What are the best ways to make maps for my campaigns? I have a few locations that seem to be hard to find reasonable battle maps for and find some of the free map makers limited. Granted my locations are a little on the outhere side of things but it fits the narrative. Is there an AI program out there that others use? How would someone go about creating a battle map in say a dream realm using free tools?
We use VTT's to play so graph paper and a pen is not an easy way to go. I am also looking for ways I can make them full color for my players. It just adds a little spice to the battles.
It's not free, but DungeonAlchemist is really amazing for generating your own maps using AI driven tools, AND people can upload maps that you can browse and download if you want to use them. So far, in my current campaign, I've downloaded most maps from a pre-existing campaign I'm running. And when I need something custom, its' been fairly easy to put something together.
When you've got a map with DA, you can then export it as an image file and display it or print it however you want. I use a monitor laying flat as my map display.
Inkarnate is quite limited free, but it does have a free trial. I ended up deciding to pay for it, but I got a lot done during the trial and if you don't have an ongoing need that's an option.
I am currently using Arkenforgefor our Battle Maps as we mainly play VTT and I wanted animated items. I also like that I can now import my Animated Arkenforge Maps into D&D Beyond Maps :) Now, Arkenforge is not free, but before I was using a paid Map Maker, these are what I typically used:
I have not used these in quite a while, but I figured you might find something that you like.
Cheers!
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Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty. Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers; Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas. Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
Second Phase of Capatin_Crunch, returned from the dead as a Lich. Still the Tele-Visionary, Pawless Wizard, King of madness, Infinite Fractal, FBI, Archmage of I CAST... !, and everything else.
Still Lawful Evil
Still Rampaging through life
Still Holds the Evil Storyteller Badge of No Honor
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Hello Dungeon Masters
What are the best ways to make maps for my campaigns? I have a few locations that seem to be hard to find reasonable battle maps for and find some of the free map makers limited. Granted my locations are a little on the outhere side of things but it fits the narrative. Is there an AI program out there that others use? How would someone go about creating a battle map in say a dream realm using free tools?
We use VTT's to play so graph paper and a pen is not an easy way to go. I am also looking for ways I can make them full color for my players. It just adds a little spice to the battles.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
It's not free, but DungeonAlchemist is really amazing for generating your own maps using AI driven tools, AND people can upload maps that you can browse and download if you want to use them. So far, in my current campaign, I've downloaded most maps from a pre-existing campaign I'm running. And when I need something custom, its' been fairly easy to put something together.
When you've got a map with DA, you can then export it as an image file and display it or print it however you want. I use a monitor laying flat as my map display.
Back in the ancient times pencils and paper worked quite well.
Inkarnate is quite limited free, but it does have a free trial. I ended up deciding to pay for it, but I got a lot done during the trial and if you don't have an ongoing need that's an option.
Greetings Welheilm,
I am currently using Arkenforge for our Battle Maps as we mainly play VTT and I wanted animated items.
I also like that I can now import my Animated Arkenforge Maps into D&D Beyond Maps :)
Now, Arkenforge is not free, but before I was using a paid Map Maker, these are what I typically used:
Dungeons Maps:
Villages & Towns:
I have not used these in quite a while, but I figured you might find something that you like.
Cheers!
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty.
Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers;
Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas.
Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
graph paper and pen works fine for me
Second Phase of Capatin_Crunch, returned from the dead as a Lich. Still the Tele-Visionary, Pawless Wizard, King of madness, Infinite Fractal, FBI, Archmage of I CAST... !, and everything else.
Still Lawful Evil
Still Rampaging through life
Still Holds the Evil Storyteller Badge of No Honor