paizo.com Recent Posts in Desecrated Sanctuarypaizo.com Recent Posts in Desecrated Sanctuary2015-09-06T18:14:45Z2015-09-06T18:14:45ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryBJ Hensleyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#272015-09-22T18:05:35Z2015-09-14T22:22:39Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Jacob W. Michaels wrote:</div><blockquote><p> BJ, I hope you'll post your blurb <b>once voting on the round is over</b>. I'm curious to read it.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Still looking through all the maps to decide which I'll vote on, but this is in the running.</span> </blockquote><p>I honestly have no idea what happened to the description I submitted. I submitted it, saw a brief flash of a forum with map in the title and it acted like it went through. Having never submitted a description before I assumed this was normal and headed off to bed. To clarify a bit.
<p>This once devoted sanctuary has been corrupted by a cult of vampires. While the locals continue to attend worship, the evil below makes use of confessionals, drifting up vents to grab a quick bite or abducting those passing through. Portcullis: Traps entire congregation in room. Tunnel: To hidden entrance/exit. </p>
<p>The reason the main floor is less vampish, more normal sanctuary look, is because it's still a functioning church that acts as a cover for vampires to feed. The priests could all be dead or turned (conveniently there are several rooms lacking windows). Then again perhaps they're unaware entirely and just beginning to suspect something is amiss. The tunnel can lead anywhere useful to a GM! But in my mind it leads to a secret entrance/exit somewhere near the church so the bad guys have an escape if need be and can come and go a little easier.</p>
<p>I was also a bit confused by everyone telling me it needed to be a flip mat (which from what I looked up has very little if any keys) and the rules, which didn't seem to say as much. Thus the simple key. I did't start this until I was informed I made top 32 so the rush may have led to it being slightly confusing which is entirely my own fault. My apologies.</p>
<p>Much thanks to Neil for somehow seeing a bit of what I had in mind! </p>
<p>And whoever pointed out that I added the spell components for <i>desecrate</i>. </p>
<p>And of course to those wonderful people who voted for it despite the missing fifty words!</p>Jacob W. Michaels wrote:BJ, I hope you'll post your blurb once voting on the round is over. I'm curious to read it.
Still looking through all the maps to decide which I'll vote on, but this is in the running.
I honestly have no idea what happened to the description I submitted. I submitted it, saw a brief flash of a forum with map in the title and it acted like it went through. Having never submitted a description before I assumed this was normal and headed off to bed. To clarify a bit....BJ Hensley2015-09-14T22:22:39ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryJacob W. Michaelshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#262015-09-13T17:01:11Z2015-09-13T17:01:11Z<p>BJ, I hope you'll post your blurb <b>once voting on the round is over</b>. I'm curious to read it.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Still looking through all the maps to decide which I'll vote on, but this is in the running.</span></p>BJ, I hope you'll post your blurb once voting on the round is over. I'm curious to read it.
Still looking through all the maps to decide which I'll vote on, but this is in the running.Jacob W. Michaels2015-09-13T17:01:11ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryDaniel Marshall (Silver Crescent Publishing)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#252015-09-13T14:07:15Z2015-09-13T14:07:15Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">JPSTOD wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Alanya wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">JPSTOD wrote:</div><blockquote><p>No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.
</p>
</blockquote><p>Actually if you look at it, A on the top floor matches up with A on the basement stairs. So there are stairs down, as well as the grate (which the PCs can probably only utilize ay high level).
</p>
I'm guessing the missing description gave us more insight as to where the main passage in the basement goes, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately BJ can't tell us until after voting is closed. </blockquote><p>Okay...Without Picking Up and Skipping Squares can you Move 30 Feet on the Map and connect the Entrances to the Levels..No You Can't
<p>That is the trouble with Multiple Layers on a Single Map...While it Might be only 10 feet below you can't really know without a description.</p>
<p>Looking at the Map I could almost think that people would automatically assume that they are on the Same level..like I did when I first saw the Map...
<br />
</blockquote><p>It seems to me that the basement layer is clearly labeled as a crypt, as opposed to the larger label of the Desecrated Sanctuary, has a different ground texture, and is separated off from the rest of the map.
<p>Additionally, I've always made the assumption that, barring any other description, there is always 10' between stories of any map. There are several Paizo adventures that don't detail the distance you go up or down stairs, and the assumption, to my knowledge, has always been 10' up or down to the next floor.</p>
<p>Maybe it's just me, but I can easily see that it is two separate layers, as well as the travel between so I don't really understand the confusion.</p>JPSTOD wrote:Alanya wrote: JPSTOD wrote:No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.
Actually if you look at it, A on the top floor matches up with A on the basement stairs. So there are stairs down, as well as the grate (which the PCs can probably only utilize ay high level).
I'm guessing the missing description gave us more insight as to where the main passage in the basement goes, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately BJ can't...Daniel Marshall (Silver Crescent Publishing)2015-09-13T14:07:15ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryJPSTODhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#242015-09-13T07:04:12Z2015-09-13T07:04:12Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Alanya wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">JPSTOD wrote:</div><blockquote><p>No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.
</p>
</blockquote><p>Actually if you look at it, A on the top floor matches up with A on the basement stairs. So there are stairs down, as well as the grate (which the PCs can probably only utilize ay high level).
</p>
I'm guessing the missing description gave us more insight as to where the main passage in the basement goes, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately BJ can't tell us until after voting is closed. </blockquote><p>Okay...Without Picking Up and Skipping Squares can you Move 30 Feet on the Map and connect the Entrances to the Levels..No You Can't
<p>That is the trouble with Multiple Layers on a Single Map...While it Might be only 10 feet below you can't really know without a description.</p>
<p>Looking at the Map I could almost think that people would automatically assume that they are on the Same level..like I did when I first saw the Map...</p>Alanya wrote:JPSTOD wrote:No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.
Actually if you look at it, A on the top floor matches up with A on the basement stairs. So there are stairs down, as well as the grate (which the PCs can probably only utilize ay high level).
I'm guessing the missing description gave us more insight as to where the main passage in the basement goes, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately BJ can't tell us until...JPSTOD2015-09-13T07:04:12ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryBrian J. Fruzenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#232015-09-13T04:36:21Z2015-09-13T04:36:21Z<p>I’ll start by telling you what I think a good map does. It sparks the imagination of the viewer. It whispers stories of events yet to come and invites a GM to spread their toes in a sandbox of creativity. It presents mysteries that need to be solved and beckons players to open every door, delivering on each area’s promise that more adventure awaits ahead. There are some technical elements that can help. </p>
<p><b>Is it readable? </b>Yes</p>
<p><b>Are there multiple choices for the PCs to make? If not, does the map present a path for the action to flow in? </b>There’s a lot of doors to open, some windows. PCs will be pretty sure where to go when they see the red carpet.</p>
<p><b>Does the map utilize the space well? </b>You created a building with a layout that’s quite pleasing to the eye, and used the extra space for a crypt. It looks like the compass and the key don’t eat up any real-estate. Good work.</p>
<p><b>Are the elements presented well thought out and make sense for the environment? </b>People live here, so you included the requisite elements: dining area, kitchen, archive, scribe stations, etc. This sanctuary could function, and the features on the map show you how occupants are paying the bills. The altar is understandably the largest room, along with the vampire crypt, which are where the two big encounters are likely to be. The crypt itself is creepy in a good way, but the elements there seem somewhat randomly placed. </p>
<p><b>Is this a map I would like to use more than once? </b>This map is designed with utility in mind, and I would probably buy it if I saw it on a store shelf. </p>
<p><b>So, back to the initial question: does this map spark the imagination? </b>There’s not much going on in the structure that we haven’t seen before. I rather like the design of this building over other, similar maps I’ve seen though. I just wish there were a few more elements that triggered adventure ideas. You did place numerous sets of armor, which makes me think of a few things, but I would have liked to see more. More can threaten the utility though, so it’s a delicate balance to strive for.</p>I’ll start by telling you what I think a good map does. It sparks the imagination of the viewer. It whispers stories of events yet to come and invites a GM to spread their toes in a sandbox of creativity. It presents mysteries that need to be solved and beckons players to open every door, delivering on each area’s promise that more adventure awaits ahead. There are some technical elements that can help.
Is it readable? Yes
Are there multiple choices for the PCs to make? If not, does the map...Brian J. Fruzen2015-09-13T04:36:21ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryCuraighhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#222015-09-12T23:58:47Z2015-09-12T23:58:47Z<p>My first and probably last day to look at maps before voting closes. So here be the short version critique.
<br />
<span class=messageboard-ooc>++ is awesome, +- good with a few shortcomings, -+ icky but some cool parts, and — not a fan.</span>
<br />
<b>Initial reaction:</b> cool!
<br />
<b>understandability: </b> +-
<br />
<b>visuals:</b> ++
<br />
<b>adventurous:</b> +-
<br />
<b>inspired:</b> lots of different rooms & directions for players to choose. I am not seeing how the inset connects to sanctuary part though, maybe if I looked closer) or an easy fix (48 other words ).
<br />
<b>Vote:</b> Probably.</p>My first and probably last day to look at maps before voting closes. So here be the short version critique.
++ is awesome, +- good with a few shortcomings, -+ icky but some cool parts, and -- not a fan.
Initial reaction: cool!
understandability: +-
visuals: ++
adventurous: +-
inspired: lots of different rooms & directions for players to choose. I am not seeing how the inset connects to sanctuary part though, maybe if I looked closer) or an easy fix (48 other words ).
Vote: Probably.Curaigh2015-09-12T23:58:47ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryR D Ramseyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#212015-09-12T00:37:17Z2015-09-12T00:37:17Z<p>This one's interesting. It's a well thought out location. It's logical for its intended purpose, and it's logical for the encounter. But it's not exciting somehow. </p>
<p>I'd love to play on maps with this much thought behind them. But without the 50 words, I'm left looking at it and thinking all the interest is down in that crypt off in one corner of the map. While it's realistic to have a bunch of similar rooms in a place, it's pretty much handwaving time when they come up at the gaming table.</p>
<p>I've got no doubt there's some story that would get me in the rest of the building, but I can't know what that is. :-/</p>
<p>This vote will be a tough call.</p>This one's interesting. It's a well thought out location. It's logical for its intended purpose, and it's logical for the encounter. But it's not exciting somehow.
I'd love to play on maps with this much thought behind them. But without the 50 words, I'm left looking at it and thinking all the interest is down in that crypt off in one corner of the map. While it's realistic to have a bunch of similar rooms in a place, it's pretty much handwaving time when they come up at the gaming table.
...R D Ramsey2015-09-12T00:37:17ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryAlanya (alias of Lisa Neilson)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#202015-09-11T12:35:56Z2015-09-11T12:35:56Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">JPSTOD wrote:</div><blockquote><p>No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.
</p>
</blockquote><p>Actually if you look at it, A on the top floor matches up with A on the basement stairs. So there are stairs down, as well as the grate (which the PCs can probably only utilize ay high level).
</p>
I'm guessing the missing description gave us more insight as to where the main passage in the basement goes, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately BJ can't tell us until after voting is closed.</p>JPSTOD wrote:No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.
Actually if you look at it, A on the top floor matches up with A on the basement stairs. So there are stairs down, as well as the grate (which the PCs can probably only utilize ay high level).
I'm guessing the missing description gave us more insight as to where the main passage in the basement goes, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately BJ can't tell us until after voting...Alanya (alias of Lisa Neilson)2015-09-11T12:35:56ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryJPSTODhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#192015-09-11T04:20:27Z2015-09-11T04:20:27Z<p>Good Generic Location..</p>
<p>Good Battle Map aka Flip Map...</p>
<p>Limited wasted Space on Legend..a Great Battlemap would not need one</p>
<p>Only Draw back for a Battle Map..aka Flip Map
<br />
No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.</p>Good Generic Location..
Good Battle Map aka Flip Map...
Limited wasted Space on Legend..a Great Battlemap would not need one
Only Draw back for a Battle Map..aka Flip Map
No Way to Move PCs into Vampire Crypt using the Map..Entrance is Closed off and entry is from off the Map.JPSTOD2015-09-11T04:20:27ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryBrowmanhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#182015-09-11T00:01:38Z2015-09-11T00:01:38Z<p>I really like this layout, and could easily run an interesting encounter here. But I wish the 50 words of text had shown up, that probably pushed this from a definite yes, to somewhere on the edge.</p>I really like this layout, and could easily run an interesting encounter here. But I wish the 50 words of text had shown up, that probably pushed this from a definite yes, to somewhere on the edge.Browman2015-09-11T00:01:38ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryRonarsCorruptionhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#172015-09-10T21:25:41Z2015-09-10T12:12:17Z<p>Bj, as mentioned elsewhere; as tempting as it is to reply to everything, the best practice is to avoid posting in your thread at all until voting is done. You can do it! ;)</p>Bj, as mentioned elsewhere; as tempting as it is to reply to everything, the best practice is to avoid posting in your thread at all until voting is done. You can do it! ;)RonarsCorruption2015-09-10T12:12:17ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryBJ Hensleyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#162015-09-10T11:40:56Z2015-09-10T11:40:56Z<p>Thank you for the praise! :) I won't! •is quiet•</p>Thank you for the praise! :) I won't! *is quiet*BJ Hensley2015-09-10T11:40:56ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryThe Raven Blackhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#152015-09-10T09:00:00Z2015-09-10T09:00:00Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">The Raven Black wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Impressive layout. Clearly, thoughts went into this. And the added crypt (which I did not see at first) is a good addition (doubly so for looking different from the main building's visuals)</p>
<p>The look feels a bit too computer RPG for my taste though, but this is really a minor quibble. </blockquote><p>To be clear : this map is on my Keep list :-)The Raven Black wrote:Impressive layout. Clearly, thoughts went into this. And the added crypt (which I did not see at first) is a good addition (doubly so for looking different from the main building's visuals)
The look feels a bit too computer RPG for my taste though, but this is really a minor quibble.
To be clear : this map is on my Keep list :-)The Raven Black2015-09-10T09:00:00ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryRJGradyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#142015-09-10T06:35:13Z2015-09-10T06:35:13Z<p>Hell, it looks better than the maps of most temples in most computer RPGs I've played. You obviously spent a lot of time and effort on devising sensible and useful spacing. Plus, you clearly labeled the desecration site. I see nothing to ding here.</p>
<p>For goodness sake, please do not disqualify yourself!</p>Hell, it looks better than the maps of most temples in most computer RPGs I've played. You obviously spent a lot of time and effort on devising sensible and useful spacing. Plus, you clearly labeled the desecration site. I see nothing to ding here.
For goodness sake, please do not disqualify yourself!RJGrady2015-09-10T06:35:13ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryBJ Hensleyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#132015-09-09T21:36:54Z2015-09-09T21:36:54Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">BJ Hensley wrote:</div><blockquote> Thank you for all the reviews! I'm bummed about the description but hoping it makes it! </blockquote><p>BJ, please be really careful on your comments about your own entry. I don't think you crossed the line (you did not give us any new information or clarification about your entry), but you came real close to violating rule #5 of the entire contest. "During public voting rounds, contestants are prohibited from any public discussion that could be considered as adding to, expanding upon, or clarifying the content of their current submissions."
<p></blockquote><p>Eep! Sorry!Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:BJ Hensley wrote: Thank you for all the reviews! I'm bummed about the description but hoping it makes it!
BJ, please be really careful on your comments about your own entry. I don't think you crossed the line (you did not give us any new information or clarification about your entry), but you came real close to violating rule #5 of the entire contest. "During public voting rounds, contestants are prohibited from any public discussion that could be considered as...BJ Hensley2015-09-09T21:36:54ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryOwen K. C. Stephenshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#122015-09-09T20:25:24Z2015-09-09T20:25:24Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">BJ Hensley wrote:</div><blockquote> Thank you for all the reviews! I'm bummed about the description but hoping it makes it! </blockquote><p>BJ, please be really careful on your comments about your own entry. I don't think you crossed the line (you did not give us any new information or clarification about your entry), but you came real close to violating rule #5 of the entire contest. "During public voting rounds, contestants are prohibited from any public discussion that could be considered as adding to, expanding upon, or clarifying the content of their current submissions."BJ Hensley wrote:Thank you for all the reviews! I'm bummed about the description but hoping it makes it!
BJ, please be really careful on your comments about your own entry. I don't think you crossed the line (you did not give us any new information or clarification about your entry), but you came real close to violating rule #5 of the entire contest. "During public voting rounds, contestants are prohibited from any public discussion that could be considered as adding to, expanding upon, or...Owen K. C. Stephens2015-09-09T20:25:24ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryThe Raven Blackhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#112015-09-09T18:13:00Z2015-09-09T18:13:00Z<p>Impressive layout. Clearly, thoughts went into this. And the added crypt (which I did not see at first) is a good addition (doubly so for looking different from the main building's visuals)</p>
<p>The look feels a bit too computer RPG for my taste though, but this is really a minor quibble.</p>Impressive layout. Clearly, thoughts went into this. And the added crypt (which I did not see at first) is a good addition (doubly so for looking different from the main building's visuals)
The look feels a bit too computer RPG for my taste though, but this is really a minor quibble.The Raven Black2015-09-09T18:13:00ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryBJ Hensleyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#102015-09-09T15:12:10Z2015-09-09T15:12:10Z<p>Thank you for all the reviews! I'm bummed about the description but hoping it makes it!</p>Thank you for all the reviews! I'm bummed about the description but hoping it makes it!BJ Hensley2015-09-09T15:12:10ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryRonarsCorruptionhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#92015-09-09T02:43:43Z2015-09-09T02:43:43Z<p>BJ, that's a really pretty map! Unfortunately, I'm not really enthralled by it. Yeah, its a complex, realistic temple. It's a beautiful map. I love that there's a vampire lair...</p>
<p>But even of we assume the entire place is full of vampires, you have lots.of rooms, each of which connect only to major hallways. And the vampire lair beneath is connected through exactly one point. Or two, in a pinch, but the second one isnt something the PCs would use in a normal situation. </p>
<p>So, the map is pretty. The situation has potential... But I'm not really wowed by it.</p>BJ, that's a really pretty map! Unfortunately, I'm not really enthralled by it. Yeah, its a complex, realistic temple. It's a beautiful map. I love that there's a vampire lair...
But even of we assume the entire place is full of vampires, you have lots.of rooms, each of which connect only to major hallways. And the vampire lair beneath is connected through exactly one point. Or two, in a pinch, but the second one isnt something the PCs would use in a normal situation.
So, the map is pretty....RonarsCorruption2015-09-09T02:43:43ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryAlanya (alias of Lisa Neilson)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#82015-09-09T02:43:16Z2015-09-09T02:43:16Z<p>I agree the lack of description on this map is a negative, but you make up for it by having a fairly self-explanatory layout. The top floor is straightforward (almost generically so), and can accommodate any encounters the GM dreams up. While great for utility, it's not very inspiring. What I would have liked more details on (and where I think this map shines), is the downstairs, as that's where the really interesting stuff is. I love that you added chained humans (food source), but they can be easily missed without the description or map key to call attention to it. In some ways, I think this entry will stand out more from the others, simply because this is the only one <i>without</i> a description - whether that's good or bad remains to be seen. Either way, you managed to get my vote, and I wish you good luck!</p>I agree the lack of description on this map is a negative, but you make up for it by having a fairly self-explanatory layout. The top floor is straightforward (almost generically so), and can accommodate any encounters the GM dreams up. While great for utility, it's not very inspiring. What I would have liked more details on (and where I think this map shines), is the downstairs, as that's where the really interesting stuff is. I love that you added chained humans (food source), but they can...Alanya (alias of Lisa Neilson)2015-09-09T02:43:16ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryJezebelle (Organized Play Developer) (alias of Jenny Jarzabski, Senior Developer)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#72020-09-09T00:40:21Z2015-09-09T02:36:09Z<p>First of all, congratulations! You made it to round 2! I commend you for being part of this contest. You worked hard and took the risk of putting your ideas out there on display for all to see and critique. I salute you. </p>
<p>I'm no map expert, but I have played and run a few games, and when I look at a map I can tell if it is interesting, if it will be useful/functional in the type of game I'd like to play, and if it's readable. I will judge your entry on those criteria.</p>
<p>I liked this map from the moment I saw it. It's a very clean, finished-looking product. The information about how to read and use this map is present and clear. This map actually looks like a desecrated sanctuary.</p>
<p>While it's not one of the most innovative entries, your map is well done and I would slap it down on the table to use in a game anytime. </p>
<p>I do wish I had more information about the types of encounters that might happen here and the history of the sanctuary, but a technically sound and visually pleasing map is hard to down-vote. I think this map should advance.</p>First of all, congratulations! You made it to round 2! I commend you for being part of this contest. You worked hard and took the risk of putting your ideas out there on display for all to see and critique. I salute you.
I'm no map expert, but I have played and run a few games, and when I look at a map I can tell if it is interesting, if it will be useful/functional in the type of game I'd like to play, and if it's readable. I will judge your entry on those criteria.
I liked this map from...Jezebelle (Organized Play Developer) (alias of Jenny Jarzabski, Senior Developer)2015-09-09T02:36:09ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryLucus Palosaarihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#62015-09-09T02:27:48Z2015-09-09T02:27:48Z<p>I was fortunate enough to workshop with BJ on early drafts of this map/idea, and so I recuse myself and my normal posts of links, etc. because "I know" what the 50 word text could/should say and without it formally there, I might unfairly aid or detract from BJ's entry as presented.</p>I was fortunate enough to workshop with BJ on early drafts of this map/idea, and so I recuse myself and my normal posts of links, etc. because "I know" what the 50 word text could/should say and without it formally there, I might unfairly aid or detract from BJ's entry as presented.Lucus Palosaari2015-09-09T02:27:48ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuarySteven Helthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#52015-09-08T21:38:33Z2015-09-08T21:38:33Z<p>Welcome to RPG Superstar!</p>
<p>I have said before the map round last year and this year terrifies me. I have zero visual arts skill, so the idea of conveying information without encounter text gives me hives.</p>
<p>I'm trying to offer a critique of the maps and end with positive notes. I usually tell whether an entry gets my vote for the round, but I have a lot of reading to do before I know all eight of my votes.</p>
<p>The map itself is gorgeous. Lawn colors, clear icons that are self-explanatory, and then the dank subterranean level is a big contrast. That there's no use of the 50-word alottment to describe the area or give a bit of background is a big whiff, though Owen's note suggest you at least had background text somewhere. If we're forced to look at only the map, I note note every icon is represented. Sure, the tubs and bedrolls are self-explanatory, but some folks might want a more complete key.</p>
<p>The map has a lot of artistic details that I could not duplicate, but I'm careful not to let a pretty map dissuade me from looking for encounter details that might excite me.</p>
<p>So I blow the map up. This is both good and bad. I can't really make out details without blowing it up, which doesn't please me. But then..uh...</p>
<p>Are those bodies in the dirt in the basement level? That's not cool. Are they creepy decomposing bodies cast aside by a vampire? Or are they vampire spawn sleeping in the dirt? Suddenly I'm like 7 years old and having visions of the basement crypt in Salem's Lot.</p>
<p>Silver dust scattered across the crypt. <i>Desecrate</i> spell. I get it. I think that's another example of something that should have gone on the key, but it's still pretty neat.</p>
<p>So...the loss of the 50-word text is not good. And the key/legend should include more details. But the crypt is the strong point. A grate for a vampire confessor to feed on my PC? Vampires or dead bodies waiting for me to get downstairs? What's the portcullis trap for? That could be good or..uh...really bad.</p>
<p>I vote based on whether i want to adventure on a map. I can't drool over this the way I sploded over at Jeff Swank's map, but I think this could catch my 6th or 8th vote.</p>Welcome to RPG Superstar!
I have said before the map round last year and this year terrifies me. I have zero visual arts skill, so the idea of conveying information without encounter text gives me hives.
I'm trying to offer a critique of the maps and end with positive notes. I usually tell whether an entry gets my vote for the round, but I have a lot of reading to do before I know all eight of my votes.
The map itself is gorgeous. Lawn colors, clear icons that are self-explanatory, and...Steven Helt2015-09-08T21:38:33ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryOwen K. C. Stephenshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#42015-09-08T19:18:43Z2015-09-08T19:18:43Z<p>Post from the Host
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Bj Hensley wrote a description for this map, but our system shows it wasn't ever received by the submission tool. That's unfortunate, but with nothing on our end suggesting an error, we have to accept the map as-is. Since the rules say you <i>may</i> submit up to 50 words this is not something a contestant can be DQ'd over, and we present the map on its own.</p>Post from the Host
Bj Hensley wrote a description for this map, but our system shows it wasn't ever received by the submission tool. That's unfortunate, but with nothing on our end suggesting an error, we have to accept the map as-is. Since the rules say you may submit up to 50 words this is not something a contestant can be DQ'd over, and we present the map on its own.Owen K. C. Stephens2015-09-08T19:18:43ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create an encounter map: Desecrated SanctuaryLiz Courts (Contributor)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sx2y?Desecrated-Sanctuary#32015-09-06T20:08:28Z2015-09-06T20:08:28Z<p>Hello there! I'll be one of the judges for this round, and I'll be looking at a couple of key points for your map: readability, usability, and how fun this would be to run as GM. For some background, I helped found the Wayfinder fanzine before I started working for Paizo, and have done work as a freelance cartographer.</p>
<p><b>Readability</b>
<br />
It's certainly easy to read what's going on, but this strays very close to the "what am I doing here exactly" line and into "too much detail for me to work with." I definitely appreciate the attention to scaling of details and how the building is put together: there is a logical flow to it that I often think gets missed in adventure map design.</p>
<p><b>Usability</b>
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Desecrated sanctuaries with accompanying undead crypt is always a useful item in the GM toolbox. The attention to detail could be difficult to recreate on a Flip-Mat or battlemap, though.</p>
<p><b>Fun Factor</b>
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So, what's going on here? Who desecrated it? What was it originally? Fights in enclosed spaces like this always make things more interesting tactically.</p>
<p><b>Final Thoughts</b>
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I wish that the 50 words would have been used to give a bit of description to what's going on with this map. I hesitantly <b>do</b> recommend this map for advancement.</p>Hello there! I'll be one of the judges for this round, and I'll be looking at a couple of key points for your map: readability, usability, and how fun this would be to run as GM. For some background, I helped found the Wayfinder fanzine before I started working for Paizo, and have done work as a freelance cartographer.
Readability
It's certainly easy to read what's going on, but this strays very close to the "what am I doing here exactly" line and into "too much detail for me to work with."...Liz Courts (Contributor)2015-09-06T20:08:28Z