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New d4 dice

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gluckhaus
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Joined: 04/24/2011

According to RPG.net wiki "only one game has ever been foolish enough to use caltrop dice as its main die mechanic". I assume this is caused by the fact that tetrahedron doesn't roll at all, which makes it true "kill-joy".

Since I have invented a die that rolls like a charm [or rather like cannonball], I hope this might be a good starting point for creating games based on d4 mechanic.

Anybody interested can visit www.tetrosphere.com to have a look or e-mail me for further details. Let's roll!

larienna
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Joined: 07/28/2008
it looks confusing to know

it looks confusing to know what value you have rolled. Maybe you could place the value on the top of the die.

Markus Hagenauer
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Joined: 12/04/2009
I´d say it is on the top of

I´d say it is on the top of the die. And I like the idea of "rounding" the D4.

But maybe it would be more clear, if you have 3 digits on each circle, with the one actually olled heading upwards (as the tetrahedron usually have)

Maaartin
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Joined: 05/15/2011
Looks cool, but...

Markus Hagenauer wrote:
I´d say it is on the top of the die. And I like the idea of "rounding" the D4.

But maybe it would be more clear, if you have 3 digits on each circle, with the one actually olled heading upwards (as the tetrahedron usually have)

IMHO, the 3 digits could be more confusing. I like it the way it is now - as with an ordinal d6 you see multiple numbers, but only one of them is on the top. Maybe you could replace the numerals by pips.

I see there are patents pending... so people probably stick with a d8 using each digit twice. Or does the tetrosphere offer any advantage (except for looking cool)?

truekid games
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I'm fine with the number on

I'm fine with the number on top, though I've seen that style of D4 before (on shapeways.com at the very least, but I think elsewhere, too)- so I'm not sure spending any time or money pursuing a patent is worthwhile (even if awarded, it would be hard to defend due to prior use).

however, if you mass produce them so their costs are in line with normal D4's (something shapeways can't really do), it seems like a decent product.

pelle
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Joined: 08/11/2008
similar d4

This new d4 was mentioned on bgg yesterday and in response there was several links to similar designs, on shapeways and elsewhere, unfortunately the thread disappeared so I can't link to it.

I'm still not sure what the advantage is over just an 8-sided or 12-sided die with numbers 1-4 repeated several times?

ericphillips
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Joined: 06/16/2011
gluckhaus wrote:According to

gluckhaus wrote:
According to RPG.net wiki "only one game has ever been foolish enough to use caltrop dice as its main die mechanic". I assume this is caused by the fact that tetrahedron doesn't roll at all, which makes it true "kill-joy".

I guess you're referring to the d4-d4 system. Actually, its quite a nice, FUDGE like rules set.

As for rolling a d4, there are three main ways to do it:

1. Use a dice cup. A good shake in a dice cup and you get a good roll.
2. Drop the point onto a hard surface from about six inches. It will bounce and roll, though it may also fly off the table, or into someones eye (which may be a plus depending on your players).
3. Put them in your palm. Turn your hand over so they rest on your fingers. Jerk your hand so your fingers release them and cause them to spin in air. Also harder to control.

I say, just get a cup. It good for all dice, and you don't have them rolling all over your game board.

larienna
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considering that D4 could be

considering that D4 could be considered caltrops, maybe it could be possible to make a ninja game out of it. Or better, a ninja dexterity game. Reminds me of Thumbling die where the die are used for dexterity and their value.

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