How are folks using the game maps with minis? I've not run a Pathfinder AP before and I've been kind of spoiled in the past with ready-made maps or tiles that closely resemble the layouts used in the module, etc. I generally prefer not to have to draw out the maps on grid paper as that takes more of my time than I care to invest and the end-result is usually lacking in visual impact. I have the PDF of all the chapters so far plus the convenient little map files, but they don't appear to be scaled for printing in a way that would output the grid in appropriate miniature dimensions. That makes it a little difficult to use them in physical play without knowing a precise scale value.
So, what are your ways of setting up the playing field? Do you have tiles/map templates on hand that fit the AP's scenes well? Do you know exactly how to scale the PDFs so that they print to the appropriate size? Or do you find that simply drawing it out is just the best solution? I know some ingenious folks here use projectors, but I unfortunately don't have one of those bad boys.
I've tried doing printouts of the Interactive PDF maps that come with the subscribers copies but the amount of paper and ink that eats up is nuts.
Mostly I'll just draw the map out on a wet erase battle mat as the players explore. Though this can be quite the chore when confronted with non 5ft per square grids or maps where all the main structures are drawn at a 45 degree angle to the grid *cough* brinewall castle *cough*. Even with the problems this seems to be the simplest solution.
Lately I've been experimenting with the demo copy of d20 pro and a large flat screen tv instead of a projector as d20 pro allows you to use characters imported into the software on the grid. I haven't tried using it in play as I have been unable to import and scale the Jade Regent maps to my satisfaction yet.
We too use d20Pro, and also a projector, and a mirror.
The pdf maps don't line up perfectly with the grid inside d20pro, but you can get them fairly close.
Its really easy and the fog of war is an added bonus...if you've got a projector, or a flat screen (I never though of that!)
I try to avoid the high-tech stuff on the presentation side because my players generally enjoy playing with toys. XD
But, I guess I can look into setting up the ol' desktop to output to our big screen.
Thanks, guys!
Not to promote my own work but I started to remake all the maps for this AP.
They are set to 200DPI, which may work out better for printing.
You can find what I've done so far here:
They are somewhat reduced in quality from my originals, so if you need I can provide those, but I hope these work.
Let me know what you think.
I had seen this thread before, sadly my group is two full volumes ahead and probably not willing to hear me winge about how I'd like to wait for the someone else who is adapting the maps on the board. But your doing awesome work just the same.
|
How are folks using the game maps with minis?
I'm still debating on how to run the caravan encounters in part 2. I may scale them out and play them as actual combats, or just use the caravan system for resolution. I don't want the players to get bored though, so I want to run some as actual combats. I may even write up character sheets and have the PCs run an NPC each.
For the Brinewall castle locations, they're too big to print economically, so I'll either us a blank flip mat or use some of my game paper. If you've never used it is pretty cheap wrapping-paper stock square grid paper, but very useful for one-use locations that are complicated to draw up and would take too much time during a game.