Large dungeon complexes and even “megadungeons” have become a stable of fantasy RPGs. But they are difficult to map out, since they tend to be complex, three-dimensional structures. While mapping them in 5 ft. squares may be possible, that doesn’t give a good view of how all the different locations connect with each other.
So I am curious: What are your favorite visualizations for megadungeons? How did they help you as a game master (or player) to understand how their whole environment is structured?
…i adore this depiction of moria from the one ring, plan and section both set against surrounding terrain to give a sense of scale…
That looks beautiful!
I’m disappointed there’s no hidden Sadam
I don’t map them out like this. There is a general overview, and a bunch of maps showing e.g. local caves or dungeons, but the long passages are not coveted by maps. If push comes to shove, I make something up on the spot.
If I was going to actually map one out, I’d just do it like the tube map. Point to point connections that don’t correspond to real space, just nodes that indicate how each “room” or area connect. If necessary, colour code them by depth so I know when connections should involve a staircase/drop/ladder etc.
