Mapping

Next to planning encounters, mapping second most time consuming task to prepare in planning adventures. It may require the development of several separate maps covering different locations. It can include time spent placing traps, disguising secret rooms, finding locations for encounters, and creating hiding places for treasure. This task could require separate player handouts be made available. Consequently, a map may have to be revisited several times to be adjusted for different elements of the adventure.

Its still faster to create a map by hand; however, hand drawn maps are messier to use when adjustments have to be made. When creating adventures in a word processor it isn't convenient to work on a hand drawn map while at the computer. I've learned a few mapping tips the hard way when using electronic mapping aids that might be useful.

Start with the Essentials. Determine the features and room types before the dungeon is mapped.

Reuse the map

Learn to reuse the adventurers current setting. Redraw or print a new copy of the map of the area surrounding the players. Make it no larger than a 30 square mile area and put a game date on it. Brainstorm and start planning out the possible encounters based on the context of the adventure and mark locations on the map where they might occur.

Establish Bases of Operation

Reuse detailed maps of locales that the adventurers frequent. The market where the adventurers shop, the inn they sleep in, taverns they frequent, and the road side leading into town are all areas that can be reused. When designing the location realize that the immediate area typically bigger than is currently needed for the encounter. Try focusing on only small sections of a larger map.

Room Descriptions

Save time by using utilities and generators that can fill in potentially mundane details. The great thing about random generators is that they kick start the creative process like flipping through a book. A generator can create a few entries that can be expanded upon until a desirable description is achieved.

Tools for building dungeon descriptions: Outdoor Features, Random Contents, Environments, Room Furnishings, Doors

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