CREATING TERRAINS
Terrain Mapping
☐ GUIDE MAPS: by Technology Level
Which sector, star system, planetary, regional, or smaller maps provide possible reference for upcoming encounters?
☐ SCALE
Which map scales can the Guide and the Adventurers use?
How do the maps link to other maps of different scales showing the same area?
Start from the encounter map and work up to the largest scale.
Start from the largest scale and work down to the encounter map.
☐ ELEVATIONS
What map positions may grant elevation bonuses or advantages?
☐ COVER
What map positions may provide partial or full cover (or concealment) from spells or incoming ranged fire?
☐ SIGHT LINES
What map positions provide lines of sight for spells and ranged fire?
☐ FOG OF WAR
How will the map transition from fogged to explored?
What are the possible entrances?
☐ HOOKS/SECRETS
What hooks or secrets exist within the map for Adventurers to discover?
☐ ADVENTURER MAPS
What subset of map data do the Adventurers start with, if any, or must they survey it to find out?
☐ ACCURACY
How much can the Adventurers rely on the accuracy of any existing map data?
Terrain Surveys
- How were any previously existing or available map data created?
- Ground surveys on foot, by vehicle, or rover
- Aerial surveys
- Orbital surveys
- What land features exist in the area?
- Mountain ranges and peaks
- Foothills and rolling hills
- Volcanoes
- Rocky and sandy deserts
- Cliffs
- Craters
- Rills and Ridges
- Faultlines
- What liquid or water sources and destinations exist?
- Glaciers or ice sheets
- Snowpacks
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Seas
- What vegetation and forests exist?
- Plains and grasslands
- Swamps
- Marshes
- Forests
- Jungles
- What structures exist?
- Outposts
- Colonies or Settlements
- Fortifications
- Surface Constructions (such as power and communications stations)
- Ruins
- Roads
- Trails
- Bridges
- Name any new locations or feature of interest
- Key any new locations of interest with a location and identifier
Additional Resources
Roleplaying Tips #0001 - Mapping Dilemma: How To Stop Your Players From Yawning
Roleplaying Tips #0047 - How To Keep Your Butt In One Piece Adventuring In The Wilderness
Roleplaying Tips #0071 - 5 Ways You Can Make Travel Interesting Or Important
Roleplaying Tips #0074 - 7 More Ways You Can Make Travel Interesting Or Important
Roleplaying Tips #0257 - 9 Dwarven Forge Tips (Using 3D Terrain)
Roleplaying Tips #0301 - 120 Benign Wilderness Encounters
Roleplaying Tips #0368 - Mapping Tips: Planning Your Map Saves Time
Roleplaying Tips #0395 - Mapping Tips For Inns, Taverns, And Restaurants
Roleplaying Tips #0449 - 11 Homebrew Terrain Ideas
Roleplaying Tips #0516 - 22 DIY Terrain Hacks For The Low-Budget Game Master
Roleplaying Tips #0674 - Five Quick Tips To Solve Boring Travel Encounters
Roleplaying Tips #0965 - 7 Great Mapping Apps You Might Not Have Heard Of Before
Roleplaying Tips #1182 - Encounter Mapping Software: 3 Tips For Choosing The Best One
Roleplaying Tips #1219 - Turn Travel Into Fun Setbacks: 3 Ways