In my games, I sometimes use poster maps given in pre-made campaigns but they give away the rest of the dungeon. How should I work around this? What is the best alternative? Please help!
I have used sticky notes, black pieces of cardboard, cloth or felt, cotton (to simulate fog or clouds), or printed out roofs as fog of war on poster maps.
Suspension of disbelief combined with remembering that player knowledge does not equate to character knowledge is an important thing. Besides, just because players can see the shape of a room or upcoming hallway, does not mean they know what's populating said room or hallway. It can even lead to a different type of fun. There are players I know who've experienced no end of hilarity out of the fact that they as players know that there was loads of stuff left to explore beyond the areas they managed to access (due to a failed Lockpicking check).
Just being able to see a room decked out for a feast, doesn't reveal that there are a hoard of goblins sleeping under the table. Likewise, seeing a stone chamber of coffins isn't the same as the GM describing the musty smell, the slight clicks from a bat nesting in the cracks of the stone roof, the cold, but oddly humid temperature. Nor does it give away the creature camouflaged against the stone roof, just waiting to ambush any prey who wander beneath it.
Therein I feel lays the key. Knowing some stuff, doesn't mean knowing all of it. I've run the Mansion in Phandelver a dozen or so times each populating it in different ways, each time with different puzzles and solutions. Players might know the layout, but often that's all they know. I've said it before on these forums, don't get too worked up about the idea of spoiling something. Life is experiential, we as humans like to experience things and even if we have an idea of what to expect. We see the rollercoasters, even ride them, but still want to go on them a second time.
Short of having a maze or labyrinth, there's really no need to worry about concealing the shape and layout of the map. If the players are focusing too much attention on the map in front of them - you've likely got bigger problems than potential spoilers.
In my games, I sometimes use poster maps given in pre-made campaigns but they give away the rest of the dungeon. How should I work around this? What is the best alternative? Please help!
"That is not dead which can eternal lie;
And with strange aeons even death may die"
-H.P. Lovecraft
Fold the map up or tape plain sheets of paper around the part you don't want the PCs to see.
There aren't great options, but you can use sheets of paper to cover the areas you don't want them to see.
I like fabric to cover my dungeons. It’s easier to fold it and bend it around as the party enters each room.
Last night I used sheets of paper towel in a pinch to cover what characters couldn't see. Quick, cheap, and good enough for me.
I have used sticky notes, black pieces of cardboard, cloth or felt, cotton (to simulate fog or clouds), or printed out roofs as fog of war on poster maps.
Honestly, I simply don't.
Suspension of disbelief combined with remembering that player knowledge does not equate to character knowledge is an important thing. Besides, just because players can see the shape of a room or upcoming hallway, does not mean they know what's populating said room or hallway. It can even lead to a different type of fun. There are players I know who've experienced no end of hilarity out of the fact that they as players know that there was loads of stuff left to explore beyond the areas they managed to access (due to a failed Lockpicking check).
Just being able to see a room decked out for a feast, doesn't reveal that there are a hoard of goblins sleeping under the table. Likewise, seeing a stone chamber of coffins isn't the same as the GM describing the musty smell, the slight clicks from a bat nesting in the cracks of the stone roof, the cold, but oddly humid temperature. Nor does it give away the creature camouflaged against the stone roof, just waiting to ambush any prey who wander beneath it.
Therein I feel lays the key. Knowing some stuff, doesn't mean knowing all of it. I've run the Mansion in Phandelver a dozen or so times each populating it in different ways, each time with different puzzles and solutions. Players might know the layout, but often that's all they know. I've said it before on these forums, don't get too worked up about the idea of spoiling something. Life is experiential, we as humans like to experience things and even if we have an idea of what to expect. We see the rollercoasters, even ride them, but still want to go on them a second time.
Short of having a maze or labyrinth, there's really no need to worry about concealing the shape and layout of the map. If the players are focusing too much attention on the map in front of them - you've likely got bigger problems than potential spoilers.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.