Sunday, April 26, 2020

Pathfinder Flip-Mat Classics: "Arena" [RPG]

The main side of the Arena flip-mat is pretty much would you would expect: a large empty oval surrounded by seating for the audience.  The central oval isn't completely featureless: there are four platforms (perhaps the starting points for gladiators?) and some tiny details like scattered weapons and armor.  The audience stands actually have a lot of detail as well, like stained concrete, loose pieces of paper, and even tiny cracks.  The last prominent feature is box seats for the nobility (someone has to give the "thumbs down", after all!).  This side isn't amazing but fulfils its intended function.

The other side is the exact same scene except with the central oval filled with water.  I know mock naval combats were a thing, but I can't imagine using this side very often.  I would have far preferred if the flip-side were interior areas of the arena complex--perhaps cages where reticent gladiators and wild animals could be kept, for example, so one could tell an escape story.  Or, a different size or shape of arena to add some variety.

Overall, I'd have to rank this flip-mat about average--it's fine, but not particularly creative.

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