My latest hobby project has been crafting a set of six thematic objective markers, inspired by the legendary wealth of the Lonely Mountain and the ruinous gold-lust that drives Dwarves, Men, and Dragons alike....
I wanted these markers to serve as gleaming focal points on the battlefield, so I started with (rulebook-appropriate) 25mm Citadel round bases. To give them a more premium, weighted feel in the hand, I glued metal washers to the undersides—the added heft makes them feel as substantial as the treasure they represent.
To ground the markers in the rugged landscapes of Middle-earth, I first applied sand to the bases to create a natural earth texture, priming them in a deep brown. Once the foundation was set, I began building the treasure piles at the center. I used superglue to layer on gold glitter for a realistic "piled coin" effect, then carefully nestled gem beads among the gold to represent emeralds, sapphires, and rubies.
To ensure the hoard stays intact during the heat of battle, I sealed the glitter and gems with a thorough coat of clear fingernail polish. This serves two purposes: it provides a rock-hard protective seal and adds a brilliant, high-gloss luster that makes the gold truly pop under gaming lights.
To finish the bases, I highlighted and dry-brushed the earthy tones to make the ground detail stand out, then added static grass and tufts. This creates a nice contrast between the rugged terrain and the shimmering treasure it’s beginning to swallow.
These markers will be perfect for scenarios involving a Dwarven vault breach, the defense of a royal treasury, or a raid on a dragon’s lair. The way the light catches the gold glitter and the facets of the "gems" makes them incredibly easy to spot during a chaotic skirmish, while the textured greenery ensures they blend seamlessly with my existing terrain collection.
The finished markers bring a fantastic narrative flair to the table. Every time a hero moves to claim an objective, the metallic shimmer serves as a constant reminder of exactly what is at stake. I’m looking forward to seeing these objectives contested in my next battle!