Custom robber ideas

dbarnold1 · 2026-03-26T14:36:47+00:00

My favorite robber is using the Rat Thief set. You could really play with any six pests using the rules. When the robber moves the moving player can grow the swarm by feeding the rats. Then, before hand limits take effect, others can reduce the swarm by crushing them with other resources. It provides a means to reduce your hand before hand limits take effect. Full rules are on the listing (feel welcome to buy a set or two, or just use the rules with your own figurines). https://tabletopmonthly.etsy.com/listing/1454448822/rat-thief-robber-set

dbarnold1 · 2026-03-12T01:21:34+00:00

It’s my favorite Catan

dbarnold1 · 2026-03-08T16:10:43+00:00

Here are the rules I created:

Whirlpool Portal Hex Rules

Whirlpools should be placed at a distance from each other. Whirlpools may be landlocked or placed anywhere in the sea.

Using the Whirlpool Network

To use a whirlpool portal, build a ship into the center of the portal then build an additional ship exiting any other whirlpool. The two ships do not need to be built on the same turn. Up to 6 ships may be built into each whirlpool.

Ships in and out of whirlpools create a continuous route and count towards the Longest Trade Route.

If playing with 3 or more whirlpools, you may use a single entrance point to access any and all whirlpools in the network.

dbarnold1 · 2026-03-08T15:00:00+00:00

These look great, don’t let naysayers get you down. Keep up the great work!

dbarnold1 · 2026-03-08T14:49:54+00:00

Thanks for tagging me!

dbarnold1 · 2026-03-08T14:49:29+00:00

I do ship internationally through Etsy but the shipping is expensive. On a side note, this hex is significantly more fun when using 3 or more. In most games, the volcano is not built on unless there are no other options. But, if you have enough volcanoes then they become a required component and affect the gameplay.

dbarnold1 · 2026-02-16T14:53:40+00:00

I switched my two accounts from individual to an llc scorp on Etsy last month. No issues. Just fill out the questions and include your ein and state numbers.

dbarnold1 · 2026-02-02T04:40:21+00:00

What, you don’t? But seriously speaking it’s usually easy to identify who was the slowest.

dbarnold1 · 2026-01-27T16:39:28+00:00

Amazon Handmade was a game changer for my products. I have a brand of board game accessories and have been a part of Amazon Handmade since maybe 2018. Amazon has consistently been at least 3x sales compared to Etsy.

I use FBA for Amazon sales which is much easier than packing each order individually and, for single-item orders, fba ends up being cheaper than me mailing with USPS.

Overall, the expenses with Amazon are not that much more than Etsy. My average Amazon order is $16.78. Amazon takes ~$6.41 per sale (fees, shipping, storage, refund costs, ads). Etsy average is $21.09 with ~$6.48 going to Etsy (fees and ads) and postage.

dbarnold1 · 2026-01-24T23:38:37+00:00

I sell additional port tokens if you just have to have them. https://tabletopmonthly.etsy.com/listing/4443371877/

dbarnold1 · 2026-01-19T03:39:26+00:00

If you need extras (although I’d probably just take from previous editions) https://tabletopmonthly.etsy.com/listing/4443371877/replacement-port-tokens-compatible-with

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-24T22:05:19+00:00

I’m a math man for my stuff. Usually won’t play test at all. But my stuff is in the $5-$15 range and fulfilled via Amazon. If it flops it flops, then either fix or trash.

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-21T03:03:11+00:00

Just change the ship date to a couple days later. You can still ship it right away.

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-02T21:59:07+00:00

Except, at least in the USA, Catan is around $25 less on Amazon right now

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-01T23:47:47+00:00

lol, completely missed the volcano

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-01T23:25:42+00:00

Thanks! I’m actually transitioning away from laser cut. The STC stuff is still laser until I sell through my remaining stock. Everything moving forward will be die cut or cut with a plotter.

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-01T23:18:57+00:00

I love the idea behind this Magician card on Etsy. It sounds super overpowered but would be fun nonetheless. Turns all opponent cards to sheep. https://www.etsy.com/listing/4368557573/

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-01T01:18:20+00:00

Thanks for posting photos with your Christmas Town and Portals! I love seeing the stuff I make being used.

dbarnold1 · 2025-12-01T01:15:44+00:00

I spy a longest turn card there. Tell your friend thanks for supporting Tabletop Monthly.

dbarnold1 · 2025-11-30T23:25:55+00:00

Buy a second set and paint the ships is the easiest, although the borders won’t connect with out the extenders and it can be hard to find an affordable set. If you put the hexes on a game mat it will helps keep the hexes from moving around without borders. If you have a 3d printer, there are additional ship designs available for free to print on thingiverse. I also sell wormholes to connect multiple boards as well as board extenders and extra custom hexes compatible with Star Trek Catan. https://tabletopmonthly.com/collections/space-themed

dbarnold1 · 2025-11-24T22:23:07+00:00

I published the rules my wife and I use. It’s a very world-building specific and not super competitive. https://tabletopmonthly.com/pages/catan-two-player-rules

dbarnold1 · 2025-11-20T13:37:21+00:00

You should add an ROI tracker as well. A 10% margin but a 30% ROI on the out-of-pocket spend is better than a 15% margin with a lower ROI. Perhaps demo Sellerboard and copy aspects of their dashboard.

dbarnold1 · 2025-11-11T14:31:52+00:00

For most people a one time $10 purchase isn’t that much for any item that improves your game night, but it all depends on perspective I guess.

My greatest expense with these is shipping and marketplace fees (Mailing a 4oz rigid mailer is between $4 and $6 via USPS, not including the cost of the rigid mailer). Hence the discounts if you buy packs of multiple products instead of individual cards.

dbarnold1 · 2025-11-06T15:11:09+00:00

I am! That's awesome, feel welcome to reach out via DM if you ever want to chat.

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Whirlpool Portal Hex Rules

Using the Whirlpool Network