Why Inkscape? for Campaign Maps – Tip #2

So, why Inkscape? Well.. answer really is because I like the program, but what is honestly important is the functionality to do three major things, when looking at a program for map creating.

1. SVG Graphic rendering
2. Layers for Design
3. Works well enough not to piss me off while I’m working

That third requirement, is not a joke, and it is the main reason I don’t use some of the other graphic drawing programs. The last thing I want, is to “Learn” another program.

Maps are essential to RPG play. Have to have a map, because we got to know where things are. They are a major need during play… They are also, the thing that is in the trash first, after the game, the thing that is least remembered, and hardly ever reused after the campaign or module is completed.

I hate them…. urrgh! :-/

But… got to have them. So, again, the last thing I want to do is spend hours making a map.

Second, the last thing I want to do is make something I’ve already made, or that someone else might have available. SVG is fantasitic for building up libraries of items, objects, walls, roads, trees, wheels, birds, blood stains, skeletons in the closet, … oh, and those other things too.

SVG keeps its detail, so that if you want to increase the image size, so that you get a zoom-in-room-view, you don’t get a screen or page full of sand and spots. When you zoom in with SVG, you get better details, so that you can see the smiley face I drew in the blood stain.

The trick to using any “real” graphic editor however, is Layers. Know them, love them. Its like the parfait, everyone loves a parfait. For RPG maps, layers are fantasic. Not only is the best/right/easiest way to make detailed drawings, it allows you to swipe away layers like the top fo the desk, the rug on the floor, the head of the statue,

So, when in doubt or even when not in doubt, use a new layer. Seriously, go nuts, … I’ll bet you find, really fast, just like I did, that … you weren’t really joking back then.. having the statue on a different layer than the rug, makes this next step in the map creation, much easier.

But, if you really want to make things as simple as they can be with the best results (at least, the level of results required to write your own modules), and don’t want to learn a graphic program.. then… Campaign Cartographer is probably your best buy.

I’ll have tips for using Campaign Cartographer here soon — soon as I’m done with this map, that is going to wind up squashed, drawn on, and shoved into a pizza box at the end of the night.. urgh!