PbP maps, What programs do you use?

[cdsaint]

I've just started a PbP game, and sooner or later, you know combat is going to happen. I've seen a few posts where maps are used, and this strikes me as a very good idea. nothing fancy, just a basic program for mapping that leaves a small file when saved.

So, what do you use?

What would you recommend?

Chris

 

[Thanee]

HERE's an example of what I am using right now (from the current combat).

If you see black lines below some rows, that seems to be a displaying error with some browsers (i.e. mozilla firefox), I don't have this problem at home, but it's not more than a minor annoyance, really.

The program used is a very simple Javascript, which has been written by a gamer for exactly this purpose. You can find it at Lynax' RPG Map site.

The little information there is written in german, but there isn't much to know about this, except for some basic knowledge in HTML or Javascript, or any kind of programming language for that matter, as you have to edit the .js files to configure and alter the map. If you are interested, I can give you some more help with it, as I am using it now, I know quite well now, how to do maps like the above.

Also you have to make the gfx tiles yourself (there are some simple ones coming with it, but nothing else - most of the icons used in my map above have been cut from screenshots or other pics (like the pictures the players used for their characters) and altered a bit to fit; the health bars have been added by me for a better overview, they are not a feature of the mapping script, in case you wonder). You can select the size of them and the size of the map in one of the files, but it's adviseable to keep the icon standard of 32x32 pixels, since that is what it has been tested and used the most with. It's also really enough, I think. The large icon (horse) is just 4 small icons put into the right locations.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Thanee]

Also, there are some tool tips shown on every square with some information about the characters.

Oh, if you are using a current version of internet explorer, is the map showing correctly or with thick black lines seperating some rows?

Bye
Thanee

 

[sir_ollibolli]

The map is looking splendid. I'll definitely take a look at the site.

Thanks in advance,
Oliver

 

[cdsaint]

The map looks very nice on IE Thanee. I'll take a closer look at the program later today and see how much I can figure out. I'm afraid I've forgotten most of my high school German.

Chris

 

[Someone]

I use whatever mapping software I can (mainly Dungeoncrafter, but also Skeleton Key games tiles, etc) and Photoshop. You can find an example here

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

I usually make the map in Excel, then printscreen it and paste it in photoshop, crop as necissary, and save. Of course, it makes for very plain maps and nothing like the ones shown above. :/

 

[Thanee]

Well, the Javascript map I am using is Freeware (for personal use only, of course) and not really hard to use, if you have just a little understanding of HTML or anything related to programming (and even without, shouldn't be hard to use with a little effort).

The most difficult thing is finding suitable images for the icons.

Bye
Thanee