Terrain! | Running the Game

[@JacquesSnacques]

Matt: *describes how hard it is to see minis with the 3d tiles* Me: "yeah i can see how that could obscure a mini if one were there" Matt: *rotates the tile to reveal a mini* Me: :O

[@kerisuri]

Your regular voice and your podcast voice don't sound like different voices. Your regular voice sounds like you talking to me from across a table and podcast voice sounds like you talking to me from inside my brain.

[@Shotgun979]

It does just sound like his regular voice is the same just a crappier mic lol

[@johndelaney5173]

So you said they don’t sound different then proceeded to explain how they are different. Lol

[@toby7161]

@@johndelaney5173 No he said they're the same voice coming from different points

[@tommygerald7323]

i know Im asking randomly but does someone know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my account password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@tommygerald7323]

@Aries Ryker i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and im in the hacking process now. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@thesilvermachine7934]

Matt, your podcast voice IS how you sound, to the human ear. It's a representation of the way someone standing close to you would hear your voice. I don't use Audition, but I'm betting the preset is basically just an EQ that takes the crummy frequency response of your webcam mic and beefs it up, and more than likely compresses it to bring out the resonance and timbre of your natural voice. If you were recording through a better mic, and at closer proximity, with a compressor, it would most likely sound like your Podcast Voice preset.

[@tomasxfranco]

One cheap way to do the board if you don't have to travel, is get the grid paper and put it under a pane of glass or transparent plastic and use whiteboard pens to draw/write on it.

[@violetsapphire952]

This.

[@cassandra2860]

Could also probably use acetate sheets

[@RiahGreen]

Holy shit thank you.

[@imSephirot89]

You can use self adhesive transparent book coating, cheap in bookstores for like 30ft roll. Slap it across a grid paper for a quick battle mat.

[@daltonz]

Or use the back of wrapping paper. It has one inch squares on the back and you can get it at the dollar store.

[@EVILJOE12]

As a GM my favorite way of doing maps, layouts, tiles and such is to draw it out on plain ungridded paper and then place a clear gridded plastic sheet over the top. This way i can draw what ever I like and the grid wont influence me into making overly square shapes but I still get the usefulness of a grid for spells and movement.

[@TriMarkC]

ColourblindDingo I do similar, but then I redraw it onto the grid mat, section by section as the chars explore.

[@misterjohnpaul]

Your approach to not accepting product endorsements is admirable! Thanks for your integrity, Matt!

[@erikeverson7812]

According to Chris Perkins, you can contact Wizards' customer service if the binding on your books is falling apart for a replacement.

[@dziooooo]

I come from the future to confirm that this really works, and they do it worldwide. I had an upside-down XGE (you opened the front cover and saw an upside-down last page) and Rime of the Frostmaiden with first 15 pages falling out of the binding. They sent me replacements for both, to Poland, covered the shipping and didn't ask for the faulty product back.

[@Warwipf]

I'd really like to share these videos with my friends, but if I'd do that they'd find out about all those neat tricks and how I'm lying to them all the time.

[@AcornFox]

The DMs dilemma =/

[@pandymandy]

The constant consideration.

[@thrawnnoconnection6931]

I have the same problem with some of the books and webcomics that I *ahem* borrow story threads from

[@MGgoose1]

If someone used permanent marker on your reusable battle mat, trace the permanent lines with a dry erase marker, and then rapidly wipe if off. Those two types of markers use the same solvent, so the dry erase briefly makes the permanent lines erasable. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) works (but takes some elbow grease), as do most dry-erase/white board cleaners (these work better than isopropyl alcohol).

[@Geographus666]

"Link in the Dublidu" would make a very risky drinking game. In some episodes you are safe while in others (like this one) you would probably die.

[@Garenzo314]

I really hope you're reading comments in these parts still. I just want to say, the first video I saw of yours and heard your voice I already was hooked. I was looking for tips to DM and was expecting... Well, you know the type. But I found you. And your voice. Your goddamn sweet savory voice. Then i saw this video. And I didn't notice much of a difference in actual tone or inflection, your voice is oddly amazing in either variant. But for instructional video quality? PODCAST VOICE. I am running my first campaign, ever. I am cross-universing Tamriel from Elder Scrolls into Forgotten Realms. My players and I all have foundations in TES and aside from one other and myself, are all new to DnD. They all jumped on the idea to use the Elder Scrolls universe as a point of familiarity in a DnD game. So here I am. Binge-watching this and other channels. Gotta say, I'm loving your many series. The Roll20 Master Series is incredibly useful as a newbie. Seriously. To the current you, your past you was super helpful, awesome, and witty. I hope you are doing just as well or better whatever you are doing these days. Thanks for the amazing videos.

[@JT1698]

"I Don't like folks between me and you" Matt Colville, professional Yandere.

[@minzatrefalt6386]

we bought a man sized whiteboard and perma-stationed it in our living room next to the gaming table... so we can keep the table "clean" for other stuff and are able to draw quickly onto the wall (and show the position of my players with custome designed magnets with printed on char pics)... very usefull ^^

[@thomasjoychild4962]

Oh, THAT is very cool :D good way of managing the conflict between "playspace" and the space needed for people's sheets/drinks/food etc.

[@minzatrefalt6386]

and it's pretty, too ^^

[@thomasjoychild4962]

I bet! *vaguely wondering about attaching people's minis to fridge magnets, probably only an issue for larger creatures*

[@minzatrefalt6386]

you only have to buy a very good magnet for the large ones :D

[@thomasjoychild4962]

*begins scheming*

[@Schaly]

I made a SUPER cheap grid map when I first DMed by grabbing a large posterboard (or once I even tapped normal sheets of blank paper together), drawing a grid on it, and then "laminating" it with packing tape. Then I could use dry erase markers on it and it worked awesome as a reusable map for dungeons! I definitely recommend if you're currently saving for a reusable one, or are on a budget.

[@demonheart13]

About to DM for the First time, might do this, becasue I wanted to make the map in illustrator. It was either that or printing it through costco poster paper, which might get expensive

[@jackdawwastaken]

@@demonheart13 In the past I have done exactly what Schaly suggests, and as long as your players don't get upset about having to use their imagination a bit, (in a role playing game, so you'll be fine), it's a fantastic solution, even if you're not on a budget. 12/10, would recommend.

[@jackdawwastaken]

@@demonheart13 If you REALLY want to make things fancy, you can draw on the map ahead of time with wet-erase, and track down a clear sheet of plastic, cover the whole thing with black dry-erase marker, and erase your home-made "fog of war" as the players progress. And of course, the map underneath it is still re-usable.

[@ColdSiris]

another terrain option: MAKE YOUR OWN! there are dozens and dozens of terrain tutorial videos that are so silly easy. Suddenly my group has an influx of specialty terrain because we have almost everyone making terrain out of foam core, hot glue and popsicle sticks with a bit of paint.

[@starkad8]

Looking forward to the day I see a video where you say; "I have 3 Books!" :) keep up the great work dude.

[@mcullennz]

Following the amazon link, it looks like we are still waiting.

[@starkad8]

@@mcullennz Aye. Well he's been busy with MCDM and other things. It'll come when he's ready. :)

[@stinky1895]

@@starkad8 so will I tbh

[@Laek4]

"down to earth advice about terrain".. is that a pun I smell?

[@amieboozer6161]

Something my DnD group has done: we bought a (relatively) inexpensive flat screen TV and mounted it horizontally with a sheet of plexiglass over the screen to be the DnD table. Whoever is running the game uses an HDMI cable to project the map onto the TV screen. The only issue we've had is that because the grid is a bit separated from the minis, close combat can be a bit squirrly if a player misjudges the square they (or the enemy) is in. We have used a wide variety of maps from professionally produced beautiful maps to something the DM drew up in MS Paint because the group went in an unexpected direction. An outer perimeter of wood around the TV provides a sturdy surface to hold spell cards, drinks, and has built in dice rolling areas. It is a bit of a commitment in terms of no mobility and more expensive than other alternatives but we've definitely enjoyed it.

[@Zavisti]

Podcast voice is actually not a crazy voice changer, it sounds just like a quality enhancer. thanks for the great video matt. keep it up

[@GrantREllis]

Pro-tip: If you draw on a vinyl mat with a sharpie you can draw over it with dry-erase and then erase it.

[@lowleypeasentmr.l8836]

Is their a way to save a comment?

[@theramendutchman]

​@@lowleypeasentmr.l8836 Copy the text to where you want to save it or screenshot it?

[@capwithoutacountry]

Came here to say this, and knew in my heart it had already been said.

[@kobalt-red5895]

By the way, for the issue of drawing on wet erase mats with dry erase markers or vice versa, you can just draw over it with the correct type of marker, wait 10 seconds, and it should wipe off easily, this will also work with permanent marker

[@borna1231]

Black Magic Craft is probably the best YT channel for D&D terrain building. The quality of his stuff is amazing and the instructions very clear. I would recommend it to anyone interested in this stuff. Even if you only choose to build a simple dungeon tile set, its still going to be faaaar superior to any solution that involves only paper.

[@Brickerbrack]

borna1231 BMC is great, and I follow him, but he has the (potential) disadvantage that he pretty much exclusively uses insulation foam. It's well worth checking out several of the other guys (Scotty, DMG, Wyloch etc), to find a range of techniques and materials that you can tailor to suit you.

[@bennykill709]

Your voice is still fantastic, and there's not really any change between your real voice and your "Podcast" voice beyond clarity and a bit of reverb. I was expecting some pitch correction or something else really disappointing. I love your voice!

[@seanhembree6154]

I am glad to learn that your voice is actually altered. I thought I was going crazy because I detected some funny EQ / Compression business. Learning this actually validates my minor progress as an audio engineer. haha

[@EarlywineJC]

Two things: 1) Night below die came from D&D Mini release event for the battle game; 2) Dry erase came out of my vinyl mat with -not going to endorse brand- blue colored window cleaner! AMAZING!

[@jtvanhove]

I've loved your series. I'm new to DMing (going into 2nd run of Phandelver after first group fell apart and only my 3rd or so time playing in general). You're information has been invaluable. I built my own grid map with supplies from Hobby Lobby by drawing out the grid on white foam core and then attaching a clear plexi material over that to use dry erase markers on. That way when the plexi becomes stained from use all I have to do is replace the plexi and its new again.

[@billyandrew11]

I just once again want to say thank you. I really thought I would have to wait a long time until I knew the 5e rules in and out to start running a game and your videos have given me hope that I maybe wont. I will be running my first D&D game as DM a week on Wednesday and have had a positive response frim friends that both already play the game and new friends who have never done it before. The advice to use a pre-packaged adventure was really helpful too I am going to be running the starter set adventure but I have added a few things to what was given in the book. I created a tavern for the group to meet and prepared some random encounters for the road to phandalin and I cannot wait to see where my friends take the story and how much I have to improvise on the spot. Thanks Matt :)

[@MrMegatony73]

I have always found the vinyl mats to be the best combination of value and ease of use. You can draw just about anything on them (the basic layout I mean--you dont need to be an artist, trust me). They are very reusable and as you say they are nearly impossible to crease. Sometimes we use the cardboard tiles on top of the vinyl maps for areas that we think need more detail, but for the most part we let the "flair text (read aloud text)" set the scene. I really look forward to your video on Tactical DnD...we always use the grid. But I look forward to hearing comments from others who have tried the "theater of the mind" and are switching to or trying out the grid for the first time--because it is very different! The downside to Tactical DnD on a grid is you are going to spend a lot more time discussing line of site and environmental issues/obstructions.

[@MrSlaughtematic]

Wow, I thought you were joking when you said it wasn't your real voice. Mind blown.

[@Former_Gamer]

I make origami minis that have 4 sides and fit on 1' wrapping paper (some wrapping paper has a grid printed on it for easy wrapping and measuring). The advantage of origami minis is you can draw on them, and its not a huge issue if you lose them because they takes seconds to make and cost basically nothing.

[@littleboulder8125]

I just recently got interested in D&D and bought the starter set. My friends and I are all new to the game and I have been studying up on how to play. This video series has been really helpful for this. I still have to get everything set up before we can play, but it should be soon. So thank you for these videos, I enjoy them and hope you keep them running.

[@VladTepes44]

I think I more or less share your idea on Dwarvenforge and 3D terrain in general: it is very neat but it lacks playability. I am an great fan of the 2.5D method: play on a more or less flat terrain and use a few 3D pieces like tables, chairs or cupboards. There are a lot of resources for 2.5D dungon tiles on line, and they are very easy to make. theDMsCraft and TheDMGinfo are two great youtube channels that give plenty of resources on how to make such tiles. The flickering light are probably made using some flickering led tea lights. They can be found very cheap on sites like amazon and can be a great tool for 3D props. I made a campfire using one of them.

[@TheDMGinfo]

Thanks Vlad

[@michaelthomas2804]

^^I highly recommend TheDMGinfo for people who want to get into the crafting side of terrain. Very helpful, descriptive, and not intimidating in its complexity. And entertaining. Of course Scotty and Wylock and Drunkens and Dragons are great too. :)

[@TheDMGinfo]

Thanks Mike :)

[@keeper.of.knowledge]

Same. The majority of my map dressing is Dungeon Craft from 1985 Games and I punch that up with 4 3D pillars for dungeons and a few 3D hills for outdoor fights. Simple, but effective and doesn't break the bank. 👍

[@cortos_9733]

❤

[@dancingowlbear]

Something that I recommend when it comes to terrain or maps for D&D is '2-Minute Table Top'. It is a site of maps that you can purchase super cheap (like a dollar or two for each) and then you can print them out to use at your leisure. I love the way they are drawn, not too gritty and realistic but not too cartoonish either. They even have a pack of free maps if you want to see how they look before you actually put down any money. I hope that doesn't sound too much like an advertisement, I just wanted to get the word out on a product that I use. I love the videos, by the way, Matthew. Really informative and really entertaining!

[@steamin661]

I personally believe a TV and laptop set up is the "best" solution, at least for me. I use a laptop hooked up to a 32" flat-screen laid down on the table. Been doing this for 6 years now. I can bring up 100s of maps quickly, apply fog of war, and the detail can't be matched if you get the right maps or make your own. I have went thru all the recommendation in the video and the most economical and highest quality ended up being the TV setup (assuming you have a laptop or computer already). You can pick up a cheap 32" off Craigslist for $50. and you are good to go.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

I've been using a whiteboard (almost) since I started. I've been considering getting/ making some scatter to go with it.

[@helmandre]

We use a clear plastic transparency sheet from an office supply store and just put it on top of the vinyl grids, and use dry erase markers on it instead. We eventually replace it every few years. Also, check out Black Magic Craft, he gets into using polystyrene foam for terrain.

[@jeffhall705]

Thanks for making these videos! I haven't played D&D in thirty years and have a renewed interest in it. Needless to say, a lot has changed! Your videos are tremendously helpful in getting up to speed.

[@BabelRedeemed]

I've only just found your channel a few days ago, but been binging them. I find your fast-paced voice very enjoyable. And I like your balance of authority and humility.

[@blugobln85]

I highly recommend buying some transparency sheets. They're those clear plastic sheets used by overhead projectors (the old kind used in classrooms around the world). You then draw shapes on those, and place them over an existing grid (paper or vinyl as seen in this video). This lets you make drawings, and apply them however you like on the map, remove them or move them as you go. You can layer them, so you may have a house and a barn, and you can put the house and barn at different places relative to each other making a different farm! But without having to draw any additional shapes!

[@Negeta]

My group uses Dwarven Forge, and my friend backed the same Kickstarter with the plastic cast 10 x 10s. Something we do with the corner pieces with the walls is grab four of them, make an enclosed room, and turn them upside-down. You can then place four 10 x 10s without walls on the raised platforms to create raised areas or towers. With other 10x10s placed around, it can really look neat. We'll also use flat printed terrain tiles from Wizards of the Coast in conjunction.

[@ConLogosz]

I'm a pretty casual DM, but I got sucked into your videos and binged them all in a couple of days. As a result, I feel way more prepared for a new campaign I'm running this year at my university. Thanks Matt!

[@jesternario]

Those neoprene dungeon mats are great (always use wet erase on those). One good solution I found to keeping them clean is a sheet of acrylic glass. They are very cheap, probably cheaper than the mat, and durable, since they’re plastic. You can draw on them and not worry about the mat, since the acrylic cleans up better (winded is awesome for that). Best of all, you can draw on them ahead of time and change out acrylic sheets. You can also draw on the underside for when you are in areas with permanent borders, allowing you clean up as you move from floor to floor of a wizard’s tower, for instance.

[@flashfloodninja]

Don't know if you still read this stuff, Matt, but I'm a stickler for customizable and flexible terrain options. I like to use a grid map (like the vinyl map) with cellophane sheets overlaid on top - like plastic laminate sheets or the ones used for oldschool projectors. They're see-through plastic, can be used with dry and wet erase, and as a neat feature, you can print on them with a laser jet printer. You get outstanding, customizable, layered terrain tiles, and they're easy to modify and move on the fly, then store and categorize later.

[@termsofutilization]

One of the best grid solutions I've ever seen is actually legos. My group bought 4 large flats and drew a 1x1 grid on it. Then we just started building rooms and walls out of lego. It allows us to build custom terrain on the fly and occasionally build 2 story terrain. The flats cost a little, but the rest of the legos we just bought at a yard sale. Now we have a system we can use forever. We also ended up labeling a bunch of legos with our character names and the dm can put up an imitative order after the first round and change it really easily on the fly. It's slightly time consuming, but nobody minds because we just play with legos a little bit as a group.

[@itxaumby2591]

I've made it this far in preparation before my first session as a GM tomorrow night. I'm going to power through as many as I can tomorrow until my group gets here (and one more reading of the adventure We Be Goblins) Thank you for sharing all of these lessons, they have made me feel a lot more comfortable before running a game

[@danielroberts7676]

Years ago we had a 3' x 3' square of clear plexi-glass. we attached a grid of one inch squares under it. that way we could use dry or wet erase markers to draw out the maps. for big complex dungeons, the DM would keep the map covered with smaller pieces of paper, and uncover them one by one as the players could see the area.

[@huntersimuav]

YAY! I love Running the Game! The campaign diaries are great, but Running the Game focuses on a single subject. Which makes it easier to watch the videos you need the most help with. Which for me, is all of them.

[@roaklord]

I recently moved to a new town and dont know a whole lot of people just yet. So ive been scratching my nerding itch by watching/listening to various D&D media and I truly like the manor at which you pass on information.

[@TheAngryRubberDuck]

hey matt. I have been watching your videos since near the beginning. You're still killing it. keep it up!

[@sethhowell2278]

holy cow this video is SO INCREDIBLY INFORMATIVE. i see all kinds of lists of dungeon tiles and stuff, but having you (someone whose opinion i trust) to give an overview of all these options, love this video as I do with all your content matt. very impressive

[@GeekzAnonymous]

Great tip: If you mark something with permanent marker, you can put dry erase over it to remove it. I intentionally use permanent marker for the majority of (mostly) immovable objects like walls for my maps (when I don’t use dungeon tiles) and wet erase for more moveable scenery. When I’m done go over with dry erase and it all disappears with ease.

[@samuelfujita8877]

I would just like to thank you for the content. I just played and ran my first game of D&D with other first time players and it was a blast thanks to the videos. Keep up the good work.

[@IrontMesdent]

My first board is an acrylic panel in which I drew a grid by making cuts with a knife. The ink stays in there, creating a grid and the polished/uncut surface is pretty easy to dry erase. It breaks the pen easily though because the cuts make sharp plastic edges.

[@creativeroleplaying6603]

One of my favorite grid solutions is to buy one of the huge graph paper tablets like companies use for seminars on an easel. Get a bunch of the sheets laminated, and they work great with wet erase markers, they are cheap (around $2+ each), and you can put several in a simple cardboard tube. That way, you don't have to erase a room until the end of the dungeon, so if your adventurers backtrack, you don't have to redraw everything.

[@alexandergabriel3940]

Did you ever do a video about the campaign setting book you tease at the end? I'm a sucker for reading setting books and I'd like to know what one you love so much (that looks so comprehensive, too).

[@NateDynamite]

You deserve all the success in the world, Matt! You've inspired me to not only start playing, but to start DMing! It feels overwhelming, but I think it's absolutely amazing! Keep it up, brother!

[@dannym2359]

I just watched this at 1.25x speed and I have to say, you speak so clearly and so well, that the speed doesn't make a huge difference in understanding what it is you're talking about. I could honestly see watching you at 1.5x or even 1.75x

[@Wootzel]

I bought a silicone grid mat, which seems like just a more expensive and durable vinyl mat at first, but the texture and how markers react to it is SO GOOD and it will lay flat without having a fit, every time. So worth the price.

[@Snake_holiday]

real late to this one but I wanted to share what my group came up with. We used a gridded cutting mat one of my friends had lying around and used silver sharpie to draw out larger grid squares. Then we taped a large vinyl sheet over it so that the whole mat is covered and theres tons of space left on the side. Gives me space to write down things like visual references or initiative rolls while not taking up space on the actual map. The store bought stuff is great but don't be afraid to get creative and try making ur own!

[@eopatcjo]

I have never never never! considered papercraft as an option. If you'll excuse my foolishness, I think I always considered it cheap and somehow lesser to the mighty resin. I think it's my genuine favorite way to run things now! Thank you Mr Matt! You always remind me to go back and look at things I passed over without thought, to find their value.

[@RyanRoat]

Sweet. I couldn't sleep and got out of bed at 5 AM eastern to find a just posted video.

[@noahtheslowa6915]

After playing for years, I have finally discovered 3d printing. Highly recommend anyone seriously wanting to get into terrain or even just fun crafting look at 3d printing. Got a whole tavern painted and printed in a couple days for the equivalent of only about $2 of plastic

[@Talespinner35]

I don't know if this has already been said, but sometimes you can find relatively cheap terrarium and aquarium "furniture" at pet stores that look really great for rugged dungeon aspects or terrain. If you're mostly using pieces to help visualize key locations for meetups or combat -- especially where position and cover are crucial -- that pet store stuff may fit the need and not break the bank.

[@RandalLovelace]

Suggestion for the modular tiles - get legal sized hanging file folders to drop them in - tape or staple the side/ends of the folder for the smaller items.

[@ChristophBrinkmann]

To help make the hardcovers more limber, lay the two covers out while holding the pages together. Then pull a few pages down on one side and press them flat. Then pull a few pages down on the other side and press those flat. Then just keep alternating until you get to the center, and repeat this process a few times. That should help keep the bindings from botching their constitution roll. (strength roll? One of them.)

[@spookyspecter2864]

My friends and I have always used a huge whiteboard that we drew a grid onto with sharpie so it'd be permenant. Then we use a dry erase to draw the different dungeons whenever we need to.

[@nicky81chevy]

I decided to be creative with creating a grid space where I didn't have to spend a ton, so I scoured local thrift stores and found a bed sheet that was white with green 1" grid for 6 bucks! Then I bought a plastic table cover and now our entire table is a battle mat! Dry erase works fantastic on the plastic and if it gets dirty I can just replace it for 3 bucks!

[@FireDragons42]

I have a foam board that I bought, then covered it with some dry erase tape that I got. I then used a ruler and a fine tip sharpie to draw a grid on it. I can then draw on it directly when players go somewhere I wasn't expecting a fight, but I can also just draw a lair or expected fight location on some tracing paper and put it on the grid and can see the grid through the paper.

[@ikkuh87]

The dungeon tiles are amazing I use them all the time in my DnD games. when you buy the tile set you get a box which also have tiles on them. so you have an option here; 1) cut up your box and use those extra tiles or 2) use the box for storage! The problem you speak of about finding that 1 tile you need is pretty easy to do for me. I have a wilderness box. city box. dungeon box. and so on. this means when i need to find a log i just grab that box and grab the log tile. if you run a more streamlined session i recommend using your redbox or starter edition box to store the tiles you need for the session itself. Hope this helps a bit! :)

[@davejohnson5181]

these have been very helpful for me setting up D&D for my kids - thanks! - I am really looking forward to your combat version of the" running the game" series.

[@andyross9104]

When we started 3.5 without a mat or miniatures and it never really took away from the game but we eventually got a mat miniatures and it just stepped the game up that much more.

[@GamingPaper]

Thanks for the shout out!

[@andrewdunn9054]

I've used the FatDragon Paper Craft stuff before. Just like anything else it takes a little investment up front (card stock, cutting implements, paper glue) but you get a very high quality result. I'd also really recommend Battle Systems which is pre-printed and pre-cut card stock terrain. You literally pop it out of the paper and you're ready to go.

[@KuittheGeek]

I like making my terrain using a standard color printer, some foam core from the dollar store, some glue sticks, and a little bit of time. I picked up the technique from Crooked Staff Terrain, and I really like it. It is cheap, relatively quick, easy to build up generic, reusable tiles, and you can get a great reaction from your group. I also 3D print and paint all my own minis with all of the offerings out there anymore. Though, if you are still looking strapped for cash, and you don't have access to a 3d printer, you can make paper minis very easy as well.

[@theframe100]

One thing you might consider is to forego grids if you play at a table with miniatures. We used to draw straight on a large sheet of paper and use a tape measure (with 1 inch being 5 feet) for movement and spells.

[@Anjidu]

literally just started playing DnD and just decided to dm so basically I know nothing, but I love acting, writing, and art. So I have come up with some interesting ways to have miniatures and my own at the ready dungeons without breaking the bank. These videos help so much with getting inspiration! Just wanted to say thank you!

[@CodyMTavares]

Great video, man! I really appreciate good quality stuff like yours. Love the D&D love.

[@TrNdke]

That gaming paper is awesome! I used it make the massive castle map from the 4E adventure, Reavers of Harkenwold. It covered a 4' x 6' table and would have been really difficult/expensive to create any other way. It's also great for wrapping gifts for your nerdy friends. I'm also a fan of the basic laminated flip mat.

[@DanteRavenkin]

Matt, this series is fantastic! I'm finding it really helpful and inspiring to make the games I run even better! Thanks for making these videos

[@ArawnNox]

Thank you SO MUCH for linking gaming paper. I kept googling "1" graph paper" and getting like 50$ pads which is way more than my budget would allow. But Gaming Paper is so cheap it's fantastic. I'm also really impressed with how reasonable the prices of Hirst Arts are. I may eventually look into getting them.

[@sbaki991]

I binge watched the whole running the game series and you have inspired me to start creating a campaign for my friends! Thank you for these videos! An idea for a possible next video: How to create friendly NPCs, quest givers and important townspeople. Where do you get inspiration for them and how to make them not seem similar? Keep up the good work!

[@thomaslopez-anderson6110]

I don’t know if anyone has said this yet, but depending on how crafty you want to get Terraino is pretty heckin awesome and looks really good when you’re all done, any shape you want to make you can do :)

[@SteoanK]

You're awesome! Keep up the amazing work. I've been playing for years but really enjoy listening.

[@JC34258]

When I needed a battlemat, I went to Joanne's fabrics and bought a few yards of transparent couch vinyl and rolled it out on the table over the top of some gaming paper. All told I paid something like twelve bucks for a 54"x72" battlemat. As an extra bonus, I can put other maps under the vinyl and draw on those. It's also wide enough that my players can take notes directly on the table in front of them.

[@milesmatheson1142]

Step1) Acquire large roll of gaming paper. Step2) Draw out generic, highly detailed, tiles and terrains. Step3) Acquire 0.003" X 24" X 48" clear polyester sheets. Step4) Sandwich tiles and terrains between polyester sheets. Step5) Cut out anything not readily apparent to PCs, like hidden rooms. Step6) Place tiles and terrains as PCs explore. Step7) ????? Step8) Profit. Super light and thin for easy transport and storage.

[@bryan__m]

I like to use easel pads with 1" square for my maps. They aren't as cheap as the gaming paper (which I hadn't heard of until now), but it's easier to reuse, so you get more bang for your buck. In my current game instead of buying minis, I started using printed character minis. I found plexiglass bases online, printed out pictures to scale (mostly from the monster manual, though the module I'm playing has a lot of fan-created content), cut them out, and put them in the bases. It's a ton cheaper and a TON easier to store.

[@Draikoni]

hi there Matthew, first of all I am loving your videos! just got into DnD (getting started for the first time on Wednesday). just want to enjoy I really enjoy your videos and I feel like they are helping me understand alot of things about the game as a hole, and from the side of the DM. please keep doing what you are doing!

[@Aarongorn]

Some very cool stuff there. I just ordered a three pack of double-sided mats from Melee Mats. They look great, you can use both wet- and dry-erase on them, and a review I watched confirmed their quality and versatility. Ebay has a wealth of options for terrain, but it's almost overwhelming looking through everything that's there. "Sunlight dances through the leaves; soft winds stir the sighing trees..."

[@srhall79]

I used gaming paper a few years back, running 4E modules. We'd spend most of a Saturday playing, so it was efficient to draw the rooms out before and lay down the sheets. Maybe I should grab some more since I'm running modules again, and on a shorter time schedule. Wet erase mat is my standard. At first having many colors of markers sounds great- "I'll do the grass in green, and the fire in red..." but it seems like anything but black is hard to remove if left on. (and while packing for a move and preparing a map, I did use a sharpie instead of a wet erase marker once. d'oh)

[@krudmonger]

Last year when running my campaign I couldn't find enough battle map paper (the gaming paper store was sold out at the time), so I resorted to actually using heavy duty wrapping paper, some of which has 1-inch grids on the reverse side of it (presumably for cutting guides, and not gaming). It worked really well, and I was a bit sad when I ran out. I tried to buy more, but the other stuff I found was slicker, whereas the first roll I'd found was almost like a battle mat. Wish I had stocked up on that type!

[@jasonallmon2384]

Introduced my buddy to your channel and this series and he's running our first game next week. Super stoked, thanks for such great info

[@nenaclements]

Our DM uses a projector to put everything on the wall, usually with Roll20 functioning as a battlemat. I like that it frees up a lot of space at the table.

[@lauralayton2003]

We do a wet-erase grid mat with HeroForge minis for our PCs and Pathfinder pawns for baddies and NPCs. It works pretty well, since we can use the markers to add to the mat when PCs/baddies cast spells with an AoE, or if there's weird terrain.

[@dustingonzales2566]

There is always the DIY terrain option. There are LOADS of youtube channels out there that will show you how to it... "The DMs Craft" being the best place to start IMO, because it is the cheapest and fastest way. Im almost positive that is the Ptolus book. My favorite dnd character of all time was in a Ptolus Campaign. He was the only character i have ever had that went from level 1 all the way to lvl 20. Keep up the amazing work Matt.

[@therogueblade915]

Holy cow! That was some pretty awesome stuff! Being a younger Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast myself, I haven't had as much opportunity to snag all those sweet tiles and hand-painted stuff myself. My game are either done on those puzzle piece-like dry-erase tiles, or just on a dry-erase board. Hopefully I'll gather my own collection of those 3D pieces to immerse my future players with!

[@VerumAdPotentia]

Just finished watching your interview on the Fantasy Grounds Fridays video. Interesting and entertaining, as usual Matt. Glad to hear Strongholds and Followers will (eventually) be coming out on Fantasy Grounds!

[@jasonfrancis9262]

we use a chessboard and chess pieces.

[@qwertasdf6657]

wow I do to!

[@BigPesh77]

do you get to eat the enemies after combat?

[@NoahTopper]

I'm honestly surprised this idea never occurred to me.

[@RyanDB]

Funnily enough, I sometimes use little snacks to represent tough enemies, and the person who deals the killing blow gets to eat it :P

[@aidenrobley504]

Yeah, a stratego board has been my friend

[@saffron97]

I don't have the money for minis and I love playing with them. So one day I dedicated the day to making 1 inch circle paper tokens each has a unique design (A cauldron all the way to a batman icon). I made about 60, I wrapped them in tape. I love them and anyone who I have played with or shown do as well. They are easily portable and colorful as well as light. I personally suggest a battlemat because you don't have to remember to buy supplies as often. I got mine for around 35 USD ($).

[@Blought0]

I applaused for the fact that you don't accept free stuff to recommend to us. You're just amazing, especially knowing that you earn your life by writing and that therefore, there's no ad on your youtube channel. Respect :D

[@marshallscot]

If I ever DM (which isn't often because I rarely have a chance to play at all) I just use a whiteboard and coloured dry erase to make the terrain. I use a hex grid to determine distance and direction of travel, which I find to be much more intuitive then squares.