If they're new to the scene, i'd say maps are the best way to go. Theater of the mind is something that most people need to cultivate over time, so it's a good idea to help your players visualize where they are. Definitely map out where they are in places with combat and puzzles (dungeons, temples, caves, etc) and have it table ready. Even if you aren't using figures or figure substitutes, it'll make managing things easier. As far as more "overworld" and geographic mapping, you don't need to go to crazy. Not every city needs a map, but if you wanna show off or your players are curious to see, it wouldn't hurt to have a rough sketch at the very least.
When you're mapping the places they are exploring and fighting in, you also need to consider the context in game. If they aquire a map or layout of a hideout or tomb, then you might as well map it out for them on the table as well. Still, you don't have to put in every detail on the map, just showing the shapes and sizes of rooms and halls can be more like having a more real map in the hands of the characters. If not, having them either sketch their own as they go or reveal parts of your table map fog-of-war style as they explore would be good. Ask your players what would be cool for them, maybe they'd prefer to sketch it out and try to figure out what it looks like in their mind's eye.
I'll generally provide a map of the explored area because it helps us all keep track, and because positioning is important for combat. I generally break out the playmat and minis for all combat, so mapping the area as they go is a natural extension of that. I'll also give them maps if they have maps in-game, which I make fairly common. Because I like maps.
If they're new to the scene, i'd say maps are the best way to go. Theater of the mind is something that most people need to cultivate over time, so it's a good idea to help your players visualize where they are. Definitely map out where they are in places with combat and puzzles (dungeons, temples, caves, etc) and have it table ready. Even if you aren't using figures or figure substitutes, it'll make managing things easier. As far as more "overworld" and geographic mapping, you don't need to go to crazy. Not every city needs a map, but if you wanna show off or your players are curious to see, it wouldn't hurt to have a rough sketch at the very least.
When you're mapping the places they are exploring and fighting in, you also need to consider the context in game. If they aquire a map or layout of a hideout or tomb, then you might as well map it out for them on the table as well. Still, you don't have to put in every detail on the map, just showing the shapes and sizes of rooms and halls can be more like having a more real map in the hands of the characters. If not, having them either sketch their own as they go or reveal parts of your table map fog-of-war style as they explore would be good. Ask your players what would be cool for them, maybe they'd prefer to sketch it out and try to figure out what it looks like in their mind's eye.
#OpenDnD. #DnDBegone
I'll generally provide a map of the explored area because it helps us all keep track, and because positioning is important for combat. I generally break out the playmat and minis for all combat, so mapping the area as they go is a natural extension of that. I'll also give them maps if they have maps in-game, which I make fairly common. Because I like maps.