Battle Mats Markers and Minis

Chessex Role Playing Play Mat

I've been using battle mats for RPG's since I was 16 and find them indispensable. Before that, I recall being a DM for a player who wanted to map. A totally accurate map! Whenever there was a 90 degree turn in the hallway and I said it was 40' to the end, he always asked if that was 40' on the left wall, or 40' on the right wall. Very frustrating.

I think he was trying to find gaps between the rooms and halls so he could find secret treasure vaults! Were there any? I'll never tell!

Tip: Clean the battle map completely with a slightly damp paper towel after play or it will stain, then follow up with a dry paper towel. And be very careful to not use dry erase or permanent markers, though if you Google it, you can get even that off.

Expo Vis-A-Vis Wet Erase Markers, 8 Colored Markers

Tip: Some colors leave a slight stain on battle mats that can't be completely cleaned off, so experiment my making small marks on the edge of the mat with each color and leaving for an hour or two before cleaning off. Then do yourself a favor and throw those colors out!

And be sure to cap wet-erase markers when not in use, or they will dry out.

RPG Miniatures

Metal figures are the most expensive, but you can see exactly what you're going to get before you buy, but usually need to be painted. Painting figures is a hobby in it's own right.

Tip: Metal figures need to be protected by putting them in special minis cases, or the paint will chip off and their swords will bend or break.

Plastic figures are usually pre-painted and bundled, but you can't see which figures you're going to get until you after you buy.

Tip: Some figures have giant bases that are too large to fit in a single square. If it's a huge creature like a dragon, this is OK. But if it's a humanoid, don't buy it because it will make tactical combat on a battle mat difficult. Such figures are meant for a different type of game.

Paper figures are the cheapest. The better ones have plastic bases; the others are simply folded like an upside-down V. You can also get flat cardboard tokens.

Personally, I have a collection of plastic and metal figures. I have paper ones too, but I don't use them.

If you're new to RPG's, I recommend starting with plastic figures. They're cheaper and usually come pre-painted. Then buy a metal figure or two and a miniature paint set and see if you enjoy painting figures.

Tip: Even if you can afford to buy a large collection of metal minis all at once, it's best to buy them slowly over time. Otherwise, you end up with minis you never use and wish you hadn't bought (and every time you look at them, it'll remind you!).

Chessex Figure Storage Boxes

Metal figures can be a large investment of money and time (from painting them). If not stored properly, the paint can chip and their weapons can bend or break off. With proper storage and care in handling them, minis will last a lifetime.

Tip: Storing paper or pre-painted plastic figures in a case like this is unnecessary. Just dump those in plastic bins.