Scene Additions - Set 6: Caves; Set 7: Castles - are now live

The latest Scene Additions sets, set 6: Caves & set 7: Castles, have been submitted to the marketplace for approval. Click on the individual pictures to bring up the sets on Roll20's marketplace.

(/1/2015 update: We are qued, waiting approval!

Testing set 7: Castles in Scene Additions style

Testing Scene Additions Set 7: Castles this past evening, and quite happy to see it working pretty flawlessly in Tiled. Now to test the design elements in Roll20 and get ready to upload for approval.

Hmm...I may have to do a few more ruin tiles...broken window, door on floor, and the cut stone column...and maybe break apart a few of the upper walkway pieces as well. As always, once you see one thing, there are ten more things you can add to a set. hahaha

Old World Style in Tiled Lesson 2: Using set 3 as an alt continent base

Old World Style set 3: Cracks & Contours is a bit of a sleeper hit. It is complimentary to the other sets, seems a bit boring on its own, but when used in connection with other Old World Style sets, can add a whole other level to your map making.

Creating a map using Old World Style: Lesson 1 - setting up the land masses and ocean from set 1

Using Tiled, from mapeditor.org, an open-source map editing program that we have been a patron sponsor for nearly a year now, this tutorial begins with laying down the continents using Old World Style set 1: World View from tilesheets.

Introduction to Tiled (video)

Trying out CamStudio to record video tutorials

Everyone once in a while, I get requests on what types of programs are used when creating maps from my various sets. While I do use the map editor in Roll20 in playing online, and for testing my work, I also like to create maps and scenes off line; and unfortunately, you cannot save your maps and such in the VTT to a jpg or png format for easy changes later. Roll20 has a ton of fantastic features in their map editor and VTT, but like many I have found through the site, it is good to also work on your ideas off line at times at a reasonable pace, without worry of server lag or just because you want to be off line for a bit.

A couple years ago, I found Tiled from mapeditor.org. One of the greatest features is the layering capacity the program has for building maps and scenes. Originally intended for the video game world, Tiled is a great tool and easy to use.

I have several tutorials on here for using Tiled, and now have found CamStudio to attempt to create video tutorials to make the process (hopefully) even easier.

So bear with me, as there are mistakes to be made, flubs to be said, and hopefully some useful information to be given.

And now, I'm off to record some beginning tutorials!

EDIT UPDATE:

Ok, my first attempt with no sound:  Introducing Tiled

Combining various artists' design elements

Since being involved with the Roll20.net artist community over nearly the last two years, I've come to enjoy seeing how various styles can work together. In my eyes, this may assist folks to see how they can really stretch their purchasing dollars of new found art in the marketplace, and expand their mapping skills.

The latest piece is a combination of design elements largely from Melanie Paterson and myself, but also throws in some key pieces of Gabriel Pickard and Vhey Preexa, also on the Roll20 marketplace roster of artists.

The rock and cave textures and several of the smaller plants are found within the latest Caves set of Scene Additions (soon to be released), while larger jungle flora adorns the  majority of the cave entrance by Melanie Paterson. The logs, broken gates and cannon are from Gabriel Pickard's work. And the tipped over mining cart from Vhey Preexa. 

Want to see more? At Roll20.net's marketplace:

Russ HapkeGabriel PickardMelanie PatersonVhey Preexa

A Watchful Eye...

So earlier this evening, I came across this: http://wallpart.com/poster/r-a-hapke-february-2015-268554602


Oddly enough, it is a piece I did with Paul Ooshun early this year in February as a give away for fans of our work on this blog; so basically, if someone is actually wanting the piece, they could save some fins by simply grabbing it off the blog: http://rahapke.blogspot.com/2015/02/happy-valentines-day-gamers.html

Circle frame freebie

In responding to  a comment earlier, a promise was made to put up two items for anyone who would like to use them. Simply right click and "Save Image As" to your computer.

First is the circle map base, very similar to the one displayed in the February 23rd post:

Next up, a PNG 50% transparency to fit over the map. If you've used the Old World Style elements and sets, you've probably figured out just how intricate you can get. You can design the world from the ocean depths if you wish, or place items below the 'water' like sunken ships, lost temples, or even a sea monster or two. 

Both of these are quite large in size, so you may have to play with sizing. They will work beautifully with the Old World Style sets, or as a base for a map you wish to create.

Happy Mapping and let your mind go wild!

Art & GenCon

Always collect art. Period. Just do it; if not for an investment, do it because it makes the warm fuzzies inside every time you see the piece. View it as an inspiration for what ever you do in life. For me, I enjoy collecting all kinds of art, including fantasy art. Perhaps the biggest event to do that: GenCon.

My first GenCon was in 1985. I was fifteen, and at that time it was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a teenager, the amount of people who played the same games we did gathering in one spot was intoxicating. It was as if we were a part of the largest family reunion on Earth. Exhibitors lined the hall, giving away free samples of new products, trying to get their foot in the door; gamers lined up at the gaming tables to test their wits against DM's (yes, we called them DM's back then, not GM's). Talking to anyone in the convention center was like talking to your siblings or cousins. You just 'fit in'. 

Of all the things I found interesting, the artwork was perhaps the most inticing. My first piece of art was from that GenCon, a sketch of a tree by a relatively new artist, Pamela Shanteau. In the following years, Pamela Shanteau would become a world reknown artist in another field of custom vehicle painting. She gained the title "The Godmother of American Airbrushing." Last year, as I sat, drawing digital tiles, the sketch of the tree hanging directly above my desk for inspiration, I looked up Ms. Shanteau's website (she'd been busy these past 30 years!) and wrote her a letter of thanks; for creating a piece that would be inspiration for years. When she wrote back, I almost peed myself, returning to a state of that 15 year old, all Squee-afyin' that she had taken the time to respond to li'l ol me. Pamela Shanteau website.

This year, I was fortunate enough to meet and talk with two incredibly talented artists: Mike Schley and Micah Epstein. I couldn't believe Mike Schley was talking to me about techniques in Photoshop, styles of illustration, etc. Here was a fellow who has become a pretty household name from his map-work in the 5th edition DnD series, chatting away as though we were swapping dry-walling tips or the best recipe secretes to making the ultimate apple crisp, just as humble as he could be. I of course, had returned to that gibbering 15 year old, starry eyed and hanging on every word or advice this fellow could offer. Very Squee-worthy moment indeed. I think I ended going back to his booth about three times during the course of one day, and bought four pieces of limited edition prints; one of which made a perfect gift to a buddy for his kindness and generosity earlier this year. Mike Schley's work

Micah Epstein is new to the fantasy art circuit, GenCon being his first big show; and what a way to make a spash! I was immediately drawn to his work: the perspectives, the style, the composition. Had a chance to chat with him for a few minutes as well. One piece, "The Stand" featured a mage battling a mummified corpse, with souls in the background swirling about. We discussed my background in archaeology and the mummies, and it was great to have some questions from the artist. That one threw me...not really expecting someone to take interest. lol Micah gave me the same impression Pamela Shanteau's work did so many years ago. I most definitely look forward to seeing more of his name in the near future as well. Micah Epstein's work.