TFT custom dice

[FireHorse]

Originally Posted by Anaraxes

… If we did that, then an alternative 4 would be the triangular 3 with the center hex also filled in (like this).

One argument against that design: I like the fact that the more traditional layout only has a center pip for odd numbers. The 'Triangular 4' design would break that pseudo-rule.

[Anaraxes]

Originally Posted by FireHorse

I like the fact that the more traditional layout only has a center pip for odd numbers.

An interesting point. Now I have to go think about why... probably related to the traditional die pattern being based on two halves (2x2=4), with the megahex also having that three-fold symmetry (2x3=6, so every other pair has to flip whether the even or odd member of the pair has the center pip).

[ak_aramis]

I prefer the triangular 3 & 4.
matching to casino dice is not relevant to me.

[Allensh]

Originally Posted by philreed

Thanks, everyone, for the discussion about custom dice for The Fantasy Trip. A couple of the ideas stood out as worth exploring, so we experimented a little with concepts inspired by this thread.

The challenge with dice is getting the level of detail _just_ right so that the design can be cut into steel and work as an injection molded die. With the number of dice produced with laser cutters on the market, as well as a wide range of resin dice, the idea of what works and what doesn't as a die has blurred a lot. Whenever we produce new acrylic or urea dice designs, we review everything in-house until we're happy . . . and then the factory takes a stab at things, making adjustments necessary for the mass-manufacturing process.

The designs here are pre-factory review.

At the moment, these are simply concepts and not on our manufacturing schedule.

I REALLY like the ones on the left; pips in megahexes!

[malchidael]

Originally Posted by malchidael

Megahexes on each side, with filled-in hexes instead of pips.

Never mind... 'Tis a silly idea....

:)

Apparently this wasn't such a silly idea after all.

I should get a free set for having such a brilliant idea!

(kidding, of course)

[Cat]

While the megahex designs look easy to read with greyscale lines on a bright white background on a computer screen, I'll give odds of 7-12 against them looking that good on an actual die. Cluttered busy die faces get very difficult to read in reality.

Phil, and folks in the office, please apply some physical science and test this. Do a full-colour print out with each of the [presumably] pearlised colours you might use and with the chosen ink colour for the markings. Cut them out, assemble into cubes, and see how the mock-up looks in hand and not on a bright screen.

I'm in favour of the numbers; I know I'll be able to read those dice!

[philreed]

Originally Posted by Cat

Phil, and folks in the office, please apply some physical science and test this. Do a full-colour print out with each of the [presumably] pearlised colours you might use and with the chosen ink colour for the markings. Cut them out, assemble into cubes, and see how the mock-up looks in hand and not on a bright screen.

That would not tell us anything. The true test is in working with the factory; what works on paper doesn't always translate to a die design. Every die we create is a back and forth with the engineers at the factory, both teams pushing to make the die match our original vision -- as close as possible -- while also being something that works as a die.

We've made a custom die or two before, and we are using that experience on all of our upcoming dice designs.

In this instance, we gave everyone a look at the _earliest_ possible stage in dice designs. What is seen in the images will absolutely not be an exact match for the final design.

[Cat]

Originally Posted by philreed

That would not tell us anything. The true test is in working with the factory; what works on paper doesn't always translate to a die design. Every die we create is a back and forth with the engineers at the factory, both teams pushing to make the die match our original vision -- as close as possible -- while also being something that works as a die.

Hope the process goes well for you then!

Having played in games where I was given unreadable over-worked dice, I get twitchy.

[philreed]

Originally Posted by Cat

Having played in games where I was given unreadable over-worked dice, I get twitchy.

Hey, we played the same game!!! :)

[RVA_Grandpa]

Originally Posted by Cat

I'm in favour of the numbers; I know I'll be able to read those dice!

I agree. I also worry that the other design will be hard to read.