Alternatives to Mats?

[Fast Learner]

I, too, made my own plexiglass boards, which I use in concert with my vinyl mat.

I bought somewhat larger pieces of plexiglass from my local Home Despot and instead of drawing lines on them (which I tried initially), I scored lines with an x-acto knife and metal ruler. The lines are even more permanent, and I found them to be less intrusive than the inked ones (the scores are on the "back" side).

In addition I found that if I scored a line 3 times in the same place the plexiglass could be beautifully snapped at the score, allowing me to make a variety of sizes.

I often draw whole rooms and such in advance with wet-erase markers, or just draw them behind the DM's screen as players reach a room. The reveal is much more effective that having everyone watch me draw them out. (Oh, and the wet-erase just rinses off in about 2 seconds, right in the sink, no messy paper towels or anything to deal with.)

 

[jaults]

Use a tape measure

    In one of the games I run, I use a tape measure rather than any kind of grid at all. It works out pretty well... No problems with diagonal movement and no oddly shaped spell effects (a cone on a grid is very odd; worse yet is a burst).

    Jason

 

[Crothian]

Around the time 3E came out, I bought a big paper grid from Map Aids at my local gaming store (the famous Games Plus in Elmhurst, IL). It has 1-inch squares on both sides - approximately 20 by 32. It only cost a few bucks, and then only a few bucks more to have it laminated at Kinko's. It works great with both dry and wet erase markers. The only downside is that it doesn't fold or roll up.

Having a second side - which I can have drawn up before the session, then reveal when appropriate - is VERY handy.

I second this. I used the paper square map in the introductory game, and it does roll up.

 

[Buttercup]

Salutations,

http://www.deemergames.com/intro/index.htm

The temptation to order one of these clear grids is always at the back of my mind, but I have not done so yet- so I don't know how good they are.

FD

Dang, Furn. That looks very cool. Imagine being able to slide maps under the grid! Oh, I thin I've gotta have this. I'll look for it this weekend, and if they don't carry them, I'll add it to my wish list for sure.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

My current DM absolutely hates grid mats. So we use a large dry erase board. When measuring distance we have several small 3' tape measures, the kind that are small enough to sit on your keychain.

Works fine for us.

 

[tonym]

... I often draw whole rooms and such in advance with wet-erase markers, or just draw them behind the DM's screen as players reach a room. The reveal is much more effective that having everyone watch me draw them out. ...

I totally agree--drawing rooms in advance is fun for all. Especially when the room is one of those big, strangely-shaped rooms where the best monsters lurk.

Markers on big sheets of paper is my preferred method, by the way.

* * *

Player 1: Short sword drawn, I open the left door of the double-doors. What do I see?

DM: [Quietly moves figurines from the center of the table, clearing a wide area for the prepared map. Places map]. You see THIS.

Player 2: Oh crap. He drew another room.

Player 3: (whimper) ......

DM: [Points to the map] 'These' circles are columns, covered in spikes. 'This' over here is a fountain filled with fresh, red blood.

Player 1: Oh my goodness...

DM: 'Those' are statues of winged demons, each over ten feet high, and carrying spiked maces.

Player 2: We're screwed.

DM: 'That' is the rotted head of what must have been an enormous black dragon. A pattern of glowing runes encircle the head...

Player 1: [to the DM] Do you frikkin' REALIZE what level we are?

DM: Relax, Player 1....relax. I haven't even began placing the room's inhabitants...which, I should mention, are all now turned towards the opened door. [Begins placing the monsters...LOTS of monsters...]

Players 1, 2 and 3: AEII! NoooOOOoooOOOO! No, no, no no NO!



Tony