I recently rediscovered D&D as an adult, and I’ve been DMing for a group of friends for almost a year. We can only get together every few months, so it gives me plenty of time to create some cool terrain. I’ve done some 3d printing and some crafting from scratch, but I’ve really wanted to find a way to do something with my Glowforge that would make it quick and easy.
I recently found a great file on Etsy from LaserCutFIilesToGo. It’s almost exactly what I was looking for - it was exteremly modular, had a 1.25"=5’ grid, and used magnets to connect the pieces. It was also done on a glowforge, which meant it was super easy to mod the files (and make my own pieces from scratch!)
So, I got right to work modding the hell out of it…
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I changed the base grid pieces from 3x3 to 2x2. I like working with the smaller pieces better. 3x3 can be a bit too large for smaller dungeons.
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I changed the high walls to low walls. I prefer low profile walls, since they give players more visibility. I’m also not crazy about the visible joints on the walls. Low profile walls were quicker to cut as well.
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I changed all the textures on the tiles and walls. Loved the stuff he used, but went with a simpler design to make it easier to paint.
I changed the second level height and modified stairs. The original file had a different height block for the second level. I understand the need to make it more immersive and match the wall heights, but for me, I just wanted to give the idea of another level, so I just use the same grids for each level.
Original File
My modifications
Simple dungeon layout
Broken up into 2x2 squares. Each square can connect to others via magnets in base.
This is all of the parts needed. Only 3 basic tiles really needed for most layouts (flat, one wall, corner wall), The yellow tile is a stanoff that lets you stack the bases on top of each other.
Another basic layout.
but as all our games went virtual it stopped being a driving force…and honestly the magnets are so much better than the puzzle piece connections we were focused on!