Advice on adding 3D terrain to game?

[monkeybooby3]

I'd like to incorporate more 3d terrain into my PF game. It's fantasy, of course, but has elements of both games. Anyway, I'd like to incorporate 3d terrain into the games. Here are some concerns/ thoughts:

1. I've been using Terraclips, which I like, but new sets aren't coming out fast enough for me. They work great, but I'm running 1-2 games a week for up to 6 hours per game. So, they're not cutting it at the moment because the terrain changes too fast.

2. I'm extensively using 30"x25" graph pads with maps. These maps work very well for encounters and dungeons, but outside regions not so much (unless its a forest or field or the like). The pad also doesn't move around like tiles.

3. I've used tiles in the past, and I like the detail on them. They move around a lot (I tried puddy but that's a horror story I'd prefer not to tell). I wouldn't mind using something tile-like to give a 3d-esque effect, but I'm not sure how to do this without gobs of printer paper and ink as well as gluing, cutting, and other actions that wouldn't react well with my accident-prone self

4. I've looked into Dwarven Forge. Unbelievable stuff, but not a lot of room at the house to store it . . . and it's freaking expensive!

5. I've never used Terralinx, but it looks pretty cool. They is a lot of time involved in creating the pieces though. While not as storing-intensive as Dwarven Forge, I might not have the room for this either.

Thoughts are appreciated!

[RedDogMT]

If you don't have enough storage space for more bulky 3D terrain, you kind of answered your own question.

It sounds like you need more of what appears to be working for you...Terraclips.

[Ivan Rûski]

What I personally use is Heroscape terrain. It tends to have the problem of being great for outdoor encounters, but doesn't work as well for dungeons. You can typically find one of the master sets online for around 50 bucks. I should note that Heroscape is a hex grid instead of square.

[Rudolf Kraus]

Ok, here's the secret...

Ditch the grid. Instead, give everyone a small tape measure, Battletech style. If an inch = 5 feet, then well, you get it.

And start using war gaming and model train terrain. Sticks and rocks are cheap, and you can cut and paint the good kind of styrofoam pretty easily.

[Heaggles]

Yea rudolf is right, that is the best way to do terrain.

[Arssanguinus]

If you have Legos hanging around they can work too. Might not be pretty, but it can definitely incorporate three dimentsions. You can even use each brick as a measuring tool for how many spaces up someone is.

[Lincoln Hills]

I have, at times, simply drawn out the multiple floors of a tall room with balconies/etc. side by side. On one occasion (where I knew the terrain would be re-used) I drew out each level on poster-board, cut 'em to the correct size and fanned them out as each floor became occupied. Although I admire a lot of the craftsmanship of the 3d terrain you'll see out there, I'd hesitate to buy any because - in a minor way - the PCs will begin to have the feeling that they have every battle in the same location... just with the trees/hills in different spots.