Back in March of 2021, I shared a post on gaming aids – specifically for my games of Feudal Patrol™ games using my supplement Civilizations Collide. This post expands on that list with a few more additions. It’s basically a process post.
As I wrote back then in March (quoting myself) – and it’s still true:
…I want to emphasize that I did not need to do any of these projects to play Feudal Patrol™. Period. I did because they suited my personal needs and – well – I get thoughts of stuff in my head that need realization.
Buck’s Feudal Patrol rules have more than adequate tools and game aids. They are fantastic. My goals here were for myself so that I can make my games easier for me mainly.
Now, as time has gone on I have realized that I wanted a few more things to ease play for me as a GM – specifically to adapt to the period. I am sharing those here and my processes as they may prove useful for some, and just interesting for others.
First, as far as steep-stepped structures (such as temples that one might expect to see in the Aztec or Mayan Empires), they pose a challenge gaming-wise. I have updated my rules for melee combat on these steps (but they are not yet published – but I use them). Most commercially available steep-stepped structures are either ruins (not ideal for depicting them in their heyday) or lacking adequate space on the steps to place figures during a game. Most of my figures are on 1″ bases, and getting them on the steps of my structures was not happening. I did not want them to be just big eye-candy on the tabletop. So what to do?
Make templates!
Below, I will share what I did and how – with the assumption that all my figures are 1″ based and that there would actually be sufficient depth in real life for them to stand on the steep steps in single rows.
Clearly these needed some heft – and my other main hobby, golf, allowed for some good cardboard backings with a glue stick application. I pressed them down with a book and a 25 pound dumbbell.
Cut up box… 
….and another… 
…mount as backing… 
…mounted… 
…press for strong attachment… 
…and check against the temple for size!
For phase 2, I traced the templates onto card stock, and in pencil drew in the lines. Next, cut out the card stock. Then I used red and black Sharpie pens to outline the steps and edges and color in. Add the glue stick, and press again under the weight.
The card stock 
Sized up with the temple
I am pretty happy with the results and look forward to using them.
I then did the same for the Temple High Throne and the Temple Sacrificial Altar structures that I have, just in case that they are needed.
The next marker project was a continuation of my previous one that I mentioed above with some additions. In a game, Elite troops such as Jaguar or Eagle Warriors (and more) can go “berserk” – basically making a fanatical charge until either they kill an enemy or are killed. There are advantages and disadvantages to trying this as a player. I found that if Aztecs went into “berserk” mode on the battlefield, I needed to differentiate that on the tabletop, as some figures would, while others might not – plus they tended to charge far afield on the tabletop. To remedy this, and for better availability, I wanted more of the same magnetic markers. I did the same as you saw previously – using cheap magnets and craft paints and printing off labels that I cut out. As I use steel bases, magnets are a good help.
Old and new painted magnets 
Punch out labels 
In progress 
All magnets complete
Lastly, I printed off some new 2-sided 5″ x 8″ cards with all the special Morale rule differences for my game versus other eras/theaters. Mine are meant to evoke the nature of the Spanish Conquest.
Now, I as I write this I am getting ready to hit the road for a fun weekend of gaming with some old friends. Well, we are all getting older at this point I guess…beats the alternative!
I am hoping to share a good post on all the games when I return. Also I need to do a follow up on the garage+ project as a LOT is happening. If you are unfamiliar with my garage+ project, you can catch up on all of them here.
Miscellaneous details and references for those interested in that sort of thing:
For all of my previous posts on games, units, and other projects for my 16th Century Spanish Conquest supplement for Feudal Patrol™ – “Civilizations Collide” – please see this page.
Mark A. Morin 
I’ve had too many champagnes this evening as it’s my ten year anniversary so I will read this properly tomorrow haha.
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Congrats on the 10-years buddy!
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Ok I am sober now and as always I’m super impressed with commitment to getting things right. I think the plates are a smart idea mate 👍🏼
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Thanks Luke, as long as I don’t GET committed…to a Warburton Hospital or equivalent…hope you had a great day with your beautiful bride
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Those are some Nice game aids. Better than balancing (in)successfully on the actual models.
As to your gaming road trip? I was hoping to see your minis in person, but it looks like you had to cancel. Super bummed. Hope everything is alright.
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I am running the big game Sat morning!
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Noche Triste? I’m in! My wife will be hanging out as the game was full.
Were you not running a game tonight? The 11th? Surprise Raid?
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I had to cancel tonight long story – driving up tomorrow- are you signed up for Sat game?
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I am signed up. Very much looking forward to your game! But I must have gotten the last slot!
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Great! I am looking forward to meeting you as well. Good to know there are a lot of players!
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Great templates and markers Mark, if they aid game play, they have to be worth it.
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Well Dave, I guess we’ll find out pretty soon and I will post about the games. Cross your fingers!
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Fantastic work on these, Mark, they look amazing. Thanks for taking us through the making of these, it really shows the effort and attention to detail you put in.
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Cheers Matt, I hope that my WIP stuff is helpful as I personally love reading them.
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Great ideas there, Mark! 🙂 They look as though they’ll make things a lot easier to manage! Good luck with the games!
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Thanks John!
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My god! you are hobbying like a man possessed now mate! Good to have you back but give the rest of us chance to catch up! 😀
Good idea well executed mate.
Cheers Roger.
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Thanks buddy, I had a few weeks of stuff to knock out before I left for a few days of gaming with old friends at HISTORICON. Hope they work out, and I’m very humbled you stick with me and the blog!
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Nicely done Mark, it all adds to the game and appearance I’d say. Have a great weekend and I’ll look forward to the update. 🙂
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Thanks Dave
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The player aids are smart and should help you host better games. Hopefully that proves the case this weekend in fact 😀
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I think that they did Jeff, especially in the large melee scrums that my games get into!
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Nice work Mark and some great ideas. Enjoy your gaming!
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Cheers!
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Very clever Mark- I do like that sort of organisation.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Thanks Pete!
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I am a big believer in markers, tokens, movement trays, organisation/turn charts and keepers, fire templates and cannonade measuring sticks. All those little “bits and bobs” that make the game easier and simply look “cool”.
So to these I give a “double thumbs” up and say “more, more” 🙂
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It’s the best way at a convention where you have newbie players and a lot of figures! Thanks Anthony – glad you like them.
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My My Mark you do nothing at half measures, very clever well done mate!
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😁
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