I've purchased every set (several sets of each) of the GameMastery Maps (prob $300-$400 worth), and it seams like the newer ones are now being printed with those VERY Annoying White Arrows all over them.
The White Arrows are VERY distracting!
DMs/Gms can figure out how to put the maps together without the arrows.
If you need to show how the maps should be set up, just include (in the map package) an overhead shot of the maps *set up*.
It seams the older maps did not have the arrows, and are great! - the new ones (with the arrows) are just unusable.
I think I'm done buying these Maps until Paizo stops with the absurd White Arrows.
Sorry to be so stern, just a real waste of $$. ... and really even more than the $$ ... a real waste of an otherwise good product.
I don't like it either...
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OK, let me play devil's advocate for just a minute.
When setting up an encounter there is nothing worse, than sitting around as a player while a DM clumsily tries to draw on the battlemat or lay out tiles when they're not sure where they go.
I'm betting that Paizo assumes most DMs will have these in their DM bag, so they came up with the arrows so the DM can quickly slam the tiles down and play can go on.
Interestingly, I don't need the arrows either because I don't keep them separated (cue Offspring music). I match them and then flip them over and then use UPS shipping tape on the back to hold them together. Two map tiles taped side by side fit perfectly in an 8x11 page protector. So I tape stuff together and keep them in a binder. But for DMs who need them I can see why they are threre: quick set up.
-DM Jeff
When setting up an encounter there is nothing worse, than sitting around as a player while a DM clumsily tries to draw on the battlemat or lay out tiles when they're not sure where they go. -DM Jeff
#1. I completely agree.
I match them and then flip them over and then use UPS shipping tape on the back to hold them together. -DM Jeff
#2. I assume most DMs would be doing this- if they're not; they just have not yet figured it out, or they are just not the “prepared” type of DM.
Players will *always* need to sit around and wait while "unprepared" DMs fiddle around with things.Also, to aid those that don’t want to tape tiles together – Paizo should include (in the map package) an Overhead Shot of the maps *set up* - look at the Overhead Shot... set up maps quickly.
#3. I really think this is now a moot point - It seams Paizo has their hands full at the moment (even though this one should be a 10 minute decision on their end)... And I really don’t think they scroll down the forum this far.
Please Note: I fully support Paizo (with my wallet/over $100 each month-every month-faithfully), love nearly all their Paizo created products, and will continue purchasing most Paizo created products... Just not the Map Tiles -- until they remove the White Arrows.
-Take Care, and happy gaming!
CEO
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#3. I really think this is now a moot point - It seams Paizo has their hands full at the moment (even though this one should be a 10 minute decision on their end)... And I really don’t think they scroll down the forum this far.
We read all! :) But you are right that we have our hands full right now. I actually look over every Paizo-related forum each day. I don't always post, but I keep things in mind as we look to the future.
-Lisa
Hey Lisa,
Thanks for the drop-in :-)
I know Paizo's hands are tremendously full at the moment (and near future), and they're full because of good reason - you guys are putting out *lots* of great products!
Just know; I absolutely support Paizo, and will continue to support Paizo as long as I hold breath to game.
If the White Arrows continue on the GameMastery Maps... well I'll just have to do without... however, if Paizo chooses to remove the White Arrows - I'll for one, buy multiples of every future set.
Thanks again,
-JM
A simple solution would be to keep including arrows (or other marks) to indicate the correct placement, but make them less obvious.
that works for me.
Maybe something in the terrain color?
Muted colour, so you can still see the arrows up-close, but when you're at arm's length, they're invisible.
And an overhead view on the back cover would be useful, and help sell them to browsing DMs...
I suggested this with the Compleat Encounter maps awhile back, and still believe it to be a good idea.
While I believe I'm a prepared DM, I really like the little arrows. I'm a prepared DM with space constraints. I'm not ready to tape everything together. So, for me, little arrows at the corners, fade them a bit if you want (but I didn't find them distracting anyway). Thank you.
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Depending on which side of the fence you are on, Paizo listened again (or it's just another amazing coincedence):
Got Map Pack: Caverns...and you can barely see the white arrows.
You have to really look hard for them, they've been muted and greyed to just be enough for a DM to use but can barely be seen once out on the table. In the mushroom room I thought they forgot them completely, I had to look so hard. So, there you go.
Schwing!
-DM Jeff
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Depending on which side of the fence you are on, Paizo listened again (or it's just another amazing coincedence):
Got Map Pack: Caverns...and you can barely see the white arrows.
You have to really look hard for them, they've been muted and greyed to just be enough for a DM to use but can barely be seen once out on the table. In the mushroom room I thought they forgot them completely, I had to look so hard. So, there you go.
Schwing!
-DM Jeff
That I believe is the answer. Keep the arrows faded as to match the background, except for the trained eye.