Dev Blog
Long time users of MapTool know the problem with doors, columns, statues, and Vision Blocking Layer (VBL). You want MapTool to block vision through these objects but you want the players to see them without their vision being blocked by VBL. Thanks to the RPTools craftsmen, you can now have your object and VBL too.
We’re experimenting with a new distribution method by allowing users the ability to download MapTool from DriveThruRPG for free with an optional donation. This is in addition to our traditional Download Page – not a replacement for it. Opening the DriveThruRPG channel does a few things for us.
Devin Night is a freelance artist/illustrator and a long time friend to RPTools. He kindly donated art packs available for download in MapTool. Outside of MapTool, you’ve likely seen his work in products from Rite Publishing, Grey Matter Games, White Haired Man, and many others.-
Community member Bhoritz found some great parchment-style maps by Gogots on Deviantart. The artist also provides all the mapping elements to make your own. Gogots gives the authorization to use the maps and elements to post or publish for non-commercial products. There is an associated YouTube channel with explanations on how to use the resources (if you read French). However, the explanations aren’t really needed since the map building is just copy/paste in either Photoshop or Gimp. Below is an example of what you can create.
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One of the strengths of RPTools is the community of users who take the time to make life easier for others. Another strength of MapTool is its incredible flexibility and the vast number of options open to a gamemaster. However, that flexibility comes at the cost of a learning curve that may seem daunting. We are fortunate to have community members like Thomas Chapman who take the time to produce tutorials which demonstrate the functionality and best practices for MapTool use and adoption.
MapTool 1.4.1.8 is available for download from [rptools.net][maptool-toolbox] by clicking on the Download link in the top toolbar.-
One of the strengths of MapTool is its community. Case in point, Thomas Chapman who took the time to create a series of MapTool tutorials. Thanks, Thomas. We salute you.
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With the upcoming release of MapTool 1.4.2, GMs will be able to add a layer of Vision Blocking to stamps and tokens. This means Players will be able to see an object but that object will block all light and sight from passing through it. This comes in handy for doors, statues, vehicles, and large tokens. When combined with MapTools Macro Bag of Tricks drop-in resource, you can create the following effect on doors.
The last (hopefully) Dev/Test version in the 1.4.1 series is now available for download from https://maptool.craigs-stuff.net/test-builds/. The 1.4.1 series saw a large number of major changes which will now be rolled into the forthcoming 1.4.2 production release. We’ll only release a 1.4.1.7 if more testing is required.-
The RPTools craftsmen produced a new Dev/Test MapTool version for you to try. Adventurous GMs should consider trying it in one of your games but be very sure to save a backup copy of your campaign first. There will likely be one more Dev/Test release before we increment to 1.4.2.0 so please take some time to try this version so we can catch as many bugs as possible before we release it into the gaming wilds.