Projected map vs. terrain objects

[Snapdragyn]

I see a lot of advantage to projection (particularly if you can work in 'fog of war' &/or lightsource shading - those would probably switch my vote).

That said, I voted terrain - having once played with it, I can never forget how much it stoked my imagination to actually move my character mini behind a tree, or up a hill, or across the deck of a ship. Being on the player side of the equation, of course, probably made it a bit easier to like as I got to skip any of the cost/prep negatives.

 

[dougmander]

I have a huge collection of Dwarven Forge scenery -- it looks amazing and gives such a clear picture of the combat environment. But it takes time to set up, and you can't save a layout between gaming sessions.

A projector would be really neat -- I'd love to try that. Maybe use Dwarven Forge for scenery, and a projector for lighting and spell effects?

I've also used Second Life to create modular scenery and run D&D games in a 3-D environment.

 

[xnosipjpqmhd]

I voted 3D because there wasn't an option for "both." After having experimented with maybe a dozen different ways to present tabletop maps, I now believe you need a variety of methods in your arsenal for different purposes.

I only used a projection system once, and it had too many drawbacks to use long-term.

I use printed color maps / tiles most of the time. Super cheap, quick set-up/removal, easy to transport, can slide along the table during exploration, etc.

I use 3d terrain only for important climactic scenes that I know the PCs won't avoid and will take much of the session to play out.

I draw on a big blank battle grid whenever the PCs go somewhere I didn't prepare for.

Occasionally I'll whip out other resources for variety sake, such as Tactiles, etc.

 

[BlueBlackRed]

3D terrain = "I can't see around that wall. Can you move it? How'd I end up there? That's not where I wanted to be."

Projection = "How much for a replacement bulb?"
We wanted to do projection, but the cost killed that pretty quick.

 

[B4cchus]

First of all: thanks for the reactions and mostly your experiences with both methods.
The reactions so far are a good representation of my own position on the subject. Almost evenly balanced with a slight preference for projected maps. Right now i am leaning towards using the projector as the main tool and adding some tarrain objects for added flavour.
My biggest problem with the terrain objects is that i'd need a huge collection of different pieces in order to remain somewhat flexible (and not present my players with very boring dungoens build from simple, straight walls).
I do agree that the objects add a lot of flavour and enhance the overall experience.

As I said, thanks for your comments, keep them coming!

 

[Ruined]

I've recently started using the projector method and I'm really enthused with it. Your cons are valid ones to consider. For me, a couple of factors made it easier:

• I'm a Dundjinni user, so I was already spending the time to design the maps.
• I'm a Photoshop user, so the fog of war effect and other uses are easy to do.
• Any artistic talent I have does NOT translate to painting minis or terrain. I truly wish it did.

I really wish I was good at terrain and modeling. I've always envied the wargame boards I've seen out at Origins. But I know my limitations. I may get the items, but then I probably wouldn't use them. I don't even use the cool Dungeon Tiles that WotC published.