Make a TEXTURED Fantasy Battle Mat (for Tabletop Wargaming)

I made a text RPG:
www.forgesaga.com
After making the Sci-Fi battlemat, I wanted to apply what I learned and try my hand at making a fantasy themed medieval village battle mat as well.
This type of mat fits a wide range of RPGs and Wargames that can be set in a historic or medieval setting, and the style fits different scales of gaming too, such as 28mm or more epic scale 10mm games.
Using similar techniques and lessons learned, I blended together EVA foam, Acrylic Caulking and Scenic Flocking.
The layout of the map is based on the village of Hommlet from 1st edition DnD.
I was really impressed with the flock from Geek Gaming Scenics in this project. So if you’re looking to get some, this is the best quality stuff out there. www.geekgaming...
Grab the 3D Parts for the Medieval Houses here: knarbmakes.itc...
I promise I won't turn you into flock, like I did to Ryan.
Notable materials and Tools
- Drop Cloth (amzn.to/3bCSg3z)
- EVA Craft Foam (amzn.to/3bFbs0s)
- Heat Gun. I used the Furno 500 (amzn.to/35JZcIf)
- 300 Pack of XActo blades (amzn.to/3sqJfR4) Buy em cheap and in bulk!
Credits Composition (Joel Santos) www.joelsantosm...
00:00 Intro
00:47 Drop Cloth Prep
02:00 EVA Squares
02:22 Acrylic Caulk Roads and other Features
03:48 Crackle Paint
03:57 River Stones
04:30 Painting Basecoat
04:57 Adding Color
06:20 Wash
06:43 Weathering Powders
07:14 Flocking
08:54 BONUS: Crafting Houses
11:25 River Pour
11:57 Blending
12:30 Rolling it up!

[@KnarbMakes]

Get the 3D Bits here: knarbmakes.com/listing/medieval-house-accessories-kit All proceeds help the channel out!

[@theezekarion164]

Would u be willing to sale a mat for 40k?

[@KnarbMakes]

@@theezekarion164 No plans on selling the mat for now. But some of my mats might go to a lucky Patreon subscriber at some point in a giveaway.

[@theezekarion164]

@@KnarbMakes Thank U I'll Definitely Be Joining Than

[@onairamish]

1¹¹

[@onairamish]

@@theezekarion164 moqqqqqq

[@CiaranIrl]

When you said, "I don't want to bore you with me making houses", I nearly shouted out, "No, do! I mean ... Yes... As in, it wouldn't bore me. I'd love to see that!".

[@KnarbMakes]

Cheers Ciaran, I'll make some longer form content on the houses, haha!

[@nottelling2976]

Agreed. I almost went "Old man screams at cloud" when he said that too. :)

[@merb718]

Me too!!! I was screaming “No! I want to see more of the houses!!!” PLEASE make a separate video for these houses/structures! They look super interesting and seem to be pretty simple.

[@kurogiza]

Came for the cool battle mat, stayed for the super freaking awesome houses!

[@Miscast]

I love the medieval house kit, very very clever. It reminds me of the old Mordheim houses. Beautiful result

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks Trent!

[@jherazob]

"So, I'm making this incredibly high quality battlemat, but have no buildings for it, let's just build some amazing medieval style houses while the stuff dries to not get bored, no big deal" [I flip the table ]

[@dreadknot69]

I'm shocked he didn't just print the houses! He's prints the corners, doors, windows, etc, but not the houses?! That's dedication to the craft man.

[@KnarbMakes]

@@dreadknot69 I don't like printing large buildings like that. Uses up too much plastic, and takes too long.

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

This turned out really nice! While I personally prefer a river that is below grade, there are plenty of instances when silt buildup in the river bed causes the locals to build higher and higher levees to prevent the river from changing direction. This causes the river to be higher than the surrounding area, and disastrous results can occur. See “when the levee breaks” by led zeppelin for more information 😂

[@KnarbMakes]

The unfortunate floods are gonna be a great thematic element on the board. Cheers!

[@Shironokaminari]

The sheer ALL of it in the same vid. So Good So Good.

[@BillMakingStuff]

Love the balloon technique, I was going to buy a static applicator... no more!

[@KnarbMakes]

I did order a static grass applicator too... but I haven't gotten it yet... Apparently you can bug zapper DIY craft one too, but it's not as powerful.

[@tonymaus7053]

This dudes like the Bob Ross of battlemats! Very cool stuff

[@Boylei]

Looks great! Awesome job, man.

[@KnarbMakes]

Thank you! Love your videos too!

[@AbandonedMiniatures]

Awesome! I was surprised it stayed as flexible as it did!

[@KnarbMakes]

So far so good.... It will probably shed a lot if folded/refolded excessively. Nothing a little relocking cant fix though.

[@Berserkerworks]

You're pushing the envelope on chaulk mats and its great to see!

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks man! Your video on it was one of the first I saw and it was super inspiring.

[@Berserkerworks]

@@KnarbMakes Thanks! Now you're inspiring me to try out some stuff

[@FrankyDCrafter]

You really are next level here. How do you keep doing it!?!

[@KnarbMakes]

Just Trying to hit those vibrant colors I see in all the Franky Videos :D

[@ollol4904]

This good! This is very GOOD!

[@samuelmartineau6243]

Great video, but the balloon and sweater for a poor mans static grass applicator is just genius. Off to make some static grass tufts!

[@KnarbMakes]

Haha! It's likely not a true substitute, but fine in a pinch if you don't have a static grass applicator.

[@lindadaheim3412]

Yeah, this is so nerdy!!!! Roleplayers LOVE it!!!! 😍😃

[@KnarbMakes]

Thank you!

[@HacksawsHobbyBunker]

Most excellent is an understatement.

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks!

[@CampaignTerrain]

Amazing as ever. The whole thing looks great, and the versatility is superb. Really nice job

[@KnarbMakes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@deathula1]

You and Goobertown Hobbies need to get together and have a "chill off" both of you are so low key it's nice.

[@KnarbMakes]

Would be fun, I enjoy his videos very much.

[@uriance88]

This and the sci-fi mat tutorial are great - definitely easier than 'cover everything in wet caulk' Should I get to the point of needing these, the first stop will be these tutorials

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks! Hopefully they help. I know I learned a bunch from the first one to this one.

[@outofthisworldmodelsandmin898]

This is just as pressure as the sci Fi mat! Nice job!

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks!

[@ashg9023]

Man you've got to be one of the more underrated channels out there. I always enjoy your videos, well done man.

[@KnarbMakes]

Glad you like them!

[@TheImmersiveWorldCrafter]

That's a fantastic tutorial and make. Very well done buddy.

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks Kevin!

[@pauldaulby260]

Great to see a modern video of this technique, finding old instructions for this required use of way back machine and a bit of googling luck. Nice extra additions like the textured floors and use of washes

[@petsdinner]

Your videos are always so chock full of quality tips and ideas! Keep up the good work!

[@TryChillBalloo]

Man you really made it! amazing work!

[@RLBndR]

Your patron is ground up into dust and is all over your battlemat? So metal.

[@KnarbMakes]

RIP Baron de Ropp

[@toadpope2522]

Really awesome mixture of low tech high tech techniques. All your builds impress me but the fantasy builds you do blow me away! So dope

[@Ericobioas]

I love your solution to the worst part of "box building". The 90¤ conectors are genius...

[@alrethianscraftsbattles]

Magnificent man. I should try this...but havent found the courage to start the project...i really should because the result is beter than any battle mat i've seen online to purchase. You are a great crafter 👍👍👍

[@brianlamison1345]

Fantastic work. Well done

[@FacilityD20]

I like how you did the river!

[@TheHobbyCorner]

Amazing work. Absolutely blown away with the quality and yet it's easy to store away. Keep up the great work mate!

[@GrumpyThump]

This is definitely your best work yet. I found your channel about a month ago and its quickly become one of my favorite sources for terrain ideas. Those houses look amazing!

[@euansmith3699]

That's a really cool looking battlemat; and I'd love to see some more video about the houses, especially the way you made the shingles for the roofs.

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks! Will do!

[@joshebarry]

Absolutely amazing job again!

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks again!

[@corvusboreus2072]

I love how you drop Luke Towan theme music at the 9 minute mark when you start crafting the houses.

[@WouldWorkforWoodWork]

Holy flock! This is amazing!

[@tamsynmcnally8280]

No wonder we haven’t heard from you for a while , you’ve been busy, great mat and builds😀

[@roberthermosillo5727]

Me: "Hey, those houses are mostly cardboard and foam. I could probably do that." *Video briefly cuts to VR sculpting* Me: "...um..."

[@KnarbMakes]

Ah, it is mostly cardboard and foam. Sculpting doors/windows by hand is time consuming, so I put the designs up for anyone that wants to print them.

[@MrMaltavius]

Very nice!

[@KnarbMakes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AmarisDentin]

Came for the battle mat, damn impressed with the houses too...

[@SteveFamine]

Wonderful work as always! I hope you make more mats in the future!

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks for the awesome painting advice. Ill make more for sure.

[@Zorpazorp]

Great edit bro

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks zorp!

[@shikemil2201]

You got exactly what I am dreaming about ! Now, I just wanna see someone playing on it ! ^^/

[@jacobhope6164]

Wow! That looks awesome!

[@bicskeiz]

Great looking result!

[@southaussielad2496]

This is beyond incredible, great work on the mat and the buildings.

[@samsowden]

Water int blue! It's braaan! Nice job!

[@KnarbMakes]

Haha, I read that in Luke's voice.

[@simmonslucas]

All about scatter terrain. The mats are great

[@eEdselEdsel]

About halfway through, I thought that this would make an awesome abstract expressionist painting.

[@ArdWulf]

The cottage is indeed a fine bonus...yet the main event is spectacular. Quite the process, but I'd say well worth the effort. Thanks, Knarb Cheers!

[@charleyedwards2121]

just wow bro

[@Rene.diazlomeli]

I love your work and your voice.

[@2WARDEN2]

Thank you so much for making this! I've always wanted to make a textured mat and while there have been good guides there hasn't been any so detailed and methodical! This feels very doable and I'm gonna go ahead and start on my own shore one!

[@KnarbMakes]

That's great! Tag me on socials with the results, can't wait to see it.

[@ceegronlee]

Amazing work

[@PaulJones-ni2fj]

Fair do's, that is a serious amount of work and a fantastic result.

[@norcalonline1]

Nice work. You make it look easy. I'm tempted to give it a go. Cheers, --Bo

[@vincentgregory1470]

It's tough hauling my polystyrene boards to the gaming clubs... so this is great! Awesome music btw, also. :)

[@adrianborromeo6992]

You deserve more subscribers.

[@czaczacza9936]

Excellent work!

[@tyarkschettler853]

Now I want a tutorial on your way to build those houses. I have my own technique already but I want to get to know your approach

[@KnarbMakes]

I'll give it a shot in a future video. My first real attempt at building them, so I'm sure I'll find ways to improve it.

[@LeFredVideo]

Very good and impressive.

[@tarjeg5041]

Great job man! I agree with all the other lads: we want house video!

[@KnarbMakes]

You got it!

[@JamesWilson1979]

Majestic AF

[@creaturescavernscrafting2929]

Epic! Thank you for sharing this fantastic video. I am inspired on so many crafting levels😀

[@BadAnimeDecisions]

Whoah that's so cool O_O I've been thinking of making dioramas and stuff for gunpla and figure photos, and this looks very helpful, thanks!

[@KnarbMakes]

Awesome! Gunpla is great.

[@BadAnimeDecisions]

@@KnarbMakes Yeah I love them ^^

[@bigickmonster]

sick board knarb! very informative tutorial !! and btw u got the coolest most sci fi glue gun 😎

[@BattleHardenedGames]

A lot of your techniques blew me away here.... awesome stuff!

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks. Glad you found it useful!

[@BattleHardenedGames]

@@KnarbMakes how has the mod poge been holding up in terms of not cracking/keeping your flock sealed as you continue to use the board ?

[@KnarbMakes]

@@BattleHardenedGames Its been fine for the most part, flock stays on well. I left it overnight rolled up one day and there was some cracking in one part when i rolled it back out. Its not too noticeable once it lay flat again. Rolling it inwards helps with this, since the cracks compress instead of spread apart.

[@BattleHardenedGames]

@@KnarbMakes cool thanks for the feedback!

[@BattleHardenedGames]

@@KnarbMakes What product/brand is the acrylic caulk? When I look for acrylic caulk all I see are individual tubes of DAP brand, and their products look more like silicone than what you are using?

[@Gamarishi]

This was amazing!

[@leonzebonzes1806]

Be careful with those golden fingers, touching random raw materials and creating wonderful sceneries and tables. Just great man

[@ZL198808]

I get serious Tristram vibes from the videogame Diablo when you put the cathedral on the mat! very cool and such a great way to create easy to store/transport battle mats! nice work :D

[@KnarbMakes]

Diablo games were a huge inspiration for the Cathedral! Cheers.

[@joelguzman9068]

Adoro tus trabajos, eres una persona extraordinariamente creativa.....he aprendido mucho, y estoy construyendo tus modelos. GRACIAS

[@StoryOfPain]

just bought the house kit, nice work!

[@josray2557]

it would be cool to see more building making for that mat those looked super neat.

[@patriksykora2172]

Wow, you do know how to use your toolkit. Briliant build. The houses are sick aswell

[@TheRendar]

awesome video! great work

[@herryoung]

Great stuff!

[@jimmzik3097]

Awesome work!

[@GrayArmyGaming]

Looks great! 👍

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks! 👍

[@skazdal]

Awesome as usual.

[@KnarbMakes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@frankgarcia9350]

Awesome!

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks!

[@Carnalpain]

Awesome! Well done and very well made! Just found your channel and subscribed. Cheers!

[@KnarbMakes]

Awesome, thank you!

[@LarsLeonhard]

i would love a high quality, high resolution photo of the map from directly above :)

[@KnarbMakes]

Sure, I actually mounted my mats on the wall today, here's a pic of this one: i.imgur.com/hDLBgCV.jpeg

[@LarsLeonhard]

@@KnarbMakes Thanks!

[@jonbauml225]

Amazing

[@SlotraceDK]

Insane work!

[@tommcclintock5019]

"I actually used several different types of flocks, including ... some homemade sawdust flock made from Ryan, one of my awesome patrons." Geez, you're grinding up patrons to make flock now?? 😉 This mat looks great! Gonna have to figure out how to do it without taking over the dining room table for a week, though.

[@KnarbMakes]

Its a sacrifice that had to be made.

[@mrunmoyable]

Brilliant !! Love it

[@anluguco]

Un gran trabajo, gracias por compartir 👏👏👏

[@benfabz]

Great vid well done

[@andrewdrauth]

Wow, absolutely killer video. As usual, showing total commitment to making quality terrain. Did you have any issue using a brush to apply the sealant over the pastels?

[@KnarbMakes]

A little bit of streaking, but you can stipple it back in. Just be gentle. Cheers!

[@drewbakka5265]

Great work but I think it would have been better for the river to be modular. A river can be a total game changer with its placement

[@KnarbMakes]

Yeah, you're likely right! Modular rivers never quite look right to me, but that's the sacrifice I guess.

[@AlexScheidmann]

Very nice. Amazing. I love the details. Sorry my Englisch I am from Switzerland.. I have subscribe your Chanel.. Grettings from Switzerland. Alex 😊😊👍👍🇨🇭

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks and welcome

[@AlexScheidmann]

Please.. You are welcome.. I love modeling landscape... I have also a nice Chanel.. Grettings from Switzerland. Alex 🤔🤔😉😉😊😊👍👍🇨🇭

[@woshstudios]

Truly next level mate. You did a speed montage on stuff other channels would make a full episode out of. Do you do commissions on these kind of maps?

[@zid_just_zid]

Very cool! Was that some VR sculpting we saw in a short clip? What softare are you using for that? I love the way you integrate 3d printing into scratch builds, stuff like the wall connectors, doors and other details that are super easy to print but quite tedious to scratch build are the ideal use for printers, beside printing minis, when it comes to the hobby context imo.

[@KnarbMakes]

Yes it was! Oculus Medium. I find it lets me quickly ad details in a very tactile way.

[@d-emprahexpects]

I'd love to have a go at making my own. Ora hard to nel track of the type of materials you used though, as they all have to be strong yet elastic

[@redgreen09]

yes looks good got kill the ADDSS but good stuff will see more as posted

[@fleamarketkeanu]

Came for the education, stayed for the Bob Ross

[@DarkMatterWorkshop]

Noice 👌

[@KnarbMakes]

Thanks Gert!

[@SpinupSquad]

good stuff dude.