Computers, Projectors, and Battle Maps.

[cyderak]

I dunno if it's the genre or the medium. I seem to notice that player of Sci-fi games are more inclined to accept new tech in this manner. Wargamers would much rather use minis and model terrain, if given a choice, and die-hard fans of D&D seem to prefer old-fashioned battle maps. These are just broad generalizations, of course.

Has anyone noticed how Star Trek gamers seem less inclined to use map at all? I suppose this makes sense; very few adventures in ST are set on the ships themselves; they usually involve away teams.

We've used D20Pro for star Wars RPG. Found some Star Wars Ship deckplans and some battle maps for Star Wars settings.

It was a BLAST!!!

I also found some maps for our Mutants and Masterminds (2nd Edition) campaigns. A map with some placeable items for superheroes and super-villains to interact with.

 

[Deepfire]

I use an LED-projector, mounted above my (white) gaming table, a Macbook which uses the display as "second screen" and most of the time photoshop for the display. (I tried to use dndjinny or maptools, but most of the time I stay with PS. I work daily with PS, so my expertise is by far better with it than with maptools for instance).

When I play a published scenario, I scan the maps, cut them into PS-layers, delete the secrets of the maps, name the layers like the rooms they describe, add illumination with semitransparent masks and here we go. We still use metal miniatures or other markers - it's easier this way.

Additionally, when Illustrations are to be shown, I can drop them on the display. Large NPC groups with important persons/names get a page with their portraits and names under it for easy player reference.

My players like it, I like it - it was a cheap (projector for 200 or 300 Euro) solution with a huge success. Highly recommended

 

[Blue Max Studios]

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. I like using photoshop precisely because of the ability to add transparent layers and obscure unexplored sections of the maps. And personally, considering the cost of minis, I think investing in a projector would be cheaper in the long run.

 

[Piratecat]

Here's a question I think I already know the answer to. If you're too damn lazy to prep battlemaps ahead of time, is there any value to setting up a projector to shine down on the table? Can map-building be done swiftly on the fly?

 

[falcarrion]

Here's a question I think I already know the answer to. If you're too damn lazy to prep battlemaps ahead of time, is there any value to setting up a projector to shine down on the table? Can map-building be done swiftly on the fly?

I would say yes if you have the right equipment. With graph paper, scanner/printer, and maptools. I can load a map in a flash. Or I could create a nice map with pymapper. I beleive there is even software out there that you can create random dungeons with.

 

[jcayer]

I'll answer you question with another one...how detailed a map do you want?

If you're looking to throw a room together, that is the shape of a box, and toss a couple creatures in it...just as easy in maptools as on graph paper.

If you want something special in maptools, 30-60 minutes depending on level of detail, size, etc.

Maptools has changed the way I prep....in a good way.

 

[darjr]

If i had a projector or digital map i'd start a catalog or collection of as many of the digital maps I own or can use. I'd build an index so I could find the one I need quickly to plop onto the table.

 

[cyderak]

If you need maps go to:

Dundjinni Mapping Software - Forums Search

Search for a specific type of map like:
--dungeon
--temple
--town
--tomb

Rifle through the posts and find the maps that suit you.

Alot of them are very nice maps made by professional RPG battlemap designers.

 

[Blue Max Studios]

Why use a table? The advantage of a projector (and Mini-counter on separate Photoshop/GIMP layers) is that the battle map can be projected on a wall. This leaves the table free for books, sheets and dice-not to mention the fact that spills and crumbs are safely away from the action.

Also, if the minis are traditional unpainted metal (most non-star wars sci-fi ones still are, aren't they?) then the time required to sand, paint, assemble and otherwise prep a handful of minis can yield a map, a huge number of mini-tiles and still end up costing less.

I'm not suggesting that miniature collecting and wargame play should be replaced; after all, they are a hobby within themselves. For me personally, I want a convenient way to keep the action going in an RPG, and I think that projectors and jpg files may be the way to go.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Here's a question I think I already know the answer to. If you're too damn lazy to prep battlemaps ahead of time, is there any value to setting up a projector to shine down on the table? Can map-building be done swiftly on the fly?

Yes. Use the original Neverwinter Nights 1 toolset to create and diplay your maps.

With placeable buildings, stripped rooms and rescaled furniture, you can build virtually any scene or battlemap faster than you can draw it -- at a level of detail which is half-dozen orders of magnitude greater in vibrancy and detail, too.

Ignore the suggestion about drawing on the fly with Maptool or other programs. They are FAR too slow.

Use the NWN1 toolset - that's the ticket to speed.