Why the Hellenic Plateau Mat for Ancient Battles?
The Hellenic Plateau Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat from Mats by Mars brings the Mediterranean coast to your tabletop. Its vibrant, detailed design sets the stage for ancient Greek or mythological campaigns, whether you're playing historical wargames or role-playing adventures. This guide covers how to choose the right size and overlay, set up terrain, and keep the mat in top condition.
Choose Your Size and Overlay
The Hellenic Plateau mat is available in sizes from 22"x30" up to 44"x90", including common square and rectangular formats. Pick a size that matches your gaming table and the scale of your miniatures. For smaller skirmishes, a 24"x36" mat works well; for larger battles, consider 48"x72".
You can also choose an overlay: Blank, RPG Grid, 1" Hex, 3" Grid, 3" Hex, or Bushido. For historical wargames where movement and line of sight matter, a hex overlay helps with measurement. For role-playing, the RPG grid is handy for tracking character positions. If you prefer a clean look, the blank version lets you freeform terrain without visible lines.
Hellenic Plateau Mat: Key Specifications
- Mats by Mars: Hellenic Plateau Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat: A vibrant, scratch-resistant, detailed design printed on ultra-durable heavy weight matte banner material suitable for the outdoors. The mat is tough enough for regular play and can handle outdoor use, so you can set up battles on a patio or lawn without worrying about damage.
Mats by Mars: Hellenic Plateau Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat - Mats by Mars: Hellenic Plateau Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat: Each mat features a slight texture that keeps models from unwanted sliding. Miniatures stay in place during gameplay, even on slopes or uneven terrain pieces you add to the mat.
- Mats by Mars: Hellenic Plateau Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat: An Anti-Curl mat that lays flat when you need it, and rolls up for easy storage when you don’t. No need to weigh down edges during play; after the session, simply roll it up and store it away cleanly.
Setting Up Terrain on the Hellenic Plateau
The mat's artwork depicts a rocky, sun-bleached landscape with hints of coast and vegetation. To complement it, use terrain pieces in earthy tones: brown and gray ruins, olive groves, or stone walls. Rocky outcrops and temple ruins fit the theme naturally. Avoid overly green or snowy terrain, as it will clash with the Mediterranean palette.
Because the mat has a slight texture, models won't slide on hills or slopes you add. Place larger terrain features like hills or buildings first, then scatter smaller elements like rocks or trees. The mat's scratch-resistant surface means you can move terrain pieces without worrying about marring the print.
How to Set Up Your Hellenic Plateau Battlefield
Follow these simple steps to get your mat ready for an ancient battle.
- Unroll and flatten: Take the mat out of storage and unroll it on your gaming table. The anti-curl design means it should lie flat almost immediately. If any edges lift slightly, give it a few minutes to settle.
- Choose your overlay (optional): If you ordered a version with a grid or hex overlay, align the mat so the lines run straight. For blank mats, you can use a separate dry-erase overlay or measure with a tape.
- Place terrain pieces: Start with large terrain features like hills or ruins, then add smaller scatter terrain. Use the mat's artwork as a guide: rocky areas are natural spots for impassable terrain, while flatter sections work for movement corridors.
- Deploy miniatures: Place your models on the mat. The slight texture helps keep them stable, even on hills. Adjust terrain as needed to create balanced sight lines and cover.
Care and Storage Between Games
The Hellenic Plateau mat is wet-erase compatible and waterproof, so you can mark positions with dry-erase markers and wipe them off with a damp cloth. Spilled drinks or food won't ruin the surface. After cleaning, let the mat air dry before rolling it up.
For storage, roll the mat loosely (avoid sharp creases) and store it in a dry place. The mat won't stretch or shrink over time, so it stays true to size for tournament play.
