Much as I adore the incomparable map of the Flanaess from the
World of Greyhawk – perhaps
the best RPG map ever – over the last few years I've really come to appreciate the style of hex map that appeared during the Moldvay/Cook/Marsh era of
Dungeons & Dragons. Though nowhere as artful in their presentation as
Darlene's gorgeous work, the B/X hex maps do nevertheless have a beauty all their own, one born of
clarity and
utility. They are very easy to read and to use in play, especially if, like me, you are saddled with eyesight that's nowhere near as sharp as it once was. This fact alone counts for a great deal nowadays.
That's why I'd like to prevail upon the collective knowledge of my readers. Are there any programs out there that might enable an incompetent Luddite such as myself to make rough approximations of these maps? Once upon a time, there was a program called Hexographer that came close to doing so, but its current iteration looks much too complex for some of my limited skills to use effectively. Are there any alternatives readily available or must I buckle under and learn how to use this new version of Hexographer?
For my BECMI mapping needs I use Arr-Kelaan Hexmapper with Microsoft Visual Basic to get it to work in 2023. You can get both from https://breeyark.org/aar-kelaan-hexmapper-and-more/ - good luck!
ReplyDeleteMuch abused AKS hexmap in my current Faerun campaign https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZCnjg_iL26v4uIlSfP1tYxsfU48BzIqoVuDhllCtNwcDNVqVDlkxEN3VdTi5ii6nasiSNe5du6LOCR0Vlz0TLD27-Ht1yzQDi6dj5hzB1XTztkh3WNXsFMMKAEkcYU5pXrDe0sOplinCd16bQStVEfrq2yCsAr3AMdf7CVGvc-xSR__GD0K5MJGn6xQ=s789
ReplyDeleteThat looks like the exact opposite of what James is asking for, though? Completely colored/filled hexes, etc.
DeleteThey're the Mentzer era version of the Moldvay/Cook/Marsh mapping system.
DeleteShadekeep's Mapping Tool, aka Shamat, was created for TFT but it looks to me like it could accommodate your needs. It's free! It runs on the web or on your browser while offline. And it lives at https://shadekeep.com/shamat/shamat.html .
ReplyDeleteI downloaded the free trial of Hexographer and AKS hexmap mentioned above. The basic functionality of both are the same. A hexgrid with a tray of icons next to it. There are a few more bells and whistles with Hexographer but they can be ignored. The advantage of Hexographer versus AKS is that Hexographer receive regular updates so I would expect it to work with Windows 11 and the the latest round of printers.
ReplyDeletePlus Hexographers has submapping which may prove extremely useful depending on the scope of your project.
"The advantage of Hexographer versus AKS is that Hexographer receive regular updates so I would expect it to work with Windows 11 and the the latest round of printers."
DeleteAKS creates .bmp files so they print fine. The main limit it has is the lack of layering - erasing any mistake will likely take away good stuff too.
HekKit is very simple https://cone.itch.io/hex-kit e.g. https://cosmicheroes.space/blog/index.php/2022/12/29/dungeon23-mokuy-hex-map-australia-version-1/
ReplyDelete"The... hex maps... have a beauty all their own. They are... easy to read and... use in play, especially if, like me, you are saddled with eyesight that's nowhere near as sharp as it once was. This fact alone counts for a great deal..."
ReplyDeleteAMEN, BROTHER!
Hextml is a simple hex based mapping program that may suit. I have kept a link to it for use, but haven't actually used it myself.
ReplyDeleteI have the old AKS Hexmap tiles converted to GIMP brushes (not by me, I found them on the web), but that's not an easier option if you aren't good with GIMP or Photoshop.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree that the colored hexes of RC/GAZ era look good as artifacts, but tje old BX/BECMI black & whit hex maps are better utility.
You can still download the original free version of Hexographer. I, too, prefer it to Worldographer.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.hexographer.com/free-version/