Greetings mappers, gamers, lady bugs and jellybeans!

I just wanted to start talking about map making today, something I mostly did because it was part of the worldbuilding for my own Dungeons and Dragons campaign. 

Until recently, I only drew up maps as a prop for my players. I employ props and a drawings of npcs, monsters, and items still, and my players enjoy the visuals it offers.

A couple years ago I tried my hand a serious campaign map and although it wasn't very good, it was extremely satisfying to do. 

So I started to do more, and more, taking time to learn just enough geography to put things in the right places so it looked at least sensible. 

My advice to a beginner cartographer is to grab a notebook declare it your map journal, and just start doodling land features like trees, mountains, rivers, roads and other things that you want to put on your maps.

That is it. Just doodle and play around with these features and even make a few little practice maps.

You need only a pencil, and some copy paper to get started. Your player will become more interested in where their characters are once you provide them a map, even if you don't think it's very good.

Just this little bit should get you on the road to making better maps!

Next up, tools and resources to help make great maps!