WarFactory - Cinderbuds

Growing on the dry plains, the Cinderbud produces distinctive reddish-purple buds containing a highly flammable sap. These can trigger devastating bush-fires which carry the plant's seeds high into the air, distributing them miles from the parent plant. The fire destroys competing vegetation and the parent Cinderbud can then regenerate itself from its extensive underground root.

The patrolling figures are from Ground Zero games. They are painted as Rebel Alliance troops, as their 'true' 25mm scale makes them compatible with the discontinued Star Wars line from West End Games.

Interactive Scenery

Sci-fi games are ideal for use 'interactive' scenery, which can present a particular opportunity or threat to the players. These were inspired by plants in the excellent Iain Banks novel 'Player of Games', which in that case were tall trees. The concept of an explosive plant makes a great addition to the game, with the wind direction becoming a vital tactical factor given the prospect of an advancing bush-fire.

The Arid scenery I made for Colonial Africa also makes the ideal basis for sci-fi terrain. The basic range of bases is spiced up by the addition of some more exotic pieces in a matching style.

Construction

The 'buds' are seed cases from a plant known as Love in the Mist which can be commonly found in florists. A bunch of 50 or so heads from a discount home furnishing warehouse only cost about �1, making them extremely good value. Not only that, but they were coloured exactly as shown - no painting required. Stick them down to a standard Arid base using PVA.