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As a very new GM with a limited PF budget (playing PFS), I found myself overwhelmed with the number of map packs and flip-mats available, especially the cumulative cost. I realize not every map is necessary but it seems that a huge number of them can be useful over time. Some of them once or twice (but how would you know?), some of them many times over.
I realize the answer from many for this next question is: "It's Capitalism, Stupid...get over it!" So please try to come up with a more colorful way to say that if that's you're answer, but...
Why doesn't Paizo come up with a sort-of Eco-pack of multiple map packs? Maybe they're all related (like dungeon-oriented) or perhaps a good variety to hit many/most encounter cases. And, of course,...please charge a reduced rate because of buying in bulk.
Also, I understand that some flip-mats are no longer sold, but they're still used in a number of scenarios...really...why? Okay, with the capitalism theme...doesn't it make sense to keep producing something that supports your current product line and would still have sales?
A lot of the Flip-Mats and Map Packs are sold out precisely *because* they are used in a number of scenarios. The best way to not miss any maps is through the Pathfinder Maps subscription, of course, but if we run out of a particular map, we have often created a new map with a similar theme. (Examples: Forest was replaced by Deep Forest.)
If you're looking to save a bit of money, I would definitely recommend heading over to RPGMapShare.com and The Cartographer's Guild for maps.
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The generic maps recommended below (by the way, thank you for those recommendations) assume that the GM does not care to necessarily match the recommended map/pack as given explicitly by the scenario. I guess one could argue that a different set of cavern maps than recommended in the scenario could quite possibly made to work just as well.
Still, I'd love to see my "eco-pack" solution come to fruition.
A lot of the Flip-Mats and Map Packs are sold out precisely *because* they are used in a number of scenarios. The best way to not miss any maps is through the Pathfinder Maps subscription, of course, but if we run out of a particular map, we have often created a new map with a similar theme. (Examples: Forest was replaced by Deep Forest.)
If you're looking to save a bit of money, I would definitely recommend heading over to RPGMapShare.com and The Cartographer's Guild for maps.
We've never offered volume discounts on products, and I don't foresee that changing at this time. Themed packs are a little different, though, and I'll keep this in mind. :)
While I generally understand why Paizo doesn't reprint old maps, ones that ARE for use in modules in APs I would wonder why they do not get reprinted according to demand (or made in a larger print run, at least, bearing in mind past sellouts).
Essentially, a new GM who is only coming on to the scene in Pathfinder is "punished" for not being here early enough to get the material he'd be useful to enable easy gameplay (new GMs probably also don't know yet about subscriptions). For example, Crypt of the Everflame is older now, but it's still a GREAT introductory Pathfinder adventure, but a GM who picked it up would not be able to get the useful dungeon map that accompanies it, and the new dungeon maps and map packs are cool but can't recreate that specific dungeon. So then this hypothetical new GM has more work cut out for him just because he didn't come on board at the right time when the Everflame dungeon map was still available. It's kind of a shame.
At least they can still get the .pdfs. A small consolation prize if you don't have easy access to printing and need a physical map, but there's that.
As to the other thing, group packs would indeed be cool. I loved the basic terrain flip mat package. Something like that (like with the upcoming dungeon map pack that can also be used with the prior corridors pack) for map packs would be really cool.
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For example, Crypt of the Everflame is older now, but it's still a GREAT introductory Pathfinder adventure, but a GM who picked it up would not be able to get the useful dungeon map that accompanies it, and the new dungeon maps and map packs are cool but can't recreate that specific dungeon. So then this hypothetical new GM has more work cut out for him just because he didn't come on board at the right time when the Everflame dungeon map was still available. It's kind of a shame.
This is the very reason that I picked up a "scratch 'n dent" copy of this flip mat during the 12th man sale. This is the module that I run to introduce players to Pathfinder (especially if they have played 3.5 D&D). I wanted to be sure I don't have to draw out the map again!
I would probably be interested in themed bundles as well, depending upon my budget.
At present I have 20 map packs and 17 flip maps, which means I have about a third of ALL ever printed.( I also have a couple of Gale force 9 and more then a few D&D mini' maps)
More then enough to play with , but Im still unhappy that that there are some scenarios I just wont be able to play because the map is no longer in print. I plan on buying about 4 map/map pack a month from my favorite gaming store until I have all that are still in print.
Ok, so this may not be a popular opinion, but while I love the map packs and find they're really great for those quick in between campaign mini-adventures, at the same time, it's easier just to use a reuseable, blank campaign map you draw on. Blank meaning but with the gridlines that is. A couple dry erasers and a decent mat (or flip map) and you're good to go. <shrugs> It might be more economical over time for you, the good mats aren't that cheap. But anyway just an option :)
Generally that is the solution, MOu53b41t (I am not going to try to hand type that name again), but the issue with some of the flip mats that are connected to scenarios, is they are fairly complex maps. I wouldn't actually want to draw the Everflame dungeon by hand if I didn't have to.
It just takes more prep time too. Sometime that is nice to save especially new GMs when possible. But few Paizo products are new-GM friendly.
I have found the same problem with products being out of print. Maps are the most annoying as they work best for me as a physical product. The PDF is mainly gravy for my sub. I have yet to figure a good way of getting a PDF of a map printed. I'm sure it's possible, but I don't see how it's economical.
I started to GM for Pathfinder in 2012. There were many maps out of print at the time so I started buying all the maps (Much like Degoon Squad is). One things I noted was the periodic blog post here talking about the number of products available. I would prioritize items on this list.
I also check back now and again as there might be scratch'n'dent copies of older maps available. I lucked out and grabbed a copy of the Cheliax companion a while back (and they were on for $75 on some auction sites).
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We've never offered volume discounts on products, and I don't foresee that changing at this time. Themed packs are a little different, though, and I'll keep this in mind. :)
Liz, is there any chance this would be considered soon? What would be awesome is if "the powers that be" provide 1 or 2 map packs that combine the most commonly used map packs and flipmats for PFS, for instance. As a savvy gamer, I want to make the most of what I buy and I'd prefer not to buy a one-off map that I might use once or twice (if ever) in any of the PFS games I might run. I could always finagle or draw out one of those one-off's if need be.
I picture something like including Caverns, Forest, Ambush Sites, etc. in a single package that makes it very convenient to get the most commonly used ones in one swipe. Of course, it would be cool if it was priced in a way to reward the person buying the entire pack at once (I can wish, right?).
Generally that is the solution, MOu53b41t (I am not going to try to hand type that name again), but the issue with some of the flip mats that are connected to scenarios, is they are fairly complex maps. I wouldn't actually want to draw the Everflame dungeon by hand if I didn't have to.
It just takes more prep time too. Sometime that is nice to save especially new GMs when possible. But few Paizo products are new-GM friendly.
Yeah, it's more prep time if you have to draw out your map, but it's worth the prep time if you can get it done beforehand. I'm running Carrion Crown: The Haunting of Harrowstone right now and I used a roll of Gaming Paper to pre-draw the map of Harrowstone. It's one of the best decisions I have made in terms of spending prep time! I hate redrawing maps.
Well sure, it's more economical. But the entire reason that I buy map packs is so I won't have to draw them...