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Experimenting a bit with my 3d printing slicer program, and rapidly becoming a convert to the PrusaSlicer option. Not only is it fully supported and the “official” answer for my i3 MK3s Prusa printer, but it has some advances in the recent version that my prior option (Simplify3D) simply doesn’t have. In particular, the latest edition advertises variable layer height, automatically calculated for models. This potentially can save a significant amount of time off of otherwise basic models, while still keeping the overall quality. Another side benefit is that it ties in very easily with my Octoprint configuration, allowing me…
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With regret, we ended up cancelling our group plans for Gencon 2020 this year, thanks to ongoing concerns over Covid. Although the state of Indiana and the Gencon organization has not officially cancelled the event, we felt it was prudent to make alternate plans. Best case projects are aiming for a mid-May “restart” to various regions – but even then the full return to normal could easily take several months. Best case, we would be in the convention with thousands of others, all potentially causing more infection vectors. Worse case, the convention would be cancelled for everyone regardless. Instead, this…
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With the current double-campaign for Pathfinder, my plate is pretty full on GM’ing storylines. However, I still have a desire to play, and have an upcoming option with a recent acquaintance and a planned Starfinder campaign. I have never played Starfinder before, but I am always up for learning. So far from my basic research, it feels like a blend of Pathfinder 1st edition and 2nd edition, but of course set in a science fiction environment. I am curious to see how well the various concepts hold up – historically I have not been a fan of hit points vs…
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First draft of the design for a squadron organizer for X-Wing, validating the sizing and wall structure. I am happy with these measurements, though the small holes at the top (intended for magnets) are a little too small. The rest seems to be good on the first attempt. My next stage is to work out a slot/holder for the maneuver dials, to go under the ship model, and a slot for various tokens like shields, force points, etc. This particular print is only one side – mainly to minimize print time. The final design is two sets of slots, with…
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I located a new Kickstarter campaign this week, which for my use and play style has quite a bit of potential. Designed for either tabletop or RPG gaming with hex-maps in mind, the design is a large collection of terrain pieces to represent various terrain features. After printing the sample model (pictured at 150% scaling), I am rather excited about the options. For my use, this will be for campaign world exploration (similar to Kingmaker-style world-building), though I can also see it for use in various hex-based board games (Catan for one). The tiles are detailed, and should be easily…
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Taking a break from thinking about Pathfinder and Covid recently, to do a bit of design work. I have been looking for ways to re-organize and improve my storage for X-Wing pieces and parts, and been browsing the various sites for 3d printing options. For tokens, I am working on a design that collects them all together, along with the damage deck, and fits within the profile of a Stanley storage box. My current method uses the same Stanley, but uses all the miscellaneous small boxes. Since most games really do not need every token of each type, but do…
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One issue I have had off and on in different campaigns has been and continues to be Alignment – a rare difficult concept for many players, and a frequent area of friction in a story. Although different games have attempted to define it more or less carefully, the traditional values of Lawful Good, Chaotic Neutral, or Neutral Evil (and other combinations) eventually lead to disagreement. With large groups (of which both of my current campaigns are), these issues are accentuated. With the release of Paizo’s Gamemastery Guide (Archives of Nethys Reference), they have a couple of alternative options, some of…
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Yesterday was our latest RPG session, continuing our use of Fantasy Grounds for a virtual tabletop. Of note, this was the second session after switching back to Fantasy Grounds Classic on Friday (following several performance issues with Unity). Fortunately, the software was much more stable, and at least from my view, more responsive. Unfortunately, the session itself was rather rough – though primarily a factor of my own lack of preparation, and the repetitive nature of the storyline. Most of the current story is around the group traveling in a sandbox-format exploration, seeking out and eliminating magic dragon pillars. As…
Halfling13 Hobbies
Something about nothing – a collection of miscellaneous hobbies
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