mapping 3d dungeons

[Shoe]

So in my latest campaign I have taken to building dungeons that are 3 dimensional...not in the sense that they have multiple levels as much as there can be chambers that are above and below the standard "level"

A demonic catacomb i have just done is mostly filled with blood and, if they players swim in it (which they will have to to excape) they will need to explore all 5 directions (NSEW up and down)

anyone have any XP drawing dungeons like the above and if so, what is a good way to draw it out to avoid confusing both yourself and the players

-Thanks
Shoe

 

[Gilladian]

Use color to indicate rooms that are above/below the typical, and use dotted or dashed lines to indicate things that cross over/under.

That's what I've always done when I created a multi-dimensional dungeon.

 

[ajanders]

The old 1st edition Dungeoneer's guide had some resources for pencil and paper mapping in isometrics.
Gilladian's way is much easier, though it may not be as detailed as you like.

Isometric graph paper is available on the web: try incompetech.org.

How comfortable are you with 2d dungeon maps?

 

[Shoe]

The old 1st edition Dungeoneer's guide had some resources for pencil and paper mapping in isometrics.
Gilladian's way is much easier, though it may not be as detailed as you like.

Isometric graph paper is available on the web: try incompetech.org.

How comfortable are you with 2d dungeon maps?

pretty comfortable, I have been DM-ing half of my life for a total of 15 years. I have drawn a ton of maps...I am trying to challenge both myself and my players now with cool stuff like a 3d dungeon where you have to swim in blood and other wierd scenarios that dont come up as often

 

[Gilladian]

I found that the isometric method worked great for tall rooms, and for areas that were elevated or lowered from other areas, but was not so useful for areas that actually "ran" under or over other areas.

I often do side-sketches of complex or intricate room layouts, but I still find a good overhead-down view answers 90% of questions, just fine.

 

[.5 Elf]

The old 1st edition Dungeoneer's guide had some resources for pencil and paper mapping in isometrics.
Gilladian's way is much easier, though it may not be as detailed as you like.

Isometric graph paper is available on the web: try incompetech.org.

How comfortable are you with 2d dungeon maps?

You can also try Print Free Graph Paper