by SmithPad
18. FLAGS
The flags in the game are purely cosmetic, and help add just a little more immersion in the medieval fantasy feel of the game. Each citadel space has its own flag, as well as the tower itself.
In the original game, this is simply a hard plastic cutout piece with a sticker on it, with a peg on the end for sticking into a hole on the board:
As with all the other elements of this game, I wanted to do a little better!
After some research into how others have made flags for their miniatures, I started with the art. Using the original flags for inspiration, I made my own art using Photoshop and some cloth texture images I found online. I already had the "animal" symbols for each of the kingdoms from my game board art, so it was pretty straightforward.
Here is the full resolution version, at 600dpi:
After printing the art onto photo paper and carefully cutting out each flag, I reinforced my first flag by "laminating" it with a piece of packing tape. I did not cut out the "chevron" at the tail end of the flag, as this makes it impossible to line up the ends of the flag prior to gluing.
As with the Pegasus token and score boards, it is necessary to color the edges of the white paper itself, especially since I'll be folding this paper over to two layers. So I got out the cheap acrylic paint, and painted somewhat of an approximation of the color on the edge of the paper, and some on the back as well:
You don't notice the edges when they're painted, but the white edges really stand out when they're not!
It's difficult to photograph, but you should be able to see the effect here:
For the flagpoles, I decided to use toothpicks. But not just any toothpicks; premium cocktail toothpicks! ;) These have a nice knob on the end.
I painted them with brass-colored model paint, which I already had lying around from another project.
To attach the flag, I applied a layer of white PVA glue to the backside, and folded the flag around the toothpick. Once I had it lined up pretty well, I bent a mild "curve" into the flag. As the white glue dried, the curve became permanent.
Notice the red edges? Crucial!
Next, I cut the chevron out of the end of the flag, and painted the exposed edge with red acrylic paint.
For finishing, I sprayed a matte clearcoat over the flag.
To attach the flags to the game mat, I opted to use the same technique as I had for the buildings.
I took the leftover 3/8" dowel I had previously used, and cut off a 1/4" piece. I then drilled a 3/32" hole in the center, and painted it with my brass model paint.
Next, I clipped off the pointed end and glued the flag into its base with 5-minute epoxy.
The base was not big or heavy enough to support the weight of the flag, but the Velcro dot attachment worked just fine!
Then I repeated this process for the other flags. The fifth flag is for the tower itself, and I've not yet decided how (or where) to mount it just yet.
And then of course I had to try them out in their respective positions on the game mat!
Okay, getting down to some of the last parts! Next post, I will make the "key" tokens that the player sticks on the score board. A very challenging component, considering I want to try to take them to the next level as well.
Thanks for reading!
Bill