Map Keys?

[Andramelech]

On a lot of tiles and dungeon maps some of the squares have little symbols. Some look like tri-angles and some like little trees. I'm wondering if it indicates different terrain types. It's just that they don't always seem to make sense. I'll see a solid line around an area that I think is blocking terrain, but then in another area that should obviously be blocking terrain they'll have nothing. It seems the tree symbol tells you what you already know, that there's trees there. Is there some key that I missed?

 

[jimmifett]

On a lot of tiles and dungeon maps some of the squares have little symbols. Some look like tri-angles and some like little trees. I'm wondering if it indicates different terrain types. It's just that they don't always seem to make sense. I'll see a solid line around an area that I think is blocking terrain, but then in another area that should obviously be blocking terrain they'll have nothing. It seems the tree symbol tells you what you already know, that there's trees there. Is there some key that I missed?

triangle is difficult terrain. tree usually means cover. green lines usually mean something like you can walk through or climb on. yellow usually means cover and climb on, but not walk through. red usually means can't enter at all, and maybe blocks line of sight, but the lines can vary

 

[Andramelech]

I'm not sure but I think it wont always show these symbols. It might be only when it's questionable. There's areas on these maps that looks like blocking terrain, but no symbol. Like a big rock taking up a whole square.

Some of the areas that show cover; the tree symbol, look like they'd be at least difficult terrain as well.

I guess challenging terrain is not indicated, and described in the encounter and not the map. Maybe you don't want the PC's to know that they have to make a acrobatics check to avoid slipping.

I've only seen one map (the kings road), that had a solid black line, that looked like it enclosed blocking terrain, but I haven't seen any green or other color lines.

My understanding then, is that it will only clarify questionable areas on the map.

 

[Andramelech]

triangle is difficult terrain. tree usually means cover. green lines usually mean something like you can walk through or climb on. yellow usually means cover and climb on, but not walk through. red usually means can't enter at all, and maybe blocks line of sight, but the lines can vary

Where did you read this? I'd like to check it out.

 

[caudor]

triangle is difficult terrain. tree usually means cover. green lines usually mean something like you can walk through or climb on. yellow usually means cover and climb on, but not walk through. red usually means can't enter at all, and maybe blocks line of sight, but the lines can vary

Thanks! I knew what the triangles were for but didn't know the rest of the stuff.

 

[Jhaelen]

Where did you read this? I'd like to check it out.

IIRC, the symbols are explained in the 3.5 DMG. Some of them have also been explained in the DDM rules and/or the Fantastic Locations product line, where they first appeared. Note, though, that the DDM rules aren't necessarily equivalent to the 4e rules.

 

[Andramelech]

Overlays?

I found some difficult terrain overlays: RPTools.net • View topic - Request: Difficult Terrain Overlay

There's a black and white one to use in maptool, etc.

Does anyone know of a cover overlay, like the above difficult ones?

 

[Andramelech]

bump

 

[Hadrian the Builder]

There is no special symbol for cover.

 

[jimmifett]

Where did you read this? I'd like to check it out.

Combination of 3.x, DDM, and SW Minis.

You don't get a lot of maps these days with the colored lines anymore.
Generally, i'll rule trees occupying medium or large in size as cover/concealment. Trees in the Huge size have cover in 8 squares and the trunk is blocking terrain. Medium trees, i'll let a player climb up 1-2 squares. Large 2-3 squares up. Huge or bigger, as tall as plot requires, and move out onto branches(difficult terrain in the air, balance check required, only spaces adjacent to trunk for huge trees)

Small stones are usually difficult terrain and may or may not provide cover depending on mood, but I trend towards cover so they are interesting pieces on the field. Boulders are often blocking and do provide cover. I'll usually give them an athelics or acrobatics DC to climb up.

Of course, as DM, you are free to ignore or change any symbol on the map.