Train Tuesday Part 101: Rest Stop

Greetings, one and all, weary train riders. DM Ben took a couple of days of R&R, but he’s back and ready to ensure you have a spot to rest your head before or after your Hovertrain travels.

So, we’re starting to write up our initial Hovertrain encounters, and that’s taking some extra thinkin’ because Hovertrains aren’t exactly that common in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. We think we got a good one and are looking forward to building out over the next 3-4 weeks with y’all.

Adventurers sometimes need a little nudge from their Dungeon Master on where they should go next, and signs are a great way to subtly get the point across without railroading them (pun intended). Today’s post isn’t about signs, but rather what they can do right before or after a trip.

Well, lo and behold, good ol’ STL Miniatures gave us the perfect scatter terrain with the 2025 release of their Halfling Hostel Set. Of course, our adventurers are going to need a place to crash right before or right after they board their Hovertrain. Besides, it’s the perfect spot to gather new intel before they set out on whatever mission(s) they are trying to complete!

We could also see a scenario where the Hovertrain unexpectedly breaks down in the middle of nowhere, and the players have to hoof it the rest of the way. Certainly, they will need a place to stay during the long foot trek.

We spun this one up using our Elegoo resin 3D Printer. We certainly could have tried to do this one on one of our Prusa FDM printers, but STL Miniatures sorta hangs its hat on resin, so we stick with that format when it comes to their monthly Patreon releases. Resin prints can experience some warping or unevenness, and we got a touch of that here. So, we might follow YouTuber Miniature Hobbyists’ MDF board trick at some point.

DM Ben took the wheel and colored this one up. Easy peasy with ArmyPainter Speedpaints, Greenstuff Dipping Inks, and Citadel Contrast Paints. Throw on a wash or two and you’re always in business. Turned out pretty swell, right?! Definitely gives that rustic vibe.

And remember those nifty tents we featured recently?! Well, those would work great here. Our pitstop hostel isn’t some giant hotel. It’s just a secure spot for travelers to drop a gold coin in exchange for a secured campsite, warm meal, and a cold shower. Those are three key ingredients to a successful and uninterrupted short rest.

In the next follow-up posts, we’re going to create all sorts of fun encounter elements, including:

• The hostel’s owner.
• Several quirky guests.
• The paid guards.
• A few accent pieces.
• And a danger element!

So, watch for those coming entries over the next couple of weeks!

Until next time!