Map Peeves and Common Errors

[PixelFish]

On maps for buildings, it's the lack of a toilet, even in some modern settings. I can see why in some fantasy settings you'd have an outhouse, but otherwise it is just a silly oversight.

I read a fantasy romance a few years back where they had a map of the magical fortress where the riders-of-large-enchanted-beasts lived. And they of course, made sure to point out the rooms of the Heroine. And her rooms were proportionately frikkin' huge. Like 1/10th of the space, even though there were lots of other people that did what she did. And furthermore, while there was a great hall, and one set of stables, there were no kitchens, no servants quarters, no auxiliary buildings at all. Just, you know, a courtyard and a main hall and some quarters for major characters. Not even a garderobe.

(I heartily recommend David Macaulay's Castle, Pyramid, City, Underground and Cathedral books. They are very maplike in some ways, and show the logistics behind these structures.)

[Lwaxana]

I read a fantasy romance a few years back where they had a map of the magical fortress where the riders-of-large-enchanted-beasts lived. And they of course, made sure to point out the rooms of the Heroine. And her rooms were proportionately frikkin' huge. Like 1/10th of the space, even though there were lots of other people that did what she did. And furthermore, while there was a great hall, and one set of stables, there were no kitchens, no servants quarters, no auxiliary buildings at all. Just, you know, a courtyard and a main hall and some quarters for major characters. Not even a garderobe.

Haha, that's priceless. I don't know what these people are thinking (probably nothing). I'm sure the bathroom and kitchens are all where the servants live - 5 miles down the road. Would be too bad if all the smells disturb the heroes. Who cares if the food will get cold