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Thread: encounter maps

  1. #1

    encounter maps

    I notice that that there no gridded maps with the Alien ruleset. How do others handle combat encounters and the like? Is it all theatre of the mind or do other users use various map making tools?

  2. #2
    Valyar's Avatar
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    The game is using zones instead of square/hex battle grid and distance categories, therefore no combat maps as we are used to in D&D-like games. It can support tactical maps though. The way I run encounters is to place the tokens in the zone on the map and basically run theater of mind supported by the map to help players better visualize dimensions and who is where. If tokens are engaged, I move them touching each other, the rest are spread in the zone.
    The past is a rudder to guide us, not an anchor to hold us back.

  3. #3
    thanks again I guess I am more used to combat maps in 5E, though I am used to running theater of the mind at the table

  4. #4
    Trenloe's Avatar
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    If you want to use maps to show rough location or help players picture the area then you have lots of options for how you source your maps: download maps from the Internet (doing various searches can find you lots), buy maps from various places (artist/cartographer websites, Patreon pages, DriveThruRPG, etc.) or make maps using a graphics app or one of the many RPG mapping tools. Then load them into FG to use as an image.
    Private Messages: My inbox is forever filling up with PMs. Please don't send me PMs unless they are actually private/personal messages. General FG questions should be asked in the forums - don't be afraid, the FG community don't bite and you're giving everyone the chance to respond and learn!

  5. #5

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Trenloe View Post
    If you want to use maps to show rough location or help players picture the area then you have lots of options for how you source your maps: download maps from the Internet (doing various searches can find you lots), buy maps from various places (artist/cartographer websites, Patreon pages, DriveThruRPG, etc.) or make maps using a graphics app or one of the many RPG mapping tools. Then load them into FG to use as an image.
    hi. DO you have any links to some decent battlemap for Hadley's Hope? I think the game can easily have a proper battlemap and still use zones.
    Neuronblaster GM on warhorn.net

  7. #7
    You mean something more than the detailed map of the facility in the core book? I've run the scenario twice using just those maps. They work perfectly as battle maps (for me). I simply put a grid on them to maintain token scale, and when something happens, drill down to the specific room. Is it a matter of aesthetics? Are you looking for "realistic" maps (with objects and a broad range of colors and so on)? If so, I guess you could search around for some SF maps.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by PhilAdams View Post
    You mean something more than the detailed map of the facility in the core book? I've run the scenario twice using just those maps. They work perfectly as battle maps (for me). I simply put a grid on them to maintain token scale, and when something happens, drill down to the specific room. Is it a matter of aesthetics? Are you looking for "realistic" maps (with objects and a broad range of colors and so on)? If so, I guess you could search around for some SF maps.
    Sorry but the maps that came with the Core Rulebook for me are usable only for the GM.

    I found better maps here : https://sites.google.com/view/alienm...ain?authuser=0

    But I hope in the future Company realizes that maps for VTT can use more attention.

    I will use the maps at the link, but in the future I will also try to make something myself.


    Sorry I do not like much the theater of the mind style
    Neuronblaster GM on warhorn.net

  9. #9
    Huh. Can't say I care for their approach to the maps. It's obviously a matter of personal preference.

    FWIW, I don't do TotM. I consider it terribly inefficient and disruptive. I always get a chuckle watching/listening to people who espouse it as a superior approach to gaming because combats inevitably grind to a halt answering questions/arguing points that wouldn't need to be dealt with if a map and minis/tokens were in use. Somehow, that doesn't knock people out of immersion, but tokens and maps do? Different strokes and all that.

  10. #10
    I think an expert GM can get a lot of help from well done maps. Alien RPG itself also helps you with the system.

    I don't see anything bad with well done maps.

    BY the way, how do you think the FG SCI-FI interior maps are for alien? worth it or not?

    Would be nice to have an map art pack dedicated to alien only (not generic SCI FI)
    Neuronblaster GM on warhorn.net

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