How it Began
Just like many of you, one of our favorite pass-times is to play games. We have played many tabletop and role-playing games such as D&D, Descent, Warhammer Quest, Heroquest...just to name a few. For some of the games we play, it is easier to have a 3D element such as tiles to represent the "dungeon" to show where you are during game play. We used various types of game tiles such as cardboard, which began to wear over time. We really wanted something more durable with a more realistic look and feel, so we started to look into different 3D tiles sets.
The ones with walls, although very nice, were expensive and too restrictive. For example, when miniatures were very animated or large and they extended beyond the boundaries of the walls, (which in most cases also took up about half the tile section it was resting on) they would not fit. They were also more limited when it came to construction, and we would often run out of straight wall sections or corner sections and so on.
We also tried the plaster molds, but they were too fragile for us (and a lot of work). Resin tiles were good and somewhat customizable, but expensive as well. Still the search was on to find a material to meet our needs...one that was highly customizable, could take a beating, and was most importantly - affordable, which would allow us to build and customize until our hearts were content.
Finally, we came across a solution, which is what we call "STONES." And that is how we arrived here with you today.
What is Stones?
Stones Dungeon Tiles is a new line of gaming terrain made of a high-quality, incredibly durable polymer plastic. These highly-detailed pieces come in a dark gray color, which means you can play them on the table right out of the box or quickly dry-brush them for an even more detailed effect.
What is it made of?
The material we now call "Stones" is made out of a Polymer-Plastic. Although the initial mold/production cost is very high, the end result is a product which is everything we wanted - very durable and highly customizable, which means they can be snipped, cut, heated and altered, and can take a beating! They will be produced in a gray-black material with built-in primer, which means all you have to do is take them out of the box, wash and paint - very simple. Also being very durable means easy to store. Just slide them into a duffel bag or box. Most importantly, being affordable means you can get more for your money, so you can paint one set stone grey and do another with a sand color. You can also customize them or even use them in other games as sidewalks, courtyards, etc. The possibilities are truly as boundless as your imagination!
One last thing about these amazing gaming tiles is that we added an "anti-slip" backing to them. That means that when tables are bumped, the tiles are less likely to slip and slide, especially when you play them on a cloth mat - it simply grabs hold of the material and in most cases stays where you placed it. We are intending to offer a cloth mat to be used with the tiles later in the Kickstarter, so stay tuned.
(Please note that the painted tiles in the pictures are of the first tiles we made as prototypes. The tiles you see above are copies of the actual prototypes intended to be produced. There may be some changes made for improvement, however.)
"Stones" Doors!
The "Stones" Doors come with a base (which also has the "anti-slip" backing) and door. The doors have very powerful Earth Magnets inset in the bottom of the post and in the base so they can be easily opened and closed. The doors can also be removed to make even bigger openings to larger passageways and rooms!
NOW THEY ARE DOUBLE-SIDED TILES!
We have had several backers mention they would like to see double-sided tiles and others want to keep the anti-slip back. Well, we now have the best of both worlds! The anti-slip backing is a grainy-like texture, so we have added the 1" grid to the back, and Viola! It can now be painted like dirt, mud and so on (the other side is still the Stones Dungeon pattern - they're double-sided!) We are also going to design a Caverns Accessories Set to go along with it and offer it as an add-on, so you can add rock formations, stalagmites, growth and so on by placing them right on the tiles! Remember, these are just prototypes/WIPs, but it gives you an idea of what is to come.
Kicking It Forward
We are members of the Kicking It Forward community, because it just makes sense to use a portion of our earnings to support other Kickstarter projects.
Risks and challenges
We have given much thought and planning to this project; however, there are always risks and challenges. Obviously, the first challenge is this project funding, showing you the potential of the Stones Terrain so you can make a well-informed decision in supporting it. Another potential challenge is getting the items on mold and to you in the allotted time. Although we don't foresee any problems, there is always the potential of production and/or shipping delays. To counter any setbacks we may encounter, we have the support and help of one of the industry's leading companies, and they happen to be very good friends of ours - Reaper Miniatures. Their previous experience & support has been and will continue to be invaluable.
The point is that there are going to be risks and challenges, but understand that if this project is successful (and we hope it will be), we will be working very hard to get it to its completion. We will keep you updated on our progression so you know we are working hard for you!
