Hand-drawn mapping question

[hapro]

I played some Dungeon Master back in the day, but I never really got crazy with my map making. So, I was wondering, what is the standard to use for the start square when making a map? If you assume the first square is the middle of the map but you're actually in the corner of the level, that will obviously cause problems and you might run out of room. I'm guessing there's no way to know which corner of the level you're starting in when descending stairs or something, right? Maybe all levels have exactly the same width/height and staircases always occupy the same x/y location on the levels they touch (in which case, how do you know when mapping the FIRST level that you're in the right location)? I ran into this problem a bunch of times when playing Riven and never really figured out a good solution other than "hope you guessed right" or "redraw the map".

[Alaric]

Good question, I was wondering the same thing.

[antti]

The x/y coordinates of the stairs and pits match so if you get the first level somewhat right, you should be covered. The first level starts nearby the upper left hand corner of the map (I hope I'm not giving away any major spoilers here ).

[Seth]

I suppose the game is in the "mountain". You are starting at the top (i think) and you will go down.
I would start mapping in the same spot as the previous level ended. (If the stairs down are in the upper right corner I would start next level in the upper rigth corner)

[Boeboe]

And don't forget, if you don't want to waste printing paper + ink, it's much easier to just buy a block of squared paper

(though, I have to admit, the grimrock template is really beautiful, I think it makes everyone wanting to map manually )

[Jack Dandy]

Here's a tip- if you go over the edge, simply add in a number there and in a place on the opposite side of the map, and continue mapping from there. Think of it like the pacman maze. The numbers would help you remember where the map continues.

[Alaric]

Here's a tip- if you go over the edge, simply add in a number there and in a place on the opposite side of the map, and continue mapping from there. Think of it like the pacman maze. The numbers would help you remember where the map continues.

Umm... yea... or better yet, just record the entire map as a series of vector coordinates. That way you are certain to no experience any issues.

[Stalkingwolf]

the question is, if you go down/upstairs, will you start in the same x/y coordinates in the level below oder above.
And are the level from the same size. if not, your in trouble

[jfunk]

the question is, if you go down/upstairs, will you start in the same x/y coordinates in the level below oder above.
And are the level from the same size. if not, your in trouble

Yes, as per Antti above.

[Alaric]

That's why I recommended you use vector.