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In the days of yore, a group of AD&D players needed a Mapper. On this person lay the responsibility of providing an accurate representation of the dungeon location and its contents. The primary concern was that the party may wander into more dangerous [ie. higher level] sections of a dungeon and get slaughtered.
Well those days have gone, but mapping has now undergone a renaissance of sorts. Thanks to D&D 3.xx maps, in general, and tactical battle maps, in particular, became important once again. Now this has some advantages and disadvantages. For one, the cartographically challenged will have another task added to his list. Then there is the added pressure to make these maps visually appealing. Finally, those maps need to make sense.
On the plus side, I find there are fewer arguments about movement and placement. People also tend to use their heads more during an encounter. Prior to 3rd edition, people often relied on just letting loose their most damaging attacks. Now subterfuge and subtlety become clearer options.
Fortunately, technology has allowed gamers to create good looking printed material. The same technology has been responsible for an explosion of small press gaming accessories like pre-made maps, paper miniatures and paper models. At least the GM has more options if not less work.
Well those days have gone, but mapping has now undergone a renaissance of sorts. Thanks to D&D 3.xx maps, in general, and tactical battle maps, in particular, became important once again. Now this has some advantages and disadvantages. For one, the cartographically challenged will have another task added to his list. Then there is the added pressure to make these maps visually appealing. Finally, those maps need to make sense.
On the plus side, I find there are fewer arguments about movement and placement. People also tend to use their heads more during an encounter. Prior to 3rd edition, people often relied on just letting loose their most damaging attacks. Now subterfuge and subtlety become clearer options.
Fortunately, technology has allowed gamers to create good looking printed material. The same technology has been responsible for an explosion of small press gaming accessories like pre-made maps, paper miniatures and paper models. At least the GM has more options if not less work.
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