Map Making for the Newbie Cartographer

[Willie900]

I was hoping to create a variant map based off of the current CYOC map, and I would like some tips on how to make a good-looking, balanced map.

The map would contain an above-average number of players, and be a world-wide map. (the map in the CYOC forum gives a good idea about the size of current nations in the game, though smaller nations will likely become neutrals, whilst larger, older nations (such as the big green thing in the map) will be either special neutral or impassable)

[APearson]

You might find this article useful:
http://www.variantbank.org/articles/designing_maps.htm

I seem to also recall an article somewhere about how Heptarchy was designed, which may also be of use.

I hope this helps!

[Willie900]

You might find this article useful:
http://www.variantbank.org/articles/designing_maps.htm

I seem to also recall an article somewhere about how Heptarchy was designed, which may also be of use.

I hope this helps!

Thanks!

I read the article, and it will definitely help in my designing of the map.

[asudevil]

http://isabout.wordpress.com/2007/12/12 ... nt-design/

That site is about the triangle concept of diplomacy and how to resolve spheres of influence.

Its the concept that Calahammer used to make the game.

[rayezilla]

you want a Europe-only map, or like a Risk-diplomacy variant?

[Willie900]

you want a Europe-only map, or like a Risk-diplomacy variant?

basically, a variant based off of the CYOC map--basically a world game with countries in their respective CYOC places on the map.

[Malevolence]

hm...im really not sure if it would work with diplomacy willie- you realize how many people play cyoc? haha

even fcyoc which ahs less would be crazy (although now youve got me thinking about making one just for that, expect it soon)

[Willie900]

hm...im really not sure if it would work with diplomacy willie- you realize how many people play cyoc? haha

even fcyoc which ahs less would be crazy (although now youve got me thinking about making one just for that, expect it soon)

I'm going to eliminate small/horribly unbalanced countries--e.g. Mobius (huge) or PBCS (tiny)

[Morg]

Would TRR be in it? If so I might be down with playing when you launch it.

A lot of the work in creating maps is getting the hang of layering in Paint.NET or GIMP, since you're already GMing Baltic I assume you're already familiar with it though.

I typically use 3 layers:
Place Names
Units
Actual Physical Land

I've heard of people adding a fourth layer for Retreats.

Is there anything specific your concerned about or do you just have general questions for now? Either way I'll be glad to help.

[Willie900]

Would TRR be in it? If so I might be down with playing when you launch it.

A lot of the work in creating maps is getting the hang of layering in Paint.NET or GIMP, since you're already GMing Baltic I assume you're already familiar with it though.

I typically use 3 layers:
Place Names
Units
Actual Physical Land

I've heard of people adding a fourth layer for Retreats.

Is there anything specific your concerned about or do you just have general questions for now? Either way I'll be glad to help.

I'm familiar with Paint.net; actually drawing the map won't be a problem--balancing the game and will be.

I'm not sure if TRR will be in it--again balance dictates whether a nation gets in or not. I haven't made the decision yet.