Mike Schley's page

I hope Paizo will start posting the online maps with a better resolution, at least 150 DPI. The low res PDFs just don't look nice enough when I put them on the projector...

All the web supplements from issue 114 on have both high and low resolution versions for download. The hi-res versions have all the images imbedded at 300 dpi.

Go to: http://paizo.com/dungeon/resources/downloads
Hope this helps.

Mike

Actually,
The Web enhancement for Dungeon 124 has been posted for download for a little while now.

Go to: http://paizo.com/dungeon/resources/downloads

I think I can speak for all of us here who work on Dungeon when I say "Thanks guys!"

Some days it's tough reading the post's when it seems like no one has anything good to say about the magazine. Each of us here truly love D&D and feel as though Dungeon is our baby. You wouldn't believe the amount of effort that goes into every issue. As a result, though constructive criticism is always appreciated, it's really nice to hear that our hard work is enjoyed by our readers.

Thanks again,
Mike

The online suppliments are way cool, but I really felt the absence of an online copy of the Diamond Lake map.

Are there any plans to generate something like that for download?

Not really. The online supplements are intended to allow DM's to show bits of information to the players without giving away other info about the adventure. This way you don't have to awkwardly cover the rest of the magazine while showing a player an image, or worse, cut the image out of the magazine to leave it on the table.

Since the Diamond Lake map is already intended to be removed from the magazine and displayed on the table, there is no reason to include it in the download.

Mike

what are the chances of you guys releasing just the maps in a super high-resolution format so that they could be enlarged to miniature scale?

Hmmm. That's an interesting idea.

Mike

You'll note that with Supplements #122 and #123, they have provided maps with and without labels and keys.

As of issue 122, we will be including both map versions in every new supplement. :)

Yes,
I actually do read the message boards and listen to suggestions. ;)

Glad you guys like the change.
Mike

I am a big fan of the online content! However, I noticed that you're putting more than one thing on a page. Wouldn't it be more conveniant for DM use if you were to put one map to a page? What's the concensus on this?

Also, I hadn't really been paying much attention, but is it standard that the online content isn't released until the month after it's been sent out to subscribers? I know you're busy, but the sooner the better, if you know what I'm saying..

Both points well taken.

Thanks,
Mike

Starting with the online supplement for Dungeon 122 (Due to be posted later today), all of the maps, including the ones for the Adventure Path, will include tagged and untagged versions.

Check for dowloads here: http://paizo.com/dungeon/resources/downloads#v5748eaic9jxs

In the interest of continued excellence here at Paizo, ;) I have created the online supplement for Dungeon 122 WITH untagged maps. It should be up and ready for download later today.

Check for download here: http://paizo.com/dungeon/resources/downloads#v5748eaic9jxs

Thanks Rob!

I'll keep in mind the notes about the art. I agree that we can definitly improve in some areas.

Since I'm primarily responsible for the artists and the art that goes into the mag (Except for the cover, that's Sean Glenn's baby), I gladly accept any feedback you guys have to offer.

If you come across any artists that you think would make a good addition to our arsinal, let me know. I'm always interested in checking out new talent!

Mike

Everything looks fine. I'll assume the image relates in some way to the letters; I'm not going to go through in read or re-read every one to find out. I liked issues 117, 120, 121 the best so far. Their placement didn't leave as much counter-productive negative space as issues 118 and 119 did.

Actually, I've been relating the images more to the features since time contraints make it difficult to know the subject matter of all the letters by the time I start working on the art. Maybe something can be done about this though. Hmmm...

The sudden addition of art here isn't by chance linked to the stated lack of paper letters that Dungeon is receiving these days, is it?

Nope. I just love making art. :)

By the way, the illustrations for issues 123 & 124 continue to use the space more effectively and in my estimation are the best yet.

Hey guys,
I've been working on illustrations for the Prison Mail section of Dungeon for a few months now and was wondering if anyone has some feedback to offer?

As Dungeon's Associate Art Director, I have the responsibility of coordinating our interior illustrations in addition to overseeing the layout of all but the cover of the magazine (Sean Glenn gets that honor). Since the letters section does not typically have art assigned to it, I figured I'd spice it up a bit in my down time. Anyway, let me know if you think these illustrations add to overall quality of the magazine and whether there is a particular subject you would like to see portrayed here.

Kudos and brickbats accepted with decorum. ;)
Mike

I'll get to work on that immediately!

Thanks,
Mike

Feeling like a moron, but what exactly is tagged? Non-numbered, no secret door type maps?

Tags are the text and symbols that appear on top of the topographical details.

The untagged versions will just have the art in them with no text. That way you can write information onto the handouts as the party progresses through the adventure.

Mike

OK OK, I heard you guys and am happy to announce that the map supplement for Dungeon 124, and all future supplements, will include untagged maps. :) Note that the supplement will still contain tagged versions for you to keep behind the DM's screen. I'll just pop the untagged versions in along with tagged ones.

Also, I've created higher resolution versions of the downloads for issues 118-121 in case you want to blow them up. All future supplements will be available in low (150dpi) and high(300dpi) resolution formats.

Hope this helps,
Mike

Done!

124 and all subsequent issues will contain tagged and untagged versions of all the maps that appear in the magazine. :)

Mike

IT SHALL BE DONE! :)

I have just finished creating high-res versions of 118-121 and they should be ready for download later today.

I'm also going to be working with our cartographers on the tagless map issue, so you should see a welcome addition to the upcoming supplement for 124.

TAGLESS MAPS! Yeah baby! ;)

Note: The supplement will still contain tagged versions for you to keep behind the DM's screen. I'll just pop the untagged versions in along with tagged ones.

Hope this helps,
Mike

The map supplement for 121 is ready for download now. :)

http://paizo.com/dungeon/resources/downloads

Mike

I've updated the 119 Map Supplement and it's ready for download.
Enjoy!

Mike

BTW I applaud the artist's rendering of Amos In Dungeon.

Chad Du Lac (Pencils) and Jim Zubkavich (Colors) did a bang up job on him. I couldn't have been happier when the final came in.

I'd surely love access to Dungeon adventure maps that don't have DM-only info

Who knows. Mabye you'll see them in the future. For now though, keep up with those Photoshop skills...

One note:

Much of the cartography is now done in an entirely digital format using a combination of Photoshop, Illustrator, and your friendly neighborhood Wacom tablet.

For an example, see the maps I produced for "Throne of Iuz" in 118...