Since getting the projector (the coolest house warming gift, by the way), I’ve been scouring the net for different programs that will allow at-the-table mapping with ease and little money. Well, as of now, I haven’t seen much in the way that would conform to those standards. NeverWinter Nights seems to have a fantastic map generator, but the requirements to run the program are steep, and the learning curve is a little higher than I would like. I’m not sure how fast I would be able to generate a map on the spot if I needed.
Then there’s Dunjinni. The app allows for some fantastic map making, but like NWN it is not conducive to quick creation. I couldn’t justify the price tag to buy a program where I’d have to create the scenes prior to the session. We simply have to many encounters that are out of scope, or in different locations, due to the group’s wide area of choices and alternatives. Believe me, some of the directions you guys take the story in are beyond me (and that’s not a bad thing at all)! In short, I don’t want to railroad the battles for the sake of some cool maps.
Enter DungeonForge. This is a very cool app that is detailed enough to make the projection interesting, extremely easy to use so that immediate maps can be drawn, and it’s free. What’s the catch? Well, while I’ve been able to make some amazing maps, the program is extremely buggy. Sometimes, the map exports don’t work, other times I receive memory errors. Why, oh why?! Just when I’ve found the perfect app!
I would try it out (especially you, Sammy) and see what you think. You can find the download at www.dungeonforge.com (you’ll need to register in order to access it). I’m going to continue my search for a map creation program before we get our projector set up, but in the meantime, I’ll add to the DungeonForge community and report any bugs I find. With any luck, the devs over there will patch the program up as time allows and a more stout product will be the result. So download the app, keep your eyes peeled and we’ll see everyone next weekend!
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