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DnD Dice Trays: Top 5 sites in New Zealand

Published

2 years ago

03/10/2023

Kossi Adzo

Pictured: Medium (Left) Large (Right) Rimu Native Handcrafted DnD Dice Trays – from Elder Workshop

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) that has been around since the 1970s. It has become a cultural phenomenon and has inspired countless spin-offs, imitators, and adaptations in popular media.

Dice trays are a must if you are into the dnd dice game!

At its core, D&D is a collaborative storytelling experience where players assume the roles of characters in a fantasy world created and guided by a game master (GM) or dungeon master (DM).

TL;DR: We were impressed with the options, however one stood out. Our top pick is Elder Workshop

After researching the top places in New Zealand we have compiled a list of the top 5 websites:

#1 Elder Workshop

I recently purchased a wooden dice tray from Elder Workshop and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The craftsmanship is superb and the attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the product.

The wood is high-quality and has a beautiful finish that really adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the tray. As well as several different sizes of trays and offered in two types of New Zealand Woods.

Elder Workshop is the only place (not just in New Zealand, but in the world) where you can buy Quality dnd Dice trays made from New Zealand’s Native wood Rimu, and lined with high quality leather.

It is a beautiful durable wood that stands the test of time, and is ethically and sustainably sourced by the team at Elder Workshop. They also have the option of laser engraving so you can get custom engravings on the dice tray wood or on the leather itself where you roll the dice.

What really sets Elder Workshop apart, however, is their exceptional customer service. From the moment I placed my order, I felt like I was in good hands. The team at Elder Workshop was incredibly responsive and helpful, answering all of my questions and providing regular updates on the status of my order

It arrived in perfect condition and was even more stunning in person than it appeared in the pictures online. The tray itself is the perfect size for tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, and has made our gaming sessions so much smoother and more enjoyable.

Overall, I can’t recommend Elder Workshop highly enough. Their products are top-notch and their customer service is truly exceptional. I will definitely be returning for future purchases and would encourage anyone in the market for a wooden dnd dice tray to check out their website.

#2 DNDDEN

I recently discovered DNDDEN. They offer quality dnd dice trays that come in two types of wood, Kohekohe and Totara. Their trays are lined with felt and there are several options to choose from, giving a form of customisation.

The quality and craftsmanship is good and they offer two sizes which can help you decide depending on how much space you have at the table.

They also do dice bags and recently dice jails that look high quality too. The customer service is excellent as well. I recommend giving them a try!

#3 Beadndgames

I ordered some board games and crafting supplies from Beadndgames and was impressed with the speed of the delivery and the quality of the products. Everything arrived in good condition and the prices were very reasonable. They stock gear for several tabletop games, along with dice trays from Makaku Workshop.

They have the options of Plastic and leather combination dnd dice trays, that are easy to fold and pack away flat, so can be ideal for travel or if you have limited space.

#4 The Travelling Merchant

I recently discovered Thetravellingmerchant.com and was blown away by the unique and beautiful Dice they have available. Everything is top-quality and expertly curated and they offer both plastic and metal dice.

They have quality dice bags available too and small foldable plastic and leather dnd trays, which are cheap and easy if that’s what you want before you can afford a nice wooden dice tray. I can’t wait to make a dice purchase from them!

#5 Battle Kiwi

Battle Kiwi does terrain and various items for tabletop games, including trays that are simple and easy to assemble.

The Battle Kiwi trays are made from a pre primed MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard). This means that the thickness and consistency of the trays will always be the same and since they are cut out on a laser engraver the quality will always be the same too.

The trays come with a faux leather lining and their base logo, but they have the option to put your own custom logo on it too. Because the wood is this MDF you won’t want to spill any liquids on or near it in case it soaks it up and damages the tray. Otherwise they are light and simple to set up and pack down.

Overall, I would recommend Battle Kiwi if you want a small simple dice tray that can pack down and be easy to travel with. Or if you want terrain pieces then check those out too.

What is Dungeons and Dragons? And why are dice and Dice trays important?

At its core, D&D is a collaborative storytelling experience where players assume the roles of characters in a fantasy world created and guided by a game master (GM) or dungeon master (DM).

One of the key mechanics of the game is the rolling of dice, which helps to determine the outcome of various actions taken by the players’ characters. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the role of dice in D&D and how they are used in gameplay, as well as the importance of a tray in the gaming experience.

Dice in Dungeons and Dragons

Dice are crucial in D&D for determining the success or failure of player actions. A set of dice includes d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, and d4, with d20 being the most commonly used. The way dice are used in D&D is fairly simple. When a player wants to attempt an action that has an uncertain outcome, they roll a d20 and add any relevant modifiers to the roll.

These modifiers are determined by the player’s character sheet, which includes various stats such as strength, dexterity, and charisma.

Players roll a d20 and add relevant modifiers to determine success or failure against a predetermined difficulty class set by the GM. For example, a player picks a lock with a DC of 15 by rolling a d20, adding their lockpicking modifier, and comparing the result to the DC.

The GM then compares the result of the roll to a predetermined difficulty class (DC) for the action. If the player’s roll equals or exceeds the DC, they succeed in the action. If the roll is lower than the DC, they fail.

Dice Trays in Dungeons and Dragons

With so many dice being rolled throughout a typical D&D session, it’s important to have a way to keep them from rolling all over the table and potentially getting lost or mixed up with other dice. That’s where trays come in. A dice tray is a small tray or box that is designed to hold and contain dice. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, leather, and plastic, and can come in many different shapes and sizes.

Using a tray is a simple but effective way to keep dice organized during gameplay. Players can roll their dice in the tray, which helps to prevent them from rolling off the table or getting mixed up with other dice.

Dice trays can also help to muffle the sound of rolling dice, which can be helpful if you’re playing in a crowded or noisy environment. Additionally, using a tray can add a fun tactile element to gameplay, as players get to physically roll their dice and watch them bounce around in the tray.

Dice trays can also be a fun way to customize your gaming experience. Many trays are available with unique designs or can be customized with your own artwork or text. Some players even collect trays as a way to showcase their love of the game and add a custom writing, designs and logos to describe their adventuring group and/or their current and past characters.

Wooden Dice trays

Wooden dice trays are an important accessory for tabletop games, particularly for games like Dungeons and Dragons that involve rolling dice. Here are some reasons why:

Keeps Dice Secure: Wooden dice trays provide a secure and contained space for rolling dice. This helps prevent dice from rolling off the table and getting lost, as well as keeping them from knocking into other game pieces or interrupting the game.
Improved Game Play: Using a wooden tray can help improve gameplay by allowing players to easily see their dice rolls and results. This can help speed up the game, reduce confusion, and ensure fairness.
Aesthetic Appeal: Many wooden trays are beautifully crafted and add to the aesthetic appeal of the game. This can help enhance the overall gaming experience and create a more immersive atmosphere.
Durability: Wooden trays are generally durable and long-lasting, which means they can withstand frequent use and handling without showing signs of wear and tear.
Portability: Wooden trays are typically lightweight and portable, which makes them easy to bring to gaming sessions or conventions. This can help players keep their dice organized and secure while on the go.

Overall, a wooden dice tray can be an important tool for players of tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, helping to improve gameplay, reduce frustration, and add to the overall gaming experience.

Wooden vs Plastic Dice Trays

Wooden dice trays are also generally considered to be superior to plastic cheap ones for a number of reasons

Aesthetics: Wooden trays are often more visually appealing than plastic trays. They can be crafted from different types of wood, have unique finishes, and may be designed with intricate patterns or engravings that add to their visual appeal.
Durability: Wooden trays are generally more durable than plastic ones. They can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use and handling, and are less likely to crack or break if dropped or mishandled.
Sound Quality: The sound of dice rolling in a wooden tray is often considered to be more satisfying than the sound of dice rolling in a plastic tray. The resonant qualities of wood can create a deeper, richer sound that adds to the overall experience of playing tabletop games.
Authenticity: Many players of tabletop games value authenticity and the use of natural materials. Wooden trays provide a more authentic feel to the game than plastic trays, which can add to the overall immersive experience of playing the game.
Customization: Wooden trays can be customized with different finishes, stains, and designs, making them unique and personalized to each individual player. This level of customization is often not possible with plastic trays.

New Zealand’s Native Rimu wood

Rimu is a beautiful and highly valued native wood of New Zealand that is renowned for its versatility, durability, and stunning natural coloration. It is a softwood that grows mainly in the South Island of New Zealand, and it has been used for generations in a variety of applications, including furniture, flooring, and building construction.

One of the unique features of Rimu is the variety of colors that it can exhibit. The wood can range from pale yellow to reddish-brown to deep chocolate brown, depending on where it is sourced from within the tree. The heartwood, which comes from the center of the tree, is typically darker and more richly colored, while the sapwood, which is found closer to the bark, is usually lighter in color. Rimu is a Native Tree that is protected so is not mass produced for construction anymore, So, the only way to get it is from someone who owns a private Rimu farm (Which is extremely rare) or recycling/reusing it to be more sustainable.

Another interesting aspect of Rimu is the variety of grains and patterns that can be found in the wood, which can be influenced by factors such as the age of the tree and the growing conditions. Some of the most common grain patterns found in Rimu include straight, wavy, and interlocked, all of which can add to the unique beauty of the wood.

In terms of its usefulness, Rimu is prized for its strength, durability, and workability. It is often used in furniture making, where it can be carved, turned, and finished to create beautiful and functional pieces. The wood is also commonly used in building construction, where its strength and resistance to decay make it an ideal material for use in exterior siding, flooring, and trim.

Overall, Rimu is a versatile and highly valued native wood of New Zealand that is prized for its stunning natural coloration, unique grain patterns, and exceptional durability. Its beauty and strength have made it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, and it is sure to continue to be a beloved and highly sought-after material for generations to come.

In Conclusion

To sum up, the popularity of tabletop role-playing games, particularly Dungeons and Dragons, has sparked a need for top-notch gaming gear, including dice trays, which greatly enhance your gameplay experience.

In this article, we looked at the top tray suppliers in New Zealand, including Elder Workshop, Mamaku Workshop, Beadndgames, The Travelling Merchant, and Battle Kiwi. Each supplier offers unique features such as custom engravings, different types of wood, and various sizes of trays.

Choosing the right dice tray is crucial for a smooth gaming experience, and these suppliers offer high-quality products with excellent customer service. From my experience Elder Workshops is a standout brand for their meticulously crafted wooden dice trays that prioritize both functionality and fine craftsmanship. As well as their use of sustainability, recycled native woods in their Handcrafted Trays and is the top seller of Handcrafted Trays in New Zealand.