I was wondering the same thing! I play over Tabletop Simulator, and the interactive maps are a blessing, so when I noticed they weren't in Incident I was really bummed out
Just want to add my voice here to also mention I'm a bit saddened by them being missing. As someone who typically runs a few games on a VTT not having clean versions of the maps to use makes it just a bit more of a pain to run Dead Suns. I hope the next issue sees their inclusion again.
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Just want to add my voice here to also mention I'm a bit saddened by them being missing. As someone who typically runs a few games on a VTT not having clean versions of the maps to use makes it just a bit more of a pain to run Dead Suns. I hope the next issue sees their inclusion again.
It's really not that big a deal to be able to fix these yourself.
To ask a simple question, which is not at all intended to be insulting: Do you know how? Would you benefit from a Youtube tutorial that showed you how to prep these maps?
For the most part, it's dead easy to do. The sole exception is the map to the Fusion Queen. That took me some *work* in Photoshop to recreate that one.
I'm planning on running the AP via a VTT, all I've done is right-click on the map in Adobe Acrobat Reader -> Copy Image -> Paste into Paint.net and I have the map without any labels.
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I'm planning on running the AP via a VTT, all I've done is right-click on the map in Adobe Acrobat Reader -> Copy Image -> Paste into Paint.net and I have the map without any labels.
Yeah, you need to do more than that with these maps to get them optimized for VTT use.
I guess a video tutorial would probably be welcomed...
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I'm planning on running the AP via a VTT, all I've done is right-click on the map in Adobe Acrobat Reader -> Copy Image -> Paste into Paint.net and I have the map without any labels.Yeah, you need to do more than that with these maps to get them optimized for VTT use.
I guess a video tutorial would probably be welcomed...
I've done the same with previous PF adventures and never had any complaints from the players :)
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I've done the same with previous PF adventures and never had any complaints from the players :)I'm planning on running the AP via a VTT, all I've done is right-click on the map in Adobe Acrobat Reader -> Copy Image -> Paste into Paint.net and I have the map without any labels.Yeah, you need to do more than that with these maps to get them optimized for VTT use.
I guess a video tutorial would probably be welcomed...
It depends which "previous PF adventures" you mean Alfray. The devil is in those details.
Where there has been an interactive map prepared (and in many cases before that, too, though not consistently) the maps have been reviewed by a Paizo IT/Web artist and are technically in compliance with the resolution and grid needs for VTT use. They are in technical compliance within the PDF of the AP - never mind in the interactive map book,too. They are both correct, because somebody has done their technical art job to make sure that they are.
So yes, in those circumstances, where somebody at Paizo has already done the technical work to prep the map for you, a copy+paste will (mostly) work.
Now, go try your approach with the map for the Fusion Queen in Dead Suns Vol 1.
See the difference?
I'm planning on running the AP via a VTT, all I've done is right-click on the map in Adobe Acrobat Reader -> Copy Image -> Paste into Paint.net and I have the map without any labels.
Oh geez, that's way easier than expected, whoops. Due to us working in TTS, which isn't really programmed to be a proper VTT anyway, this is all I personally need to get things to work.
I'd still be interested in that video tutorial, though. Might one day graduate to something else after all.
Just tested it in Roll20, you're right it's not perfect. There top-most row and right-most column are about 80% complete, and the image grid is ever so slightly out of alignment with the VTT grid, but it's good enough for my needs. :)
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in a scifi game that has a boon for online play in the starfinder society, one would expect the maps to be usable for vtt's. maybe some are coming.
On another note, how does one get the maps in a decent size for normal table play, first time runnign an adventure map
Short Answer: The best approach for getting that map on to your tabletop for use with minis on top is via a cheap 60Hz 40" to 42" 1080p LCD TV lying flat on the tabletop.
Everyone's needs with VTTs can be a little different and unique. What works at my table and with my players may be different than yours. That said... I'm new to using Roll20 but have a couple years of experience using d20Pro. I decided to switch to Roll20 due to the support for Hex grids.
I had no problems with any of the maps. For the fusion queen, I just switched the map image to "is drawing" and was able to get it all to line up in about a minute with some minor stretching and adjustments. I know exactly the issue Steel Wind is referring to because I wasn't at first aware of the "is drawing" function, but once I did that and was no longer locked to the grid, it wasn't hard at all. (PS/Edit: Had I been using d20Pro, however, I don't know how I would have fixed it. It would have been a giant pain. And I've even less of an idea as to how to fix it in other VTT platforms.)
Personally, I found the way the maps were presented and digitally stored in the pdf here to be great. The detail and artistry was generally fantastic (maybe not for the drift rock, but otherwise... loved them).
I never used the interactive maps, but if you did use them, I completely understand wanting to have them.
Everyone's needs with VTTs can be a little different and unique. What works at my table and with my players may be different than yours. That said... I'm new to using Roll20 but have a couple years of experience using d20Pro. I decided to switch to Roll20 due to the support for Hex grids.
I had no problems with any of the maps. For the fusion queen, I just switched the map image to "is drawing" and was able to get it all to line up in about a minute with some minor stretching and adjustments. I know exactly the issue Steel Wind is referring to because I wasn't at first aware of the "is drawing" function, but once I did that and was no longer locked to the grid, it wasn't hard at all. (PS/Edit: Had I been using d20Pro, however, I don't know how I would have fixed it. It would have been a giant pain. And I've even less of an idea as to how to fix it in other VTT platforms.)
Personally, I found the way the maps were presented and digitally stored in the pdf here to be great. The detail and artistry was generally fantastic (maybe not for the drift rock, but otherwise... loved them).
I never used the interactive maps, but if you did use them, I completely understand wanting to have them.
A tip for resizing and moving maps on the map layer in Roll20, hold down Alt and the image won’t stick to the grid.
Thanks! I'll try to remember that for the next chapter or one of the other games I'm running.
For those of use who don't use a VTT but instead play at a RTT, is there a way to print out the map with a proper size of the squares? So we can use an actual mini instead of a miniature d6?
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For those of use who don't use a VTT but instead play at a RTT, is there a way to print out the map with a proper size of the squares? So we can use an actual mini instead of a miniature d6?
I hate consumable costs and cutting and taping - especially when a 43" TV is like - $280 (new). You can Craigslist one for a third to half that. You don't need anything fancy for your TV when used as a battlemap, except maybe a piece of plastic to lie over it to stop it from being scratched (if you care). A plain 60Hz crappy LED TV will still look pretty awesome.
Then you just put your physical minis on top of that, where 1"=1". You play with your real minis on a RTT, but the map underneath is electronic/virtual. Best of both worlds :)
But lots of people use the below paper approach:
Would the image be as high of quality? Good resolution?
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Would the image be as high of quality? Good resolution?
On a 1080p TV? Yes. Outstanding maps in most cases. Jaw droppingly good, even.
If you are asking whether or not a printed Posterrazor image will look good? Depends on the source artwork.
When it is based on a Paizp Flip-mat or Map pack? Yes, those are at 300/600dpi, so they always blow up nicely.
When you are increasing an original image used in a module, most 1"=5' maps are "okay". They are not great, but they are okay. Color tends not to be as vibrant on the page as it is on the screen, imo.
My experience with 1" = a 10' square block? They don't print well when scaled to 1"= 5' (that's a factor of 4) unless the source artwork is at *least* 300 dpi (and even then... )
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Would the image be as high of quality? Good resolution?Yeah projectors these days are pretty good.
I was one of the first on ENWorld to show how to use projectors for battlmapping and I was one of the first readers of Dungeon who wrote to the mag about using projectors back in 2004/05. In fact, that was to complain about the technical issues in trying to use their artwork with a projector and a VTT. Erik Mona listened and their technical standards improved at Paizo concerning it, too.
Still, I don't use projectors anymore and no longer recommend them. The technology has been wholly surpassed by flat screens which work better, are cheaper and have none of the drawbacks of projectors. Ambient lighting in the room was always the biggie - and it still is.
The only thing a projector is superior at is for projecting an image on to white(ish) foam scenery to help it blend in and give your image true 3D quality. So an outside battle scene where there are hilltops? Projectors are still pretty good for that if you craft your scenery appropriately to compliment your projected image. However, the number of times that I found something like that worth it in all the years I used a projector (I went through three of them) was maybe *twice*.
40"+ LCD 1080p flat screen. Cheaper and you'll be WAY happier.
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Would the image be as high of quality? Good resolution?Yeah projectors these days are pretty good.I was one of the first on ENWorld to show how to use projectors for battlmapping and I was one of the first readers of Dungeon who wrote to the mag about using projectors back in 2004/05. In fact, that was to complain about the technical issues in trying to use their artwork with a projector and a VTT. Erik Mona listened and their technical standards improved at Paizo concerning it, too.
Still, I don't use projectors anymore and no longer recommend them. The technology has been wholly surpassed by flat screens which work better, are cheaper and have none of the drawbacks of projectors. Ambient lighting in the room was always the biggie - and it still is.
The only thing a projector is superior at is for projecting an image on to white(ish) foam scenery to help it blend in and give your image true 3D quality. So an outside battle scene where there are hilltops? Projectors are still pretty good for that if you craft your scenery appropriately to compliment your projected image. However, the number of times that I found something like that worth it in all the years I used a projector (I went through three of them) was maybe *twice*.
40"+ LCD 1080p flat screen. Cheaper and you'll be WAY happier.
Way heavier too.
Weight isn't an issue if you're embedding it into a table.
So for me, I'm either building a table to embed a tv into it, or mounting a projector on the ceiling and buying a table.
Not a big deal either way - just got to find the time to do either. The table will probably be more fun. :)
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Weight isn't an issue if you're embedding it into a table.
So for me, I'm either building a table to embed a tv into it, or mounting a projector on the ceiling and buying a table.
Not a big deal either way - just got to find the time to do either. The table will probably be more fun. :)
This guys's approach seemed reasonable. He makes a few errors but at least you can see how it all came together and avoid them. Vary the build as you deem necessary:
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Just want to add my voice here to also mention I'm a bit saddened by them being missing. As someone who typically runs a few games on a VTT not having clean versions of the maps to use makes it just a bit more of a pain to run Dead Suns. I hope the next issue sees their inclusion again.It's really not that big a deal to be able to fix these yourself.
To ask a simple question, which is not at all intended to be insulting: Do you know how? Would you benefit from a Youtube tutorial that showed you how to prep these maps?
For the most part, it's dead easy to do. The sole exception is the map to the Fusion Queen. That took me some *work* in Photoshop to recreate that one.
I'd love a tutorial, as Dead Suns will be my first VTT campaign ever
Sorry guys, prob in the wrong place to ask, but I just bought the physical version of this adventure path. Is there a place with resources for me to download the maps? I can work with A3 printouts.
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Sorry guys, prob in the wrong place to ask, but I just bought the physical version of this adventure path. Is there a place with resources for me to download the maps? I can work with A3 printouts.
Unfortunately, I think you have to scan to get it back into the computer . . . or take s#$+ty cell phone pictures. I actually don't mind scans because the default resolution is usually way higher than the resolution you get just copying from the PDF. Even though you have to do cropping work :0
I just picked up the pdf to run on roll20 and I’m really disappointed that no interactive map was included like with other adventure paths.