Roll20 and Map Programs

[Xeviat]

Hey everyone!

I'm getting started to try running a D&D game on Roll20. I've never done it before. Have any of you?

Also, I'll be needing to make maps. Are there any free map making programs aside from me using Photoshop/GIMP?

Thanks turtles!

[LoA]

Autorealms is pretty okay. Takes a little bit to get used to, but it's served me well.

[Steerpike]

I use Roll20 in my Fimbulvinter game and sparkletwist uses it for her Underdepths game.

Here's a link to some maps I've used.

Here's what it looks like during a session for me:



That map and tokens were made by me, but there are lots available for free and others for purchase.

It's very, very useful for games with a heavy tactical component (Pathfinder, 4E, etc). The chat window leaves a lot to be desired, though, so we play using both Roll20 and IRC simultaneously.

[sparkletwist]

Even if you don't have any sort of fancy map making program, you can cobble together pretty decent looking maps from the components that are freely available on roll20 itself. That's what I ended up doing in my Underdepths game. The visual style is not as distinctive as Steerpike's hand-drawn maps but it still ends up looking pretty good, at least I think so.

[Steerpike]

I think so too, sparkletwist!

Knowing a bit about your preferences, Xeviat, I think you'd really like it.