Veil Vale - an experiment

[RPMiller]

I like it. It has a very individual style to it, and the bevels / stacks really add depth to the picture. It almost looks like it's been built in real life to place miniatures on - i.e. it looks like a miniature model rather than a realistic depiction which I think works better for VTT type games as the map is very clear, so lines of sight etc would be easier to establish.

Good one!

I like it too, and under 1Mb, it's the right sort of size for a VTT. I agree with Ravells. The picture looks like a minature model diorama rather than a photorealistic view. The grass texture even looks like the felt you use on physical models. It's ideal. Very nice work, when does the map pack come out?

I agree with both assessments. It would have to be bigger to work in a VTT though, but it is hard to judge without a scale of some sort. The sample looks like it has been reduced.

Though RPMiller is more of an expert on this than I, however, VTT stands for Virtual Tabletop. Programs like Battlegrounds and the Open-Source MapTool, view photorealistic maps, allow you to place a grid or hex at your scale, place trees, in some cases provide "fog of war" which hides areas of map that players shouldn't be able to see based on line of sight and light conditions or fog, etc.

These programs are used as "in play" for online "tabletop gaming" or on display as an aid to actual table top gaming.

My expertise is printing, I'm trying to get the handle to this digital only map market.

Like I said, ask RPMiller, he knows more...

Nope. You gave a decent enough explanation. Although MapTool isn't open-source per the full definition, but close enough and it is free.

[Gamerprinter]

Yes, its a reduced image. This map is actually a 24" x 36" map at 1 inch = 5 feet scale.

I have created a 200 pixel = 5 feet version in PNG format but its around 22 MB, I have also created 100 pixel = 5 feet version in compressed JPG format around 1.2 MB, and just to see about doing it, created a 50 pixel = 5 feet that taps in at 333 KB.

I can upload and post links to these files if anyone's interested...

[RPMiller]

Do you have a 100 pixel = 5' version that is a PNG? I would be happy to test that out and post a little something from MapTool so that those that may not know what a VTT looks like will have a better idea.

[Robbie]

Do you have a 100 pixel = 5' version that is a PNG? I would be happy to test that out and post a little something from MapTool so that those that may not know what a VTT looks like will have a better idea.

I woudl REALLY like to see that.

[RPMiller]

You got it. Assuming I get the map from Gamerprinter I should be able to post something this evening.

[Gamerprinter]

RP, I'll create a 100 pix = 5 feet PNG version of this map and post a link in this thread later on tonight.

It would be great to see a screen capture of the map with full grid and other VTT features emplaced.

Plus I'll be working on the Oracle's Cave complex portion of this map as well.



I am uploading now!

[RPMiller]

Looking forward to it. Thanks.

[Gamerprinter]

I keep getting knocked offline - this being such a large file (17.6 MB), I can't afford loosing my connection. This is my third time and I'm babysitting the upload, hopefully I can get this linked soon.

Sorry!

[RPMiller]

I just ranted about this today in my blog so I have to bring it up.

loosing does not equal losing

Now then I am waiting with anticipation for that file... I'm even home now.

[RobA]

I found in my references something similar (but handdrawn):

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ma...ppi_3fes3t.jpg

Uses the idea of flat "layers" of land for elevation.

-Rob A>