Hey all
As I have been asked what criterias "map fu" will be using as part of our (my) review process, he has kindly supplied the following list...
We will first review technical / completeness of map and map descriptions (for the word "room", read as room, zone, floor, cavern, area, etc)
a) contrasting text over colour blocks - are labels readable over the backgrounds?
b) compass rose - do I know which way is north? are the compass points mixed up?
c) if you go "in the east door" in the text, is it a door on the east wall on the map?
d) scales
d.1) do the room dimensions match the map and map scale?
d.2) is the room large enough for creature xyz living needs
d.3) is there room for combat etc in the room considering there will be whoever lives there plus up to 4, 5 or 6 pcs coming in.
d.4) Does all the furniture/trappings/dressings fit sensibly?
d.5) Do room descriptions match the room shape, size, as on the map?
d.6) If there are "pulled out" areas, is the orientation of the pulled out detail correct with respect the larger scale, map orientation, north bearing?
e) Are there any rooms, on the map that aren't identified in a map key or in the descriptions.
So there you go, those are the techy eye for detail things I will be looking at, and maybe some playability general feedback as well.
I hope you all spotted these pointers because Map Fu has jus shown me his toys he's bringing to the party...
Iron thumbscrews attached to chains that trail into lava pools - that's going to get warm...
Torture racks strecthing you over a water wheel where the cups are replaced with old vorpal sword blades to slice the skin one layer at a time...
And those were the gentle options!
Seriously though - very much looking forward to reviewing all your entries, this round is one of my favourites as each entry is a useable complete whole ready for game night insertion.
Rock on...