Triplanetary-Style Map?

PeteC · 01-23-2020, 02:29 PM

Hey all, long time lurker, first time poster.

After running TFT for the first time (just a skirmish on the Melee mouse-pad map with my buddy, and then a little dungeon), I had the thought that a triplanetary-style (and sized) dry-erase map with the 1.5 inch hexes would be a great addition.

It would allow the GM to quickly draw out maps rather than dig around a box full of two-sided tiles, which was kind of awkward during play.

I would love to buy one of these from SJG with all the TFT trade-dress on it, but assuming they have better things to do, does anyone have any ideas about how someone could get something like this made through an online service or something?

Thanks

Skarg · 01-23-2020, 02:40 PM

Welcome to the site!

Dry-erase battle mats have been available for decades, and are indeed very convenient.

I prefer 1" hexes, but there are 1.5" hex battlemats available too, e.g. from Chessex http://www.chessex.com/mats/Battlema...Reversible.htm

I also like copying hex grids onto plastic transparencies, then using paper to draw battle locations, and laying the hex grid on top. This allows me to use (and to re-use) plain paper for locations.

PeteC · 01-23-2020, 03:13 PM

Oh sweet! Thanks! I think that's exactly the type of thing I'm looking for.

larsdangly · 01-23-2020, 04:52 PM

I play with a huge Chessex mat with 1.5" hexes, on which I place MH tiles as overlays, drawing in additional things as appropriate.

Skarg · 01-23-2020, 10:37 PM

Oh, another tip, is that if you do use a dry erase hexmap, and/or you are interested in recording battle positions, either to save a game for returning to later, or to record where the dead bodies and dropped weapons were lying for a forensic investigation later, or just to remember, and/or to record what you drew a location as before you erase the drawings, digital cameras can do wonders...

philreed · 01-24-2020, 05:02 AM

Have you tried using the dry-erase megahex tiles that are included in the Legacy Edition box?

BigJoe · 01-24-2020, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larsdangly

I play with a huge Chessex mat with 1.5" hexes, on which I place MH tiles as overlays, drawing in additional things as appropriate.

I need to try this!

BigJoe · 01-24-2020, 09:34 AM

Also, don't some of the new adventures have "keys" that show how to "build" encounter areas using the MegaHexes that came with Legacy edition?

01-23-2020, 02:29 PM	#1
PeteC Join Date: May 2019	Triplanetary-Style Map? Hey all, long time lurker, first time poster. After running TFT for the first time (just a skirmish on the Melee mouse-pad map with my buddy, and then a little dungeon), I had the thought that a triplanetary-style (and sized) dry-erase map with the 1.5 inch hexes would be a great addition. It would allow the GM to quickly draw out maps rather than dig around a box full of two-sided tiles, which was kind of awkward during play. I would love to buy one of these from SJG with all the TFT trade-dress on it, but assuming they have better things to do, does anyone have any ideas about how someone could get something like this made through an online service or something? Thanks

01-23-2020, 02:40 PM	#2
Skarg Join Date: May 2015	Re: Triplanetary-Style Map? Welcome to the site! Dry-erase battle mats have been available for decades, and are indeed very convenient. I prefer 1" hexes, but there are 1.5" hex battlemats available too, e.g. from Chessex http://www.chessex.com/mats/Battlema...Reversible.htm I also like copying hex grids onto plastic transparencies, then using paper to draw battle locations, and laying the hex grid on top. This allows me to use (and to re-use) plain paper for locations.

01-23-2020, 03:13 PM	#3
PeteC Join Date: May 2019	Re: Triplanetary-Style Map? Oh sweet! Thanks! I think that's exactly the type of thing I'm looking for.

01-23-2020, 04:52 PM	#4
larsdangly Join Date: Dec 2017	Re: Triplanetary-Style Map? I play with a huge Chessex mat with 1.5" hexes, on which I place MH tiles as overlays, drawing in additional things as appropriate.

01-23-2020, 10:37 PM	#5
Skarg Join Date: May 2015	Re: Triplanetary-Style Map? Oh, another tip, is that if you do use a dry erase hexmap, and/or you are interested in recording battle positions, either to save a game for returning to later, or to record where the dead bodies and dropped weapons were lying for a forensic investigation later, or just to remember, and/or to record what you drew a location as before you erase the drawings, digital cameras can do wonders...

01-24-2020, 05:02 AM	#6
philreed I do stuff and things. Join Date: Aug 2004	Re: Triplanetary-Style Map? Have you tried using the dry-erase megahex tiles that are included in the Legacy Edition box? __________________ Battlegrip.com, my blog about toys.

01-24-2020, 09:34 AM	#8
BigJoe Join Date: May 2017	Re: Triplanetary-Style Map? Also, don't some of the new adventures have "keys" that show how to "build" encounter areas using the MegaHexes that came with Legacy edition?