PyMapper Version 8 Available

PyMapper version 8 is now available. It looks like there is some functionality to use your maps for real time roleplaying with the implementation of Fog-of-War. It still has all the useful settings and features of prior versions as well.

 

You can get the latest version of PyMapper here and the PyMapper web site is here. In past posts there were comments indicating my PyMapper post should be updated because the program was no longer supported. I could find no evidence to support this claim then and I certainly can't find any now. For the record, there are several links to the tile scans here.

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Adventure Games Guild Releases Dungeons

Adventure Games Guild has released their first offering, Dungeons. Dungeons is lite solo RPG game. This might do well as an introduction to role playing for younger folks who are interested in fantasy roleplaying. The budding publisher has a meatier project due early next year as well. I haven't played Dungeons yet, but I have read the rules. As soon as I get some play time I will post an update.

B.

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donjon

The donjon web site is a fantastic rpg resource. Not only will the site generate a fully stocked dungeon with the size and level specifics you provide, but it will do so for several different versions of D&D as well as generic fantasy too. The generated dungeon material can be downloaded as a nice pdf package once the desired results are obtained. What an awesome FREE resource. Cudos to the donjon folks!

 

Dungeon created as a result of the settings above.

Example dungeon and room description for the dungeon above.

There are other generators that are handy for several genres of rpgs, not just fantasy. The person or persons responsible for this site have been doing it for quite a while and as a result, many of the offerings are quite polished and offer lots of variety.

B.

 

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Dungeon - New Version Coming

A new version of my favorite childhood game is due to be released very soon. I have already pre-ordered three copies. I intend to give my nephews the same opportunity I had as a child for such memories. This is one of those games that, judged all by itself, would not rate very high in my book, but because of the theme and the memories it is still a favorite. I even still play the game from time-to-time with my nephews and since finding a solo scenario recently I have even played by myself too. I highly recommend playing this with any youngster who shows an interest in this type of game.

 

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Wiz War

  This past week has seen plays from two different dungeon games from the early eighties. Talk about a blast from the past. Last night I got to play Wiz War for the first time. Brother Al over at RavenFeast's Mead Hall was responsible for the game introduction and equipment.

  Those of you familiar with the game might find it humorous that I started my first game somewhat defensibly by dropping blocks and other blockages at different access points to my home base and one of the other wizards came over and sealed me in my own little corner of the dungeon by creating a wall at just the right place so that I was trapped. I didn't get any teleports, destroy walls or any decent damage spells to knock any of the walls down and spent the rest of the game watching from my tomb. :-)

  We managed to get in two games and I got a little more play time on the second game. I had an excellent time and many thanks to our hosts.

Dungeon

Image compliments of Scott Finfrock and Boardgame Geek

  Over the weekend I played one of my favorite childhood games. I probably haven't played Dungeon in over 25 years. I played with my two nephews (8 and 7) and my brother. My nephews seemed to enjoy themselves and I can only hope the game will leave the same impression on them as it did on me so long ago.

RPTools MapTool

   MapTool is part of the RPTools suite of game play aids. This software allows gamers to share a game session over a network (including the internet). The possibilities are immense. With a little preparation on the GM's side, any map and encounter graphics can be used in the software with fog of war and line of sight built in. Whether the players live on opposite sides of the world or one player can't make it because it is their turn to watch the kids tonight, this software or something like it may play a role in the future of gaming. I have missed out on many gaming sessions because of long term work assignments and would have appreciated a setup like this so I could have participated.

  It is interesting to note that it appears most people who use the software are roleplaying. I would like to experiment with miniature gaming as well. With some modifications I think a setup like this could work with games like Where Heroes Dare! and Battletech.

MapTool with Temple of Fire Map

  It was easy enough to import my Temple of Fire map into the sofware. Any graphics software can be used to make maps or tokens, but there are several editors purpose built for making maps of this nature and many of them are free on the internet.

  One person hosts the session and the other players join the session on their computers or a two computer setup could be used for  regular gaming session where the the GM has the 'Master' computer and the other players use the 'Player' computer. Typically in this last example a projector is used so all players can see the game board on the playing surface instead of all crowding around one computer monitor.

  I look forward to seeing what role programs like this will play in the future of our hobby.

BTR

PyMapper

Temple of Fire

I recently discovered the PyMapper program on the internet. When the tile packs for D&D were released several years ago, a fan created a Java based mapping program that was posted on the WotC web site. I really liked the program because I could tell it how many sets I own and it would keep track of the tiles I used to make the maps and then I could print the tile manifest for game preparation. Support for the program fell off and when new tile sets were released they weren't made available for the mapping program. PyMapper is another fan supported mapping program and a Yahoo group was created to distribute the files and provide a mechanism for feedback. The group can be found here: PyMapper Group.

 

PyMapper Interface

 

Pymapper can do all the things I like about the other program and then some. The interface is easy to use and fairly intuitive. Best of all the tile sets are up to date and now match what I currently own. If you have a need for this type of program you can't beat it, especially since it is FREE!

BTR

 

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Skulls & Barrels & Chests Oh My Or What I have Been Working on the Past Two Weeks

A couple of weeks ago I needed something to work on that I could do while on the road. Miniatures don't do well for me on the road, but the boxes, crates, doors, skulls and sacks I had cast from my Hirst Arts molds would fit the bill. I only got snippets of time here and there, but I just put the final dull coat on today and here they all are. All of this stuff is for my dungeon layout, but a good bit can be used in many other games including Where Heroes Dare!

D&D In my Hirst Arts Dungeon

... Speaking of Hirst Arts and having read Dr. Merkury's comment on a Wolfenstein game, I decided to post some pictures of a D&D game from a while ago at our local game store, Six Feet Under Games. Dr. M, let me know if this is enough dungeon material for a game .....

I created a group of modular tiles for larger rooms. The extras really make a difference, but don't they always. One example layout with the pieces available.

The adventurers approach carefully.

The spiral staircase entrance.

 The altar room.

 The crypt.

 The cell block. And ... a block trap. Ooooh nice!

 Doh, and another one. This time it got someone.

 This can't be good!

A rolling boulder trap like in Indiana Jones.

 Bar fight!

 Another entrance or tansition piece with a well.