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<blockquote data-quote="Janx" data-source="post: 1641870" data-attributes="member: 8835">The problem with describing the map to the players and having them map it is that they DO care about sizes and distances.It's true that on a map where nothing loops back and reconnects (all clean forks) that distances don't matter much.&nbsp; However, when the map is complicated, with hallways connecting back to other rooms and branches the party passed, the players want to know if it's a new area, or if they're back where they were before.&nbsp; Some areas DO look the same, so they're bound to make that mistake.Another alternative to giving the PCs the full map, is for th DM to draw the map as the players go.&nbsp; Basically, put out a blank sheet, and draw in what the players see/know.&nbsp; It doesn't have to be pretty, it just ahs to show the players where they are. The sticks and hoops/lines and boxes method works fine here.&nbsp; The players will use a small token to show where the party is on the map.&nbsp; The DM just draws the next room/bend/fork as the party would encounter it.&nbsp; This is pretty quick, though it requires the DM to keep updating the map, but it ensures the players get what the DM is describing.&nbsp; For &quot;realism&quot; the DM could provide more detail/accuracy on his drawing based on the skill of the PC who is &quot;doing&quot; the mapping.Another method is to print 2 copies of the maps.&nbsp; One for the DM (with the secrets showing), another for the players (secrets hidden).&nbsp; Then take some scissors and cut the map up, for each segment the players can see.&nbsp; The DM can layout the new segment (room/hallway segment) and the players can tape it to the previous segments.Janx</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Janx, post: 1641870, member: 8835"] The problem with describing the map to the players and having them map it is that they DO care about sizes and distances. It's true that on a map where nothing loops back and reconnects (all clean forks) that distances don't matter much. However, when the map is complicated, with hallways connecting back to other rooms and branches the party passed, the players want to know if it's a new area, or if they're back where they were before. Some areas DO look the same, so they're bound to make that mistake. Another alternative to giving the PCs the full map, is for th DM to draw the map as the players go. Basically, put out a blank sheet, and draw in what the players see/know. It doesn't have to be pretty, it just ahs to show the players where they are. The sticks and hoops/lines and boxes method works fine here. The players will use a small token to show where the party is on the map. The DM just draws the next room/bend/fork as the party would encounter it. This is pretty quick, though it requires the DM to keep updating the map, but it ensures the players get what the DM is describing. For "realism" the DM could provide more detail/accuracy on his drawing based on the skill of the PC who is "doing" the mapping. Another method is to print 2 copies of the maps. One for the DM (with the secrets showing), another for the players (secrets hidden). Then take some scissors and cut the map up, for each segment the players can see. The DM can layout the new segment (room/hallway segment) and the players can tape it to the previous segments. Janx [/QUOTE]

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