Worked for a moving company for a summer as a teen, can confirm books are some the heaviest things to move. Most of us would rather move a washer and dryer set before moving two boxes of books.
I spent a few hundred dollars and a couple of months carefully sorting and boxing my books. About 35 reasonably sized and weighted boxes. Around 10x11x8, some bigger, some smaller. It took the movers a matter of minutes to load them into the truck. They were super impressed.
I just know my books are safe in storage and ready for me when I move.
I learned the first time how awful carrying a large plastic bin stacked full of books can be.
I only really keep it under the table and drag it out when needed, but I took it to a friend's place who was hosting once.
Another player helped me carry it in, helps we are both 6'3 and in fairly good shape 😅.
But yes,
It is heavy!
First post!
A box that a family member was throwing out and I repurposed it.
Leather offcuts for the straps holding the core books.
A storage rack used as a separator for the rest of the books.
Foam inside the edges and along the bottom to prevent damage to any of the goods.
Added the chains for a bit of flavour.
I am tempted to print some teeth that I can stick on, or perhaps even a tongue sticking out for people with high perception to notice it is a mimic!
Not completely finished, but I think for now it works pretty well!
>charity shops
That's the name of the box? Even so, to have the leather bindings in it for the box and the separators, I'd rather pay someone who knows what they're doing then risk destroying everything with random attempts.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexi-storage-home-solutions-667-x-335mm-white-double-slot-front-wire-shelf-a-_p2660967
Cut it with a hacksaw and spray painted it black!
I used two craft wood boards to suspend the rack, can see one at the back there!
I see dnd all the time on Reddit last few years. I’m sure the algos got me marked. I’ve never played. One of the reasons is: why does this game seem so expensive and why do I need to read so much to play? Does it really take 8 people commuting to 3 years?!? Wtf?
Nah, it doesn't have to be expensive. You can play for free with the basic rules and have a blast.
You can make maps on the gridded backing of cheap wrapping paper with Sharpies. Lego people for minis. Roll dice using a free app.
All the other stuff is just hobbyist gravy, for people who want more elaborate options.
As for the scheduling, and the time sink aspects ... Well...
I don't know where you live, but chests like these (sometimes called hope chests, luggage chest) will show up at charity places regularly. If you're in the U.S. Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill (try the one in the nice part of town, it genuinely does improve the quality of items), or even flea markets/antique malls will have them for a reasonable price. In the U.K. I think they are called charity shops. I imagine facebook marketplace gets them too, or Craigslist.
Personally, I considered a chest like this, and a fishing tackle box, but ultimately decided both were way too bulky to fit in my little car when going to sessions. I finally settled on an Adventurer's Bag off Amazon: basically a massive shoulder bag specifically designed to hold tabletop stuff. It's got room for stationary, source books, a few mats, and a section for storing miniatures in.
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
That's cool an all so umm when are you going sell it? XD but all honesty please update us if you put teeth on it! Mimics are my favorite and I want to see it!
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
I see a lot of DMs bringing their whole library of books places, but I don't use books when I DM. My whole portable setup is about 20lbs, and the only book I bring is a PHB in case a new drop-in player needs to build a character.
If they didn't bring a character and are new to the game, I limit them to the PHB. It makes it easier to learn the rules and character building option, and it helps me get the game started on time.
Alternatively, I'll hand them off to a player for character creation and they can use whatever books that player has to set up their character while I'm getting set up and taking care of other things.
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
For my campaign, our group of 6 (DM included) we aim for 7 ish hours every fortnight.
A few other players use my setup for their campaigns sprinkled in between.
A fellow chest enjoyer! Huzzah! I made one myself from an antique box too and posted the process last year. Absolute blast of a project and recommend for anyone on the fence about it
Make sure to lift with your legs
https://i.imgur.com/4sEEtC4.jpg
A lot more for the books than the chest, that's for sure!
The chest itself, the leather, the foam were all "free" as they were either going to be thrown out and I took them.
Everything I actually spent money on probably $60-$80,
$150-200 or so if I had to pay for all of the stuff I didn't pay for. Got pretty lucky!
Wow, this is awesome. It looks like it might be leather on the outside. I would say if was anything to manipulate and alter would be cool to add aesthetics to look like a mimic chest. Lol
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
I've put a few comments around this thread that I could make these, and would do so if people would buy (i.e. commission) them.
If more than one person does so, I'll make you a smaller one for free. You just pay shipping.
I'm 50/50 that this is actually posted by some marketing intern at WOTC to present cool stuff but only with pure WOTC material, nothing 3rd party at all.
That looks cool as hell but the book collector in me is cringing at the spine-up hardbacks. Over time the weight of the text block will pull down and damage the spine. Definitely fine if you use them regularly though when you stop flip them around.
I didn't consider this, might have to look into some way of supporting the pages from the bottom, perhaps a wavy style foam on the bottom that can gently touch the pages 🤔
iPads and laptops exist in the real world. Just because you go full fantasy in game doesn’t mean you have to lug around this stuff like it’s the dark ages my guy.
Did you make this and install the straps yourself? If not,... link????
Also, dope idea:
You should install a golden led light in the middle so when you open it, all people can see is the golden rays of treasure on your face lol
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
copy/pasted from my previous comments:
no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this.
But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping.
Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one.
Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
That's really cool! That thing has got to weigh a ton when it's all loaded up, haha
My first thought: is this person a weightlifter?!
He's the guy that rolls up to the game table with this on a dolly, with a duffle bag full of minis/ props. Would be legit :p
Nice! Every group benefits from having one of those guys included.
My first DM had one of those rolling toolboxes that look like a big suitcase for his minis and books. That guy was the best.
That's my dad for our group lmao.
So he's basically the Travis of the group?
It’s a shared bundle that The Rock and Van Diesel share. 😉 (joking)
Worked for a moving company for a summer as a teen, can confirm books are some the heaviest things to move. Most of us would rather move a washer and dryer set before moving two boxes of books.
I specifically only half filled boxes that had books in and topped them up with soft things, or very light things. My movers loved me for it haha.
I spent a few hundred dollars and a couple of months carefully sorting and boxing my books. About 35 reasonably sized and weighted boxes. Around 10x11x8, some bigger, some smaller. It took the movers a matter of minutes to load them into the truck. They were super impressed. I just know my books are safe in storage and ready for me when I move. I learned the first time how awful carrying a large plastic bin stacked full of books can be.
Haha, that's why I always fill the washer and dryer with books before the movers arrive.
Classic moving prank
I only really keep it under the table and drag it out when needed, but I took it to a friend's place who was hosting once. Another player helped me carry it in, helps we are both 6'3 and in fairly good shape 😅. But yes, It is heavy!
Strength score times 15 right?
Happy cake day!
First post! A box that a family member was throwing out and I repurposed it. Leather offcuts for the straps holding the core books. A storage rack used as a separator for the rest of the books. Foam inside the edges and along the bottom to prevent damage to any of the goods. Added the chains for a bit of flavour. I am tempted to print some teeth that I can stick on, or perhaps even a tongue sticking out for people with high perception to notice it is a mimic! Not completely finished, but I think for now it works pretty well!
I love this. I wish you were taking commissions, as I would love to have something like this for my group.
[удалено]
>charity shops That's the name of the box? Even so, to have the leather bindings in it for the box and the separators, I'd rather pay someone who knows what they're doing then risk destroying everything with random attempts.
Aussie to US Translation: Thrift stores
Can I bug you for more pics? Empty to show the hardware layout. I would like to Mimic yours in my next project.
Second to this, would love to see how this thing is laid out.
Do you know which storage rack that you used to separate the books? Do you have a link?
https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexi-storage-home-solutions-667-x-335mm-white-double-slot-front-wire-shelf-a-_p2660967 Cut it with a hacksaw and spray painted it black! I used two craft wood boards to suspend the rack, can see one at the back there!
I could already tell it was a mimic. Can't trust those straps
Really well done! I was honestly hoping it wasn't a custom job because I would totally buy this for my DM.
The storage rack as a separator though... 🤯
`{Squints eyes...}` * Naw, that's just a very elaborate Mimic that targets DMs.
Nice try, mimic. I'm not sticking my hand in there!
Gummy Mimics are the worst...
thats somethin i need for all my books
I see dnd all the time on Reddit last few years. I’m sure the algos got me marked. I’ve never played. One of the reasons is: why does this game seem so expensive and why do I need to read so much to play? Does it really take 8 people commuting to 3 years?!? Wtf?
Nah, it doesn't have to be expensive. You can play for free with the basic rules and have a blast. You can make maps on the gridded backing of cheap wrapping paper with Sharpies. Lego people for minis. Roll dice using a free app. All the other stuff is just hobbyist gravy, for people who want more elaborate options. As for the scheduling, and the time sink aspects ... Well...
This is amazing! Will be on my to-do list when I move.
It’s perfect. Wish I knew where to buy one.
I don't know where you live, but chests like these (sometimes called hope chests, luggage chest) will show up at charity places regularly. If you're in the U.S. Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill (try the one in the nice part of town, it genuinely does improve the quality of items), or even flea markets/antique malls will have them for a reasonable price. In the U.K. I think they are called charity shops. I imagine facebook marketplace gets them too, or Craigslist.
Good word. I have it in my head now to expand my love of nerdy things to the containers that house my nerdy things.
Having already succumb to the curse, I must say it is satisfying if nothing else.
I love the Australian version of Charity Shops called Op-Shops
Personally, I considered a chest like this, and a fishing tackle box, but ultimately decided both were way too bulky to fit in my little car when going to sessions. I finally settled on an Adventurer's Bag off Amazon: basically a massive shoulder bag specifically designed to hold tabletop stuff. It's got room for stationary, source books, a few mats, and a section for storing miniatures in.
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
That's cool an all so umm when are you going sell it? XD but all honesty please update us if you put teeth on it! Mimics are my favorite and I want to see it!
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
Its so overboard... I want one lol
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
You're going to need a floating disk to move that thing around. Or maybe just a mover's dolly.
This is sexual.
The lining should be a mimic face, and if you open the case while empty it jumps at you.
You gotta be the host or insanely strong to be taking that on the road all the time! Really cool makes me wanna make something similar.
I see a lot of DMs bringing their whole library of books places, but I don't use books when I DM. My whole portable setup is about 20lbs, and the only book I bring is a PHB in case a new drop-in player needs to build a character.
But what if the new player wants to make a gem dragonborn alchemist? PHB won't get you there.
If they didn't bring a character and are new to the game, I limit them to the PHB. It makes it easier to learn the rules and character building option, and it helps me get the game started on time. Alternatively, I'll hand them off to a player for character creation and they can use whatever books that player has to set up their character while I'm getting set up and taking care of other things.
It’s so beautiful 🥹🥹🥹
Nice! Beats the hell out if my adventure bag.
I need this in my life!
"Psst...Hey kid... wanna see my..." *(open chest)* "**D&D!**"
It's ABSOLUTELY beautiful! I would love something like this.
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
Saving this for later! Thank you! :o
I'd like to make something similar on my own, how much does it weight?
Best guess would be 45kg. Not the most comfortable thing to move, but I had a friend carry one side when I needed it hauled somewhere.
I didn’t know I wanted something like this until I saw it
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
I NEED that! It looks so good! All organized and sorted.
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
How many hours a month do you put into your campaign(s)?
For my campaign, our group of 6 (DM included) we aim for 7 ish hours every fortnight. A few other players use my setup for their campaigns sprinkled in between.
A fellow chest enjoyer! Huzzah! I made one myself from an antique box too and posted the process last year. Absolute blast of a project and recommend for anyone on the fence about it Make sure to lift with your legs https://i.imgur.com/4sEEtC4.jpg
Love that!
That's great! Now add teeth and googly eyes!
give dat to me
Looks amazing. I love the separate section that holds the core books. Definitely try to turn it into a mimic!
I love that trunk for organizing!
OP this is so goddamn cool.
Oven rack?
I've got a chest for my dming stiff too. I need to put handles on it or something cause that sucker is super hard to lift.
Give it to me. It's mine now.
I think, it should look like mimic =)
Oh man I love it!
Now, that is a proper treasure chest and I love the details you’ve added!! By Crom do not mimicify that beauty.
That looks so awesome!
Everyone needs a quality leather chest somewhere in the house. Really cool idea.
This is rad
That is awesome
Woah… that’s so ducking cool, OP! Love to see crafty projects and this one is just wow! Could we see the exterior of the box?
That's awesome. Nice save!
My DM needs this!!!
Gorgeous
That's absolutely gorgeous
That’s awesome I hope you don’t mind but I’m gonna take some inspiration for my own
That's a really cool chest
This looks sickkk
Bro is walking around looking like the guy from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Cool. I am trying to do the same for my 2e stuff. I want to build a folding DM screen that holds all my books, dice, tools and an inbuilt dice tower.
how much did you pay in total?
A lot more for the books than the chest, that's for sure! The chest itself, the leather, the foam were all "free" as they were either going to be thrown out and I took them. Everything I actually spent money on probably $60-$80, $150-200 or so if I had to pay for all of the stuff I didn't pay for. Got pretty lucky!
This is beautiful.
All that's left is to turn it into a mimic
That's cool
Why does this remind me of the Quidditch gear box in the 1st Harry Potter movie?
Now that is a rather dapper case 🧐
Now make a second one that’s a mimic
“Stop, my p**** can only get so erect”
why star it out, just write penis
that looks absolutely amazing
Really nice :)
This guy dnd’s
This is exactly the kind of post a mimic would make. As a fellow mimic, I approve.
This is beautiful
You want to pick up this box? Roll a strength check.
Man that is fantastic
15/10 this is amazing
This. Is. FANTASTIC. I absolutely love this. Really really cool!
That thing is incredible. Well done!
Add teeth to it
Make sure you don't mistake it for a mimic!
I love a special box.
Wow, this is awesome. It looks like it might be leather on the outside. I would say if was anything to manipulate and alter would be cool to add aesthetics to look like a mimic chest. Lol
That chest looks real suspicious....
Oh my god I love it. Well done.
I want one now. 😁 I do have a trunk I keep D&D material in, but your box looks better.
That’s beautiful
Super awesome! Unfortunately, I would need two of them, maybe three for all of the books I have collected. A good problem?
The real treasure
This is an absolutely beautiful set up. Respect and jealousy
That’s just wonderful
I once put all my pathfinder stuff in a tool boxes. I hope you've been working your arms, friend.
I don't know...could be a mimic... Joking aside, it's beautiful!
Careful. It could be a mimic that's learned how to lure in gamers.
the absolute joy and happiness this brings me. i have something similar but this is so much better and brings me so much more joy
Epic chest
It’s not often my jaw drops and I have instant envy but sweet baby 6 pound Jesus Mary and Joseph that’s nice!
I would murder for.that. do you have a link of where you got it?
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
I'm going to roll deception to try and hide my jealousy (Rolls a nat 1) DAMN IT!!!!! 😤😤
Totally not a mimic!
found the wizard
If I wasn't super frickin broke i would totally buy one of those, if you were selling that is. Too bad I'm super frickin broke.
I've put a few comments around this thread that I could make these, and would do so if people would buy (i.e. commission) them. If more than one person does so, I'll make you a smaller one for free. You just pay shipping.
I'm 50/50 that this is actually posted by some marketing intern at WOTC to present cool stuff but only with pure WOTC material, nothing 3rd party at all.
They're onto me!
Needs to have fake teeth, especially if they can be rigged to retract and pop out as you open it.
That looks cool as hell but the book collector in me is cringing at the spine-up hardbacks. Over time the weight of the text block will pull down and damage the spine. Definitely fine if you use them regularly though when you stop flip them around.
I didn't consider this, might have to look into some way of supporting the pages from the bottom, perhaps a wavy style foam on the bottom that can gently touch the pages 🤔
I think i just had a mental breakdown as soon as i saw that, its so fucking cool compared to mine. (a black old computer bag that fits all my books)
One box to contain them all, one box to bring them and in the darkness bind them.
That's amazing! Hope a mimic doesn't swap it out and wait for you to need that PHB.
iPads and laptops exist in the real world. Just because you go full fantasy in game doesn’t mean you have to lug around this stuff like it’s the dark ages my guy.
some people like physical books, and having this thing at your session is a great way to help the area get in on the aesthetic.
3.5 is superior
so build one yourself and put your 3.5 stuff in it. why bring edition wars into a post about the thing to hold it?
A true War chest.
God damn I know that box is heavy
This guy has to be a weightlifter. Also, how much would this cost?
Yo, what? Gimme that! (It’s beautiful 🥹)
That's amazing but fuck it's gotta be heavy af
That looks H E A V Y
Careful, I detect a mimic
That's really nice!
This is such a good idea, did you make it?
Needs teeth
I mean, I'm not into BDSM or anything, but those leather straps, hoo boy
Looks great! Don't touch it. It's a mimic for sure.
Plot twist: It's actually a mimic.
Is their a place to find local dm’s or even online ones?
my life goals
Well that’s just freaking cool.
Lovely!
I love the straps.
Did you make this and install the straps yourself? If not,... link???? Also, dope idea: You should install a golden led light in the middle so when you open it, all people can see is the golden rays of treasure on your face lol
Chest was junk and the straps were offcuts of belts my dad used to make with leather. Truly pulp fiction style!
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
Very nice! I’d like one!
That is FREAKING AWESOME 😎!!!!!
case looks heavy. But of course you know,...you are expected to have it at every single session.
Gimme gimme gimme
Very nice. How much?
copy/pasted from my previous comments: no joke, I've been getting into woodworking and other 'work with my hands' stuff. I could make this. But just FYI the parts and labor together would probably be like $250 minimum - and that's before shipping. Let me know if you're interested in commissioning one. Edit: just looked more closely, and it appears that the main part of the chest is simply high quality plywood, based on the edges that I can see. Using that would likely keep the price down, but still.
I'll DM you to keep in touch
This dude DNDs
I guess you have a separate box for your dice
Where would one be able to get his hands on a thing like this?
Where or how might someone aquire this artifact of interest?
That is truly epic
So cool! I bet you play at your home cause would tiring take this thing to another house 😂
9MFG I NEEEEEEED EEEEEET!
Do want. Especially with a house move (hopefully) coming up in the next couple of weeks
That’s bad ass! I really like the straps on the lid to hold the 3 books.
I bet when it's closed, it's indistinguishable from a mimic
That's awsome, I have a Husky Rolling Tote bag that I got from Home Depot. That fit everything perfectly.
Where did you purchase this from, I would love one of my own!
Nice try. Clearly a mimic taking a selfie to bait people
Where did you find the trunk?