Black Tower

[Joff]

And now they are completely dry:



This is an example of a seven storey white tower.

[Novelty]

I miss the tower pieces balancing precariously on black meeples

This look so good.  I wish I had a set of black and white tower pieces...

[jackdaddyt]

I love this variant.

It occurs to me, though, that to make tower pieces could be less expensive than buying a Tower expansion.  It would take a band saw and a small piece of hardwood.  The top ridge on the new tower pieces is not absolutely critical to keeping the pieces stacked during play, and the bottom ridge (cut into the piece) could be easily cut with the band saw. 

The pieces would not be identical to what comes in the expansion, but would save money.  A small piece of red oak (off the shelf at a home improvement store) that is large enough to make as many pieces as the variant requires would only cost about $5.  The band saw is a little more expensive!

After finals next week, I'm going to see if I can figure out the best way to make new pieces.

[Joff]

I'm glad you like it.

One thing I do strive to do is actually make up a working copy of what I would like to see if it were really an official expansion (just to show that it can be done). It is also aesthetically pleasing to have them made from actual Tower pieces. Fortunately, Black Tower was quite easy to make once I had the extra expansion (but of course, that cost me).

I agree that making up a set of these actual pieces does cost more that improvising with home made pieces. I used some of the Black meeples and some White meeples for the actual playtesting as previous pictures on this thread show. The suggestion buy Novelty of using a Count piece on it's side for Dual Dragon would save expense in getting the second Dragon, and it works just as well.

My advice is use what works for you, as long as those playing know exactly how you are improvising

If you do make up a set, post a pic here if possible, I would love to see (along with others) your variation of the pieces.

[jackdaddyt]

What was the total cost for your best/final set - expansion pack (with shipping or tax), paint and supplies?

How long did one set take to make?

What did you do with the tiles that came with your Tower pack? 

Would you mind if I copied and posted your photos to a wood crafter's forum to get some input from others?

[Joff]

What was the total cost for your best/final set - expansion pack (with shipping or tax), paint and supplies?

I paid out approximately £10 (sterling, UK) total to make these pieces. That was for a used copy of Tower, Black and White enamel paint. I used a satin varnish that I already had.

How long did one set take to make?

I started on 28 Nov making the white pieces (taking off the 'apex' on the top and undercoating). I also applied the first coat to the black pieces. These were left to dry overnight. On 29 Nov I gave the pieces a quick sand down and applied another coat. 30 Nov, I applied the final coat. On the evening of the 30th, I applied a coat of satin clear varnish. They were then left to dry. They were completed on the 3rd Dec. So about 5-6 days.

What did you do with the tiles that came with your Tower pack? 

The tiles will be used for creating some of the fan based variants/expansions available here, so they won't go to waste.

Would you mind if I copied and posted your photos to a wood crafter's forum to get some input from others?

No problem. I suspect they might be able to provide better tips for getting a better finish, better paint to use, etc. Let us know any advice they might be able to give.

[Joff]

A slight update to the rules: Black Tower v1.2

Those that already have downloaded this need not download it again as the additions are only slight

The additions made are:

"Place a Black Tower piece

After placing a tile, a player may now place a Black Tower piece to any tile with a tower foundation or on a tower which is already under construction, unless a follower guards the top."

and

"Place a White Tower piece

After placing a tile, a player may now place a White Tower piece to any tower which is already under construction, unless a follower guards the top."

The actual additions are marked in red.

[Talisinbear]

curious

in Black Tower variant, do you use the additional tiles from 2nd Tower set you would need to get the pieces?

If so, any thought to dry brushing the new tower tiles black so you have to start those towers with a black piece?

[Joff]

I have never thought about using the extra tower tiles. I simply stuck with the base set of tower tiles when I was designing Black Tower. The idea of making the tower foundations on the new tiles black, so you have to start the tower with a black tower piece might work, but then you would need to invoke the rule that standard tower foundations must be started with a normal tower piece. Currently a player may start a tower with any colour tower piece he chooses (except a white tower piece).

Because of a player's ability to 'cap' a tower with a white piece, it might be quite feasible to increase the amount of tower foundation tiles included in the set.

Why not give it a try and report back how it works out. I for one would be very interested in how it plays.

[Talisinbear]

I just think not using the tiles is a shame

and I doubt u can buy the pieces anywhere

[CKorfmann]

The extra tiles could easily be used to make some of those fan-made expansions.  Have extra tiles is never a bad thing.  I got my extra tower pieces from Jay at RGG, but like I said, he might charge you a lot.

[Talisinbear]

and the expansion is not that pricey

[Joff]

When I first had the idea for Black Tower I was able to order a couple of bags of tower pieces from my source (sadly, no longer available). It would still be worth a playtest to see if extra tower tiles would work. Using extra tower foundation tiles might require some extra tower pieces to be distributed at the game start to compensate for the extra foundation tiles... hmmmmm...