They should make a set of either dungeon tiles or even maps that go specifically with each module like Keep on the Shadowfell.
Yes, the modules include "some" of the maps but it would be much better if they had layout maps for all the encounters. The DMs would be saved alot of time not having to piece together makeshift layouts using the existing dungeon tiles.
WoTC could almost double their money from the sale. They could charge for the modules and as companion product they could charge for the map sets.
If that doesn't work, they could just include them with the modules and charge more.
I would agree to this or adding a few more double-sized maps in the adventures.
A majority of the adventures you get a single double-sized map! And for me, personally, it's part of the encounter that isn't as visually stimulating as others presented in the adventure.
I would agree to this or adding a few more double-sized maps in the adventures.
This. I especially enjoyed Keep on the Shadowfel because it had not one, not two, but THREE double-sided maps. Even though 2/3 of the maps were reprints from the Fantastic Locations product line, all of which I already owned, I still felt their inclusion added value to the product.
I like the poster maps and have purchased all of the 4e adventures, mostly to own the included maps, but the price of each adventure is rather high for only a single double-sided map. Even if they were only reprints from older sets I would like it if future adventures always included two double-sided maps. There shouldn't however be much need to rely on reprints. Plenty of the adventures have had map artwork that I would have loved to have seen blown up to poster size.
Also I would like to speak up in favor of more half-maps, were one or even both sides of the poster feature not one huge encounter area, but two small areas. A full sized poster map is nice to look at, but often most of the terrain goes to waste unless encounters are specifically built to keep the action moving around. Half-maps still provide sizable battle fields, and are more likely to have action that ranges from one end to the other.
They should make a set of either dungeon tiles or even maps that go specifically with each module like Keep on the Shadowfell.
Yes, the modules include "some" of the maps but it would be much better if they had layout maps for all the encounters. The DMs would be saved alot of time not having to piece together makeshift layouts using the existing dungeon tiles.
WoTC could almost double their money from the sale. They could charge for the modules and as companion product they could charge for the map sets.
If that doesn't work, they could just include them with the modules and charge more.
In my experience, Dungeon Tiles sell better than WotC adventures. Making the adventure cost more = bad. Making a successful product work only in conjunction with an unsuccessful product = very bad
I doubt you'll ever see 'em for the exact reasons above but... I'd buy them =D
Would it not be better for WotC to design encounter locations around available dungeon tiles in the way Dungeon Delve did. Surly this would increase the value of the tile sets and they would sell more of both product. I'm hoping this is what they are going to do with the release of the master set of tiles next year (July?).
I agree with Mark. There is nothing more frustrating than having to take 10 minutes to draw out an encounter area with unique features on my whiteboard when I have two of every freakin' set of dungeon tiles gathering dust on my bookshelf. This may shackle the designers a bit, but I don't buy an adventure to satisfy my desire for creative encounters.
Well, there is always the HirstArts thing, but I know most people don't like the initial buy-in. Its a little steep, but once you've got the molds you only have to pay for basing material and plaster or stone. I'm actually tempted to make the Kobold Hall rooms for my modular dungeon set.
*puts on a fire-proof suit*
...or any of a multitude of electronic products which let you design your own or print multiple predesigned tiles, some in 3D (www.worldworksgames.com).
I use Profantasy to design my own tiles; did it for Shadowfell dungeon and it worked out quite well.
I used a set from Worldworks to build Icinghome (from Scales of War). Also worked out nice.
I guess my point is that having an "official" product to match exactly what is in an adventure would be pretty sweet, but the flexibility of something you can design/print as needed without having to purchase multiple sets is a pretty nice alternative).
So if you get sick of re-using the one Sharn bridgeway map (it is supposed to be a metropolis) you could actually use a set of tower and walkway floorplans. How about a set of tiles for elemental airships (even regular ship decks)? Think how easy it would be to run nautical or aerial battles if you had solid cutouts of the main and upper decks of each craft. How about a few tiles with cars from the Lightning Rail? All of these could be released in a single set of tiles and would be greatly appreciated by every Eberron DM.
That way DMs can reuse these walls for any-shaped room, for other adventures too.
No more 'game of Tetris'.Tiles for each adventure is a good idea, but it should just have walls, to put on a battlemat, to define the edges of each room.
That way DMs can reuse these walls for any-shaped room, for other adventures too.
This is where I smile and point at the fact that I can build rooms of any size and shape I want, and the only cost is consumables and time. Unless I want an additional mold or need something odd that isn't on one of my existing molds, like curved or diagonal walls.