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Post by Watcherspirit on Jul 17, 2008 14:02:23 GMT -5
I recently discovered MapTool. While it was planned as an IRC RPG channel software originally, I found it perfectly suited for use as a mapping tool for less ambitious avenues. It allows the import of any kind of map and can even do automatic sight lines. Thought this may save you (and the other DM's of course) a lot of work. I will attach an image of the current Shackeled city encounter I threw together as an example:  |
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Post by TheUdjat on Jul 17, 2008 14:05:32 GMT -5
Dare I ask... Is it free? I'm always up for a new, less bothersome mapping tool.
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Post by K Man on Jul 17, 2008 14:09:10 GMT -5
Indeed, if it's free I'm all over this like Lord Amassu over Natsumi.
Also, note that the 4e mapmaker tool will be free as well...when it's released. The only paid functionality will be to import your maps into the Tabletop or whatever they call it.
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Post by K Man on Jul 17, 2008 14:09:50 GMT -5
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Post by Watcherspirit on Jul 17, 2008 14:18:25 GMT -5
Sorry about the delay. Wasn't expecting that fast an answer  . Yep it's free. While some unusual design choices need some getting used to (about 2 hours in my case) it was an altogether painless experience (unlike some of the CAD mapping I tried). I would recommend a closer look if this sort of thing is up your alley. @kman: I also have a number of graphics and handouts for Shackeled City courtesy of RPGenie (free content no worries ). I could send you an link if you're interested. |
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Post by K Man on Jul 17, 2008 14:57:18 GMT -5
Of course I'm interested, saves me from scanning from the book. Mostly I need avatars for the NPCs, but the handouts can become numerous as well.
By the way folks, if you haven't downloaded this MapTools program, do it now. It's the shit! I'm not kidding...I think I have a new map tool (aside from getting used to new menus) it's a little easier to use than my Illustrator and really houses all you need to do some serious online gaming; dice, chat tools, fog of war, DM-only views...it's a very handy tool.
I'm learning about it now.
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Post by TheUdjat on Jul 17, 2008 15:03:55 GMT -5
I will check it out tomorrow. The tricky part will be seeing if I can use it at work...
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Post by K Man on Jul 17, 2008 15:21:57 GMT -5
Good news Udja, it's not online nor does it install anything...it's literally a stand alone little map-making file with a LOT of power. You should be able to download it, put it on a jump drive, and carry it with you.
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Post by TheUdjat on Jul 17, 2008 15:26:17 GMT -5
Good news Udja, it's not online nor does it install anything...it's literally a stand alone little map-making file with a LOT of power. You should be able to download it, put it on a jump drive, and carry it with you. Perfection!  |
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Post by Watcherspirit on Jul 17, 2008 15:50:26 GMT -5
Ok - all files zipped (well, RARed). Kman, you have a PM . Download should be ready in about 5 min. |
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jul 17, 2008 16:03:36 GMT -5
Indeed, if it's free I'm all over this like Lord Amassu over Natsumi. Gee, thanks for the confidence builder.  I might check it out, of course, I suck at maps and have no concept of measuring distances or anything, so we'll see if it works for me. So, who has it again? |
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Post by K Man on Jul 17, 2008 16:10:39 GMT -5
I fixed the link in my above post, but the company that produces it is; rptools.net Look for the link for Map Tools or something similar. |
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jul 17, 2008 16:35:08 GMT -5
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Post by K Man on Jul 17, 2008 16:41:37 GMT -5
The Map Tool is seperate from the Dice Tool is seperate from the Init tool etc. They are all parts of the same package this site offers, but I've just played around with the Map Tool. It's a standalone download, so you can just click on the web start for 1.2 (or later) and let it run its course.
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Post by Watcherspirit on Jul 17, 2008 17:15:01 GMT -5
Using E-Tools for chars and another Dice Roller, so I cannot comment on DiceTool, Character Tool and InitTool but I heartily commend MapTool and TokenTool for most of your graphical needs.
If you have some picture sources (like ebooks, scans etc.) TokenTool can save you a lot of Money and/or work you would spend on pre-made counter collections or Photoshop.
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