Easier Maps, especially for combat

[Dr. Whom]

I recently printed out hex graph paper (as well as standard square) of various sizes on transparency film. Now all I have to do is quickly draw a map by hand, battle maps I just draw real fast and write modifiers right on them. Then I lay the transparency over it and use dry erase markers to move characters around, note temporary changes on the field ect. Works really well.

[Nymdok]

I tried using the transparencies that we used to use for overhead projectors (yes Im that old) but it never seemed to work out that well for me.

Instead what I ended up doing was getting a Hex mat and a big sheet of lexan for the drawing. It prevented really nice looking maps, but it DID provide for functional schematic representation of the games. Especially for combat.

Nymdok

[adm]

I had a DM that used an overhead projector to display his maps.

[Tinman]

I find that RP map tools is an excellent program for tactical battles.
(Also, an excellent program in general)
You can put your stats on your token. The GM can put hidden tokens on the map until revealed, ect...

[Overseer]

Originally Posted by Tinman

I find that RP map tools is an excellent program for tactical battles.
(Also, an excellent program in general)
You can put your stats on your token. The GM can put hidden tokens on the map until revealed, ect...

The same can be said for Roll20, plus it has optional google hangouts integration and a purely web-based client that doesn't require the often tricky setup that Maptools does. It's been working quite nicely as a virtual tabletop for my current Gurps campaign; despite the name, Roll20 handles a wide variety of rules systems.

[sir_pudding]

I just use a Chessex vinyl BattleMat (when I haven't done something more professional looking with CC3) and wet erase markers.

[Anaraxes]

Wet erase markers straight onto the hex mat was our solution as well, before we started using MapTool.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Anaraxes

Wet erase markers straight onto the hex mat was our solution as well, before we started using MapTool.

Do you have a computer for each player, or have one big monitor that everyone can see, or what?

[Anaraxes]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Do you have a computer for each player, or have one big monitor that everyone can see, or what?

We've played distributed a few times, everyone with their own computer in different locations, but that has other issues. FTF, we normally use a projector. The GM just puts the map (and other visuals, like pictures of NPCs or locations) on the wall. We've also experimented with putting a flatscreen TV face up on the table, and putting minis on that (instead of the tokens built into MapTool), with the map again displayed by the GM.