I use the Paizo's Flip-Mat, it's like a "white board" with squares. With a white board marker I paint the map and then it's easy to clean it with a tissue paper
I use PhotoShop to create maps on a 1-inch grid, then have them printed as 20x30 posters at Walgreen's. It's easy, relatively cheap (given I only need one major map every several sessions), and the result is absolutely beautiful.
Had my cell phone in my basement gaming space, so I figured I'd get a picture to show an example result:
If sometime you use maps more often a good option maybe is use a projector, specially with a basement. The installation may be tricky, but then it's comfortable. (I play in some clubs and stores where uses it)
Yeah, I've played with the idea of a projector, or even a flatscreen TV mounted in a custom made table, but the effort and expense have kept me from taking that idea too seriously. Honestly, the projector idea has been around for better than a decade, but I've never seen it employed well... And printed, paper maps just have a sharpness to them that's hard to beat.
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PBP "Beregost Blues" - Dungeon Master of Gnome Slaying +5
For creating tiled dungeon maps, there are some great online tools such as Fantasygrounds, but for making maps of an entire region, continent or world, I would suggest using Inkarnate online. The software is easy to use and can produce some great maps even if you're not a very artistic person. If you don't want to go through the hassle of making your own dungeon maps or world maps, the random generators on https://donjon.bin.sh/ are quite helpful.
For creating tiled dungeon maps, there are some great online tools such as Fantasygrounds, but for making maps of an entire region, continent or world, I would suggest using Inkarnate online. The software is easy to use and can produce some great maps even if you're not a very artistic person. If you don't want to go through the hassle of making your own dungeon maps or world maps, the random generators on https://donjon.bin.sh/ are quite helpful.
I second the use of Donjon.bin I use a lot of their random generators, they just implemented a new monster stat section for 5e which is helpful if you need a quick peek and don't want to flip through your MM.
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“The harder the world, the fiercer the honour.” ― Steven Erikson, Memories of Ice
As a publisher and producer of all sorts of content, personally, I subscribe to the entire Adobe Creative suite. At $50 a month, in my opinion, it's a bargain. Last I checked, you can get PhotoShop stand-alone for $10 a month, which not only gives you access to software that formerly sold for $600-700, but keeps you updated with the latest version at all times.
All told, when you do the math on the final value, I don't think a "cheaper option" really exists unless you want to use a free / open source product.
I do like the $10 a month option that you mention that would satisfy my needs. I just don't think I want to spend 50 a month for something that I may not use every month.
Considering I've played D&D long enough to go from only books, paper and creative tabletop innovation to full computer integrated playing long distance, I've seen or used quite a bit. I do have to admit at some point I'll probably invest in Dungeon Painters Studio (it looks like a tool I would use for the price) since almost all my gaming is done online now with friends across the country using roll20 for the game interface and Discord for voice. Currently I am not DMing, but am thinking of getting my world into digital format with a combo of tools, though some will be fun making in an art program I have.
I've used graph paper for most of my maps. Depending on the resources between the members of the group, it could be as simple as a grid with paper tokens or even dice to mark where things were for combat to having miniatures roaming over a 4x8 foot dry erase grid mat.
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PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Considering I've played D&D long enough to go from only books, paper and creative tabletop innovation to full computer integrated playing long distance, I've seen or used quite a bit. I do have to admit at some point I'll probably invest in Dungeon Painters Studio (it looks like a tool I would use for the price) since almost all my gaming is done online now with friends across the country using roll20 for the game interface and Discord for voice. Currently I am not DMing, but am thinking of getting my world into digital format with a combo of tools, though some will be fun making in an art program I have.
I've used graph paper for most of my maps. Depending on the resources between the members of the group, it could be as simple as a grid with paper tokens or even dice to mark where things were for combat to having miniatures roaming over a 4x8 foot dry erase grid mat.
Didn't know about Dungeon Painters Studio, I try some time ago the web version but it's seems to me very lack of content. But the Studio version looks very improved, nice and cheap, it's some kind of demo available?
I used GIMP an open source photoshop equivalent. I use this method to flesh out kingdoms and such along with overhead maps. Like ones you would find while reading a fantasy novel. This map I shared has the Northern Kingdom of Norheim (they're like Vikings and High Elves who ride eagles), the Darbannon city states (loose collection of human/dwarven settlements) the Arrochar republic (late Roman/Greek esque settled on a vast savanna with Halfling nomad tribes) Merchant coast (Arabia/Carribean) and then Calath a gnarly wasteland to the east
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“The harder the world, the fiercer the honour.” ― Steven Erikson, Memories of Ice
I used GIMP an open source photoshop equivalent. I use this method to flesh out kingdoms and such along with overhead maps. Like ones you would find while reading a fantasy novel. This map I shared has the Northern Kingdom of Norheim (they're like Vikings and High Elves who ride eagles), the Darbannon city states (loose collection of human/dwarven settlements) the Arrochar republic (late Roman/Greek esque settled on a vast savanna with Halfling nomad tribes) Merchant coast (Arabia/Carribean) and then Calath a gnarly wasteland to the east
Wow, with GIMP? I though it was made with Campaign Cartographer 3 or a similar software. Very nice job
I used GIMP an open source photoshop equivalent. I use this method to flesh out kingdoms and such along with overhead maps. Like ones you would find while reading a fantasy novel. This map I shared has the Northern Kingdom of Norheim (they're like Vikings and High Elves who ride eagles), the Darbannon city states (loose collection of human/dwarven settlements) the Arrochar republic (late Roman/Greek esque settled on a vast savanna with Halfling nomad tribes) Merchant coast (Arabia/Carribean) and then Calath a gnarly wasteland to the east
Wow, with GIMP? I though it was made with Campaign Cartographer 3 or a similar software. Very nice job
Having used CC3, I actually find it easier to use Photoshop (or in this case, GIMP) to do a quick over-world map. Custom brushes mean you can just go 'line of mountains here'. Not as much of the fine fussy detail, but I definitely found it quicker.
I forgot about GIMP as an option. I was looking at that three years ago, but then didn't have time to work on getting my world into digital mode. Disability and no job kind of changed that. I just have to go with free as much as possible as I rather not spend a lot of money on stuff right now. I love when I can entertain myself for hours cheaply. ;)
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PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
The $50 subscription I was talking about is their ENTIRE creative suite, including audio and video editing, etc... The base $10 gets you the full PhotoShop version. Unless you're a filmmaker or similar, that should be all you need.
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PBP "Beregost Blues" - Dungeon Master of Gnome Slaying +5
I use the Paizo's Flip-Mat, it's like a "white board" with squares. With a white board marker I paint the map and then it's easy to clean it with a tissue paper
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester
I should do a PhotoShop tutorial on making simple maps... Could be useful to folks. :)
JT " You will find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester
Yeah, I've played with the idea of a projector, or even a flatscreen TV mounted in a custom made table, but the effort and expense have kept me from taking that idea too seriously. Honestly, the projector idea has been around for better than a decade, but I've never seen it employed well... And printed, paper maps just have a sharpness to them that's hard to beat.
For creating tiled dungeon maps, there are some great online tools such as Fantasygrounds, but for making maps of an entire region, continent or world, I would suggest using Inkarnate online. The software is easy to use and can produce some great maps even if you're not a very artistic person. If you don't want to go through the hassle of making your own dungeon maps or world maps, the random generators on https://donjon.bin.sh/ are quite helpful.
"Can the mage hand carry the bundle of grenades?"
"I guess it can hold the weight, yeah."
"I shove the grenades down the dragons throat."
― Steven Erikson, Memories of Ice
Considering I've played D&D long enough to go from only books, paper and creative tabletop innovation to full computer integrated playing long distance, I've seen or used quite a bit. I do have to admit at some point I'll probably invest in Dungeon Painters Studio (it looks like a tool I would use for the price) since almost all my gaming is done online now with friends across the country using roll20 for the game interface and Discord for voice. Currently I am not DMing, but am thinking of getting my world into digital format with a combo of tools, though some will be fun making in an art program I have.
I've used graph paper for most of my maps. Depending on the resources between the members of the group, it could be as simple as a grid with paper tokens or even dice to mark where things were for combat to having miniatures roaming over a 4x8 foot dry erase grid mat.
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
― Steven Erikson, Memories of Ice
Thranic_Of_ Tasanar, what was that made with?
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester
― Steven Erikson, Memories of Ice
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester
I forgot about GIMP as an option. I was looking at that three years ago, but then didn't have time to work on getting my world into digital mode. Disability and no job kind of changed that. I just have to go with free as much as possible as I rather not spend a lot of money on stuff right now. I love when I can entertain myself for hours cheaply. ;)
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
@Amezyarak:
The $50 subscription I was talking about is their ENTIRE creative suite, including audio and video editing, etc... The base $10 gets you the full PhotoShop version. Unless you're a filmmaker or similar, that should be all you need.