Creating maps for a PBP - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Creating maps for a PBP

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
lesserimmortal
Apr 22, 2009 13:40:42 I have been desperately trying to come up with a simple way for me to show a grid based map for a PbP game that would be simple and easy to use. I think I finally found a way by taking screen shots of the Warcraft III map editor and unit sprites, then moving them around the grid based on movement. The units can be rotated in the editor so thats not a huge issue, let me know if anyone thinks this is a workable idea or if I am trying to hard.

Sample map with sprites to manipulate
Show

#2
Mock
Apr 25, 2009 1:25:20 That would work well, if you're willing to do the moves. I really like the graphics. I may have to get my hands on WC III just for the map editor.

If you're willing to do top-down perspective (or even isometric, though that's a bit more complicated), one of the existing virtual tabletops might work. I use MapTool, and it's possible to create a map, place "tokens" on it to represent characters, and move them around on the grid like minis. By saving the 'campaign file,' MapTool will remember the locations of all the tokens, so you can pick up where you left off.

You can export screenshots of the map as you move tokens, and post them to the forum as needed.
#3
azure_edge
Apr 25, 2009 7:01:02 I think its a great idea. Consider looking at the neverwinter nights editor it has similar grid system and better camera angles also it has many D&D relevant creature models for you to mess with. ;)
#4
susantd
Apr 30, 2009 1:14:18 Going along with what Azure_Edge said, I think that WC3 would become stale very quickly due to your limited options for creatures and whatnot. NWN2(or NWN1 for that matter), would be a much better option, though it can be expotentionally more difficult to use.
#5
jake22007
Jul 10, 2009 2:15:38 I've created a web 2.0 style application specifically for fantasy play by post games. It's hosted by my web site so it's available 24 hours a day so no one needs to keep their computer switched on. The DM can change the environment and the players can move their characters. It's so quick and easy to use you can create a map in a few minutes. Currently still in beta I have to initially set up the map software for each new group, so if you want to use it you need to contact me using the website below.

As it's a web 2.0 style application it requires no installation, just a web browser to use and the maps are saved on my web site and so are available to the group 24 hours a day.

We can also host the actual PBP game too (if you want, but you can use the map with out doing that if you want) with a multi-layered forum format with dice roller.

If you are interested then visit:

www.pbpmap.com and PM Than or leave a message on the appropriate board.

Examples of the map:

http://www.pbpmap.com/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=419&p=4533#p4533

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 lesserimmortal Apr 22, 2009 13:40:42	I have been desperately trying to come up with a simple way for me to show a grid based map for a PbP game that would be simple and easy to use. I think I finally found a way by taking screen shots of the Warcraft III map editor and unit sprites, then moving them around the grid based on movement. The units can be rotated in the editor so thats not a huge issue, let me know if anyone thinks this is a workable idea or if I am trying to hard. Sample map with sprites to manipulate Show
#2 Mock Apr 25, 2009 1:25:20	That would work well, if you're willing to do the moves. I really like the graphics. I may have to get my hands on WC III just for the map editor. If you're willing to do top-down perspective (or even isometric, though that's a bit more complicated), one of the existing virtual tabletops might work. I use MapTool, and it's possible to create a map, place "tokens" on it to represent characters, and move them around on the grid like minis. By saving the 'campaign file,' MapTool will remember the locations of all the tokens, so you can pick up where you left off. You can export screenshots of the map as you move tokens, and post them to the forum as needed.
#3 azure_edge Apr 25, 2009 7:01:02	I think its a great idea. Consider looking at the neverwinter nights editor it has similar grid system and better camera angles also it has many D&D relevant creature models for you to mess with. ;)
#4 susantd Apr 30, 2009 1:14:18	Going along with what Azure_Edge said, I think that WC3 would become stale very quickly due to your limited options for creatures and whatnot. NWN2(or NWN1 for that matter), would be a much better option, though it can be expotentionally more difficult to use.
#5 jake22007 Jul 10, 2009 2:15:38	I've created a web 2.0 style application specifically for fantasy play by post games. It's hosted by my web site so it's available 24 hours a day so no one needs to keep their computer switched on. The DM can change the environment and the players can move their characters. It's so quick and easy to use you can create a map in a few minutes. Currently still in beta I have to initially set up the map software for each new group, so if you want to use it you need to contact me using the website below. As it's a web 2.0 style application it requires no installation, just a web browser to use and the maps are saved on my web site and so are available to the group 24 hours a day. We can also host the actual PBP game too (if you want, but you can use the map with out doing that if you want) with a multi-layered forum format with dice roller. If you are interested then visit: www.pbpmap.com and PM Than or leave a message on the appropriate board. Examples of the map: http://www.pbpmap.com/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=419&p=4533#p4533