Omar Khalid
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game that involves imaginative world-building and storytelling. While the game primarily revolves around magical and mythical elements, it also incorporates aspects of technology and modern materials, including plastic. In the D&D universe, plastic has been mentioned in various contexts, such as plastic explosives and reinforced plastic equipment. Outside of the game, the quality and use of plastic in D&D miniatures and game pieces have been discussed by players and hobbyists. The presence of plastic in the D&D universe has sparked discussions among players, considering the historical development of plastic and the fantasy setting of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic explosives | C4 |
| Plastic figures | Modifiable, brittle, prepainted, vinyl |
| Plastic in D&D universe | Depends on the DM, may be moldable semi-synthetic organic compounds |
| Plastic spell effect cones and spheres | Can be made from plastic report covers, transparency sheets, construction paper, wire, or bought from Arc Knight |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Plastic explosives
The most famous variety of plastic explosives is C4, although other varieties exist, including Semtex and Nobel's Explosive No. 808, also known as Nobel 808 or Explosive 808. C4 is used by both military and terrorist organizations and has a reputation for producing a buzz as well as a bang. It typically comes in 1, 0.5, or ¼ lb. blocks sheathed in olive plastic, with a self-adhesive sticky side for placement.
In a D&D context, plastic explosives typically come in 1, 0.5, or ¼ lb. blocks. Each creature within 20 feet of a detonated plastic explosive must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10d6 bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Each additional block of explosives increases the damage by 5d6, up to a maximum of 40d6, and increases the radius by 10 feet, up to a maximum of 80 feet.
Setting Up Plastic Tip Darts: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic in D&D miniatures
D&D miniatures are available in a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and resin. Plastic miniatures are popular among hobbyists because they are easy to modify, allowing for changes in poses, weapons, and heads. The quality of plastic used for miniatures varies, with some plastics being more brittle and fragile than others.
Wizkids Frameworks offers a line of highly detailed, unassembled D&D miniatures made of hard plastic. These miniatures are designed to be affordable and provide a high level of detail, addressing the limitations of soft plastic miniatures, which can lack detail and result in misshapen or bulky features. The hard plastic used in Wizkids Frameworks miniatures allows for intricate details and provides a sturdy base for painting.
Hero Forge, a miniature 3D printing service, offers D&D miniatures in "Plastic" and "Premium Plastic" options. The "Plastic" option utilizes Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), resulting in improved detail compared to their previous offerings. However, the banding created by the FDM process can be challenging to hide during painting. The "Premium Plastic" option uses Stereolithography printing, allowing for even finer details due to thinner layers.
Flat Plastic Miniatures are another option, offering sturdy and transparent plastic with unique front and back art. These miniatures are lightweight, durable, and easy to transport and store. They are an affordable choice for those seeking flat plastic options.
When assembling plastic miniatures, selecting the appropriate glue is crucial. Plastic glues, such as polystyrene cement, super glue, and plastic glue, are commonly used. Polystyrene cement provides a permanent bond by dissolving and fusing plastic parts, resulting in a seamless finish. Super glue, while versatile and quick-drying, can cause permanent skin damage and make clear plastic parts appear cloudy. Plastic glue binds quickly and securely, but it's important to wash the pieces before gluing to ensure accurate assembly.
Paper vs Plastic: Which is the Greener Option?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic in the D&D universe
The existence of plastic in the D&D universe is a subject of discussion among players and DMs. Some argue that since plastic, as we know it, was first invented in the mid-1800s using oil, it would be unusual to have plastic in any D&D setting. The lack of a consistent method of oil harvesting in the D&D universe further supports this argument.
However, others suggest that the term "plastic" can refer to moldable semi-synthetic organic compounds, which could exist in the D&D universe, possibly created through magic. For example, in the Eberron setting, warforged creatures are made of plastic according to its truest definition as molded living trees shaped into sentient or semi-sentient creatures.
In terms of gameplay, plastic explosives, also called "plastique," are mentioned as equipment in D&D. These explosives are mixed with plasticizing agents, making them pliable and shapeable. They are stable, odorless, and difficult to detect, commonly used in military demolition jobs and terrorist bombings.
Additionally, reinforced plastic is mentioned as equipment in D&D, used to create weapons, armor, shields, and other items. This type of plastic is enhanced by mixing other materials into key areas, making it tougher and more durable. It is immune to acid, electricity, and rust, providing enhanced protection and performance in combat situations.
Outside of the game mechanics, plastic is also used in the real world to create miniatures and spell effect cones for D&D. Players may use plastic report covers, transparency sheets, or other materials to create their own spell effects, adding a tactile and visual element to their games.
Plastic and Beans: A Growth Story
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic spell effect cones and spheres
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) enthusiasts often use plastic spell effect cones and spheres to enhance their gameplay experience. These props help players visualise the area of effect of certain spells, reducing potential arguments about the size and scope of the spell's impact. While some players opt to purchase ready-made spell effect templates, others choose to craft their own using plastic sheets, report covers, or transparency sheets.
Creating custom spell effect cones and spheres can be a fun and creative process for D&D players. One method involves printing spell effect templates from online sources, tracing them onto transparency sheets, and carefully cutting them out. This approach allows players to adjust the size of the spell effects to match their specific needs.
Another option is to utilise plastic report covers, which can be measured, cut, and painted to represent different spells. This DIY approach ensures that players can create durable and reusable spell effects without incurring high costs. Additionally, players can bend coat hangers into the desired shapes and use them as wire outlines for spell effects, providing a simple yet effective solution.
For those seeking ready-made options, companies like Arc Knight offer spell effect sets specifically designed for D&D. These sets provide a more permanent and detailed solution but may come at a higher price point. The quality of plastic miniatures and props can vary significantly, with some being more fragile or brittle than others. Personal preference plays a role, as some enthusiasts prefer the feel and customisability of plastic figures, while others favour the traditional weight and presence of metal miniatures.
In addition to spell effect cones and spheres, plastic explosives are also mentioned in D&D as equipment. These explosives, known as "plastique," are highly destructive and pliable, often used in military and terrorist contexts. They are stable and odourless, requiring a detonator or another explosion to be set off, adding an intriguing layer to the gameplay and narrative possibilities.
Plastic in Paper: What's the Truth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic weapons and armour
In D&D, players can acquire weapons and armour through various means, such as inheritance, military service, or theft. The availability of weapons and armour is crucial for adventurers, as it can mean the difference between life and death in dangerous situations. While the basic rules provide information on common weapons and armour types, the game also allows for the discovery of magical or rare items with unique properties.
Plastic, as a material, has different qualities that can impact its use in weapons and armour. For example, plastic that holds intricate details tends to be more brittle, while plastic meant for toys or games prioritises durability over detail. This variation in plastic quality influences its application in miniature figures and models. Additionally, plastic explosives, also known as "plastique," are mentioned as equipment in D&D, highlighting another form of plastic weaponry.
The inclusion of plastic weapons and armour in D&D would depend on the specific setting and narrative choices made by the Dungeon Master (DM). As a flexible role-playing game, D&D accommodates various interpretations and adaptations to suit the preferences of the players and DM. While plastic weapons and armour are not explicitly mentioned in the basic rules, they could be introduced as part of the game's narrative or through player creativity.
It is worth noting that players and enthusiasts often express their preferences for the materials used in their miniatures, with some favouring the weight and presence of metal miniatures over plastic ones. The choice between plastic and metal miniatures ultimately comes down to personal preference, with some players enjoying the customisation and ease of modification that plastic figures offer.
Creative Ways to Decorate Your Plastic Cooler
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plastic as we know it was first invented in the mid-1800s. If we're talking about chemically created polymers, especially those derived from oil, it would be odd to have plastic exist in any D&D setting. However, the existence of oil in the D&D world is up to the Dungeon Master (DM).
Plastic can be used to make weapons, armour, and shields. Plastic armour and shields have a +1 enhancement bonus to AC. Plastic weapons and ammunition have a +1 enhancement bonus on attack rolls.
Yes, there are plastic D&D miniatures. The quality of plastic varies, and the better the plastic holds details, the more brittle it is.
Yes, plastic explosives are mentioned in D&D Wiki. Each creature within 20 feet of a detonated plastic explosive takes 10d6 bludgeoning damage on a failed save.
