Questions on mapping for VTT

[Gamerprinter]

So I'm working on a new project for myself... create a complete D&D 4.0 adventure, with maps and map objects, in thsi case specifically formatted for use in MapTool. Trevor who his the owner/primary creator of MapTool, suggested I start a questions for developer's thread. So I did.

Got lots of answers, but RPMiller, also a member of RPTools forum suggested that I post the same questions here - to get a wider variety of answers from the community, especially from those more familiar than I about VTT mapping.

Note although the questions are to MapTool users - anyone using any VTT should answer. I've already got some good answers at RPTools forum, but I think I might get more, here.

Link to RPTools thread

List of Questions:

1. Would this be the same best format for maps as well, so users can downsize if they want to, yet high enough to zoom in for detail?

2. I know MapTool can handle large area maps. In trying to avoid gargantuan files at 200 ppi PNG, what is the optimum size in total pixels for battle maps?

3. It would be easier for me to create multiple maps 4 to 8 cover an entire location depending on size - or should I do each location as a single map? (I'm talking something the size of a small town or 1/4 mile square.)

4. Should I place trees on a map, or allow users to place tree tokens themselves?

5. I've got experience creating printed geomorphic maps, would this be smart for use in MapTools?

6. I'm trying to create an extensive swamp forest region. Now the main adventure follows a specific path, then some directions to locations by boat until reaching the final encounter site. However, I don't want to limit a party to just those specific regions. The Bogwood (as I call it) is fairly extensive with dangers, and other unique locations peppered throughout its mucky landscape. If a party wants to trailblaze it should certainly be possible - noting the very difficult terrain in the attempt. (I guess this is a no-no...)

7. I would like this format to show wider areas of the Bogwood total as an adventuring party is moving across - until they reach an encounter area.

Question now is, how do you handle random encounters, wait till the dice introduces an encounter, then load a tactical map to pursue it?

[Gamerprinter]

To give you an idea of the project I'm attempting...

The Bogwood Rath
an adventure scenario for 5th - 7th level (4E) and still be challenging, but not overwhelming.

Basic adventure idea: the Bogwood is swamp forest - mixture of marsh, bog, slow moving rivers, but heavily forested. In times past the Bogwood was as dangerous as swamps can be, but still a "natural" swamp environment. Lately the Bogwood is turning dark, the Swamp Druid is nolonger keeping the balance (part of the quest to discover why), the inhabitants are reporting a darkness turning the Swamp into something enchanted and evil. (Dark fey have built a Rath or fey mound, near the Swamp Druid's enclave and ensorcelled him, binding him with sorcery - and taking over the swamp.)

Road's End Tavern - the road leading to the Bogwood ends at the edge of the swamp forest. A tavern here for hunters and fisherman, place to pick up clues and meet a "bogling".

17 miles of plank bridging and muddy trails to reach, "Handy's Crannog", a bogling village. Beyond this, you need a boat to travel the Bogwood.

"Boglings" (swamp dwelling halflings on stilt homes or crannog) the friendliest race in the Bogwood. They distribute pure water to other Bogwood inhabitants for their economy. (Water Oak, long story, explain later...). They have clues to where a hunter dwells and may know more.This is the next location.

Hunter's Swamp Lodge, accessable by watercraft only. The hunter there is found dead, though his hunter's log and a map can aid players to finding location of the Swamp Druid. Problem is that the Hunter is now a ghost, having been recently killed by the Fey and cursed to haunt his lodge and torment visitors.

Maybe one more location, haven't decided what but thinking about including Shambling Mounds. The Bogwood is filled with giant insects, spore emitting fungi, carnivorace plants, crocodiles or something similar, constrictor and venomous snakes, slimes, oozes, perhaps an Otyugh, some new creatures like the Swamp Cat and the Tree Goat.

Final location, the Swamp Druid's Enclave with the adjacent Dark Fey Rath. Big fight with Fey Queen and her entourage. I don't want to have the typical prankster spritelings, but murderous enchanters with enslaved guardians.

Must defeat the fey, break the spell that binds the Swamp Druid to succeed in quest.

I might include a couple optional side quests within the adventure, or as an addendum.

Finally my plan is to create around 25 maps of my hand-drawn style, along with 200+ map objects formatted for use in MapTool free VTT application. And sell it for $5 from my site.

I'm getting a positive response elsewhere on this, but its a challenge!

[Badger]

Finally my plan is to create around 25 maps of my hand-drawn style, along with 200+ map objects formatted for use in MapTool free VTT application. And sell it for $5 from my site.

I'm not the greatest in math and economics ... but that just seems a little low for the amount of work entailed... don't get me wrong.. I like the price, and would probably jump on a deal like that... just seems like your selling yourself a little short is all...

[Gamerprinter]

I agree that that much work is worth more than $5 per adventure, however, I am not WotC or Green Ronin or Paizo, I'm just little ole' unheard of me. So as a publisher, who no one's heard of - its hard to assign $19.95 or any other price, because no one's going to buy.

As a "loss leader" that is, something to get buyers into the store to look at my wares, by making a insanely low purchase. I can get people to make a purchase, that might otherwise not want to invest in what they don't know.

On the extreme side, if 5,000 people ordered the adventure (not very likely) that's $25K - certainly a worthy profit. If no one buys, it was an experiment worth the effort all the same.

[loogie]

I think your idea of supplying map objects for use in VTT's would be extremely popular, there are many, MANY collections of tokens for sale (the pc's and npc images, most that are pay are top down 3d renders) but there are very few collections of straight objects... i know i like my maps to look uniform, and its very difficult to get a few images made from one source never mind enough to run campaigns... and i don't like throwing in different artists objects because in most cases, different styles = different look and feel... and makes they seem out of place.

As for pricing, I don't think its all that unrealistic... your not making commercial adventures and your using a free VTT client, so the main reason to pay for it is your creativity and artwork... token packs from four ugly monsters and such go for about $4 a pack, and there are a number of images in a pack... I think its very reasonable, and as long as your getting it out there you'll get some sales, and it will also add to your experience so you can end up making much more complex, involved adventures that you can charge more for.

[Gamerprinter]

and it will also add to your experience so you can end up making much more complex, involved adventures that you can charge more for.

Exactly, if I can sell and get a name for quality material, the next adventure could be priced higher and more likely to sell!

[meleeguy]

2. I know MapTool can handle large area maps. In trying to avoid gargantuan files at 200 ppi PNG, what is the optimum size in total pixels for battle maps?

Hi Gamerprinter,

The answer to that would be entirely dependent on the specific application. One app could internally be displaying a bmp, while another could run length encode random access sub tiles.

The only way to know for sure is testing, which is time consuming. So testing would reveal resource consumption. Next, we'd find out the average resources of your VTT gamer. From this information you could determine your optimal tile sizes, which would include some non-rotating tiles for unique locations.

You seem to want to bring tiling to a community that has learned to live with out it (that's my take on the linked thread). I like the idea of moving on a larger map and dropping tactical at need.

Just some musings really, I'm a long time programmer whose interest has largely turned from coding to content creation ala this site.

-meleeguy