Forge of Ice 🔜 GARY CON!!
@forgeofice.bsky.social
Writer & Miniature Maker in Fairbanks, Alaska. He/Him. Trans rights are human rights!
I also dig old pulp characters, horror, comics and RPG’s.
No AI, ever. All posts, opinions, and superfluous commas, are human-generated.
www.ForgeofIce.com/shop
I also dig old pulp characters, horror, comics and RPG’s.
No AI, ever. All posts, opinions, and superfluous commas, are human-generated.
www.ForgeofIce.com/shop
My buddy Clarke just sent me these pics - a set of Pterro-Men painted in bright neon colors!
That’s one of the best things about doing this; people paint my critters in ways that I would never imagine.
I love them!
Available in my online store in the US, and from @fenrisgames.com everywhere else.
That’s one of the best things about doing this; people paint my critters in ways that I would never imagine.
I love them!
Available in my online store in the US, and from @fenrisgames.com everywhere else.
January 27, 2026 at 4:32 PM
My buddy Clarke just sent me these pics - a set of Pterro-Men painted in bright neon colors!
That’s one of the best things about doing this; people paint my critters in ways that I would never imagine.
I love them!
Available in my online store in the US, and from @fenrisgames.com everywhere else.
That’s one of the best things about doing this; people paint my critters in ways that I would never imagine.
I love them!
Available in my online store in the US, and from @fenrisgames.com everywhere else.
Step 9 - I suppose the *actual* step nine was writing the text, but, I did a little mock-up in paint of what the final page layout will look like, and I came up with this:
It’ll be an 11x17 one page dungeon, not 8.5x11… but I’m alright with that.
It’ll be an 11x17 one page dungeon, not 8.5x11… but I’m alright with that.
January 24, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Step 9 - I suppose the *actual* step nine was writing the text, but, I did a little mock-up in paint of what the final page layout will look like, and I came up with this:
It’ll be an 11x17 one page dungeon, not 8.5x11… but I’m alright with that.
It’ll be an 11x17 one page dungeon, not 8.5x11… but I’m alright with that.
Seriously, WTF.
This looks like it was designed by AI (derogatory).
“Put the most generic-ass skull on the most generic-ass castle.”
Particularly frustrating because the rest of the trailer really does look pretty good.
Apparently, I have stronger feelings about Castle Grayskull than I thought.
This looks like it was designed by AI (derogatory).
“Put the most generic-ass skull on the most generic-ass castle.”
Particularly frustrating because the rest of the trailer really does look pretty good.
Apparently, I have stronger feelings about Castle Grayskull than I thought.
January 22, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Seriously, WTF.
This looks like it was designed by AI (derogatory).
“Put the most generic-ass skull on the most generic-ass castle.”
Particularly frustrating because the rest of the trailer really does look pretty good.
Apparently, I have stronger feelings about Castle Grayskull than I thought.
This looks like it was designed by AI (derogatory).
“Put the most generic-ass skull on the most generic-ass castle.”
Particularly frustrating because the rest of the trailer really does look pretty good.
Apparently, I have stronger feelings about Castle Grayskull than I thought.
I was not a fan of the design they went with in the 1987 movie, but at least they were trying to do *something* with it, some sort of interesting take on it, some opinion or idea behind it.
January 22, 2026 at 3:19 PM
I was not a fan of the design they went with in the 1987 movie, but at least they were trying to do *something* with it, some sort of interesting take on it, some opinion or idea behind it.
Filmation got it RIGHT in 1983.
January 22, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Filmation got it RIGHT in 1983.
Step 8 - Inks are done!
Still more to do- I need to scan it, my buddy Brian will do a bit of digital cleanup (there are a couple of smudges), numbers will be added to specific locations, & that’s it!
The Halls of the Whispering Idol are done.
… I’m probly gonna print one out at tabletop scale.
Still more to do- I need to scan it, my buddy Brian will do a bit of digital cleanup (there are a couple of smudges), numbers will be added to specific locations, & that’s it!
The Halls of the Whispering Idol are done.
… I’m probly gonna print one out at tabletop scale.
January 17, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Step 8 - Inks are done!
Still more to do- I need to scan it, my buddy Brian will do a bit of digital cleanup (there are a couple of smudges), numbers will be added to specific locations, & that’s it!
The Halls of the Whispering Idol are done.
… I’m probly gonna print one out at tabletop scale.
Still more to do- I need to scan it, my buddy Brian will do a bit of digital cleanup (there are a couple of smudges), numbers will be added to specific locations, & that’s it!
The Halls of the Whispering Idol are done.
… I’m probly gonna print one out at tabletop scale.
Step 7!
This is when it alll comes together - the floor tiles. I’m about 1/4 of the way done with then, so I’m taking a little break to rest my hand.
Some features are the Veils of Bells near the entrance and the piles of crumbled bricks by the back walls.
This is when it alll comes together - the floor tiles. I’m about 1/4 of the way done with then, so I’m taking a little break to rest my hand.
Some features are the Veils of Bells near the entrance and the piles of crumbled bricks by the back walls.
January 15, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Step 7!
This is when it alll comes together - the floor tiles. I’m about 1/4 of the way done with then, so I’m taking a little break to rest my hand.
Some features are the Veils of Bells near the entrance and the piles of crumbled bricks by the back walls.
This is when it alll comes together - the floor tiles. I’m about 1/4 of the way done with then, so I’m taking a little break to rest my hand.
Some features are the Veils of Bells near the entrance and the piles of crumbled bricks by the back walls.
It has been difficult to confirm - many of her original sculpts (which she was famously protective of) were purchased in an estate sale by a reseller.
I got my Peafowl greens from him (part of my contract with Sandy required me to return them to her). He had her whole catalog- TSR, Star Wars, etc.
I got my Peafowl greens from him (part of my contract with Sandy required me to return them to her). He had her whole catalog- TSR, Star Wars, etc.
January 15, 2026 at 12:48 AM
It has been difficult to confirm - many of her original sculpts (which she was famously protective of) were purchased in an estate sale by a reseller.
I got my Peafowl greens from him (part of my contract with Sandy required me to return them to her). He had her whole catalog- TSR, Star Wars, etc.
I got my Peafowl greens from him (part of my contract with Sandy required me to return them to her). He had her whole catalog- TSR, Star Wars, etc.
Step 6!
Crosshatching is DONE!!
Next up: all the stuff in the dungeon. I don’t draw every little detail, but there are a few traps
& bits of decor that will get a teeny tiny drawing.
After that, I’ll draw in the tiles and it’ll be about done!
Crosshatching is DONE!!
Next up: all the stuff in the dungeon. I don’t draw every little detail, but there are a few traps
& bits of decor that will get a teeny tiny drawing.
After that, I’ll draw in the tiles and it’ll be about done!
January 14, 2026 at 6:55 AM
Step 6!
Crosshatching is DONE!!
Next up: all the stuff in the dungeon. I don’t draw every little detail, but there are a few traps
& bits of decor that will get a teeny tiny drawing.
After that, I’ll draw in the tiles and it’ll be about done!
Crosshatching is DONE!!
Next up: all the stuff in the dungeon. I don’t draw every little detail, but there are a few traps
& bits of decor that will get a teeny tiny drawing.
After that, I’ll draw in the tiles and it’ll be about done!
Step 5!
Crosshatching, crosshatching, crosshatching.
There’s already a smudge, but @roebeast.bsky.social will clean that up digitally when he magicks this all together.
Crosshatching, crosshatching, crosshatching.
There’s already a smudge, but @roebeast.bsky.social will clean that up digitally when he magicks this all together.
January 13, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Step 5!
Crosshatching, crosshatching, crosshatching.
There’s already a smudge, but @roebeast.bsky.social will clean that up digitally when he magicks this all together.
Crosshatching, crosshatching, crosshatching.
There’s already a smudge, but @roebeast.bsky.social will clean that up digitally when he magicks this all together.
Game night!
We started with lasagna soup (basically tomato soup with sausage, onions, noodles, & ricotta cheese added), a loaf of freshly-baked olive tapenade bread that had been stuffed with butter, garlic, & mozzarella cheese, and finished it off with a childhood favorite, “Pistachio dessert”.
We started with lasagna soup (basically tomato soup with sausage, onions, noodles, & ricotta cheese added), a loaf of freshly-baked olive tapenade bread that had been stuffed with butter, garlic, & mozzarella cheese, and finished it off with a childhood favorite, “Pistachio dessert”.
January 11, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Game night!
We started with lasagna soup (basically tomato soup with sausage, onions, noodles, & ricotta cheese added), a loaf of freshly-baked olive tapenade bread that had been stuffed with butter, garlic, & mozzarella cheese, and finished it off with a childhood favorite, “Pistachio dessert”.
We started with lasagna soup (basically tomato soup with sausage, onions, noodles, & ricotta cheese added), a loaf of freshly-baked olive tapenade bread that had been stuffed with butter, garlic, & mozzarella cheese, and finished it off with a childhood favorite, “Pistachio dessert”.
Prepping for the first game night of 2026, with lasagna soup!!
I ran nearly no games at my house in 2025, so it feels good to be starting the new year with a new campaign.
Tentatively calling this session “Open Mic Night at the Golden Duck.”
I ran nearly no games at my house in 2025, so it feels good to be starting the new year with a new campaign.
Tentatively calling this session “Open Mic Night at the Golden Duck.”
January 10, 2026 at 11:57 PM
Prepping for the first game night of 2026, with lasagna soup!!
I ran nearly no games at my house in 2025, so it feels good to be starting the new year with a new campaign.
Tentatively calling this session “Open Mic Night at the Golden Duck.”
I ran nearly no games at my house in 2025, so it feels good to be starting the new year with a new campaign.
Tentatively calling this session “Open Mic Night at the Golden Duck.”
Step 4!
My head space & energy levels are somewhat improved, so I finally started inking the map.
This is the first time in the process where I’m using something that’s not super easily obtained by almost anyone - a light pad. Mine is a Cricut that I got for about $100 about 7-8 years ago.
My head space & energy levels are somewhat improved, so I finally started inking the map.
This is the first time in the process where I’m using something that’s not super easily obtained by almost anyone - a light pad. Mine is a Cricut that I got for about $100 about 7-8 years ago.
January 9, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Step 4!
My head space & energy levels are somewhat improved, so I finally started inking the map.
This is the first time in the process where I’m using something that’s not super easily obtained by almost anyone - a light pad. Mine is a Cricut that I got for about $100 about 7-8 years ago.
My head space & energy levels are somewhat improved, so I finally started inking the map.
This is the first time in the process where I’m using something that’s not super easily obtained by almost anyone - a light pad. Mine is a Cricut that I got for about $100 about 7-8 years ago.
Alright!
I’m only running one game at Gary Con - I’ll be spending most of my time at my booth - but I think it’s a good one.
A Bronze Age Lost World art heist with ape-men and dinosaurs! Written by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
I’m only running one game at Gary Con - I’ll be spending most of my time at my booth - but I think it’s a good one.
A Bronze Age Lost World art heist with ape-men and dinosaurs! Written by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
January 6, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Alright!
I’m only running one game at Gary Con - I’ll be spending most of my time at my booth - but I think it’s a good one.
A Bronze Age Lost World art heist with ape-men and dinosaurs! Written by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
I’m only running one game at Gary Con - I’ll be spending most of my time at my booth - but I think it’s a good one.
A Bronze Age Lost World art heist with ape-men and dinosaurs! Written by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
Step 3!
More or less the final shape of the map - I’ll be using this as the template for inking the drawing that then gets scanned, cleaned up, and printed.
This is for a one-page dungeon I’m calling “The Whispering Idol”
More or less the final shape of the map - I’ll be using this as the template for inking the drawing that then gets scanned, cleaned up, and printed.
This is for a one-page dungeon I’m calling “The Whispering Idol”
January 2, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Step 3!
More or less the final shape of the map - I’ll be using this as the template for inking the drawing that then gets scanned, cleaned up, and printed.
This is for a one-page dungeon I’m calling “The Whispering Idol”
More or less the final shape of the map - I’ll be using this as the template for inking the drawing that then gets scanned, cleaned up, and printed.
This is for a one-page dungeon I’m calling “The Whispering Idol”
Step 2 of planning out & sketching the new dungeon map.
I didn’t bother to count the squares ahead of time, so too late I discovered that I need to draw this one in landscape rather than vertical.
All part of the process!
I didn’t bother to count the squares ahead of time, so too late I discovered that I need to draw this one in landscape rather than vertical.
All part of the process!
January 1, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Step 2 of planning out & sketching the new dungeon map.
I didn’t bother to count the squares ahead of time, so too late I discovered that I need to draw this one in landscape rather than vertical.
All part of the process!
I didn’t bother to count the squares ahead of time, so too late I discovered that I need to draw this one in landscape rather than vertical.
All part of the process!
Here’s the initial sketch for my next dungeon map.
I’m a middling artist at best, but I think it’s fun to see the vast difference between the initial sketch & the finished drawing.
No AI needed, just pencil, pen, & paper!
The satisfaction of a finished piece makes any frustration well worth it!
I’m a middling artist at best, but I think it’s fun to see the vast difference between the initial sketch & the finished drawing.
No AI needed, just pencil, pen, & paper!
The satisfaction of a finished piece makes any frustration well worth it!
December 31, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Here’s the initial sketch for my next dungeon map.
I’m a middling artist at best, but I think it’s fun to see the vast difference between the initial sketch & the finished drawing.
No AI needed, just pencil, pen, & paper!
The satisfaction of a finished piece makes any frustration well worth it!
I’m a middling artist at best, but I think it’s fun to see the vast difference between the initial sketch & the finished drawing.
No AI needed, just pencil, pen, & paper!
The satisfaction of a finished piece makes any frustration well worth it!
We keep a rolled-up towel in front of the door, but I removed it for the photo.
The door seals tight in the summer, but in severe cold like today’s -40ish, the house shifts & there’s just enough air leakage for ice to form inside.
Probably gonna have a guy come & adjust it in the spring.
The door seals tight in the summer, but in severe cold like today’s -40ish, the house shifts & there’s just enough air leakage for ice to form inside.
Probably gonna have a guy come & adjust it in the spring.
December 30, 2025 at 2:57 AM
We keep a rolled-up towel in front of the door, but I removed it for the photo.
The door seals tight in the summer, but in severe cold like today’s -40ish, the house shifts & there’s just enough air leakage for ice to form inside.
Probably gonna have a guy come & adjust it in the spring.
The door seals tight in the summer, but in severe cold like today’s -40ish, the house shifts & there’s just enough air leakage for ice to form inside.
Probably gonna have a guy come & adjust it in the spring.
Don’t even need to look at a thermometer - this is how I know it’s colder than -40 outside.
December 30, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Don’t even need to look at a thermometer - this is how I know it’s colder than -40 outside.
-40ish here in my neighborhood.
Icefog so dense that I can see across the street, but not too much farther than that.
Icefog so dense that I can see across the street, but not too much farther than that.
December 27, 2025 at 9:10 PM
-40ish here in my neighborhood.
Icefog so dense that I can see across the street, but not too much farther than that.
Icefog so dense that I can see across the street, but not too much farther than that.
Getting miniatures in the mail is one of the best things ever - look at this gorgeously painted Shrouded Master for my Corpse Eaters adventure!
Thank you and Merry Midwinter Holiday of your choice to you all (especially @fenrisgames.com !)
Thank you and Merry Midwinter Holiday of your choice to you all (especially @fenrisgames.com !)
December 27, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Getting miniatures in the mail is one of the best things ever - look at this gorgeously painted Shrouded Master for my Corpse Eaters adventure!
Thank you and Merry Midwinter Holiday of your choice to you all (especially @fenrisgames.com !)
Thank you and Merry Midwinter Holiday of your choice to you all (especially @fenrisgames.com !)
Just submitted the one game I plan to run at Gary Con!
Twin Heads of Avarice, by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
… I might run some Shadowdark, too.
Twin Heads of Avarice, by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
… I might run some Shadowdark, too.
December 22, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Just submitted the one game I plan to run at Gary Con!
Twin Heads of Avarice, by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
… I might run some Shadowdark, too.
Twin Heads of Avarice, by @paintingmoreorcs.bsky.social and me!
… I might run some Shadowdark, too.
So, for those of you who do 3D printing & play mobile games, this giant skull-faced crawling guy shows up in the ads of a bunch of different (scammy) games.
What is this thing called?
Anyone got an .STL of it?
I think it’d be a cool boss monster for the tabletop.
What is this thing called?
Anyone got an .STL of it?
I think it’d be a cool boss monster for the tabletop.
December 18, 2025 at 5:28 PM
So, for those of you who do 3D printing & play mobile games, this giant skull-faced crawling guy shows up in the ads of a bunch of different (scammy) games.
What is this thing called?
Anyone got an .STL of it?
I think it’d be a cool boss monster for the tabletop.
What is this thing called?
Anyone got an .STL of it?
I think it’d be a cool boss monster for the tabletop.
Supposed to start a new, light, open-ended, West Marches-style home D&D campaign today, but had to cancel due to the snow (no parking + we all had snow cleanup to do at our houses).
Seriously bummed, we can’t meet until January.
I’ll just have to keep tinkering with it.
More bards; more pirates!
Seriously bummed, we can’t meet until January.
I’ll just have to keep tinkering with it.
More bards; more pirates!
December 14, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Supposed to start a new, light, open-ended, West Marches-style home D&D campaign today, but had to cancel due to the snow (no parking + we all had snow cleanup to do at our houses).
Seriously bummed, we can’t meet until January.
I’ll just have to keep tinkering with it.
More bards; more pirates!
Seriously bummed, we can’t meet until January.
I’ll just have to keep tinkering with it.
More bards; more pirates!
Today I’m feelin’ like:
December 12, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Today I’m feelin’ like: