Best practices for easy-to-run modules [+]

[Bill Zebub]

--- never never never use isometric maps! Top-down only, thanks, unless a side-view would help in which case give that too.

I have to disagree here. I don't think isometric maps are the be-all, end-all, but they aren't terrible, either, and sometimes I really appreciate them. When I6 Ravenloft hit the shelves, the isometric map really helped me make sense of the place. (And I grew up reading floorplans, sections (what you called "side-view"), and elevations: my parents were architects and I was drafting by age 12.)

Sure, sometimes isometric maps "hide" details, but top down maps can also occlude some z-axis information. And while an additional section can solve that, not everybody visualizes 3D well enough to easily reconcile those two views. And even then many layouts will still be ambiguous unless you have two orthogonal sections.

So...you may not personally like isometric plans, which is fine, but they aren't "wrong". It depends on the layout and the execution.

 

[Bill Zebub]

Not just the cards, but the printable PDF has no interest either. Just not there.

Huh. :-/

 

[Fenris-77]

I have to disagree here. I don't think isometric maps are the be-all, end-all, but they aren't terrible, either, and sometimes I really appreciate them. When I6 Ravenloft hit the shelves, the isometric map really helped me make sense of the place. (And I grew up reading floorplans, sections (what you called "side-view"), and elevations: my parents were architects and I was drafting by age 12.)

Sure, sometimes isometric maps "hide" details, but top down maps can also occlude some z-axis information. And while an additional section can solve that, not everybody visualizes 3D well enough to easily reconcile those two views. And even then many layouts will still be ambiguous unless you have two orthogonal sections.

So...you may not personally like isometric plans, which is fine, but they aren't "wrong". It depends on the layout and the execution.

I like a nice iso map as well. I do think they work better for smaller, more contained locations than they do big sprawling ones.

 

[Sacrosanct]

I have to disagree here. I don't think isometric maps are the be-all, end-all, but they aren't terrible, either, and sometimes I really appreciate them. When I6 Ravenloft hit the shelves, the isometric map really helped me make sense of the place. (And I grew up reading floorplans, sections (what you called "side-view"), and elevations: my parents were architects and I was drafting by age 12.)

Sure, sometimes isometric maps "hide" details, but top down maps can also occlude some z-axis information. And while an additional section can solve that, not everybody visualizes 3D well enough to easily reconcile those two views. And even then many layouts will still be ambiguous unless you have two orthogonal sections.

So...you may not personally like isometric plans, which is fine, but they aren't "wrong". It depends on the layout and the execution.

I like a nice iso map as well. I do think they work better for smaller, more contained locations than they do big sprawling ones.

I agree with you both. They are great for smaller areas. I actually prefer them when dealing with smaller areas.

 

[Reynard]

Here are some quick images I threw together based on some of the feedback. Don't pay that much attention to the actual "adventure" (plot, railroad, etc.) but more on how it's laid out.

View attachment 422679

One note: while I really like having the Open Lock DC right there on the map, the circled number kept making me look for a legend or room list.

I wonder if you could use a different shape -- a lock shape even. Or if it is a Force Open (Strength) check, a door shape?

Just a weird thought.

 

[Fenris-77]

I agree with you both. They are great for smaller areas. I actually prefer them when dealing with smaller areas.

I think the Trilemma Adventures book is an example of iso maps done very well. The cartography in there is fantastic.

 

[Bill Zebub]

I agree with you both. They are great for smaller areas. I actually prefer them when dealing with smaller areas.

I also think they are just more evocative/mood-setting, especially if done in a hand-drawn style with some details added. E.g.:

Oh and I just found this collection of good isometric maps from Elven Tower.

 

[Sacrosanct]

I admit my bias. My favorite “map” when first got into gaming was in Moldvay Basic, the Erol Otis side view of the dungeon. Not top down.