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Tychus
Here for a while
(2/19/03 9:30 am)
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Mapping
After reading this forum for several weeks, and talking it over with my group, I've picked up RttToEE, and am gearing up to run it.
I'm curious how others handle mapping in the module. As a player, I always like to have a fairly accurate map to work from. Usually I can construct it myself from DM descriptions. As a DM, I find it's fairly easy to build a mental map for players when their environs are reasonable simple geometric shapes. The CRM, however, are looking rather daunting to attempt to "map by ear." Twisting corridors, irregularly shaped rooms, changing elevation - not to mention the unfamiliar ring design - will make it fairly difficult for players to construct an accurate map without bogging the game down with the minutae of measurements.
I'm not sure that I want to draw the map for them - that's more work for me, and I don't necessarily want to provide them with a completelyaccurate map... How do others handle this task?
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benhamtroll
Here to stay
(2/19/03 9:36 am)
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Re: Mapping
I've been using the maps found at the Yahoo group site. You can hide/show areas of the map so that it is revealed as they explore. Of course, this requires a computer at the gaming table, but it definitely speeds things up and takes care of confusion over direction.
Oh, and if Thrommel is reading this, I'll get you the rest of my Photshop conversions. I promise!
There's no business like gnoll business |
Andorax
Still here? Wow.
(2/19/03 10:07 am)
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Re: Mapping
I use a whiteboard. You can usually pick up a 4' x 8' sheet of the stuff for around US$20 at a decent lumberyard. Cut one piece the size of your table, and several more down to the same dimentions of your rulebooks...they come in very handy.
Then, take your big sheet and score a 2" grid into it with a razor or razorwheel and a metal ruler. Use it at a scale of 1 square = 10'. Draw on the lines with a black dry erase marker, then erase...a thin black line will be left behind.
Why a 2" grid? It counts out a lot faster, and it matches up with one of the two grid scales for nearly every map in the module...some are pictured with 5' and 10' grids, others with 10' and 20'. This way, you're covered.
Besides, you'll get used to determining which "corner" the mini is standing in, and you'll find it far easier to measure and count distances when you've only half as many lines and boxes to add up.
Last, but not least, it's a lot easier to add the lines for a 1" grid later than it is to take them away for a 2" grid 
What does this have to do with mapping? Well, if one of your players has the foresight to keep graph paper handy, they can just follow along as you draw out area after area on their own map, and it's pre-gridded and easy to keep up with.
"Whadda ya mean, Orcs get levels too?!?" |
Siobharek 
Still here? Wow.
(2/19/03 11:50 am)
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Re: Mapping
I've begun using tracing paper. Works like a charm and keeps the maps slightly inaccurate for a more dynamic feel. The Yaho Group electronic maps are great, but unfortunately they're incomplete. For those map sections that are made electronic, they're a godsend though.
Siobharek
...it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing. |
Thrommel
Can't leave now (mod)
(2/19/03 12:52 pm)
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Re: Mapping
{Oh, and if Thrommel is reading this, I'll get you the rest of my Photshop conversions. I promise! }
*distant roll of thunder*
*a horse whinnies*
*birds go strangely quiet*
...and then an eerie silence sets in.
-Thrommel, who's always reading this!
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