STAGE ONE - PREPARATION

To make the graceful buttresses that will support your tower, start by creating a template out of foam board. Try to make a shape with large sweeping curves that taper into a point. When you’re happy with the shape, trace the template onto the MDF eight times (or fewer depending on how many buttresses you want) and cut these shapes out with a band saw. Next, mark your base with a crosshair pattern by using a compass and a ruler. When you’re done it should look something like a star of Chaos. This will serve as a guide to keep your buttresses evenly spaced. When your cross-hairs are drawn, trim the edges of your base until you have an irregular shape. Bevel the edges of the base with a belt sander, and you’re ready for construction.

STAGE TWO - ASSEMBLY

Use the cross-hairs on the base as a guide and superglue the tubing and side pieces together. When this step is complete, glue the dome atop the tube. When everything dries, use a power drill and make holes along the sides and on top of the tower. Be sure to choose a bit slightly larger than the size of your dowels. Glue the dowels into place. Texture the base by gluing down sand and rocks with wood glue, and the construction phase is complete.

STAGE THREE - PAINTING

Prime the structure black and use a variety of spray paints (purple and blue in this case) to bring out the colour of the structure. Spraying about 2' from the tower and lightly misting the surface should keep the effect subtle and attractive. This technique requires a bit of practice, but if done properly, the end result is quite attractive. When satisfied with the spraying, paint the base to match your gaming surface, highlight the very edges of the tower by hand, and pick out the dowels with a contrasting colour.