Lighting: 26 3D models for D&D maps
Light sources are props that actually light the scene: a torch on a dungeon wall throws a pool of light and real shadows, and a brazier makes the one bright spot in a midnight ambush. They pair with the time-of-day slider.
26 of these 26 models are CC0 or CC BY and can be downloaded as GLB from their page. Every one is ready to place in TerrainTale, where the free plan includes the whole library.
Using lighting on a battle map
- Place lights first in a dark scene and build around the pools they make.
- Leave dark corners on purpose: an unlit alcove is where the ambush waits.
- A brazier or campfire in the middle of a clearing makes the edge of the light the edge of the fight.
Caged Hanging Lamp
Ceiling Lamp
Desk Lamp
Fluorescent Lamp
Hanging Industrial Lamp
Industrial Caged Sconce
Industrial Pipe Lamp
Industrial Wall Lamp
Portable Searchlight
Security Floodlight
Street Lamp
Street Lamp 2
Brass Candleholders
Chandelier
Chandelier 2
Chandelier 3
Chandelier Eastern
Chandelier Lantern
Hanging Lantern Brass
Iron Lantern
Stone Fire Pit
Vintage Oil Lamp
Wall Sconce
Wooden Candlestick
Wooden Lantern
Neon SignsFrom the blog
Lighting and vision: making darkness do tactical work
Bright, dim and darkness as game mechanics rather than mood — plus darkvision, light sources with real range, and how to light a map so players walk where you want them to.
· 6 min read
Theatre of the mind vs battle maps: the answer is both, on purpose
When narration beats a grid, when a grid beats narration, and a simple rule for switching between them mid-session without anyone losing the thread.
· 6 min read
Using a virtual tabletop on a TV at an in-person game
A flat TV, a laptop and one HDMI cable gets you a digital battle map for a table that meets in person. Screen size, viewing angle, scale, glare and the settings that make it readable.
· 6 min read
All articles on battle maps, grid rules and running the game
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