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DND Miniatures
Dungeons and Dragons (DND) has expanded beyond the realm of just being a game. It is a creative medium and an expansive community, thanks in large part to the nature of the game. It truly is limited only by one’s imagination. Often, the most fun involved in the game is the setup from creating a world and its history to choosing the creatures one might encounter. One highlight for every player is the pleasure of creating a character. From ogres and elves to humans and halflings, characters come in all shapes and sizes. Creating concepts and miniatures of one’s character can help bring everyone into the world. Here is one idea on how to create your own DND miniatures using 3D printing.
Creating a 3D Model
The most important part of creating a miniature is developing a model. There are many online communities and sites that offer prebuilt models and figures, such as the JawsTec Marketplace. These can be a great starting point or a perfect ready-to-use option. Additionally, thanks to new technologies, one can use a picture to generate a model. AI modeling tools can transform pictures into 3D models. Many of these files are free to download and can be edited in several types of software. When editing or selecting a model, ensure that it meets certain qualifications for the process you choose to print it with.
Printing Process
Thanks to the boom in 3D printing in recent years, printing a model has become very easy. Many people may already have a printer, at home, an FDM printer that uses plastic filament. Other processes are available too, such as Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), or Stereolithography (SLA). These are often accessible through 3D printing service bureaus, like JawsTec! You should choose a method and process that fits your needs and budget. Bureaus can be expensive for short runs, while FDM can lack detail and options. Once you have your model printed, it’s time for the finishing touches.
Finishes
The last step for your model is the finish you desire. The different processes mentioned above all produce slightly different results. FDM prints often come out with visible layer lines from where the filament was dispensed. MJF prints, on the other hand, come out slightly grainy to the touch. Any of these could be the desired finish and may require no further processing. With processes like MJF and SLS, you can also choose dyed options for your print. The print will be a single color, but this can serve as a great jumping-off point. For example, if your print has a base, you could dye it red and then selectively paint the rest. This would give the miniature a distinct red base for easy recognition among others. You could also use this color distinction for classes within your campaign—wizards in blue, thieves in black, and so on. Or imagine your main antagonist as a dark dragon: an option like vapor smoothing can create a slick finish on your print, giving it the visual distinction needed for the culmination of a campaign.
No matter what you choose, the options are limitless. The possibilities are endless and entirely dependent on you. Creating DND miniatures can elevate the experience of a campaign and immerse both you and your fellow players in the world.