So, how much would not having the map folio effect the quality of the campaign? Does it seem like a must have(Those of you who actually have one)? Does it seem like an unnecessary luxury whose absence can be worked around? I am looking at a 700 dollar total operating budget for the month and want to invest in the first 2 modules and possibly the map folio IF it is a MUST HAVE campaign aid, if it is just "meh, nice ta have I guess," then i will want to pass and thank you anyone for the info.
Try the maps found here:
http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pksf?Printable-battlemaps-and-VT-maps-for-Reig n-of
As part of the AP subscription, subscribers get access to a pdf copy of all of the maps for the particular chapter. I'm not sure if the same is offered if you buy the print books from Paizo as a one-off.
The maps in the Map Folio aren't the same as the encounter maps in the AP. They're supplemental resources that add to the flavor of your game but aren't necessary. Having the map of Irrisen from the Map Folio on the wall of your gaming room would, in my opinion, be awesome. I positively LOVE the map of Westcrown from the CoT Map Folio and I've decorated mine with flags and markers of my player's adventures but it's a luxury that you can probably do without if finances are tight.
Maybe you could convince your players to chip in $5 each to pre-order it for you as a gift? :D
Thank you Ansel, I can well imagine the poster map of irrisen being awesome as almost nothing is shown of it on other maps, which leaves a lot of room for the developers to be creative! Sounds like it is something I will have time to consider as I am currently having my turn at playing in Rise of the Rune Lords and won't be running until that campaign concludes in any case. Thank you!
There's one other thing to consider:
Well, the description for the Map Folio does mention another country...
Ink but I hope the Bbeg is equivalent to baba yaga at the end of the campaign.