|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 11, 2014 23:13:55 GMT -9
You are all so great! Thank you, all of you for your generosity. You have helped me find a lot of great stuff and ignited my own creativity. Mind you, I'm not in your league, but I've just finished "Aelor's Magic Emporium". Aelor is one of my recurring npc's and he is a quirky little gnome sorcerer with an alchemist bent. Not very many of his 'experiments' are successful, which is why his shop is located outside of the towns walls. I'd like to put up a picture of it as soon as I figure out how to do that. I really would like your opinions and suggestions. Just remember, this was made the old fashioned way - with boxes and toilet paper tubes! Notice the blown out tower on top and the burn marks on each side? I apologize for the poor quality of the pics, they were taken with an old phone.
|
|
|
Post by Vermin King on Feb 12, 2014 5:39:08 GMT -9
Very nicely done. Having used TP tubes in other projects, getting a straight cut for the halves and maintaining the roundness is done very well. Did you print out a stucco texture to use, or did you use a different method?
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 12, 2014 10:06:08 GMT -9
Well, I had a bit of fun with this. You see, I like to use a lot of props in my game to get my players really involved, you know, scrolls, spell books, puzzles and the like. So, I took a bunch of tracing paper, crumpled it up and submerged it in a big pot full of hot water, used tea bags and old coffee grounds. I let them sit and 'steep' for about fifteen minutes, until I had the color I wanted. Since it was August and hot here when I did this, I laid the sheets of tracing paper out in the sun to dry - took only about half an hour - and voila! Instant ancient parchment. So I used this paper for the texture, but it was too plain alone so, I splotched it with paint (cad yellow, raw sienna, burnt umber and a bit of lamp black). This was an improvement, but not quite right, yet. I made a wash of 1 part sky blue, 1 part green mist and 2 parts water and applied that, lightly, with a fan brush.This gave it more of the look I wanted. Then I just rubbed on soot (lamp black) with a wadded up paper towel in the appropriate places. I'm thinking I should add some more windows, on either side of the door, perhaps? And here's something I probably should have thought about in the beginning: How to give it an interior and make it accessible? It is supposed to be a Magic Emporium, after all. Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?
|
|
|
Post by Vermin King on Feb 12, 2014 11:03:31 GMT -9
I would just set up some floor plans for when the players enter the building
|
|
|
Post by squirmydad on Feb 12, 2014 11:37:47 GMT -9
Well, I had a bit of fun with this. You see, I like to use a lot of props in my game to get my players really involved, you know, scrolls, spell books, puzzles and the like. So, I took a bunch of tracing paper, crumpled it up and submerged it in a big pot full of hot water, used tea bags and old coffee grounds. I let them sit and 'steep' for about fifteen minutes, until I had the color I wanted. Since it was August and hot here when I did this, I laid the sheets of tracing paper out in the sun to dry - took only about half an hour - and voila! Instant ancient parchment. So I used this paper for the texture, but it was too plain alone so, I splotched it with paint (cad yellow, raw sienna, burnt umber and a bit of lamp black). This was an improvement, but not quite right, yet. I made a wash of 1 part sky blue, 1 part green mist and 2 parts water and applied that, lightly, with a fan brush.This gave it more of the look I wanted. Then I just rubbed on soot (lamp black) with a wadded up paper towel in the appropriate places. These are some of the same techniques I use for weathering and aging props for theatrical productions (my day job). Nicely done.
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 12, 2014 13:12:39 GMT -9
Thank you. I do what I can by hand, since I have no idea how you geniuses do what you do on a computer. I've also heard a lot of talk about Robocutters and I can imagine what they are, but have never seen one. Sounds like they would make life a lot easier if you do massive amounts of cut work.
Really, guys, I am looking for honest, constructive criticism on "Aelor's Magic Emporium. So, come on, I can take it, I'm a big girl - all grow'd up and mature-like!
|
|
|
Post by cowboyleland on Feb 13, 2014 6:29:02 GMT -9
Ok, so you don't feel ignored: IMHO building models this way is more challenging than making some shapes/textures in gimp so you've done a great job with your chosen materials. I think you do need more widows scattered around. Why not try making the interior ground plan (as VK suggested) and seeing where windows seem to fit in? The big window on the second floor seems out of scale to the door, but maybe it extends over two floors to light the stair well?
The double doors give the impression of a castle-like structure while I think of a magic shop being more modest in size, but maybe that is just me.
|
|
|
Post by wyvern on Feb 14, 2014 1:25:07 GMT -9
Dungeonmistress: Nice looking model!
Having modelled for many years by-hand and using computers, there seem to me pros and cons to both methods. For the latter though, it's heavily dependent on your familiarity with a specific program, whereas by-hand, you can - as you said - much more easily make adjustments intuitively, if things don't look quite right. I find I nearly always need to tweak computer printout models as I'm building them for similar reasons. But that may be just because I've done that for so long anyway! I do like being able to use the computer for things like transparent windows and glass doors, especially for stained or painted glass, and features like internal mirrors (printed transparency over a piece of mirror-card, for example), plus paperwork miniature pictures, open books/scrolls and other assorted decorative elements I'd never manage to create adequately to-scale otherwise.
As for the look of this particular building, my approach would be to think more about why the building's there and what it's used for now, compared to what it may have started life as. Was it purpose-built for/by Aelor, for example? If not, what has he needed to do to make the building suitable for his needs - block-out windows, add new ones, change the door sizes (he's a gnome; if the building was originally built for humans, maybe he's added a small postern door for his own use into one of the main doors, say)? If he bought it, why did he pick this building? Is it just for its location, or did he have a choice of several different properties nearby?
Interior floor plans are certainly a useful idea when you're creating a structure from scratch, but it can be equally interesting to use an existing model, and then work out why the doors and windows are where they are on that. I've come up with better ideas than I'd originally thought of that way, certainly!
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 14, 2014 18:41:17 GMT -9
Cowboyleland and wyvern, thanks so much for your input! this is exactly what I was hoping for.
As for windows, I was going to add more and then pooped out, it was late at night and my husband was telling me to go to bed! and then other things took precedence and ...well, you know how it goes. and yes, in my minds eye there is a spiral staircase (or rather the remnants of one) that the arched windows would have illuminated.
A little about Aelor, when this little sorcerer came to town, around a hundred years ago, he first stayed at the Dancing Sayter Inn, in the middle of town. It wasn't long before the resulting damage from his various alchemical experiments drove the townsfolk to tell Aelor that though they wanted him to stay, he would have to move outside of the towns walls. This was the only structure available at the time. It looked like it was originally part of a castle and how it came to be here is something of a mystery. The stairs, the towers, the windows were all in excellent condition at that time. And then the experiments began...
It is now three and a half hours later...Dinner - Valentines Day ...so I took a plate to a neighbor who just had surgery. Anyway...
I do think there should be a couple more windows. As to their placement? The idea about a gnome-sized door somewhere is a good one. Thank you! Should I add turrets on the corners? Or would that be too much?
I really appreciate all the talent represented here and you are all so nice to take time to critique my silly little project. Thanks again!
|
|
|
Post by wyvern on Feb 15, 2014 4:42:06 GMT -9
Like the background for Aelor; gives some useful explanation for the building that can be worked with further. Not sure about adding more turrets. Maybe a waterproof lean-to instead, perhaps over the current single doorway, or off one end to break up the symmetry a little (unless such symmetry's important to him, of course)? He'd need somewhere to keep fuel for the fire dry at least, plus somewhere to sleep, and the damaged state of the upper storeys suggests even if the internal flooring has survived, it'll likely be rain-damaged - plus there's that spiral stairwell to consider, a handy "internal drainpipe" by now! Couple of final thoughts. Might have been worth setting this discussion up in its own topic, as that could have got you more responses. This topic's perhaps a little too general.* And don't denigrate your own projects and efforts. The world's full of people always eager to run things down for you; no need to give them any help! It's important to you, so why shouldn't it have importance for some of us too?
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 15, 2014 10:03:42 GMT -9
Great ideas, Wyvern. So good to have fresh eyes on this as I know I'm too close to it to see everything. There is a second door on the back side: , ...an add-on room back here would be a good place for Aelor to lay his head. And a lean-to on the other side of the door for his wood supply.There will be an observatory and a green house or two to grow the plants he would make distillates from for his experiments and the potions he sells. As to the spiral stair, obviously it would be too dangerous to use, so a ladder stands to the side for access to the upper area. I'll have to think about what has been done about the stairs themselves. Hmmm... . You mentioned putting this (these) post(s) in their own thread? I've thought about it, too, but do not know how to complete that operation. Help? You've been very helpful and kind. Thank you, Wyvern.
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 15, 2014 15:10:15 GMT -9
All Hail Squirmydad! Thank you! What a nice surprise.
|
|
|
Post by squirmydad on Feb 15, 2014 15:32:11 GMT -9
|
|
|
Post by wyvern on Feb 16, 2014 5:34:35 GMT -9
Dungeonmistress: Yes, that was actually the single door I meant; should have made it clearer in my original posting that I was separating it from the other, double, doorway The spiral stairs could be of stone, so might still be usable? Look forward to seeing the next stage of the Emporium (Aelor seems likely to want to keep changing things...).
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 16, 2014 8:57:38 GMT -9
As is his wont, Wyvern, being that he is bi-polar, OCD (or CDO, as it should be - alphabetical) with just a touch of the "absent-minded professor" syndrome.
The bottom half of the spiral stair is indeed, still intact and serves well for display purposes. The top half, however, due to a rather large explosion, was reduced to rubble some years ago. (Also the reason Aelor's hair grows only in patches and he has, to quote Dr. Sheldon Cooper: "more ticks than a research facility researching Lyme disease").
My next gaming session will be This coming Sunday, and I must have The Emporium ready by then, for my PC's will be visiting there for the first time. I must get busy!
I will keep you all abreast of my progress and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
I can't thank everyone enough for all your help.
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 16, 2014 13:20:46 GMT -9
For those of you who may be interested, I made a drawing of Aelor's face, which I will post on here as soon as I can find my adapter card ...
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 16, 2014 20:20:17 GMT -9
Found it! OK. So, here is what I imagine Aelor looks like. Now this was just a quick sketch, nothing fancy.
|
|
|
Post by WackyAnne on Feb 16, 2014 21:57:20 GMT -9
Have you thought about the terrain, specifically the vegetation, around Aelor's? Since you talk about him finding the place in an abandoned state, and he doesn't sound like the type to do a lot of maintenance on something as mundane as a building, it seems to me likely that it might be covered in moss -- and more interestingly -- vines. Vines are easy to make, can hide all manner of sins/joins/misalignments/etc., add visual and textural interest and contrast, and also provide a way to climb the building on the outside. You could make them with pipe cleaners, florists' wire, yarn, and leaves out of tissue paper or just about anything... For inspiration you could google "rapunzel tower" or "tower ruins vines". Here are some of my favourite results: thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/blarney-castle-ruins-435786.jpgwww.oocities.org/thetropics/shores/8676/chivine.jpgimages.mocpages.com/user_images/9977/1332876781m_SPLASH.jpgwww.lovethispic.com/image/33579/rapunzel-towermoviechopshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/RapunzelConcept1.jpgth01.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2013/282/b/b/rapunzel_s_tower_by_frie_ice-d6pszf9.jpgwww.pxleyes.com/images/contests/old-chair/fullsize/Rapunzel--s-Tower-Revisited-4d083228dd2b4_hires.jpg3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifqG3MjPypc/TbBB8rfY7aI/AAAAAAAAACs/oeGQLF0jf3c/s1600/BG-4.jpgwww.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/391108.pagewww.thewhiterock.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Peru-2011-333-Copy.jpgIt's not something that you _have_ to do, but you might find it a fun addition at some point...
|
|
|
Post by WackyAnne on Feb 16, 2014 21:58:52 GMT -9
Found it! OK. So, here is what I imagine Aelor looks like. Now this was just a quick sketch, nothing fancy. Love it! Something about the tufts of fur around his face, reminds me of the caterpillar from Labyrinth, so it's made of extra win
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 17, 2014 8:53:28 GMT -9
"Hallo." said the worm. "Did you just say 'Hello'?" asked Sarah. "No, I said 'Hallo', but that's close enough." replied the worm. Yes! One of my all-time favorite movies, I have it on my shelf. I hadn't thought of vines, what a grand idea! Thank you so much! I'll be working some more on it over the next few days. It needs to be ready by Sunday. No pressure! ACK! Thanks for the ideas! I'm going to get busy with it now.
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 17, 2014 10:43:06 GMT -9
Thanks again, WakyAnne, for those image links you sent me. Beautiful and very inspiring.
|
|
|
Post by WackyAnne on Feb 17, 2014 17:54:30 GMT -9
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 17, 2014 20:25:00 GMT -9
Oh you terrible temptress, you, WackyAnne! Those were great pics! And you managed to get me hooked on another new comic! Shame on you!
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 25, 2014 16:21:13 GMT -9
Here are some pictures of the remodel on Aelor's Magic Emporium. This addition houses Aelor's bedroom and reading area, as well as some storage for potions and such. Trying to figure out how to weather-proof the ruined turret on top. Any ideas? There is much left to do on the addition and the main building, windows being of the first priority. There will eventually be a wood shed and greenhouses. I think I also need a small smoke stack for the wood stove in the addition. Oooh! I know! I'll use a bendi-straw! Now, how to secure it...?
|
|
|
Post by wyvern on Feb 26, 2014 4:33:26 GMT -9
Trying to figure out how to weather-proof the ruined turret on top. Any ideas? Maybe a tied-on tarpaulin? But a more elaborate angled roof made of wood beams and tiles/slates could be an option. I think I also need a small smoke stack for the wood stove in the addition. Oooh! I know! I'll use a bendi-straw! Now, how to secure it...? Use a paper straw, not the plastic kind. Or simply roll up a tube of the right size from a rectangle of paper. Perhaps add a conical "hat" (small circle of card with a segment cut out, folded round) over the top to stop the rain going down it.
|
|
|
Post by migibb on Feb 26, 2014 9:55:47 GMT -9
Maybe it's just my opinion of gnomes, but somehow I see Aelor jury-rigging a giant umbrella and having that sticking out of the burned out tower......
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 26, 2014 10:14:07 GMT -9
OH! Champion idea! Aelor is a bit odd...even for a gnome sorcerer/alchemist. And I happen to have just the thing! Thank you, Migibb! I'll post pics as soon a I have it figured out.
|
|
|
Post by migibb on Feb 26, 2014 10:19:37 GMT -9
Just get one of those cocktail umbrellas!! Re-paint it if you must....
|
|
|
Post by dungeonmistress on Feb 26, 2014 10:27:58 GMT -9
I just happen to have some left from my step-daughter's Halloween-themed wedding! It'll be perfect! I'll be working on it this evening.
Thanks again!
DM
|
|
|
Post by squirmydad on Feb 26, 2014 13:00:28 GMT -9
Since you asked... -I like the shed, nice little ramshackle add-on. -The tower itself could still use more details; the blackened tops indicate a fire or explosion-in a fire the stucco/plaster coating flakes off of whatever is underneath it so you could draw in cracks radiating downwards from the broken tops and darken in cracked sections that would indicate an area where the plaster has fallen away and exposed the brick or stone beneath it. -Draw a handle/latch, ring on the door. -Could still use more windows, smaller ones like the rectangular windows on towers. Those can be layered on top of the existing wall treatments with a little gentle pressure, or scrape away the wall treatment a little to get a flatter surface. -Some moss and ivy around the base and growing up the walls would add some great dimensionality to it and make it look even more decrepit. Train, hobby, pet and craft stores all sell cheap bags of moss for decorating scenes. -If you mount it on a base you can decorate around the tower with various rusty junk inventions that Aelor is decorating his lawn with.
|
|