DBA Terrain Type - Forest

Compulsory: Wood,

Option: river, marsh, gentle hill, wood, BUA.

Wood

The collection of wood progressed through three different modifications. The original set were HO scale with four or five trees fixed to a base. With more experience using 3.0, we decided to construct smaller templates to serve as terrain features including those used for wood. All the HO scale trees were replaced with trees half their height with two or three trees fixed per base. The reduction in size resulted in less storage space; from three boxes to half of one.

In addition to the fir trees I have also purchased deciduous types to have the game board reflect other geographical locations. The extra trees fixed to bases could also serve as scatter to place along BUA, rivers or road. Their placement will enhance the photos taken during a game.

Bases are 1.2 mm thick and cut to either an oval or triangular shape. The edges are sanded and after gluing the trees, the base is painted dark brown. The trees are usually dark green and have a shine to them. To change this, white glue is brushed on to the trees which are then flocked with mid-green turf (Woodland Scenics or Busch). 

Wood.

River

Construction of rivers can be found at the page titled Arable. I will mention that rivers can cross features except hills, dunes, oasis and BUA; therefore, you can produce a few more smaller wood templates to as to have a river coursing its way through it.

River coursing through two wood.

Marsh

For a marsh, I use the same template sizes and shape. What colour should these be painted is a matter of taste, but I have prefer and earth – near mud colour. The grass scatter material I place on top are fixed to clear acetate bases, 1mm thick. The grass (12mm) is self-adhesive manufactured by Leadbear of Australia. 

Marsh intersected by a river. 

Gentle Hill

Although we use an 80cm x 80cm board it is very rare that we must discard a piece due to a quadrant lacking enough space for its placement. As a rule we have constructed enough small features that also include a gentle hill.

BUA

Most of the armies having forest as home terrain are barbarian; Early German, Burgundian (5^th c. AD), Prussian and Lithuanian are a few examples. It would therefore be reasonable to see either an edifice (sacred grove) or a hamlet as a BUA. I do have a stone circle which has a generic look to it, though circular thatched roof huts would not look out of place either. These can be constructed from pink foam and shaped with a modelling knife. Walls and roof would be covered with Milliput, scored and later painted. These should be based with enough space to place a bit of wattle fencing. 

Hamlet structures showing an early medieval architecture. 

Next: Hilly