As my undergrad thesis, this project is a work in progress and was completed in June 2022.
What is Project "Return to the Lost World"?
Project "Return to the Lost World" consists of a rules-light miniature wargame set in a not-so-far future where climate change constrained humanity into a stripe of habitable land across the Tropic of Cancer. Now, humanity rises again to take back the lost land, but not without resistance.
In this miniature wargame, players will be able to create their own narratives while pitching their squads against each other. Perhaps rival factions receiving their daily dose of violence against each other, a mission to gather resources gone awry, or maybe a last stand for the survival of your band of veterans against the horrors of the lost world. Your headcanon, some dice, and a ruler are all you need to have a good time in this game.
Over 20 weeks, I created art, characters, 3D printable models, and a set of rules that can be used to play the game.
What makes "Return to the Lost World" special?
As expected for such a niche project, I was deeply inspired by other miniature wargames that fascinate me. From the popular behemoth that is Warhammer 40000 by Games Workshop, to less popular games teeming with creativity like Turnip28 by Max Fitzgerald, I couldn't help but dream about creating my own worlds. And to make these worlds my own I decided to tackle issues that personally affected my own.
It is important that you know that I was born on the island of Cuba, only 90 miles south of the USA. Thanks to a government that doesn't seem to care about its people and an embargo that has lasted over 60 years, Cuba is a third-world country stuck in time, where the friendliest people are forced to deal in the black market to survive,
My dad, an artist, once showed me a painting he submitted to a contest depicting an imitation cover of a National Geographic magazine. Within its bright yellow borders, you could see a different Cuba, one that wasn't the third world country that we knew, a Cuba that was a world-renowned force nevertheless, and all because climate change had made it so. Cuba was no longer an island, but part of a larger continent since the sea around it had evaporated.
Using this as a stepping stone, I started imagining this project's world. One in which first-world countries suffer the consequences of their actions against our planet and third-world countries are given the opportunity to rise above the rest. Themes like nuclear war, poverty, and ultranationalism are all deeply intertwined with the history of this world, but even in this grim future, there is a dash of hope, because, at its lowest, humanity can now begin its process of mending, possibly learning from its past mistakes.
"Return to the Lost World" is my personal vision of a post-apocalyptic world, which I now share with you. Although the art and figures are all coming from my heart and mind, they shouldn't limit the creativity of others that want to create for this world as well. You are more than welcome to take the concepts I lay here and run with them wherever you want. All I ask is that you are respectful of others.
THE HISTORY
They warned us about it. The brightest minds of their time all agreed climate change would become our doom if we did nothing to prevent it, and we chose to ignore them, for we chose wealth and comfort for far too long. By the time we realized it was too late, our reckoning would be great indeed.
The Fall
It was sometime around the summer of 2045 when the ice caps finally melted away. At the time, we didn’t know what it meant exactly, but now we know it spelled the beginning of the end. Starting from the poles, year after year the temperatures became more erratic. During the day, temperatures would rise to inhospitable levels, drying the poles and leaving behind dry earth and enormous clouds that would only return at night, when the temperatures would drop and hail would fall nonstop, completely filling the poles with snow again.
This new state of emergency forced Northern and Southern countries to travel toward the equator. But of course, not even then we could do this peacefully.
What at first was hostile behavior between immigrants and natives, would develop into war, and soon after into atomic war. The release of radioactive content would also accelerate the rate at which we lost land to extreme temperatures.
Our newfound hatred between countries quickly found support in the propaganda that each country spewed onto its people, giving way to a new way of thinking: Ultranationalism, for only if your country survived, you may survive too.
Year after year northern and southern hemispheres fought, while central countries prepared their defenses for when their turn came. Eventually, all that remained habitable was a stripe along the Tropic of Cancer.
It seemed that it was then that the extreme temperatures stopped advancing. Theories say that is because we ran out of nukes, others because we lost our methods of production, we didn’t have any way of harming the atmosphere, and there were some who claimed it was a miracle.
The Present
In this state, we remained for at least a thousand years. With the loss of the means of production, humanity was forced to re-invent itself, and the richness of resources along the habitable land allowed for this. From wood to stone to metal, we learned to create from basic resources again, and the old technology that still functions is now praised as relics. Humanity now lives in a world of cloth and armor and forges weapons of steel and iron, because yes, even now the war continues.
More importantly, many areas have become habitable again. But on the old ground no plant can grow, for it is tainted by the remains of nuclear war and acid rains. But even then, there are things that managed to survive. A whole new fauna can be found in the deadlands, evolving, and mutating in the ashes of the lost world, which they now protect from human hands.
Now, humanity hopes to recover its losses, sending small teams of elite soldiers (or disposable bodies) to find anything useful in the deadlands.
So get dressed, get your cloak, put your helmet and mask up, and get out there, for your country needs you. And remember, only if your country survives, you may survive.
WEEKLY UPDATES
Week 1-2 (01/11/2022) Updates
World Building
The first steps were to start writing ideas for the world that I was creating. This way I could have a strong foundation for the art and design to come.
This is version 5 by the way.
Week 3 (01/18/2022) Updates
World Ideation
Since the effects of climate change on the planet are an essential theme of this project I decided to sketch out a geographical view of the world that would highlight the dire situation of humanity.
Mood Boards
My next step was to create mood boards. I believe this to be an essential part of the creative process since it will give me quick access to inspiration for the artistic vision of the project.
Character mood board
World mood board
Week 4 (01/25/2022) Updates
Art Style Tests
As a creative person, I can tackle more than one art style, but for this project, I decided to remain focused and choose an art style that would be simple and attention-grabbing. I decided to go with the one on the right since I found it more appealing due to the simple shapes and richness of color.
Week 5 (02/01/2022) Updates
Environmental Art
Using the chosen art style I produced these environmental art pieces, which can establish the mood for the game and gave hints to the character design to come.
First Model Concept Art
I started working on character design with the first model. With this sheet, I was able to try out different poses, clothing, and weapon designs. Throughout the process, I need to keep in mind 3D sculpting and its ability to be 3D printed. Simple but strong designs will give me this desired outcome.
Week 6 (02/08/2022) Updates
Further Concepts of First Model
Over the last week, I continued to create more concept art by trying new weapons and clothing styles. I came to realize that the lack of direction led me to not be satisfied with the results. However, I was happy with the posing and this experience will prevent me from making the same mistakes with future models.
Starting 3D Sculpting Process
Since I had defined the posing for the first model I began creating a 3D model on top of which I could work in the future. With this objective, I used the free software Blender and armature poser by MWSculpts.
Word Ideation for Cuban Faction
I had already decided that the first faction would be inspired by a Cuban aesthetic as a tribute to my home country. However, I didn't have a clear idea of what aspects of it to incorporate into the game. Creating a word collection gave me the strong foundation I required and will become useful in the future whenever I need a reference for the characteristics that make the Cuba that I know.
Week 7 (02/15/2022) Updates
Finalizing "Pelotero" Concept Art
After a busy week working on other projects, I came back to finish the final design for the first model. The current iteration is simple enough to move forward with the 3D sculpting.
Week 8 (02/22/2022)
3D Modeling of "Pelotero"
This week I started the process of creating the first figure. Using the software Blender and my previous posed models I built upon the mesh by adding clothes and accessories. There is still plenty of work to do adding details and smoothing out the rough edges to give it a more organic feel.
"Pelotero" front view
"Pelotero" back view
Week 9 (03/01/2022)
Finished "Pelotero" 3D Model
Over the past week, I made huge strides learning the ins and outs of Blender 3D while finishing the sculpts of the first model. In all honesty, I am quite pleased with the result. Being my first miniature I look back to all the little things I would have done differently, but this experience will make my future work much better. The next steps will be to support and print this model. Once this is done I will make it available online so that anyone can freely download it.
Week 10 (03/08/2022)
Supporting and 3D printing "Pelotero"
Over the last week, I pre-supported and printed the finished model of "Pelotero." I used an Elegoo Mars Pro 2 printer and I am quite happy with the result. There is something intrinsically satisfying about seeing what I have been working on for the past couple of weeks in a physical format.
As promised, both unsupported and pre-supported models can be accessed through the button below.
Week 11 (03/29/2022)
Starting Work on the Next 3D Model
After taking a short break visiting Cuba, I have come back filled with inspiration to pour into the next part of the project. Based on sketches done while on my trip, this week I made a quick sketch of "Starboi", the rogueish ranged member of the Cuban faction. I used the sketch to pose the model in Blender with the correct proportions. From this, I created a more refined concept art. The next steps will be to go back to the 3D model, add the clothes, and continue refining the smaller details.
Lots of work to come, plenty of ideas to develop.
Sketches done while in Cuba
Starboi Concept Art
Week 12 (04/05/2022)
Finished Starboi Model
This last week has been quite the active one. Most of the time was spent finishing the Starboi model. Being a much simpler model than the "Pelotero", and using what I learned before, this was a much more enjoyable process.
Below you can download the supported and pre-supported models.
Started Work on Designing the Next Model
I also started work on the next model, "The Doctor". Who will play the role of a support character. For the visual design, I am taking inspiration from santería and a doctor’s attire.
Week 13 (04/12/2022)
Concept and Sculpting of Santera model
The project is coming along at a pretty good pace. This week I managed to create concept art, sculpt and print a model.
As I mentioned before, I wanted to create a supporting model that related to Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion that is quite common in Cuba. One significant form of devotion in this religion is sacrifice, so I planned on including a bird model for this. However, after some feedback, I decided that this could be grotesque so I switched it for a bowl in which all kinds of liquids can be mixed.
I also wanted to integrate some sort of respirator mask that would give her a closer look to a witch doctor due to the character’s archetype, so I added the tubing coming from her bag. I like to think it has some sort of incense that she can share with other members of the party, healing or buffing them.
Below you can download the unsupported and pre-supported models.
3D Printing of Santera Model
With the extra time I had this week, after finishing the Santera model, I went ahead and printed it. Much of the detail might be lost at first sight, but some priming should bring it all back. Honestly quite excited to paint the final models once they are all done.
The next step will be to work on the final member of the party: The Leader.
Week 14 04/19/2022
Concept And Sculpting of Abanderada model
Inspired by depictions of "abanderadas" (flagwomen) during the Cuban struggle for independence, I created this model which corresponds to the leader of the group.
As can be seen in the concept designs, I had to scrap some ideas to make for a more feasible model (sadly I don't know how to sculpt a horse yet). However, this allowed me to dedicate all the necessary time to sculpting the face of the model, which is something I hadn't done before.
One main design decision I had to make was to sculpt the flag along with the model or add it afterward since 3D printing struggles with thin and floating objects like the flag and flagpole. In the end, I decided to add the flag, following one of the core ideas of the project, which was to make the process of printing and playing as streamlined as possible.
Below you can download the supported and pre-supported models.
3D Printing of Abanderada model
Finally, I took the time to support and print the model. As can be seen, the flag is printed beautifully, and the texture of the hair looks great. I was quite scared about the flimsiness of the machete, but it turns out to be quite resilient.
Beginning Work on the Core Game Rules
As mentioned from the start of this project, the intended objective of this project is to create a rules-light game to play with these and other miniatures. Although I had been putting ideas on paper for a long time now, this week I finally started the process of writing them into a streamlined format. The objective right now is to have all the core rules on a single sheet of paper and be able to expand on them later.
Soon enough, I will be playtesting them as well.
Week 15 04/26/2022
Terrain Sculpting
While the main focus of this week was working on the rules, I also took some time to design terrain pieces that will be used in the game.
I created a barrier made of scrap that could serve as cover, and some barrels that will be used as objectives in the game.
These models are also free and available below.
Painting the Models
An important part of this project was the hobby aspect of it. Providing models for others to print, paint, and play with meant that I could share this experience with others.
Because of this, it was very important that I painted the models myself. Although I am not a professional miniature painter, I am extremely happy with seeing the results of all my work in a finished form.
In reality, I doubt this will be the last time I paint them, but it definitively served to give me insight into what ways I could improve the sculptures to make the process of painting them more fun.
First Version of the Core Rules is Ready!
As stated previously, this week was mostly focused on the rules of the game. I knew I wanted them to be compact so that they could easily be carried and accessed during a game. So I was stoked when I managed to fit them into a double-sided page, including space for art.
I should note that I also created rules for customizing your own models, but those will be included in the next iteration of the rules.
As it stands now, having a set of rules and models means that we are very close to having a fully playable game. All that is left are the model's stats, which you can expect soon.
Week 16 05/03/2022
Playtesting
Now that a deliverable for the project exists, I plan on using the remaining time to streamline and improve upon it.
First of all, I spent some time playtesting with the first set of rules. This allowed me to see some flaws in its design and fix them. Furthermore, I was able to use this experience to think about how to make it more fun and streamlined for new players.
This also allowed me to take a moment and appreciate how far it has come since its planning. It was quite gratifying to play a version of the final product and find out that I was having fun.
Rules iteration
Playtesting allowed me to create a new version of the rules, which I believe to be more balanced and fun to play.
An additional section for customizing your models has also been added.
Painted Factions
With more playtesting to be done, I wanted to have models painted up to tabletop standard.
I focused on three main squads, created using the current rules for customizing your models: the "43ra Fuerza Exploradora," which is part of the Cuban faction for which I created models, the "United Renegade Front (URF)," a coalition of deserters, and the adequately named "Mutants", product of the remaining radiation in the Lost Lands.
43ra Fuerza Exploradora
United Renegade Front (URF)
Mutants
Week 17 05/12/2022
Core Rules Revised
Over the past week, I took a closer look at the rules I had created, and not being happy with the formatting I decided to remake them. I can say now that I am much happier with this result.
Moving forward, I will continue to review the current set of rules and remake a 1-page version of the rules for easy access. Once I have a final version of these documents, I will move on to printing them.
Weeks 18-20 05/30/2022
Revised Core Rules, Printing, and More
For the last couple of weeks, I have been working on preparing for the final exhibition of the finished project. This required me to have physical copies of the core book and laminated copies of the one-page rules.
Of course, my objective has always been to make the game available for free online, so the rules have been published through the Wargame Vault as a pay what you want document. (Click here)
Also, now at the end of the paper copies, you can find a QR code that will lead you straight into a pdf file of the rules, free to download.
Flip through of the book
Laminated one page of rules for easy gaming
Week 20 (06/07/2022)
Project Exhibition
"Return to the Lost World" was displayed and played at the Adam D. Kamil Gallery for three days during the "HYBRID" exhibition.
Although the project is fully playable, I will be able to come back to it and update it anytime. However, I doubt this will be my only venture into tabletop game design, so expect new projects in the future.
Thanks for accompanying me in this endeavor!
You can find links to all resources below:
