Dungeon Magazine Maps and VTTs

[Johanus]

Hi All,

I love using the adventures from the dungeon magazine, running them using masterplan. When tiles are used, it is easy, but some of the hand drawn maps, for example Dead Haven in dungeon 218, the use of non-whole squares around the edge of the map make it a nightmare to import.

I was wondering how others go about it?

I know i could print out and use minis, but i have players playing over skype so needs to be masterplan.

Thanks
Jon

 

[Ranes]

I'm not familiar with Masterplan but I've tried several VTTs over the years. Most recently I've been experimenting with MapTool and Roll20.

When it comes to importing scans of printed maps, I've encountered issues. In some cases, the squares in the map illustration you're trying to import aren't actually completely square and require further modification (through scaling, stretching or skewing) with image handling software such as Photoshop. It's something I'm not very good at and, to my dismay, I'm finding it more trouble than it's worth.

But to the specific problem you refer - non-whole squares - both the packages I've mentioned enable you to slide maps around independently of the VTT grid, enabling you to line everything up quite easily. Does Masterplan not have such a feature?

If not, you could import your map into a PS-like package. Set it in the middle of a canvas that is larger than the imported image. Define a grid in the software that matches the pixel width of the one on your map. Make your image line up with this. Then crop a new image from corners of the grid beyond the edge of your map. Save the new image and import that. It should line up.

 

[Johanus]

Fantastic, worked like a charm,thank you