Software for creating "classic AD&D style" maps.

[dcravey]

I'm looking for PC software to make dungeon maps like those found in the original AD&D modules, and wilderness maps such as in the X-series (Isle of Dread).

Software such as ProFantasy, while reasonably priced, seems a bit too fancy for what I want. I certainly don't mind paying for the right software, but I just can't find it.

Surely it's gotta be out there. I'd greatly appreciate any information.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[pogre]

You might try Dungeon Crafter. It is free and there probably is a tile set that will mimic what you are looking for.

 

[jaerdaph]

I'm looking for PC software to make dungeon maps like those found in the original AD&D modules, and wilderness maps such as in the X-series (Isle of Dread).

Software such as ProFantasy, while reasonably priced, seems a bit too fancy for what I want.

Hi dcravey,

The 2007 Cartographer's Annual add-on for CC3 has a style pack for old-school TSR dungeon maps:

http://sub.profantasy.com/2007/december07.html

As for the wilderness maps, it has been a few years since I've seen Isle of Dread and can't remember what the wilderness maps look like. Are you looking for Greyhawk-style hex maps? If so, the Cosmographer add-on has a collection of hex symbols for overland maps that are very similar in appearance:

http://www.profantasy.com/products/cos.asp

Here's an example of some of those symbols (ignore the diamond map layout - it's only one of several templates you can use with the symbols). :

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/phill.winters/map_files/region2.PNG

If you want, I can mock up an example using those symbols that is a little more fantasy than sci fi. If this style isn't want you want, please feel free to post a link to an example image and I'll see if there is something in CC3 that will emulate that.

 

[dcravey]

Those ProFantasy add-ons look like exactly what I want. Hopefully I won't have to spend tons of time learning how to use the software.

I understand that ProFantasy has a 14-day return policy. This makes me feel much better about spending $200 on software I've never used, or even seen used before.

Does anyone know if it is easy to return items under their "satisfaction guaranteed" policy, or does ProFantasy give you a lot of giref if you try to return something? For that metter, is 14 days enought time to geet a good feel for the software, considering the learning curve?

Thanks again!

 

[Silverblade The Ench]

Note you can also use 2D paint packages to make maps: GIMP (free), Paint Shop Pro (cheap), Phootshop (expensive), etc

I have both Paint SHop Pro and Photoshop, but am much more familiar wth Paint Shop Pro.

For PSP: A layer with grid made from vector lines, 1 pixel thick on top.
Then bottom layer of base colour (blue if classic originals)

Between them, sandwich white rectangles, lines etc for the rooms, passges etc. Some extra work can improve all this, such as smudge and eraser smearing the edges of lines, to give rough cavern corridors.

 

[jaerdaph]

Does anyone know if it is easy to return items under their "satisfaction guaranteed" policy, or does ProFantasy give you a lot of giref if you try to return something? For that metter, is 14 days enought time to geet a good feel for the software, considering the learning curve?

It's been my personal experience that Profantasy customer support is some of the best out there, in any industry. If they say they will take the software back after 14 days, then I have no doubt they will honor that.

14 days should be enough time, but make sure you read (and more importantly follow along) with the 40 page pamphlet (it also installs as a PDF file too) that comes with the software called CC3 The Essentials. This is key to getting a firm grasp of how the software works and the basic skills you need when using the software. Reading that pamphlet and following along is key and cannot be stressed enough. It will save you a lot of grief.

The other add-ons like DD3 come with pamphlets/PDFs as well, and you should go through those as well once you get through the main one. Each of the 12 style packs in the Cartographer's Annual 2007 comes with a short (4-6 page) PDF about how to get up and running quickly with the tools in that style pack, so once you get through the CC3 and DD3 pamphlets, you could be mapping in that blue and white dungeon style within 14 days as well. IMHO, If you put a little bit of time and effort in at the begining, CC3 always pays off.

Also, be sure to join the CC Users Group at Yahoo to ask questions, learn about updates, and interact with Profantasy staff and knowlegable users:

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/cc2-l/

This mailing list/group is one of the best out there for support. You will find always someone who is willing and can help you if you have any questions, usually rather quickly too.

Also, be sure to look at the official FAQ before you install the software, especially if you are running Windows Vista:

http://www.profantasy.com/service/faq.asp

Finally, if you want to learn more about CC3 and other mapping software and mapping options, I highly recommend joining The Cartographers Guild and asking for opinions and options. It's a wonderful group of people who are very knowledgable and more than willing to help:

http://www.cartographersguild.com

 

[jaerdaph]

And about the learning curve - unfortunately, this perception still haunts the software to this day. The learning curve in CC3 is no where near as steep as it was in the early days of CC2. The addition of such things as drawing tools has made it much easier to use. The biggest obstacle to overcome, especially if you have used software like PhotoShop (or any Windows software), is how CC3 (which is a CAD program) works a little differently - in essence you select the command or action you want to perform BEFORE you select the entity you want to perform it on. In MS Word, for example, you select text you want to change the color of before you select the change text color command, but in CC3 you would select the change color command before you select the entity you want to change the color of.

But again, go through the short pamphlet that comes with the software, it will illustrate this new way of doing things (as well as concepts like sheets and layers), and you'll be up and running in no time. And if you still have questions, go to the CC mailing list - it's an amazing resource.

 

[Knightfall]

You might try Dungeon Crafter. It is free and there probably is a tile set that will mimic what you are looking for.

I highly recommend this as well. The program is simple (and fun) to use.

 

[Ebonyr]

I also use Autorealm (free), Fractal Mapper ($40) and Paint Shop Pro to give the final touch ups.