Mapping the Path

Cool, I quite love the maps, it's always good to have the right tool for the job.

Interesting.

Since we're on the topic, can I put in a request for some environmentally themed map packs? A pack of Forest sites, a pack of Plains sites, a pack of Swamp sites, and so on. My kingmaker group has been using the Campsites pack, but there's only one forest site, and there is no "plains" camp site (we've pressed the swamp camp site into service for that). Either way, it gets kind of repetitive after the third or fourth random encounter on the exact same camp site. Some variety would be welcome.

Perhaps sets of random paths, trails, obstacles, and small sites that could interlock to form different maps/sites.

I love the map packs.

How much research goes into making them? For the pirate ships as example it is tough to make a map of, without a descent knowledge of seamanship.

It seems to me that a good amount of research goes into these maps.

Good blog post. See? That wasn't so hard.

I love when the maps packs and flip-mats match actual AP encounters. Awesome.

In the future:
Map Pack: Random Terrain
Map Pack: The Planes
Flip-Mat: Weird Planet

Really like this blog entry. It's cool to get a glimpse into the design process, and it's also nice to know that feedback from the boards influences product decisions.

I'm really hopeful that the trend of complimentary Flip-Mat and Map-Packs releases continues. IMO the best use of the tiles is when they can just be overlaid atop an existing map. I'm really hopeful that these tiles will fit over and replace the decks and cabins of the pirate ships to enable us to change up their layout or see down into the interior.

One reason I like such an approach is that it allows battles to take places on multiple levels of a "dungeon" at once without having to scratch your head over how to represent it. People fighting in the captain's cabin while raiders are atop the poop-deck above the ceiling? No problem! Just pull out a map tile for the cabin and set it to the side.

I'd love to see a similar 'modular' approach taken with a castle, cathedral, or civic courthouse at some point.

Interesting.

Since we're on the topic, can I put in a request for some environmentally themed map packs? A pack of Forest sites, a pack of Plains sites, a pack of Swamp sites, and so on. My kingmaker group has been using the Campsites pack, but there's only one forest site, and there is no "plains" camp site (we've pressed the swamp camp site into service for that). Either way, it gets kind of repetitive after the third or fourth random encounter on the exact same camp site. Some variety would be welcome.

I think you'll like some of the Map Packs coming out in the next year. And you can always put forward requests. I'm always looking for what people want to see in these products. So, thanks for your feedback!

Really like this blog entry. It's cool to get a glimpse into the design process, and it's also nice to know that feedback from the boards influences product decisions.

I'm really hopeful that the trend of complimentary Flip-Mat and Map-Packs releases continues. IMO the best use of the tiles is when they can just be overlaid atop an existing map. I'm really hopeful that these tiles will fit over and replace the decks and cabins of the pirate ships to enable us to change up their layout or see down into the interior.

One reason I like such an approach is that it allows battles to take places on multiple levels of a "dungeon" at once without having to scratch your head over how to represent it. People fighting in the captain's cabin while raiders are atop the poop-deck above the ceiling? No problem! Just pull out a map tile for the cabin and set it to the side.

I'd love to see a similar 'modular' approach taken with a castle, cathedral, or civic courthouse at some point.

I am a big fan of modular Map Pack design, and try to apply it whenever possible. That said, some products just don't call for that kind of design.

** spoiler omitted **

Thank you! Both for the compliment and the correction. I'll get that fixed after the snow recedes and we can get back to the office.

I love the map packs.

How much research goes into making them? For the pirate ships as example it is tough to make a map of, without a descent knowledge of seamanship.

It seems to me that a good amount of research goes into these maps.

A good amount of research goes into them, but not so much that I miss deadlines. For the ships, I looked at a lot of floor plans, both real world and fantasy. These maps are far more open and somewhat larger than historical vessels of like type. I've often purposely distorted or changed historical plans and forms in order to make interesting spaces large enough for dynamic Pathfinder RPG combats.

I'm a big fan of doing enough research to make something seem right while still being function for game play.

Good blog post. See? That wasn't so hard.

I love when the maps packs and flip-mats match actual AP encounters. Awesome.

In the future:
Map Pack: Random Terrain
Map Pack: The Planes
Flip-Mat: Weird Planet

Thank you! I will put those on the idea list.

Crazy idea: A few more generic terrain flip maps, with map packs of paths and shrines and other commonly encountered site features printed on translucent plastic. Layer the translucent packs over the generic flip map and you have instant terrain.

First of all, thanks for the "behind the scenes" in making these maps.

The one idea I keep bandying about, is a "Furnishings" map pack. You know the ubiquitous chair, bed, table, desk, column, fireplace, whatever, that can be moved around a generic 30' x 30' or 20' x 10', etc. room. Most of the fully generated map pack buildings, houses, etc. has placements of the furnishing already printed. But in most modules or adventure paths the location of the furnishing is always changing. Even the location of the doors is different from room to room. So a Map Pack that provides small punch out pieces to overlay generic room sizes would be awesome.

If this is available out there and I missed it; then link please. :)

Later,

Mazra

please!

Great post! Thanks!

Question, when looking for a "basic ship design" as a jumping off point, what resources did you use?

Crazy idea: A few more generic terrain flip maps, with map packs of paths and shrines and other commonly encountered site features printed on translucent plastic. Layer the translucent packs over the generic flip map and you have instant terrain.

This.

For both the GameMastery cards and the map packs. That would be the most awesome thing yet.

Ryan. Costello wrote:

Crazy idea: A few more generic terrain flip maps, with map packs of paths and shrines and other commonly encountered site features printed on translucent plastic. Layer the translucent packs over the generic flip map and you have instant terrain.

This.

For both the GameMastery cards and the map packs. That would be the most awesome thing yet.

I've mentioned this elsewhere that I'd particularly like to have the Map Pack: Caravan -- or the reboot/replacement for "Caravan" -- be done on clear stock so, for example, you can put your horses onto different terrains rather than slapping a horse on a swatch of dirt road going through an open meadow into the middle of the desert or forest or city square or snowscape anywhere where the background doesn't match.

Ditto with the smaller boats. I'm in a game where we have a sandboat taking us through the desert. While certainly most boats are going to be on the water, not all of them are. Want the beached ship? You'll want to put it on the beach. Putting the viking longship in the barrow mound the same way.