Brave the secrets of the stacks with Pathfinder Flip-Mat: Arcane Library. Each side of the Flip-Mat features a view of an ancient, mysterious trove of knowledge. One side displays a vast and complex library of arcane tomes, complete with study areas and other displays, while the other shows a series of magically separated practice and experimental spaces. This portable, affordable map measures 24" × 30" unfolded, and 8" × 10" folded. Designed for experienced GMs and novices alike, and usable with both dry erase and wet erase markers, Pathfinder Flip-Mats fit perfectly into any Game Master's arsenal!
Get to the game faster with Pathfinder Flip-Mat: Arcane Library, and be ready next time your players seek out dangerous knowledge!
ISBN-13: 978-1-60125-954-7
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The Arcane Library flip-mat is really nicely designed. The front side cleverly uses multiple levels of elevation to create a really interesting space for encounters (and it's clear where stairs start and stop and how the levels related to one another, which isn't true for all flip-mats!). There's plenty of bookshelves (obviously, a must!), but also worktables, statues, and a large orrery in the center. I use this side of the mat to represent Mad Multivar's house in my Roots of Golarion campaign and it's worked well. This side of the mat doesn't even need to be an "arcane" library, and could function perfectly well as a normal public library--though perhaps a bit of a messy one, with some books scattered on the floor here and there.
The other side of the mat is one I've only ever used in PFS as it contains "magically separated practice and experimental spaces"--essentially, a collection of rooms separated by what looks like walls of fog. I'm dubious.
One great side and one okay side still add up to a pretty good flip-mat overall though. The usual advantages of Paizo flip-mats (folds easily, clear gridlines, wet and dry erase, etc.) are here as well.
The best battle maps are those that both makes sense, from a "realism" perspective, and yet manage to provide an interesting environment for combat with varied tactical options. The first side, showing an expansive library made up of open rooms, a multitude of stairs, raised platforms, and study areas, hits all of the above. I have a key combat coming up against an evil group of adventurers and can't wait to use it.
The second side I'm a little more unsure about. Although it too has an interesting layout, it is subdivided by a web of blue, cloudy energy. The description says they're for warding of experiments, etc., although you could just as easily turn them into some sort of magical trap. The usage seems rather particular, but is nonetheless interesting. Based on the first side alone this is worth every penny, and the second side is gravy that you may or may not find reason to use.
THANKS for the info on the map, Mr. MacFarland, I am a BIG FAN of yours by the way! I quite a few of your your maps and will more than likely purchase this at some point. I am looking forward to the Bigger Keep (have been asking for some thing like this) plus the Bigger Bridge and the Sunken City when they are released. As for the blue lines, I had the same idea as you when I saw the side B of the map. Keep up the GREAT WORK and I'll keep purchasing those maps!
