TOPIC: +3 Deathcleaver Prop Creation [COMPLETE]

I figured this forum would be a good home for this post, since it definitely has to do with a treasure token - specifically the +3 Deathcleaver.

I thought it would be really cool to have a prop for the weapon that not only matches the picture on the token, but even holds the token when not in a TD module. And what better weapon to chose than my main two-handed axe?

I will be detailing the journey of construction in this post, along with providing pictures. Here is the master imgur album where the journey will be continuously updated as well: http://imgur.com/a/pEJXq

For those worried about it being obtrusive or such, I do plan to have it on a back strap, and when in a TD module, the token will be out of the weapon and stored on a magnetic arm band for easier access.

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First Session (You Are Here!)

Second Session

Third Session

Fourth Session

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The first step was finding a picture of the Deathcleaver. See, I hadn't yet got mine in (as of the creation of this post, it should be in this evening). I simply went to TokenDB and grabbed the image from the site.



In order to get a feel for the overall length of the weapon, I used some basic photo-editing to make a line the length of the grip. I think duplicated the line as many times as needed to cover the entire length. With a 10" grip, it comes out to around a 50" weapon. Perfect size for a two-handed axe.



Drew a template out for the axe-head. 14.1" wide, 21" tall.



Cut out of before-mentioned template.



Started to trace the template onto some blue-foam, which I figured would make a nice, light-weight, axe-head.



Workshop owner started bugging me about conservation of materials, so I rotated and re-traced my template. Making the axe-head 2 layers thick, so I traced it twice.



Here's my axe-head cut out and taped together. Going to start moving onto the core before coming back to contact cement all the foam together.



The overall PVC pipe that will make up my core. I have marked off the start and end of my grip near the bottom, leaving plenty of room to attach the pommel. I also have marked off near the top where the axe-head will be attached.



Sanded all the PVC down and scored it with a rasp to give it a nice texture. Will be getting some oil paint to make it look like wood.



And that's all I've done for the first night of work. Will be getting in the oil paint and start contact-cementing the axe-head next week.

Fun project! I've thought about ways to incorporate tokens into wearable gear for a while but never executed anything.

One thought on having the token affixed to the axe...what about putting a powerful magnet at the base of the handle (on the flat side of the pommel)?

Thanks for sharing.

That is awesome! Look forward to see this completed

SnakeEyes (Eric) wrote: One thought on having the token affixed to the axe...what about putting a powerful magnet at the base of the handle (on the flat side of the pommel)?

My current plan is to have it where the blue glow is on the pommel. Ideas are being tossed around the shop, but right now I'm leaning toward a clear acrylic base in the center of the pommel with a blue led behind it so that it diffuses the glow a bit. Then having some form of magnet with release system for the token.

Daldega wrote: [... right now I'm leaning toward a clear acrylic base in the center of the pommel with a blue led behind it so that it diffuses the glow a bit...

I'd suggest an easily accessible switch. It doesn't sound like there will be much glow, but outside light sources are technically against the rules, so you may be asked to turn it off in the dungeon.

But I see the seeds of awesome.

That is super cool, nice work!

Brad Mortensen wrote: I'd suggest an easily accessible switch. It doesn't sound like there will be much glow, but outside light sources are technically against the rules, so you may be asked to turn it off in the dungeon.

A switch is definitely planned if I go the LED route.

Thought: Might want to build the 'handle' 3/4" pvc with a smaller diameter inside with a peg or pin construction.

That would let you break the handle down into 12" or 18" sections that can be assembled when you need them, but taken apart for airport / car / taxi travel. EZ travel bag

I have to imagine that you would incur extra bag fees getting that on a full flight, as 50+ inches is to big for overhead bins. All you need is one TSA agent having a bad day .. and wanting to make an example ...

Good points. I'm currently living in Ohio though, so both GenCon and Origins are just short drives away. If i need to make it collapsible at any point, I'll just make another!

Cool project! I look forward to watching it progress.

I'm curious though, when you complete it, will you try to convert it to an

One day maybe. I definitely want to get the +5 version. And when that day arrives, I suppose I'll have to build a new axe!

You can scuff up the exterior of the LED to help it look more diffused. I would also recommend using a clear cast resin to make the 'gem' in the pommel so you can add glitter and/or blue dye to help with the coloring.