I have come to dislike maps.
Don't get me wrong, I love actual maps - I'm a big fan of the cartographic arts - but not so much in my games.
Drawing maps takes time
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| Image (cc) xkcd webcomic |
When I am planning an adventure I'm usually trying to get as much information out of my head and onto paper as I can, and drawing maps slows me down. I move things around until they "fit" (and often change them in play anyway) and worry too much about filling all the space. I learned a lot from reading "Draw Maps, Leave Gaps" in Dungeon World. Now I might sketch a grid with notes on relative positions, or room ideas, because:
Drawing out maps on the table in play can be painful. If the DM does it, it can break the narrative flow while everyone waits. If the players deputise then it can end up being a long game of reverse Pictionary as the DM explains how a wall is 35 feet long - 5,10,15,20,25,30,35, is that right? - and then there is a 10 foot alcove. No, ten feet wide not 10 feet deep...
Also: Published maps may look beautiful, but they never make it onto my table intact; all just wobbly lines of whatever-coloured dry-wipe marker.
Maps can be restrictive
