<![CDATA[Cartographers' Guild - Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping]]> http://www.cartographersguild.com/ Underground and dungeon crawl map discussion. en Sat, 25 May 2013 21:07:18 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.cartographersguild.com/images/cartographer/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Cartographers' Guild - Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping]]> http://www.cartographersguild.com/ <![CDATA[[WIP] Dungeon maps - seeking advice]]> http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23457&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 09:43:53 GMT So, we started playing dungeon crawls in '81 Basic D&D using roll20. For this i needed some dungeon maps. I picked up some one-page dungeons and converted them using RobA's dungeon script in GIMP. I attached an example from Dyson's delve, level 1.

But now i would need some advice, as i am not really experienced in GIMP, or in mapping in general.

Is there some tutorial how to add objects/elements to dungeons fast? Or is the only method manually adding them from my gathered objects?

Also, as you can see on this attached map, i actually create several "maps" for the different parts (on different layers), but the transitions are not very smooth, so if someone could give me an advice how to make that nicer, that would be nice.

And in general, i welcome any suggestion, opinion about this.

-sc
Attached Thumbnails
[WIP] Dungeon maps - seeking advice-delve1.png  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping scarcow http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23457 Oceanic Maps http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23400&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 00:34:06 GMT I'm trying to find inspiration for my own attempts at creating some fantasy ocean maps. Can anyone point me in the direction of any maps that might show deep ocean nations/wilderness areas. Most of the wet maps I have found thus far have been in shallow water, or partially flooded dungeon-type areas. I'm more interested in where/how aquatic races might live and never see the light of day.

Any thoughts..? ]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Llowellen http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23400 *WIP* Why did it have to be snakes? Aka, the Yuan-Ti temple http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23223&goto=newpost Wed, 01 May 2013 15:54:14 GMT It's a abandoned temple on a desert island. Surrounded by thick jungles and taken over by a vile serpent cult. It is a promise of untold riches and even greater danger. But, more than that, it is adventure, whispering in the hears of every would be adventurers!


I started working on a project for NathanC and here is the top floor so far...


The original plan is Nathan's and, while there is not too many of them yet, the furniture (and in particular the really cool "Snake pool") come from Dundjinni...

*WIP* Why did it have to be snakes? Aka, the Yuan-Ti temple-yuan-ti-temple.png


As usual, I would appreciate any advice and recommendation and, in particular, I'd like to hear Nathan's opinion about whereas the project is going in the direction he wants...
Attached Thumbnails
*WIP* Why did it have to be snakes? Aka, the Yuan-Ti temple-yuan-ti-temple.png  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Simon33600 http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23223 <![CDATA[[WIP] My first mapping attempt - small cave lair]]> http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23169&goto=newpost Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:18:29 GMT Hi everyone, this is my first crack at a dungeon map. (Or any map, actually.)

It's being created in GIMP following the great tutorial by Jonathan Roberts at NewbieDM.

It's going to be the final encounters of a 1st-level adventure. After tracking some kind of cave-dwelling creature (I'm thinking kobolds) back to their lair, the party will finish them off.

So here's the map as it stands right now:
[WIP] My first mapping attempt - small cave lair-cavelair.jpg

I'm still juggling ideas for the northernmost room. It could be a makeshift prison, or a dumping ground for caravan goods the kobolds have stolen that are not as interesting to them. I also considered the idea of it being the territory of some other cave monster the kobolds either avoid, or feed their prisoners to so that it doesn't get hungry enough to attack them.

The two main encounters with the kobolds themselves will happen in the two medium-sized rooms with pools of water.

I know it's small, but that's intentional. We only have a couple hours to play on Sunday nights and this will be for our first attempt at using a virtual tabletop over the internet, so I want to keep it simple and let everyone get a feel for the interface. (And there are a couple players who are either new to D&D or rusty.)

Plans for finishing it:
1) I'm actually realizing as I'm looking over it to post it that it's going to have to get larger, at least in one or two places. The rooms are just too small for a full party to maneuver in against multiple NPCs. I might accomplish that just by shrinking the grid (currently 100px).
2) Naturally I'll eventually have to add a few touches to make it look like a place sentient creatures have been using (some simple bedrolls or the like) but I don't want it to get too busy.
3) I'm not crazy about the parchment texture look for cave floor. I'd really like to try to get the floor to look like naturally water-smoothed cave rock, so any input on how to do that would be very much appreciated. I'm fine with the walls, the tutorial's approach leaves a nice, neutral, non-distracting wall.
4) I'd like to make the cave floor right in front of the pools have a glossy sheen without losing the appearance of rock, as though it's wet and slippery - and any character that finds him or herself fighting or running too close to the water has a chance of slipping. I would love pointers on that as well, if anyone has any.
5) There's supposed to be an underwater tunnel connecting the two easternmost rooms that have a wall between them. What I would like, though, is for the PCs to have to go looking for it. When they first enter the room in the virtual tabletop, fog of war will hide the small room at the other end of the water tunnel. Adventurers brave enough to try to poke around underwater will find the tunnel, and the side room will contain some extra treasure the kobolds had hidden away. I'm trying to decide whether to have the suggestion of a hole/tunnel at the bottom of the cave pool faintly visible, or to simply leave the search up to game mechanics.
6) I haven't had a chance to put in shadows, but I was waiting until I figured out whether I had a way of doing a more cave-like floor texture first.

I hope that wasn't too much explanatory text. I would welcome any feedback, tips, ideas, etc. Thanks!

Edit:
Here's tonight's progress, which includes a smaller grid, some shadows, cave textures and blended borders between water and stone.
[WIP] My first mapping attempt - small cave lair-cavelair.jpg
Attached Thumbnails
[WIP] My first mapping attempt - small cave lair-cavelair.jpg   [WIP] My first mapping attempt - small cave lair-cavelair.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Pineapple http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23169 For all those adventures that never got run... http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23081&goto=newpost Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:24:00 GMT All that work planning an adventure (http://subterraneandesign.tumblr.com/image/46520797546).......and the players take a left turn at... All that work planning an adventure .......and the players take a left turn at Alberquerky...

Not my work by the way.... ]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Korash http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23081 Watercolor practice - ISO style http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23025&goto=newpost Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:23:00 GMT First off, I guess I'm frugal because instead of just practicing on a regular sheet of watercolor paper I have found I like cutting it into fourths. This way I don't feel bad about tossing a few of them in the trash. Chopping a sheet into fourths gives me smaller areas to paint as well. I'm not sure if this helps with dealing with warpage because they still tend to curl up but I can easily set them under a book or something once they are dry and they straighten out over night. I actually tapped one of them down on a thin piece of flooring board to see how that went. Worked pretty well, maybe I'll show that one in another thread.

I am not using a fancy paper, I bought an "Artist's Loft" watercolor pad - Cold press finish - Acid free - 12" x 9" x 25 sheets that I purchased at Michael's. I don't recall how much it was but at my level of experience with watercolor I wasn't going to fork out a bunch. I like the Cold Press because it's almost smooth and certainly much cheaper than the Hot press. I don't like the roughness (or I'm not used to it) of the standard Watercolor paper so Cold Press works for me.

I also picked up a cheapO pack of watercolor brushes also "Artist's Loft". I attempted using them and absolutely hated them. The hairs where coming out and making a mess of things. I quickly tossed them into a pile for use whenever I want to paint something with acid or something. I then went to a Jo Ann's (a type of hobby/craft store) and picked up a Koi Water Colors:Pocket Field Sketch Box - I love this thing. It has a synthetic brush that comes with it that has a water fillable handle so you have your water carried within the brush. I did get some extra paint but I haven't yet really needed it.

Recently, I splurged and bought a 25.00 Princeton Neptune #16 super soft brush. I love this thing as well. The experts all say if there is one thing you must get right, it's the brushes and I'm finding myself agreeing with them.

So that's my gear for now, let's get to it.

I begin with a little sketch of a subterranean area drawn in pencil:
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Watercolor practice - ISO style-iso-dungeon.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Jaxilon http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=23025 <![CDATA[[WIP] One Page Dungeon Contest - The Alchemist's Trove]]> http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22881&goto=newpost Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:04:08 GMT So whilst walking the dog this afternoon I was thinking about the One Page Dungeon Contest... So whilst walking the dog this afternoon I was thinking about the One Page Dungeon Contest and I think that my head is still in puzzle mode from the CG March Mapping Challenge. So here's the rough start of the top'ish level of my future entry for tye OPD.

Adventure Synopsis

For centuries man has tried to use magic and science with a common goal in mind, to be able to transmute a worthless mundane item into valuable gold. For centuries man has tried and failed, no manner of spells or alchemic potions yielding to this potential discovery, or so it was believed. Deep in the heart of the Ahy'yhu Mountains the wizard and infamous alchemist Midas Goldcloak has dedicated his life to making this discovery, and against all odds it is rumoured that before he died he achieved it. Now his hidden trove has been uncovered, with your band of adventurers you aim to plunder his hidden workshop and try to uncover the truth in this rumour and, if it is there, the secret to transmuting gold and bringing you both wealth and fame beyond your imagination!

[WIP] One Page Dungeon Contest - The Alchemist's Trove-one-page-challenge.jpg

Overview

The main purpose of this adventure is that the players will find very little challenge as they work their way into the dungeon, very few (if any) creatures or beasts would be found, though a few puzzles to make it interesting for them. When they descend and reach the bottom level they will find Midas Goldcloak's ritual written in a book, an odd look item with jagged edges around the page. Unfortunately the book has been turned into solid gold and from the visible page only part of the ritual/alchemical formula can be read. The book is fastened tight to the golden pedestal and all are too heavy for the players to remove from the room. However, there is another notebook left by Midas to reverse the transmutation process so the players can turn the book from gold back to its normal property.

The Twist

The ritual will spread outwards from the book and begin to turn everything that is made of gold into it's natural property (items that were already gold aren't affected), as the effect spreads monstrous golden statues will come alive, traps will be activated, what seemed like a floor lined with gold was in fact a pit of acid that the players would not have to leap from step to step to cross. When the book is returned to its original state so to is the jagged edge that lined its pages; fire, Midas had set fire to his book before turning it to gold and so the pages burn and his secret disappears with him.

The players must then race back through the dungeon as fast as they can, removing as much treasure as they can before it becomes worthless, each room being effected after a number of turns (including the giant snake they would have climbed down at the entrance)!

Diabolical!
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[WIP] One Page Dungeon Contest - The Alchemist's Trove-one-page-challenge.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Yospeck http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22881 <![CDATA[[GIMP] WIP: My First "Real" Attempt at Subterranean Mapping]]> http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22709&goto=newpost Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:37:43 GMT Greetings!

I'm not an artist. I'm certainly no where near many of the members' level of talent on here. I just use GIMP, but not very well. XD

Here's the base of my map (3,000 x 3,000): http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/6050/shadowyrm6.jpg

First, I painted black walls on a white canvas. Then -- obviously to those who know of it -- I used RobA's Subterrainian Map Prettier Script. After removing the square grid, I sandwiched a hex grid between the wall and floor layers (we play GURPS Fourth Edition, which uses hexes).

Then, I freehand drew the little elevation stairs all around and used the drop shadow filter on them.

That's it so far.

Eventually, I'll remove the wall texture and use filters to create my own with the help of the tutorial, "How to Blend Textures for Use in Battlemapping with GIMP."

Next, I'm going to add stalagmites everywhere. Then, I plan to blend in some dirt texture (created with filters) on the floor. Not sure exactly how I should do that, I just know one single texture for the whole floor is boring.

I'd love to add mist, but I've no idea how to even start with that or how well even an expert could pull it off.

Dramatic lightning would be great as well, but again, I'm a total newbie with little experience and no talent.

One thing I really want to accomplish is add water in the center room on the bottom "row" of rooms using only filters, no textures. Though I worked through a good tutorial once, I can't seem to get results that please me. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it! I want to add a pool of water to the north and south of the "bridge" in that room.

I might break down and add furniture and stuff, but I typically use minis to represent things like that. Also, I have no resources at all, rugs, tables, urns, boxes, books, piles of coins -- none of that stuff. I'd have to spend hours searching for it all.

Well, thanks so much for talking the time to read my post and look at my map! Advice is greatly appreciated, but remember, I barely know how to use GIMP at all! :)


Regards,


-RD Sharpe


EDIT: Latest version: http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/7528/shadowyrm8.jpg ]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Sharpe http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22709 A single afternoon dungeon crawl http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22662&goto=newpost Sun, 17 Mar 2013 19:40:23 GMT *The Dread Temple Caverns* Originally constructed by the dwarven outcast Banz Schteinkopf half a century ago, these caverns have seen a lot of... The Dread Temple Caverns

Originally constructed by the dwarven outcast Banz Schteinkopf half a century ago, these caverns have seen a lot of different residents since. A couple of years ago some goblinoids moved in. One evening, when they woke up, a large snake with a gorgeous female head was staring at them. She bade them kneel, and they did. In fact so overwhelming was Her charm that they did all She asked, and fought each other in order to please Her when orders where absent.

She ordered them kidnap travellers, and the prisoners flesh made Her satisfied and sleepy. But the blood of the prisoners was bottled and corked...

Now, years later, She has charmed a priest into service. Together, they await the oncoming constellation when the serpent is high and the waning moon is low on the sky. Then all the bottles, vintage and fresh alike, will be decantered just so onto the altar, and the Dutchess of Serpents will appear, and lo, all the guile and poison and violence of snakes shall be imparted upon them.

Yes, the time draws near. As luck would have it, a band of adventurers stumble upon these caverns. Will they be in time to stop the sanguine ritual? Or will they succumb to Her charms, and fill Her belly and Her bottles, like so many before them?
Oh yes, and I'm a noob around here. Any feedback at all on the map would be greatly appreciated!

A single afternoon dungeon crawl-dread_temple_caverns_small.jpg
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A single afternoon dungeon crawl-dread_temple_caverns_small.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping thomax http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22662 Multipolies causation, anyone? http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22581&goto=newpost Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:30:06 GMT This is a question - not an answer. As far as I can detect in the software (DD2) there are no gaps in the walls. I need to add contrast to... This is a question - not an answer.


As far as I can detect in the software (DD2) there are no gaps in the walls.

I need to add contrast to the map, to make the passages more visible (I would prefer staying within CC2, if possible). To do this, I have been informed that I need to create a multipoly of the current dungeon level, to place in front of a tinted background.

Problem: In attempting to create the multipoly, it bleeds in 4/5 places (I think). Any idea how to fix the walls so that they are amenable to the multipoly?

I have attached a current map to illustrate - all thoughts are welcome.:)Multipolies causation, anyone?-dungeonlevelupostingsize.png

Thanks,

Sorpaw
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Multipolies causation, anyone?-dungeonlevelupostingsize.png  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Sorpaw http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22581 The Entry http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22543&goto=newpost Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:28:32 GMT I've been getting back into some mapping using InkScape/Gimp. This project is the entrance to an underground complex. The main hall includes guard rooms, waiting areas, a ballroom or formal reception space, a checkpoint, and a bunch of additional rooms for staff and waiting supplicants. This is scaled to plug into a roll20 map grid.

I'm pretty happy with this one except for the short stairs leading up to the balcony area overlooking the east checkpoint. I'm not sure they hold up, nor do I think the balconies are quite right. :(

Critique cheerfully accepted.

The Entry-entryhall.jpg
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The Entry-entryhall.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping mthomas768 http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22543 <![CDATA[Great Hall of Pella Sol'Kur]]> http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22501&goto=newpost Sat, 02 Mar 2013 23:39:20 GMT Ages pass between logging in. I finally have something to share, though not quite done. This is the Great Hall of Pella Sol'Kur, inspired by Dyson at Dyson's Dodecahedron earlier this week. My map measures 64 inches long. You can see a mini standing by the pools in the deep caves. I will finish the non-playable area and re-post an image with nothing on the map so that it may be captured and re-coloured or worked with in whatever way you have available.

In the Great Hall itself, you find a raised platform and the throne dais one step higher than that. Behind the throne is a secret door which led to a room with a long narrow exit through a door feeding back into the side chamber of the hall. Unfortunately, the creatures that came up through the pools in the deep caves broke through here (and elsewhere). You will also find in the left-most panel an isolated strongroom accessed by two tunnels coming from (1) a chamber across the entrance hall and (2) a tunnel dug at a later date by the invaders (my sons).

Dyson's original post is linked below.



The image was drawn entirely freehand with pencil then retraced using pen. I used coloured pencil working on the textured floor of the kitchen for a bit of depth and variation. See the inspiration from Dyson's book here:[Tuesday Map] The Great Hall of Pella Sol’Kur (3 maps) | Dyson's Dodecahedron ]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Ettrick http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22501 My first dungeon map (made with paint.net) http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22293&goto=newpost Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:02:59 GMT Hello guys and gals. This is my first attempt at making a dungeon map for a small D&D campaign I plan on running. It's supposed to be the first part of a much larger, ancient, dwarven stronghold. I was attempting to go for a more classic look. How do you guys think I did?
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My first dungeon map (made with paint.net)-dungeon1.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Spectre216 http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22293 Question on marking slopes and elevations http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22221&goto=newpost Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:47:33 GMT First let me say I hope this is the correct forum. Second that, despite my best efforts, I am truly awful at mapping. Though time is limited and I... First let me say I hope this is the correct forum. Second that, despite my best efforts, I am truly awful at mapping. Though time is limited and I haven't been dedicated, the simplest GIMP tutorial sends my head swimming. So I decided I should build my skills the old fashioned way - hand drawn maps - which unfortunately I draw in the old D&D fashion.

The map image should be attached.

This is a fantasy map of an ancients' complex that's now underwater but within a protected bubble. There are no traditional stairways, and those marked are deep step-like constructions. However, there is extensive use of slopes and ramps. My immediate issue is that I don't know how to encode that data economically, the direction and slope.

For instance, the walkway/parapet is supposed to rise up gradually until it is at an elevation of 20' over the oddly-shaped room (referred to as the cathedral) at the same level as the center columns, but the center of that room has a bowl-shaped depression (it says 12' but it's been changed to -6') and thus the two center columns are 6' taller than the other two putting the highest point of the walkway at 26' (possible a bit more because of angle required to view that point from the opposite side of the cathedral). The four columns support an oval, gently sloping canopy that extends slightly over the depression. What's more: the walkway, rather than extending out actually passes over the cathedral matching its northernmost arc (sadly too, I have forgotten how to use a protractor :blush:)

There is a ramp that extends across the three square rooms at +12', meaning the ramps off the straightaway slope 12' to the floor in a sort of partial cloverleaf. I'm using dashed lines now but may move to color.

All the slopes should be quarter grade (if I'm using the terminology correctly), that is -3.5' per 10' vertical movement (not all the values on this test map are correct by that calculation).

I guess I'm asking for constructive criticism on how to clean this map up, be more precise, and encode symbols accurately. (I did a google search, without really understanding what terms to search for, which returned topographic maps which are not the best solution here, I think.)Attachment 52009Question on marking slopes and elevations-level-1a.jpg
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Question on marking slopes and elevations-level-1a.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping KoDa http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22221 Lizardfolk Creature Arena http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22202&goto=newpost Fri, 08 Feb 2013 02:38:43 GMT
Quote:
"Extract from discovered diary of Devoth Silverhalo, Devout Cleric of Palor.

Anarya, Fourth Orbit of Lótessë

The ship ran aground on the sharp, outcropped rocks of the Nightshade Jungle Isles early in the morning, three days ago. I saw Neripol drown, I still see his decaying, waterlogged fleshy hand grasping for help from between the wooden beams of the deck. I, Gwenth and a few of the sailors survived and found ourselves on the coast of a continent I always swore I would never step foot upon...

Isilya, Fifth Orbit of Lótessë

We trekked through the thick growth of the jungle for a few days. One of the sailors swore he knew the way to a shipping port on the south side of the island, and we foolishly trusted him. When we slept at night, I swore I could hear creatures circling our makeshift camps, but I could never confirm my suspicions... Gwenth says I’m being paranoid, allowing the darkness of the canopy in the jungle to get to me. I fear he may be right.

Alduya, Sixth Orbit of Lótessë

I write this from a cavern. I fear we’ve been taken prisoner by some strange beasts. We encountered them whilst walking through the growth this morning. They were large lizard like creatures, brandishing crude spears and blowguns. One of the sailors was hit by a small dart. It didn’t cause any serious damage, until his wound bloated and the swelling constricted his airwaves. After that, we opted to show no resistance, and the creatures escorted us to their camp, took our weapons and shoved us in a cavern with two dozen or so more captives.

Elenya, Ninth Orbit of Lótessë

Gwenth and I have observed several behaviours of these creatures and their interactions with the prisoners. The larger beasts seem to guard a smaller, bloated toad like creature; a shaman, perhaps? They throw gold disks into the cavern and allow prisoners to gather them and present them to the guards. When ten of those individuals have presented those disks, they are led out of an exit. We have not discovered where those exits lead, but Gwenth and I have struck a deal with some Elves with the intent to take them and try to escape. Anywhere has to be better than this disease infested cave-pit.

Isilya, Eleventh Orbit of Lótessë

We got the disks. I stand in a small room with a thick bamboo gate leading to an outside area. There are weapons. I can hear hissing outside. I think its smaller lizardfolk “cheering” for something. We’ve been given weapons. I fear we’ve made a terrible mistake..."
This map is one I presented my players after they were captured by Lizardfolk; the idea was gathered from Roman Collisum, where slaves would fight wild animals for the entertainment of the masses. In this particular area sat a captive Hydra, that would attack from the water and snatch members of the party and any NPC's in their mighty jaws, dragging them into the murky water to be the next meal.

You can place almost any creature in an arena like this, or even have a group of Lizardfolk readying to fight the PC's, like a team based arena game for the entertainment of the common folk.

The Bridges sit about 20 feet above the water, which is 30 foot deep. They aren't bolted down, so they can be kicked out, which could be cool. Each square is 5 feet.

Hope you enjoy :)
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Lizardfolk Creature Arena-manticor-arena.jpg  
]]> Dungeon/Subterranean Mapping Axiie http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=22202