When I started getting into Bolt Action, I found that the game still uses Area of Effect templates – something that is absent (and sometimes missed) in Star Wars Legion. Any time an explosive weapon is used, the template is used to determine how many models are affected by the blast. Group up, more damage. Spread out, cover is harder to come by. However, the basic tool that comes with the starter sets is a simple gray plastic. Sure, it can be painted to look nicer, and it is definitely workable for the game. Since you can’t see thru it though, it can be challenging to be sure of who is an is not within the effects – in the past this has lead to player arguments back in our old 40k days.
Unsatisfied with this, and with the tools to change it, I redesigned the template to laser cut in clear acrylic. Using 3 mm transparent acrylic, models can be viewed easily, and the etching allows for the markings and measurements to be clear. As a result, the tools work much better for the game, and it is a shame that the starter sets don’t come with this premium upgrade. In theory, they can be used for any game, but the design is obviously intended for Bolt Action.
However, now that I have the design, I can recreate them easily, and I have added another product to our Etsy collection, opting to sell them in pairs. I will see how these go as they are right now and may re-package them eventually with my 3d-printed movement rulers, but I wanted to get the design at least started so that others could benefit (and the holidays are approaching).
https://www.etsy.com/shop/H13Hobbies
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