Make Epic Dragon Scale Dice for Dungeons and Dragons Players

Making Dragon Scale Dice for Dungeons and Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons has seen a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years. Players new and old are flocking to game tables to go on epic adventures and tell amazing stories together. As the game grows, players are getting more and more creative with their character builds, backstories, and accessories for the game.

One unique way that players are enhancing their D&D experience is by making custom, thematic dice sets. Homemade dice have become popular items that allow players to further immerse themselves in the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons. Some players even believe that infusing handmade dice with elements tied to their character's backstory will bring them luck at the game table.

Making Dice from Dragon Scales

For players whose characters are associated with dragons, making dragon scale dice is the ultimate accessory. Not only do these dice look incredibly cool, they also allow the player to feel a deeper connection with their dragon-themed character.

While real dragon scales may be hard to come by, creative D&D players have found ways to recreate the dragon scale look using easily accessible materials. Here are some methods for making your own set of dragon scale dice:

Snake Shed Skins

One of the most popular techniques for faux dragon scale dice is using the shed skin of pet snakes. Snakes regularly shed their skin as they grow, leaving behind the entire skin in one piece. These can be collected, cut into small scales, and embedded into dice.

Shed skins from snakes like ball pythons, corn snakes, and milk snakes provide thick, durable scales that mimic the dragon look nicely. Make sure to get permission from your pet snake owner first! Cleaning and sterilizing the shed skins is also essential.

Faux Leather

For players without easy access to snake sheds, faux leather provides an alternative. Faux leather comes in sheets in a variety of colors, including many green and brown hues that evoke dragon hide. The material can be cut into individual scales of different sizes and fixed to dice.

Layers of different leather colors can also be used to get a multi-dimensional, dramatic look. Distressing and roughing up the edges of the faux leather scales adds to the mythical dragon effect.

Resin Casting

Another technique growing in popularity is casting the dice with embedded materials in colored resin. First, materials to mimic scales are adhered inside dice molds. Then liquid resin in dragon-esque colors is poured over top and allowed to fully cure.

Snake sheds, faux leather, feathers, and even sequins can be set in clear, green, red, or gold resin. Glitter and alcohol inks can also be mixed into the resin to get sparkling, marbled colors reminiscent of dragon scales.

Finishing Touches

Once constructed, a few finishing touches can be added to really make your dragon scale dice stand out. Painting or staining certain scales to add variation of color works nicely. Clear coats also help smooth any rough texture and give the scales a slick, finished look.

Lightly sanding the numbers on the dice can make them pop from the scales more. Finally, a velvet dice bag secured with a medieval style drawstring creates a regal container for your custom creation.

Bring Your Dragon to Life

Dragon scale dice provide the perfect accessory for D&D players hoping to connect with and roleplay a draconic character. Not only do these dice look amazing when rolled across the table, they also make your character feel tangibly real.

With some creativity and crafting skills, you can easily make your own set, even without access to real dragon hide! Snake sheds, faux leather, resin casting, and paint provide plenty of options for recreating the look of dragon scales.

Every time you roll to attack, make a saving throw, or cast a spell with your custom dice, your inner dragon will come alive. Your dragon scale dice will be a conversation starter and envy of the entire adventuring party!

FAQs

What kind of snake sheds work best?

Ball pythons, corn snakes, and milk snakes provide great sheds for scales. Their sheds are thick and durable.

What color resin should I use?

Green, red, gold, and clear resins work well to mimic dragon colors. Mix in glitters or alcohol inks for more effects.

How do I affix the scales to the dice?

Use a strong adhesive like E6000 or a 2 part epoxy. Make sure the items are clean before adhering.

Should I apply a finish?

A clear coat helps smooth texture and gives scales a polished look. Gloss or matte finish both work.

What’s the best way to store dragon dice?

A velvet dice bag with a medieval style drawstring keeps them safe and creates a regal container.