Map Generator and Import into Roll20

Hi everyone. I have not played table top DnD for many years, not since 3.0. I was a weeee youngin back then. However, I have at least one other person, and likely two, who want to play a DnD campaign with me. I remember preferring 2.0 above all other versions.
I want to know, what is better, 2.0 or 5.0? I prefer simplicity and ease of use. I don't remember much though I have played the infinity engine games.

Okay, now to my real question. Is there any map software I can use to generate maps of dungeons or landscapes which will be calculated based on the level of the players or any other necessary parameters to ensure balanced gameplay? I would prefer to make my own world but since I don't know what I'm doing I'm open to started with a pre-made campaign. But I really want a map generator to shorten the work, that way I can tweak the map as I like without having to use my Brain Processing Unit to do all the work.

you can use gimp it is a roll 20 supported map generator
Home » Mapping_with_Gimp
heres the link

I don't know of any software that is capable of creating a nice looking dungeon, complete with creature tokens, that can be imported into Roll20, and is balanced for a party. One reason is that there are a number of different game systems on the market.

However, it is an interesting idea, and I may have to speak to a programmer about it (I'm just an artist and writer).

Realistically any software/website that provides maps in .jpeg format work well with Roll20. For example if you want to make your own maps you can use gimp (as suggested by Kai), or even Dungeon-Painter Online. If you want something that generates random maps with encounters you could use Donjon, but the maps output in black and white... what you could do though is use the generation as a template and then take the time to layer it with some awesome assets from the Roll20 Marketplace to make it look great!

If you go with 5e there are many sites that can help plan and balance encounters like Donjon (listed above) and my personal favorite Kobold Fight Club (KFC).

I am a big fan of 5e. It has simplified many aspects, but still remains quite tactical for those that appreciate that style and has a great base of character options as well.

5e random dungeon generator cant say how good it is. As for simplicity i would say 5e. Tho 2e is definitely more "oldschool".

P.S. Kevin ninja'd me :)

Thanks Kai and Kevin for the suggestion. To Simon, GO FOR IT! It's a wonderful Idea. If you do, send me a PM or something so we can get skype or facebook. I'd love to watch your development of that project.

Thanks Alex. Can I import into rol20?

I think you can import it on the map layer as picture.

im trying to figure out where that option is.

Save the image as a .jpg, then drag it to the map layer of your campaign how you normally would and size it.

okay i'll try that. I use "launch campaign" yes?

It doesn't seem to line up.

Okay I see a text file called TSV. Can this be imported to have the map work properly?

It has to be an image file, like a .jpg or .png

AAAAGH. is there a youtube video whch shows how to use the donjon 5e generator?

I would highly suggest that you start here and watch the Roll20 tutorials first.

Then there is a topic about map alignment here that you should read.

The main thing to realize is that Donjon uses a very standard size grid, which makes is quite easy. So you simply count the number of squares (including the black square borders), then you multiply that by the Roll20 standard pixels per inch (which is a value of 70) to give you the exact dimensions you need to make the map line up perfectly.

So I created a diminutive rectangle map on donjon. The map on the screen appears to as though it is 29 by 37, however when downloaded to scale, Donjon appears to use 10 ft squares based on saving the .jpg (via the Print Scale Map button), which means you will need to double the dimensions because Roll20 uses a 5ft. square by default. So the size of the map needs to be set to 58 by 74.

If you set the dimensions by pixels it is 4060 (58*70) by 5180 (74*70). This will perfectly align to grid and snap into place.

You can use the print map for your own planning, but you can also save the player map to use as the basis for the Roll20 map.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88HtBJkYUf8

Random Dungeon generation is possible with API on Roll20.

It wouldn't be that much hard to take this even further (add monster and such based on the character sheets.)

One thing that would help this for all content creators and API contributors is this: [API - Tags] API Access to Image Tags.

Keep in mind to enjoy something like this it would also require at least one player (or GM) to have Mentor level support.

alright I'm getting overwhelmed. I have a class at 3 PM EST. Anyone use skype? PM me if you are willing to help and I'll give you my skype info.

Stephen, How can the generation of dungeons (and monsters?) using this API method. I am not exactly sure what API is yet.

Chris B. said:

Stephen, How can the generation of dungeons (and monsters?) using this API method. I am not exactly sure what API is yet.

API is a mentor level feature: Roll20 APICustomize & enhance your experience

I wouldn't let this thread wander too far of topic, however, best thing to do if you are interested is upgrade (for at least a few months) and try out API. If you need help just ask for it in this section: API forum.

Here is another website for generating maps (outside Roll20, which can be used in Roll20). You can get the maps as JPG.

http://wizardawn.and-mag.com/

On this website, click a game on the left (such as Advanced Dungeons & Dragons). Then on the right-side, try several of their different map making tools such as:

• Dungeon Map
• Dungeon Builder
• Dungeon Delve
• Settlement Maps
• World Maps

Then I won't be able to use it because I don't have enough money for Mentor or even basic supporter.

I'll check wizardawn now.

p.s. I like Kevin's hints too, for your requested features. There are differences. Pyromancer (Dungeon Painter) link he gave is used if you want to make your own map, using their textures and tiles for the hallways and such. Wizardawn is more oriented to making whole maps, where you don't exactly choose the hallways yourself (you can choose parameters for the style). WD is made from something called "geomorphs" if you know what that is, basically big sections drawn in advance that can fit together. Also wizardawn is usually if not entirely Black & White maps (great for Old School games like D&D), Pyromancers is in color.