Started trying to use some random dungeon map generators and noticed that alot of them add room numbers to the map. On the one hand this is really useful to make an easy reference sheet. However I'm kinda stuck with what to show to player. If they see room 1 and the next choice they make takes them to room 5 they know they missed something. Any suggestions?
D&D 5E How do you use maps with room numbers?
- Thread starter ArtaSoral
- Start date
Plaguescarred
Hero
Or if you can modify the file you can switch numbers for symbols instead i.e ! @ # $ % ^ & * + = etc...
bedir than
Full Moon Storyteller
have a number in every room
I'm not familiar with whatever mapping program you're using, but assuming you have a non-linear complex it won't matter. I use the adventure maps on Roll20 that have the room numbers, which are visible to the players, and it's not that big of a deal. The only time it can matter is if you have an area that is only accessible via a secret door and the players actually pay attention. Even then, you could easily meta-game the situation to counter their meta-game ("well, obviously we missed a secret door somewhere. Let's go looking for it!" "OK, while you spend a couple of days searching, a band of <monster> starts to move in and attacks.").
S
Sunseeker
Guest
Personally, I wouldn't sweat it. The players don't know what "Room 1" means. YOU know what "Room 1" means. The players will figure it out once they reach said room. All "Room 1" will mean to them is to give them a point of reference on the map, which is fine. For all intents and purposes you can say that there is a carving on the wall indicating that this is "Room 1". Perhaps assign each room names on your reference guide. Even if players see "Room 1" on the map, you will tell them the carving reads "Lavatory" or "Janitorial" or "HVAC". The players will make up their own minds about it.
Satyrn
First Post
I see three alternatives. I'd use any of them based on my mood and player preference.
-Edit out the numbers
-Draw another copy to show them
-Let them see the numbers and accept whatever decisions they make with that info.
If you're gonna show them the numbers, you obviously can't object if they hunt down room 3, even if you think that's dirty metagaming. So if it will indeed bother you if they hunf down missing rooms then don't show them the numbers. But the players may actually be fine with seeing the numbers, and it could add some interest and fun to your game, too. How? I don't know exactly, but that's something to find out.
You might also find out that your players don't want to see the numbers. They might find it unfun. So that takes that option away.
Phew.
marcelvdpol
Explorer
Alternatively you could use the meta-game against them byvdeliberately leaving out some numbers. Think of room numbers in modern hotels where the first digit is the floor number; this means that the room numbers are not contiguous but could go from 325 to 401 (and note that 400 itself is missing).
By deliberately leaving out some numbers you can keep the players guessing. Start labelling the rooms 1, 2, 3 then 5, 6 then 8, 9 etc. Keepbthem guessing.....
By deliberately leaving out some numbers you can keep the players guessing. Start labelling the rooms 1, 2, 3 then 5, 6 then 8, 9 etc. Keepbthem guessing.....
Hrothgar Rannúlfr
Explorer
Alternately... 
You could describe each room as having a huge number carved into the floor by the buliders of the dungeon!
You could describe each room as having a huge number carved into the floor by the buliders of the dungeon!
marcelvdpol
Explorer
Alternately...
You could describe each room as having a huge number carved into the floor by the buliders of the dungeon!
And it would be even cooler if there is some trap, riddle or puzzle attached to those numbers carved into the floor.
Similar Threads
