Making tokens for The Barons' War

As readers of this blog already know, I am getting started with The Barons' War from Footsore. I am at the point where my next step is to actually assemble and paint a retinue. But, as is so often the case, I got slightly sidetracked by an ancillary project.

In addition to the usual stuff (figures, terrain, dice, etc.), the game requires the use of tokens to keep track of actions taken and the status of the troops.

The tokens are available as a free download from Footsore at Warhost Online. You can also buy them pre-printed on MDF.

Because I am a firm believer in "simpler is better," I decided to modify the tokens slightly for my own use.

The modification consists simply of writing on each token what action or status it represents. I know, for most people just seeing the color or the image on the token is enough. But for me, at least initially as I become comfortable with the game, it will be tremendously helpful to have it literally spelled out on the token itself.

The other change I am making is to the size of the token. While a necessary evil in many wargames, I don't like the look of a bunch of tokens besides painted troops and terrain. That is a pet peeve of mine, so I decided to make the tokens just a little smaller (and to match the punch I will use).

The punch I use for bases for 15mm and smaller figures is 3/4" in diameter (I also have a 1" punch I use for bases for 28mm figures). Using Photoshop, I added the text and sized the tokens appropriately. You will notice that I also extended the background colors so that they would look good even if the punch was not lined up perfectly.

Once printed on a sheet of cardstock, all that's left is to punch them out and assemble the tokens. 

The printed token sheet and the hole punch.

I punched the printed tokens out, but I felt they were too thin. I glued a pair of them back to back to make two-sided tokens - still too thin. So, I punched out some thicker cardboard circles.

The tokens and the cardboard filler.

Using a regular glue stick, I pasted the tokens on either side of the cardboard. Perfect! This is tedious, and for many it won't be worth the effort. But I believe that if you're going to do something, you should try to do it right.

Glue stick to the rescue!

Now I have tokens that clearly indicate what they represent, are a bit smaller than the official tokens, and are thick enough to have just a little heft.

Tokens next to a Fireforge sergeant.

Now, I seriously have some figure assembling and painting to get to before I get sidetracked again.

'Til next time!