If you have lots of cash to spare, this might be an option - warning! wicked cool stuff ahead!
http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=122099
Asmo
http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=122099
Asmo
Battlemats - do you draw as you go?
- Thread starter caudor
- Start date
reveal
Adventurer
If it's a large enough map, I will present it on a screen connected to my laptop and unmask certain parts at one time. Not that that helps you here. 
When I used to use my chessex mat, I would draw it out a piece at a time. I have started using Tact Tiles and they work great. Since they're like big puzzle pieces, I can pre-draw the dungeon and just put in parts at a time.
When I used to use my chessex mat, I would draw it out a piece at a time. I have started using Tact Tiles and they work great. Since they're like big puzzle pieces, I can pre-draw the dungeon and just put in parts at a time.
Roadkill101
Explorer
Draw as I go, but only for combat purposes. And then only within visible range as determined by current light sources and/or terrain and so forth. If the players want a map of where they've been traveling, then I expect them to make it as they go (and for any characters with cartographic skills who are actively mapping, i lend a hend to help omit major errors within reason of the circumstances).
LeapingShark
First Post
I draw everthing, even scenes without combat. I enjoy drawing, and have used this method for so long that it doesn't slow down the game. It takes 15 seconds to draw a basic set of walls, and a few more for minor details.
For example (simplified): As the PCs enter a new room, I will begin drawing the walls as I say "You enter a circular chamber," then I draw out a square-shape in the middle of the room as I say, "with a five foot high wooden platform in the middle," then I draw a small circle on the mat as I say, "with a statue atop the platform." Etc, etc.
For special complex battle scenes or dramatic final encounters, I usually pre-draw the whole scene at home before the game session (with lots of extra details) on a seperate mat, then keep the mat rolled up until it's time to unveil the scene. We have 2 extra chessex mats that I use for this.
This is basically how I do it too.Christoph the Magus said:
For example (simplified): As the PCs enter a new room, I will begin drawing the walls as I say "You enter a circular chamber," then I draw out a square-shape in the middle of the room as I say, "with a five foot high wooden platform in the middle," then I draw a small circle on the mat as I say, "with a statue atop the platform." Etc, etc.
For special complex battle scenes or dramatic final encounters, I usually pre-draw the whole scene at home before the game session (with lots of extra details) on a seperate mat, then keep the mat rolled up until it's time to unveil the scene. We have 2 extra chessex mats that I use for this.
Ogrork the Mighty
Explorer
I have multiple battlemats so, in the best case scenario, I draw out major encounter locations beforehand. I used to draw out everything (e.g. in dungeon exploration), but I found that to be a waste of time and it was better to just fill in their paper map as they go.
I usually put one major encounter area on each battlemap, with each hidden by the previous (or I turn them upside down). If I'm cramped for space or the areas are small (but numerous), I'll draw them in order and then fold the map over on itself so that it can be slowly rolled back as new areas are reached.
I only draw out major areas of importance; usually b/c I'm expecting a battle. For random encounters or minor battles, I'll quickly sketch something simple out.
One thing I've found useful is to not describe the room/area until after the players have seen the battlemap (if applicable). It's easier for them to listen to a description when they have visual references to refer to. If you read it out first, they'll ask a bunch of questions when you show them the map. But if you read it out when they can see the map, everything will fall into place much easier (unless your drawing skills are truly horrible).
The other thing I do is to write terrain modifiers right on the map for ease of reference. I also have all the different conditions printed out on large cue cards so I can just place them on the map or give them to players as needed.
I usually put one major encounter area on each battlemap, with each hidden by the previous (or I turn them upside down). If I'm cramped for space or the areas are small (but numerous), I'll draw them in order and then fold the map over on itself so that it can be slowly rolled back as new areas are reached.
I only draw out major areas of importance; usually b/c I'm expecting a battle. For random encounters or minor battles, I'll quickly sketch something simple out.
One thing I've found useful is to not describe the room/area until after the players have seen the battlemap (if applicable). It's easier for them to listen to a description when they have visual references to refer to. If you read it out first, they'll ask a bunch of questions when you show them the map. But if you read it out when they can see the map, everything will fall into place much easier (unless your drawing skills are truly horrible).
The other thing I do is to write terrain modifiers right on the map for ease of reference. I also have all the different conditions printed out on large cue cards so I can just place them on the map or give them to players as needed.
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