolf7302]

My suggestion is cardboard, duct-tape, and modge podge. i made a 4'x4' dungeon map 'blank' that was reversible, that folded into a 1'x1' stack. Later on, i made it into a tile set up. It was basically a 4x4 tile system, with 1' squares. that had a 'book bind' hinge, kind of like a standard board game. One side had a Stone tile, and one side had wooden planks. I made a second that was dirt paths and grass, and smooth stone and lava.

[@artistpoet5253]

So late to this party LOL. Wow, Deathbringer was way more mellow in 2021. :D I like the idea of UDT abstracting the battle/explore space. I've read a few comments questioning the circular nature of the piece. So, why is it circular and not square?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

So it does not knock over my beer.

[@hardylebel3925]

My favorite part of this video is PDM's rock-star hair!

[@alazdmfirst5980]

Thanks for the ideas is always. Congratulations on making the big league. Please keep the personal feel of your show.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thank you! I don't know if 46k is big league. I doubt Coleville knows I exist, but I really appreciate your viewership.

[@nopenopenopenope194]

Prof Dungeon Master, I really miss your session prep videos. Those are my favorite videos on this channel.

[@Grimlore82]

Your videos help me stay sane. Never stop!

[@GibboFastpaws]

Came here from Mike at Sly Flourish, and instantly sub'd once I got the concept of zone combat. Black Magic Craft has been one of my favs for a while, so glad to see so much interconnectivity between channels.

[@HouseDM]

Oh wow I am way too excited for this! Thank you for sharing Professor!

[@Snarky357]

LOVE the Old School Essentials in the background!

[@AzraelThanatos]

For the paper backing, go for the White dollar tree foam core, it works a lot better for removing the paper

[@revelcw]

What's the song at 8:15, I cannot find it for the life of me, and it's been bothering me for actually 5 years. I finally found it, but I don't know what it's called? It doesn't sound like any of the songs in your description.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2qUeqOYrc92rs0

[@revelcw]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Oh my god. Thank you so much. I have been looking for this for like 5 years. Thanks for replying so quickly!

[@ZSRedbirds]

I made my UDT out of leather and stain. It is light, I can roll or fold it up, and it looks great.

[@macoppy6571]

Keep calm, Single-and-Searching. PDM is sporting his +1 Coiffure of Charisma!

[@ChibiKami]

UDT Idea: modular outer rings start with a normal UDT and drill holes in the sides so you can add rings in quarter or eighth segments. These ring segments can also be brought with you on the go

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Coooooool! That's a neat idea.

[@therealsokratis]

Awesome. Any tips about exterior terrain? or if anyone can point me to an earlier video? Keep up the greatness PDM!

[@zan917]

I dig your dungeon tiles. I already made 3 UDTs but I’ll totally give this a try too.

[@slhx8956]

I think you have quickly become my favorite d&d guy

[@brendanthegreek]

I thought the antepenultimate and penultimate dungeon terrains were great, but you’ve really outdone yourself this time.

[@seancarlson4408]

Try Komatex Foam PVC Project Board (24 in. x 36 in. x 0.118 - 8$ bucks at Home Depot) instead of the tile. It's lighter and tougher IMO. I don't know the tensile strengths, but I think it would be easier to bend and break the tile than the epvc board, from having worked with both. If you go with double sided, it's going to be a 1/2" thick for the three layers. Just use a different adhesive, like contact cement, or liquid nails. I tend to use liquid nails because it doesn't stink as much as the contact cement. The Komatex stuff is also my go to for terrain basing as well. No warping like cardboard, foamboard, XPS, or even mdf can sometimes do. It's cuttable with a utility knife, sandable (it you want the mess, though a rotary sander with a vac attachment takes care of that), paintable, and sparkle sticks to it for texture just fine. Just a suggestion ;-)

[@sequoyahwright]

Love that tie, Professor! Looking good!

[@Cacalotlraven]

This is great. I'm going to use this to help make a toy battle ground for my son's toys plus a board for my brother in law's use for DnD

[@Hdtjdjbszh]

I think you could also cut the foam like am interlocking puzzle, cut interlocking quarters. It'll be 4 times thiicker stacked but much easier to fit into a briefcase

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thought of it. Died in prototype but clever minds on the FB group will probably figure it out. Their stuff is always better.

[@Cthu1hu]

I love seeing each new iteration of UDT! Another great video Professor!

[@inspirationforge4578]

AMAZING - gotta love the new UDT - love the vest too - cave tile tile...bonus

[@jakestaples8498]

Thanks for the video. I like your idea of cutting the vinyl tile with heavy duty scissors. They are difficult to cut in a circle using a utility knife

[@rhettburgess8753]

I prefer the original UDT. I have 3 versions of it: stone, grassland, desert.

[@deanjohnson7809]

I have like 11. I have a problem. Send help.

[@wolfknight75]

Great video Pro. DM. Congrats on the invite by DM Scotty. I’m sure it will be a great time for everyone fortunate enough to attend. Perhaps a video of your time there and your opinion about the CON and any events you run or play in. Thanks for your continued hard work and great videos.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yeah.....he actually dropped out of Mace. Some pandemic thing is happening, apparently. So that won't happen this year but it WILL happen.

[@jamesauld1470]

I made a 24” diam. of UDT v.1 and i love it for online play. If i ever need to travel I’m sure to try this out.

[@j453]

I see you've upgraded your duel disk Yugi!

[@paullubiciii3401]

Another great UDT video! I shall make this version too! I may post on the FB group sometime in the future.

[@shawnmccuen6908]

Thank you Professor. I still totally love my 1.0 version as well. This is a great update.

[@martinphillpot2010]

Stay safe on your travels, professor.

[@jacobhope6164]

Those turned out great. I'm sure you'll put them to good use.

[@bahamutkaiser]

I'm tempted to just lay down a series of stone decor tiles now :P

[@bryanswift6301]

Looks great! I can’t wait to see it in person at MACE!

[@chrisschuber9149]

Im doing a winter hexcrawl and I wonder if you could show a snowy UDT? Thank you PDM

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

As it happens, I just uploaded Ultimate Arctic Terrain onto Patreon this past weekend. It airs on KZbin in March. Stay tuned.

[@chrisschuber9149]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Is it the $10 tier? I joined the 5 and couldn't find it. :( E: I failed my Perception check.

[@Aragura]

Nice new UDT version. The use of the tile was spot on. Making me long for the end of COVID and the return to the table. I am actually considering creating a Roll20 UDT map. Keep up the content and have fun on your trip, be safe. Thanks for the Deathbringer cameo at the end, thought I would not get my fix for a second. Here is an Acolyte to sacrifice to the Cthulu metric.

[@JacksonBenete]

Did you make it for Roll20? I'm a terrible artist, but I want to try it in our next game. Could you share it?

[@CurtSlaten]

Better, Faster, Stronger?!?!

[@euansmith3699]

"Gentlemen, Profession Dungeoncraft can rebuild it..."

[@CrazyCrethon]

@@euansmith3699 "...He has the technology...."

[@feliperemiere4571]

I really enjoy the crafting videos. Thanks for another great one!

[@rtgandalf]

Can not wait to see you at Mace.

[@trouqe]

Excellent video PDM!!!

[@m_d1905]

Working on some basic tiles. One of my cats "distressed" a couple before I could paint them. I just went with it. It's supposed to be a dungeon after all. (He did bite a hole clean through, but it still came out ok.)

[@Fharlion]

Question, regarding the shape of the UDT: Wouldn't a square base (with the 3 ranges/zones of control still marked) be better? It would use its storage space more efficiently, and you could even use it as an extension to regular dungeon tiles if you need a larger, static setup.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

The edges will knock over stuff on the game table. The circle can turn unimpeded.

[@r7erickson]

How do you handle multiple enemies with UDT? Say you have a fight with an equal number of enemies to the number of party members.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I just put them in the same circle. This may answer many of your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZDLomqAeppoebM

[@natersart6854]

What if there are multiple villains not within melee range of each other? Perhaps the "at range" zone could be broken into it's own melee segments.

[@luizations]

Amazing idea, i think it will work well enough for me. I will try it out this weekend

[@graveyardshift2100]

I made a modification to 4e based on your udt. Hey, I bought the books years ago and I want to not waste that money, ok? So instead of counting individual squares like 4e is designed for, I instead have introduced three range categories. Close range is like the center of your udt and everything in it is in melee. Mid or near range is the first category for using ranged weapons, you can throw weapons into this range no problem. And far range is outside the reach of any shorter distance ranged weapon like a spear. This is making the game look a lot simpler already.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Cool. If you dig 4E, go with it!

[@ancientsway55]

This guy is a national treasure

[@maxpower3050]

When DM Scotty invites you to GENCON, you say yes! I know I'm paraphrasing but still one of the best rules of life.

[@shanecoyle2713]

Getting all components to make one of these soon

[@Patmanx1]

I made your 2.0 terrain back over the winter (before the world rolled a 1) and loved the results. I even played around with my dremel to smooth out the edges since my cutting was inconsistent... but this new tile color variant really livens up the floor. Will you be show casing any "3.0 accessories" to go along with the new UDT, such as walls, doors, objects?

[@ChadJonesAYelpInTheDark]

You don't need to spend money on a lazy-susan. Just buy a square of cheap felt at a fabric store ($5-7) and rest your terrain on it. The felt will let the terrain turn and it rolls up into a backpack. Lazy-Susans shouldn't burden your backpack. It's also more forgiving if your terrain isn't exactly flat and protective from scratching.

[@METALGEARMATRIX]

You should swing up to Salisbury before you leave and check out the Comic Monstore and it's Game Realm, we used walls from a project called Puzzles and Perils to make an awesome immersive gaming space.

[@leem4386]

oooh, the channel name is in lowercase now. i approve 😎

[@euansmith3699]

It is very ee cummings. :D

[@hotdogthebarbarian]

If you dispense rubbing alcohol from a spray bottle onto the foamboard paper it will peel off completely in one sheet.

[@wodan657]

So it answers the question about size of the UDT often asked on the Facebook group . I gather that is about the same size as a Burger King pickle bucket.

[@SergeantSoldier.peacocks68]

Your entire wardrobe is the bowtie of wardrobes. NERD! LOL! Well done. The Lazy Susan terrain is brilliant.

[@deanlol]

Does the pen make the stone patterns in the linoleum?

[@zealous_fervor]

Perfect timing! My too cute to hate kitten managed to break my UDT. Hopefully this one stands up to his (probably not) unintended onslaught.

[@roblud7350]

My cat (who passed 2 years back) scratched up some terrain I made. Instead of filling it in, I see it as her contribution, and made it look like scorches marks from magic missiles.

[@zealous_fervor]

@@roblud7350 That's neat and cute; and I dig your mindset. Pretty positive and a cute sentiment. Meanwhile my kitten managed to literally split the giant disc of MDF somehow.

[@krinkrin5982]

How thick is the linoleum tile you use? Most linoleum here is sold from a 2m wide drum, so it could be tricky to get it to lay flat and be resistant to warping.

[@gregtheredneck1715]

No one refuses DM Scotty, the godfather of table top terrain crating.

[@mrgunn2726]

Great video! Caulk as an adhesive, why not Liquid Nails, and a scraper to spread it? Also, you could use an adhesive textured wallpaper or other for the other side of your lighter side.

[@nickolasbarnes4430]

Id say try one from EVA foam for traveling a lot. Its super light, easy to texture, and very flexible.

[@euansmith3699]

2:17 Ultimate Dungeon Halo! Have you tried lightly apply some heat to your foamboard to weaken the glue and then quickly peel off the paper?

[@austrexican1152]

Great intro! You could be a pro wrestling announcer 😆. Cool channel... I played as a kid (might jump back in) but now I watch you and skorkowsky for nostalgia. You guys should team up on something🤔. Stay safe!!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thanks! I actually saw Seth at GenCon but he moved too fast. Maybe one day.

[@NoNamesLeft0102]

Are there any tips for scaling this up? Towards the 4' by 4' size

[@shy-borg342]

Always fun to see your crafting videos, been really keen to make a UDT and this version may be my go to pattern. Cheap, easy to make, and even more portable than ever before. Just had a few questions regarding materials and dimensions: Is this a standard peel-and-stick style of vinyl floor tiling that is roughly 1/16th to 1/8th in. thick? If so, does the final UDT assembly tend to flex or does it stay rigid? Lastly, what is the overall diameter/radius of the UDT? Thank you for everything you do, Professor, never stop doing what you do!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Shy-Borg yes it’s standard. Yes, it flexes. The diameter is it fit on the tile. I barely passed geometry. I’m an English teacher. So I can’t do anything useful, but I can recite you a sonnet.

[@shy-borg342]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Apologies on my part, I guess what I meant was what was the original size of the tile used. 12x12, 18x18, 24x24? I know overall the UDT is used as a means to portray vague distance measurements for encounters, but for construction is there a specific size you generally go towards overall?

[@Kredik1]

What is the difference between Elmer's foam core and the dollar store foam core?

[@jonaspetersen1559]

Is there a reason for the round UDT ?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yes. You put it on a lazy Susan & all your players can spin it & have instant access to their miniature so they can move it. It also clears clutter from the table.

[@mikescott3355]

Dear professor DM, I also am a child of the 80s so I expect my comment be given appropriate consideration! ;) While I love the texture that UDT provides, its not flexible. How about a travel UDT on something like Battlemat, that can be rolled up? Not sure if there is any sort fo flexible paint that won't crack or flake off as it's flexed, but it's an idea...

[@AlanTwigg]

I was thinking the same thing. Get a picture printed on a playmat or neprene mouse mat? Or even draw one with a sharpie onto some fabric? Certainly not as immersive but easy to transport.

[@dylanwatts1045]

I noticed you didn't do a layer of Elmer's clear glue, like with udt 2.0. Is there a reason for that?

[@SuperBrainSandwich]

My main issue with the zone idea is that you can't have multiple groups of melee fighting that aren't within melee range of each other. Like if there's a group of archers that are supporting some fighters attacking your pc's, but one of the pc's (say a rogue) wants to attack the archers in melee range. How would you handle that sort of situation with the zones?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

The rogue and target are in melee range.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Humbled. Thank you.

[@mrmaat]

It’s a little unclear to me but is the foam version made from gluing three Elmers foam boards together and adding a dollar store one to the top?

[@PRG013]

No. 1 Elmers board and 1 dollar store board. He was just pointing out you get 3 in a pack.

[@paulofrota3958]

Description is the same as last episode... Episode #153: Professor DungeonMaster answers the top most frequently asked questions: 5) When are you going to review.....? 4) What version of D&D do you play? 3) Why don't you sell Ultimate Dungeon Terrain? 2) When are you going to live stream? 1) Why don't you write your own version of D&D?

[@PRG013]

I sent him a text...

[@PRG013]

It's fixed.

[@josephbradshaw6985]

I see Runehammer's name at 2:10. Noice.

[@davidanddragons5339]

Do you have an Amazon link to the foam core?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

No. I buy foam core at my local dollar store.

[@keithvanboskirk7327]

did you clear satin the cave tile side?

[@evanstrong4064]

Make sure you quarantine beforehand for socially responsible dnd

[@tomdulski3729]

When are we going to see some videos filmed in the new studio?

[@PRG013]

We found that chair when we were shopping for a table.

[@douglasfairbanks2491]

Making a big one you can fold would be cool, or like a 4 piece puzzle.

[@Aedi]

Does anyone have a link to somewhere I can watch people play with this? I want to try it, but I'm not so sure I grok it

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I run them on Patreon. But I've seen people playing on them at conventions. Which is weird for me.

[@KoreyMacGill]

Been trying to make UDT on a roll mat kinda thing. But it curves too much. Curious for your thoughts. Know of a material that might work?

[@craigstueber8073]

I love your videos Thank you so much for your wisdom

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thanks, Craig!