Train Tuesday Part 104: Just Passing Through

Today’s Train Tuesday is another contribution to our WIP Hostel pitstop for passengers boarding and deboarding Hovertrains. The inaugural launch of this new mass transportation marvel doesn’t have very many trains running in its first season. Hence, these types of drop-off points will be more prevalent for players initially.

For our new Hovertrain integration to truly shine, we need all the right surrounding pieces so that the homebrewed scenarios DM Ben cooks up can unfold like a wonderful symphony on the gameboard. That’s why we built a cool train station platform for major cities like Waterdeep and Phandalin, while also creating these small pit stop areas for places like The High Forest.

Before we dive in with our latest Hostel guests, let’s do a brief recap of what we’ve 3D-printed and painted for the gametable to this point:

• Name: The Bramble Bush Boarding House.
• Proprietor: Briar Thorne.
• Guest Check-in: Outdoor structure by STL Miniatures.
• Ground Security: Haldor Stormcaller & Helga Armjaw.
• Scatter Terrain P1: several fun tents.
• Scatter Terrain P2: more fitting accent pieces.

We have several core elements ready for placement here, but we definitely need to expand our initial cast of quirky guests. DM Ben also wants to flush out one ambush encounter at the campsite.

Let’s start with this charming chap by Tiny Furniture. He’s simply a smiling guest from their Wedding Set. This particular STL maker just gets better and better. We applaud the robustness and heft of their 3D prints, as we rarely have to worry about any unfortunate snaps as we take them off the print plate.

Good ol’ Sunrise Sven was our paint meister on this commonfolk fella. His contrasting use of colors really helped bring out all the model’s details. We placed him on a clear base to maintain the simplicity theme. Doesn’t he just remind you of that one awesome Uncle in your life? Like, this guy would just do anything he could to help.

Our second Hostel visitor will be this adorable hound by Aether Studios. Professor HW Jones is from their free Dark Academy set. This is another maker that consistently leans towards the tougher side of miniature design. Their minis also have great expressions and fun poses.

Sunrise Sven was also the colorist for our meager man’s best friend. In fact, they were in the same batch we passed him earlier this year. This furry friend for life is a trusted sidekick to the kind soul above, and they never leave each other’s side. Once again, we went with the clear base so that we can see the terrain underneath this loveable hound dog.

Nothing too complicated about these two buds. He’s a longtime farmer looking for work, going by the name Joris Root. His fury friend is named Grit. If the players beat a DC 14 Charisma check, they will happily share any intel they can on any of the party’s current missions. If the players offer to buy him some campfire grub or toss a gold coin his way, anyone can make that check with advantage.

Until next time!