Here's the thing, I've never made anything like this stuff. I mean, when I was a kid, I built Gundam and Zoid models out the wazoo. But, nothing like cardstock.

I run my own D&D games for my friends, pretty much because they don't have the attention span to learn how to DM. XP But I would love to use some of these models in our games. I think it would bring a lot of fun to our games and make them more memorable.

So, what would you guys recommend to a n00b whose just starting out? I don't want something too fancy and hard to start out with. Something simple that I can afford to break and/or somehow set fire to by accident.

Suggestions?

I started with DungeonWorks before they added the Classic tag to it. The models range from very easy to kinda complicated. I didn't think any of them were too tough, though. And it's very useful for D&D. Plus it comes with the original Castleworks, so two sets for the price of one.

Pubs and Inns, castles & keeps, or gothic realms. They are among the quickest and easiest to build, and the first 2 have a ton of props you'll need for D&D settings. Gothic has beautiful textures.

I came from building gundam models too,. WW building is just as simple, and a lot cheaper, depending on your printer ink cost. Make sure you use one with separate color cartridges.

If you're anything like me you like to see something first hand before you spend any money on it. Can't get you any WWG models but I can point you to some free samples that you can try and then see if this is really what you want to do.

I would start with the first link for Stone's Edges and do the crates. This is your most basic box fold and when you are done you get some neat looking large crates; perfect for almost any genre or setting. The tomb on the first link is a little more tricky; I'd skip it and go to the the second link for WotC's free samples. There are some other easy ones there like the basic stone walls and even the lodge is pretty simple; that would be a good one to do after you've done a bunch of box folds. Then come back to the tomb from Stone's Edge.

Stone's Edges Free Samples (OK stuff but no where near as high quality as WWG)


Wizards of the Coast Free Paper Models (Can't beat the price and good models to boot)

Fat Dragon (This guys stuff is down right cheesy if you ask me but hey, he's got some free samples =P )


How To Guides for Terrain and Props (Great ideas for DIY models)

I'm not trying to steer you away from paying for World Works Games models. Trust me; if you are into this hobby you'll gladly drop money on the highquality WWG products. These free samples are nothing compared to what you get from WWG. These samples merely wet the appetite that only WWG can satisfy!

Beginer Tips:
- 110lb card stock from Wal-mart is a great start to print on and model with.
- Either buy lots of X-acto blades or just get the cheap box cutters with the snap-off blades as they work just as well and far cheaper.
- Read the definitive glue thread and pick a quality glue... don't fight crappy watery glue or you'll just end up fruastrated
- Just spend the $2 at Michaels and get a metal ruler with a cork backing; worth every penny! Plastic rulers get nick'ed up by your knife in a single pass and the cork backing is a life saver for cutting striaght lines.
- Be sure you have a cutting surface you don't mind maring up real bad. I use a cheap cutting board.
- End every session on a good note! If you go until you are fruastrated or dissapointed. Then your mind starts to associate the activity with fruastration and dissapointment. This stuff is so cheap and easy to print off more that failure is no problem. Simply print off more and try again!

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Free samples are generally offered for most products. You can always find that information on the "Product Details" sidebar on the right hand side of a product page. You'll see a little button when a sample is present.

Hmmm...maybe I'll change that button to orange.

I think I got aboard the cardstock train bass-ackwards, having started two years ago with the Maiden. Stupid, right? Well, it turned out okay, perhaps because I proceeded deliberately, and managed to read nearly all of the important instructions first.

I made two main boo-boos: not mounting the bottom on foamcore (but I added the foamcore later without incident) and getting a spar turned ninety degrees (had to re-do that bit after having the instructions explained to me).

So I'll advocate for grabbing whatever model inspires you, trying to read the instructions and searching this site for tips, and then plunging in. It might be more efficient to build skills on something relatively simple like the Watchtower--or some other project with a definitive end point (rather than an endless kit like Castleworks)...but if you're not incredibly patient, just go for what makes you schwing!

Do folks find they use Dungeonlinx more than Chunky Dungeons in their D&D games? I love putting together the models but Chunky seems like it would be a TON of work before you had something that you could use in-game.

DungeonlinX is a great if you want to get something up and running for the weekend. Ultimately, it's all a measure of your time and motivation. Chunky is great for a longer term goal.

Mount up all the floors and corridors for chunky first this gives a flat layout, some of the rooms from dungeonlink are also very nice (just cut the walls of the outside). Once you've used them in a couple of games this will give you an idea of what shaped/size walls you tend use/need the most so you don't build to many of the wrong size .

Then slowly buildup the 3d wall/door/prop elements to use (interior works are great for props). if your up for it stretch the walls so their a full inch thick then you can wrap the walls around any corridor room pattern without an off pattern lip (okay that probably only annoys me). Just be aware that does restrict miniature movement space slightly.

I hardly ever use single lane corridors just restricts the action to much and gets a bit boring for people stuck at the back.