Hi All,
I was just surfing the interwebs checking out tournament coverage. One thing that really stood out is how much other areas have stepped their game up when it comes to terrain and tables. I saw some really good looking tables and terrain. Many stores have adopted Fat Mats or similar products. They really spruce up the looks of a table. That got me to thinking about the state of terrain at the local stores. This stuff really takes a beating. Some of the damage comes from normal wear and tear. Some of the damage comes from employees who don't play table top games that are in a hurry to clean up, close the store and get home. It happens, I have seen it. This wear and tear is outpacing any repair efforts that may or may not be taking place.
There has been some argument as to who should be responsible for the terrain. On one hand the terrain belongs to the stores and they do get an indirect benefit from the terrain, which is why they invest in table space and terrain in the first place. On the other, the community has a responsibility to take care of the terrain when we use it. That is the situation as I see it. How do we make things better? What can be done by the stores to make the tables and terrain better? What can the community do to make the terrain and tables better?
Things I would like to see happen:
Terrain days at Dragon's Lair and Wonko's : Both stores have expressed interest in having terrain days. We the community should step up and help. After all we play on these tables and contribute to the wear and tear, no matter how careful we are. Let's support those events when they happen and show up in force. Those of you that have shown up in the past can attest to how much fun we had at these events. Sure, it's work but it's fun hanging out and working toward a common goal.
Terrain storage: Wonko's has a better handle on this issue than DL and as a result has terrain that has held up better. After you play a game, put the terrain up. Don't just pack up and leave a table full of terrain.
If something breaks: Fix it! Most of us carry glue, take a few minutes and repair something if it breaks.
If you see something broken, fix it. If you are sitting around waiting for a game, fix a piece of terrain while you wait.
I would like to see the stores get real Fat Mats, not green yoga mats that don't fit and cause more issues than they solve. Even if it is just one a month eventually all tables will be covered. I know they are not cheap.
I would like to see the table/table toppers sanded to avoid splinters and be painted or stained. This will help prevent splinters and it just looks better.
In short, I would like to see the stores step up and the community step up and take pride in our events and play spaces. We have a great community and great stores that provide a great places to play. I would like to see that improve and be truly world class.
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