@@ZarHakkar both are equally true. OP's is never let the pursuit of excellence paralyze you. Yours is to never stop striving for better. Both are true, perfectly balanced as all things should be.
My version is “Perfect is the enemy of Done.” Dunno if that came from somewhere else, but if you are struggling with perfectionism, try being a DM. Nothing highlights the futility and the counterproductive nature of perfectionism more than being a DM.
I totally do not run campaigns like you do, tending to do shorter ones, and none of them D&D. But seeing someone actually pointing out you need Game elements in a Roleplaying Game is so refreshing.
Yes this is why I subbed right from the get go. He brings the game elements back in RPG where most modern RPG are all narrative first and improv heavy without actual game design elements.
I really like how all of these videos bring in game design elements. The purpose of a battle map is to tell the players what they can do and where as clearly as possible. How do you make it serve that function? Suddenly it clicks so well for me
Three additional tips: 1 consider drawing on large paper or poster board so you can pre draw maps and then save them for reuse 2 mix colors and marker sizes for variety, but try to use consistent coding. My doors are always hot pink so my players can distinguish them. 3 it's ok to use simplistic symbols if you lack artistic ability. Draw an old school star to represent a statue. Let player imagination work for you.
I’ve been thinking about trying clear transparency film as an overlay. Draw maps on that and mainly use the battlemap for the grid, but I could roll them up and store them with my battlemap. The problem I’m having is finding rolls wider than 11” that aren’t 100’ rolls. I wouldn’t mind having a nearly unlimited supply, but it’s hard to bring myself to drop $50-$100 on a roll when right now that would be my only use 😅
Best advice at the end: "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good!". Totally agree! No player wants to sit around waiting 20 minutes until the DM has drawn a battlemap. The show must go on! But if you end the session on "roll initiative", then you know that you can make it perfect for the next session. And it's a nice cliff hanger as a bonus action.
i love your channel because it perfectly aligns with my style of a lot of imprvisation and shortcuts to just get the most, flexible fun. You dont need hours of statblocks, research and wiki entries when you can go with the flow of a few outlines story beats and have a good grasp of concepts and pacing. So youre filling in the blanks that my style sometimes leaves and give a lot of inspiration while doing so. love it!
I've used dry-erase maps a ton, and a quick tip is that if you or someone else uses a non-dry erase marker on it (by mistake or necessity), Windex is very good at cleaning it.
@@Zebwak You can do it by rubbing it with anything that contains alcohol. In school, I once traced the permanent marker writings with a dry-erase one, and it did a fine job.
@@Zebwak Windex has ammonium in it, this might mess up plastics, so only use that on glass. isopropyl alcohol is pretty much safe on everything and has a lot of applications, so I'd use that instead, probably cheaper too!
I teach a high school Mythology using D&D. I have a playlist of D&D advice videos that is more than 400 vidoes long and was longer at one point; I've watched nearly all of them. It ranged every issue, subject, problem, strategy...name it, it was in that list. You are an S-Tier D&D advice channel. In my book, these videos and your tips and adive are up there with Perkins, Mulligan, and Mercer.
I totally agree that a little (not a lot!) of extra detail can make a big difference on maps. Maximizing interaction with terrain and obstacles really helps add flavor/fun to an encounter beyond beating up the baddies.
Great advice! I'm currently building up a Dwarven Forge collection (it's addicting but $$$) and this reminds me of how attractive a nicely drawn, well thought out map can be.
Amazing video! I am a newish DM, just starting with a battlemap, and I had no idea there was even content like this available. So helpful! I'm no artist, but my players seem to love the visuals, and your video gave me some great inspiration and ideas. Subbed.
Fantastic! Due to vision issues, I am not a great artist so I use a lot of prepared maps that I print or theater of the mind. However, I CAN draw maps like this! Thanks for the tips and the article link.
I bought plexiglass and drew a grid on one side with permanent marker. As long as I use the wet erase markers on the other side it works great. Also I have the added benefit of being able to put stuff underneath it. Usually I use colored construction paper to make vague shapes of dirt, grass, or water and put those underneath.
Historical note: churches didn't have pews until the beginning of the modern period (1600s). Prior to that, they were lucky if they had benches. In ancient temples, people sat on wide staircases if at all.
I have some common terrain elements like stairs printed out on cardstock to add to the table quickly. Also if you want to go 3d, Jenga pieces are dirt cheap, make great walls if you paint, draw, or paste a pattern on, and are small enough to easily use, while being large enough to not jostle around.
I always appreciate when some love is given to the ultra useful tools and thoughts generated by the 4th edition! Kudos for your clear view of a role playing *game* too! To often dms and players forget the "boardgame" aspect of an rpg like dnd (other rpgs may have a lesser part tied with boardgame asoect, or even none, but it'snt the dnd cade).
Interesting vid but gotta say I'm so glad I play online instead of face-2-face. Having my DM be able to just bring up the next map with a click of button definitely feels like a QoL moment. :o) But I really appreciate that there almost isn't a 'wrong' way to play, it's just about finding a group that fits in with what you like.
As a rule - do not put in time to supporting work where you will be pissed off is the players don’t do it. This is the difference between “real” roleplaying and “UA-cam” roleplaying
Theater of the mind is best when you have maps drawn out, just... On the DM side. And they can be scribbled on a napkin for all that it matters. The point is for the DM to be able to have a visual guide to figure out location and what's where.
Ah, someone else knows the lost art of Map Fu. Thought to be lost to the ages when *Dragon* went down, only few knew of the archive whence it was stored.
Oof, I don't know, man. Get the Cze and Peku patreon or other similar patreon map makers, I've been a member of loads of those when I was running in the pandemic.
@@Mystic-Arts-DM I definitely follow a ton of map makers on bluesky. I was wondering if there were some tips for just drawing maps in a digital space but it comes with a bunch of complications huh?
@JPCoovert is a great channel to learn how to draw maps very easily, to help put the stuff from this video to use. He has some awesome zines one his patreon with instructions and icons to help you create maps without needing to be an expert artist or anything.
“Perfection is the enemy of good” may be my favourite phrase ever
Words to live by! Voltaire knew what he was talking about.
Counterpoint: mediocracy is the enemy of excellence
It's my mantra dude
@@ZarHakkar both are equally true. OP's is never let the pursuit of excellence paralyze you. Yours is to never stop striving for better. Both are true, perfectly balanced as all things should be.
My version is “Perfect is the enemy of Done.” Dunno if that came from somewhere else, but if you are struggling with perfectionism, try being a DM. Nothing highlights the futility and the counterproductive nature of perfectionism more than being a DM.
I totally do not run campaigns like you do, tending to do shorter ones, and none of them D&D. But seeing someone actually pointing out you need Game elements in a Roleplaying Game is so refreshing.
Yes this is why I subbed right from the get go. He brings the game elements back in RPG where most modern RPG are all narrative first and improv heavy without actual game design elements.
I use 1 inch grid paper to make my maps. Sure they are one use each but it makes it very convenient and lets us go back to it later if we want
I really like how all of these videos bring in game design elements. The purpose of a battle map is to tell the players what they can do and where as clearly as possible. How do you make it serve that function? Suddenly it clicks so well for me
“Draw that obelisk” just peppered in there is the perfect vibe I like to see
Three additional tips:
1 consider drawing on large paper or poster board so you can pre draw maps and then save them for reuse
2 mix colors and marker sizes for variety, but try to use consistent coding. My doors are always hot pink so my players can distinguish them.
3 it's ok to use simplistic symbols if you lack artistic ability. Draw an old school star to represent a statue. Let player imagination work for you.
Totally right!
Dyson Logos have a great symbol coding is someone need
dysonlogos.blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/map-key.jpg
I’ve been thinking about trying clear transparency film as an overlay. Draw maps on that and mainly use the battlemap for the grid, but I could roll them up and store them with my battlemap. The problem I’m having is finding rolls wider than 11” that aren’t 100’ rolls. I wouldn’t mind having a nearly unlimited supply, but it’s hard to bring myself to drop $50-$100 on a roll when right now that would be my only use 😅
Best advice at the end: "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good!". Totally agree! No player wants to sit around waiting 20 minutes until the DM has drawn a battlemap. The show must go on!
But if you end the session on "roll initiative", then you know that you can make it perfect for the next session. And it's a nice cliff hanger as a bonus action.
I love how you hit these somewhat uncovered areas in the dnd youtube-scape
You can see the Matt Colville inspiration in the style of the video, very good content! you deserve many more views
i love your channel because it perfectly aligns with my style of a lot of imprvisation and shortcuts to just get the most, flexible fun. You dont need hours of statblocks, research and wiki entries when you can go with the flow of a few outlines story beats and have a good grasp of concepts and pacing.
So youre filling in the blanks that my style sometimes leaves and give a lot of inspiration while doing so. love it!
These are the fastest 10 minutes of my day.
I've used dry-erase maps a ton, and a quick tip is that if you or someone else uses a non-dry erase marker on it (by mistake or necessity), Windex is very good at cleaning it.
@@Zebwak You can do it by rubbing it with anything that contains alcohol. In school, I once traced the permanent marker writings with a dry-erase one, and it did a fine job.
@@Zebwak Windex has ammonium in it, this might mess up plastics, so only use that on glass.
isopropyl alcohol is pretty much safe on everything and has a lot of applications, so I'd use that instead, probably cheaper too!
@@DJAbraxoOfficial
Thanks!
Great videos! I'm enjoying watching and learning from the topics you've shared your thoughts about.
I teach a high school Mythology using D&D.
I have a playlist of D&D advice videos that is more than 400 vidoes long and was longer at one point; I've watched nearly all of them.
It ranged every issue, subject, problem, strategy...name it, it was in that list.
You are an S-Tier D&D advice channel.
In my book, these videos and your tips and adive are up there with Perkins, Mulligan, and Mercer.
Map-fu is a super interesting concept. Also, love the outro! It's very neat.
🤜 Map-Fu🫷 is one of the ancient Mystic Arts!
I totally agree that a little (not a lot!) of extra detail can make a big difference on maps. Maximizing interaction with terrain and obstacles really helps add flavor/fun to an encounter beyond beating up the baddies.
Great advice! I'm currently building up a Dwarven Forge collection (it's addicting but $$$) and this reminds me of how attractive a nicely drawn, well thought out map can be.
You guys do fantastic work.
Keep it up.
Really love this video. I might add that using colors is helpful, especially for wood etc. Blue for the obelisk. Etc.
Amazing video! I am a newish DM, just starting with a battlemap, and I had no idea there was even content like this available. So helpful! I'm no artist, but my players seem to love the visuals, and your video gave me some great inspiration and ideas. Subbed.
Fantastic! Due to vision issues, I am not a great artist so I use a lot of prepared maps that I print or theater of the mind. However, I CAN draw maps like this! Thanks for the tips and the article link.
0:48 Love the transition and camera work!
I bought plexiglass and drew a grid on one side with permanent marker. As long as I use the wet erase markers on the other side it works great. Also I have the added benefit of being able to put stuff underneath it. Usually I use colored construction paper to make vague shapes of dirt, grass, or water and put those underneath.
The camera angles in the intro are great haha. Plus super useful advice!
Historical note: churches didn't have pews until the beginning of the modern period (1600s). Prior to that, they were lucky if they had benches. In ancient temples, people sat on wide staircases if at all.
I have some common terrain elements like stairs printed out on cardstock to add to the table quickly.
Also if you want to go 3d, Jenga pieces are dirt cheap, make great walls if you paint, draw, or paste a pattern on, and are small enough to easily use, while being large enough to not jostle around.
3D elements can really add so much charm! Daði has these autumn-colored trees that are really pretty, I love when he breaks out the props box. - AB
Learning some of the blueprint indicators like for doorways would make these maps more effective
I always appreciate when some love is given to the ultra useful tools and thoughts generated by the 4th edition!
Kudos for your clear view of a role playing *game* too!
To often dms and players forget the "boardgame" aspect of an rpg like dnd (other rpgs may have a lesser part tied with boardgame asoect, or even none, but it'snt the dnd cade).
Interesting vid but gotta say I'm so glad I play online instead of face-2-face. Having my DM be able to just bring up the next map with a click of button definitely feels like a QoL moment. :o) But I really appreciate that there almost isn't a 'wrong' way to play, it's just about finding a group that fits in with what you like.
Wow…that voice!
Shame to take the likes past the blessed 69, but your content deserves each one
Super interessting! Thanks for the video!
These videos are amazing
As a rule - do not put in time to supporting work where you will be pissed off is the players don’t do it.
This is the difference between “real” roleplaying and “UA-cam” roleplaying
This is neat! Do you think you will do a video about "theatre of the mind", for those who don't have access to mini-figs?
Theater of the mind is best when you have maps drawn out, just... On the DM side. And they can be scribbled on a napkin for all that it matters. The point is for the DM to be able to have a visual guide to figure out location and what's where.
Ah, someone else knows the lost art of Map Fu. Thought to be lost to the ages when *Dragon* went down, only few knew of the archive whence it was stored.
Oh my god its ZipperonDisney! I'm a huge fan! Thanks for watching!!
@@Mystic-Arts-DM you're doing great! keep up the good work!
Ah yes the 80-20 rule, 80% of the work can be accomplished in 20% of the time
What brand of wet erase markers do you use/prefer?
I like wet / dry erase markers too.
Where do i get a big erasable squared matt/map like this?
You FLGS likley carries some wet earase maps: though mine was ofc custom, as mentioned in the video
can your dad sell those tables because that's amazing.
Hahaha, he sells stickers and similar products for advertising and signs. Custom tables are unfortunately not available for purchase.
Ok... now, for those of us terminally online (incapable of finding an in person game) any advice for digital map-fu?
Oof, I don't know, man. Get the Cze and Peku patreon or other similar patreon map makers, I've been a member of loads of those when I was running in the pandemic.
@@Mystic-Arts-DM I definitely follow a ton of map makers on bluesky. I was wondering if there were some tips for just drawing maps in a digital space but it comes with a bunch of complications huh?
We're working on a video for some tools for that, maybe one on making your own too. 🤔
@@Mystic-Arts-DM colour me intrigued
I let my players draw the map as they explore. It's less work for me and they're more invested in the story
@JPCoovert is a great channel to learn how to draw maps very easily, to help put the stuff from this video to use. He has some awesome zines one his patreon with instructions and icons to help you create maps without needing to be an expert artist or anything.