DUNGEON #114 Map File Now Available
- Thread starter Erik Mona
- Start date
Coreyartus
Explorer
I do have to admit, jpegs would be better for me, personally. That would allow Paizo to put them on the web at higher resolutions. A PDF won't allow you to print out larger scale maps that are: 1) easier to read, 2) at a quality that doesn't look like it's been torqued too much, 3) easily adaptable for home play.
I've tried blowing up other downloadable map images to a very large scale in Photoshop, and then printed them out on transparencies to actually lay down on top of my battlemat. It makes for a great visual if the download resolution is high enough. Sometimes having the battlegrid on the file is problematic, but then one can print them out in color on paper, and use them as highly effective "pre-made" Dundjinni-style battlemats.
Having all of the secret doors and "DM-stuff" marked on the map is VERY problematic to "cover up", and makes the visuals useless as player hand-outs. Downloading those images is simply superfluous. Player maps will actually get used. And if one does indeed need another copy of the map as a DM, simply buying another copy of the magazine provides a better quality print than downloading and printing out a file of the same image (most of the time).
One thing I do have to say is REALLY great is the images that aren't maps. Maps are great and all, but sometimes it's really great to have a different kind of visual. Showing a picture of a monster/NPC that the players don't recognize is VERY close to what it's really like--they dunno what it can/can't do! They have to look for visual clues! And that's really fun.
Thanks, Eric! Glad they got up there! Well done!
And, golly, how much lead time did Ben Huen need to paint that doubletruck spread of the waterfront for Mad God's Key? It's beautiful! Jason must have had that mod into you guys a LONG time ago...
Coreyartus
I've tried blowing up other downloadable map images to a very large scale in Photoshop, and then printed them out on transparencies to actually lay down on top of my battlemat. It makes for a great visual if the download resolution is high enough. Sometimes having the battlegrid on the file is problematic, but then one can print them out in color on paper, and use them as highly effective "pre-made" Dundjinni-style battlemats.
Having all of the secret doors and "DM-stuff" marked on the map is VERY problematic to "cover up", and makes the visuals useless as player hand-outs. Downloading those images is simply superfluous. Player maps will actually get used. And if one does indeed need another copy of the map as a DM, simply buying another copy of the magazine provides a better quality print than downloading and printing out a file of the same image (most of the time).
One thing I do have to say is REALLY great is the images that aren't maps. Maps are great and all, but sometimes it's really great to have a different kind of visual. Showing a picture of a monster/NPC that the players don't recognize is VERY close to what it's really like--they dunno what it can/can't do! They have to look for visual clues! And that's really fun.
Thanks, Eric! Glad they got up there! Well done!
And, golly, how much lead time did Ben Huen need to paint that doubletruck spread of the waterfront for Mad God's Key? It's beautiful! Jason must have had that mod into you guys a LONG time ago...
Coreyartus
Coreyartus
Explorer
Oh, I do gotta say, though, that Veltargo's image bears no resemblance to the NPC described in the text of Mad God's Key. I wonder which came first?
Coreyartus
Coreyartus
I like it.
Erratta, maps, pictures...If this content is the new standard, then Paizo's website has become a must-visit (at least once a month) for me.
My only complaint would be that on a slow connection it would take awhile to download. Zipping it up doesn't appear to gain a whole lot though.
Also, I like the new format for both magazines. Good job.
Erratta, maps, pictures...If this content is the new standard, then Paizo's website has become a must-visit (at least once a month) for me.
My only complaint would be that on a slow connection it would take awhile to download. Zipping it up doesn't appear to gain a whole lot though.
Also, I like the new format for both magazines. Good job.
Well met!
I'd like to see single jpeg files as well, in order to easily change them; sometimes I just want to alter the adventure or room layout to accomodate to my current campaign, and that's easier with a single file for each map.
Kylearan
I'd like to see single jpeg files as well, in order to easily change them; sometimes I just want to alter the adventure or room layout to accomodate to my current campaign, and that's easier with a single file for each map.
;-) The labels are probably not present on the map bought by the characters? It looks better without the labels? Don't tell the players the important sites beforehand? Making fun of you? I think these are reasons enough. *g*Erik Mona said:
Kylearan
BryonD
Hero
Numion said:So we'd have four versions? PDF / JPEG, Player / DM ..
Agreed on the confusion.
Nothing like looking a gift horse in the mouth, eh?
I can see the PDF/JPG thing, no big deal there.
But expecting them to produce re-worked versions as a give-away doesn't seem reasonable to me.
Mystery Man
First Post
Thanks. I grabbed #114 yesterday and I think the new changes are great.Erik Mona said:
Rauol_Duke
First Post
Erik, #114 is great and thanks for the downloadable maps. We've missed 'em. Putting them together with errata and pix from the issue is a great idea IMO. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
