tannergx's Maps - Null & Voids added 2/11/2013

[tannergx]

Welcome to my map index. I value feedback from people that play my maps, so if you download please comment. Titles link to the build instructions.


Latest Released Maps:

Null & Voids

Uploaded: February 11th, 2013
Known Tournament Use: N/A


Build requires: 1 x Marvel: The Conflict Begins, 1 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Hotstepper

Uploaded: February 1st, 2013
Known Tournament Use: N/A

Build requires: 1 x Marvel: The Conflict Begins, 2 x Road to the Forgotten Forest, 1 x Volcarren Wasteland


The Incubator

Uploaded: January 25th, 2013
Known Tournament Use: Northwest: The Great Thematic Wars - 2/9/2013, Peoria B-List Tournament - 2/9/2013, Westchester, PA Monster Mash - 3/16/2013

First map of 2013, although I've been iterating on this map for well over a month now. Back to using SoTM + TJ as the basis, and added VW for the new twist. The idea here was to compensate for the minimal LOS offerings of SoTM by using lava fields to promote advancement from the easy to reach elevations.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Ticalla Jungle, 1 x Volcarren Wasteland


Remains Of Clionesia

Uploaded: May 14th, 2011
Known Tournament Use: Rocky Mountain Rumble 2011 - 10/15/2011 (Battle Report)


Third take on an RotV + FotA build as outlined in Rÿchean's call for new maps. Incorporated uncapped columns to represent pillar ruins, and create multiple points of LOS protection. An illegal build, but fun nonetheless.

This is the 3rd version, recently revised after some heavy play in Online Heroscape. Based on feedback, the perch from the original was removed, the advantage of defending against entry from road has been lessened, and ease of entry should be roughly on par for 5 movers as it is 6 movers (but it's still pretty hard for both).

Build requires: 1 x Rise of the Valkyrie, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Burnin' and Bushes

Uploaded: June 13th, 2012
Known Tournament Use: N/A

A bit of the new mixed with a bit of the old here for me. Lots of things to hide behind, and lots of road to travel. I still don't know what I'm doing with RoTV, so this one sprawls a bit. And I'm not all that confident with lave fields. But I think it all works.

Build requires: 1 x Rise of the Valkyrie, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie, 1 x Road to the Forgotten Forest, 1 x Volcarren Wasteland


Kermode Swamp

Uploaded: May 12th, 2012
Known Tournament Use: N/A


A new take for me using Swarm + RttFF. With Infested Glade, I focused on trying to get the 2 x 24 hexes on Level 2. In retrospect, I think keeping them low frees up tiles that would otherwise be needed as support. Really pleased with how this one turned out - I think it might be the best map I've ever built.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Road to the Forgotten Forest




Concept Maps and Scenarios:

Spoiler Alert!

Checkpoint Narrows

Uploaded: August 27th, 2011


Some might recognize the tower structures in this map from the early versions of Scout's Lookout. At the time, I thought they would work best on a map with additional LOS blockers. This map is the result of that effort.

Of note, this map is not recommended for double-blind tourney play. There is too much elevation, and at 24-hex start zones the columns serve as Raelin perches. At the largest start-zone size, I'd only recommend this for draft scenarios. At 14-hexes and 16-hexes, the columns are less of an impact, but the high elevation still keeps it less suitable for double blind situations.

Build requires: 2 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie

Maps With Tournament Use History:

Spoiler Alert!

Soggy Bottom

Uploaded: August 27th, 2011
Known Tournament Use: Savage, MD - 10/01/2011, Wasatch Warfare 2011 - 10/15/2011, Michigan NHSD 2011 - 10/16/2011


This map has its roots in some of the first maps I ever posted. Swarm plus 1 x Ticalla Jungle doesn't provide many tiles, which makes this a pretty simple build. Like Infested Glade, my hope is it plays bigger than it's components.

Also of note, I've been playing a lot of 14-hex start space games of late. It started by playing on Dignan's Multiplayer Maps, and I've really enjoyed the paired down armies even for heads up play. As such, the build instructions include start zones for 14-hex, 24-hex, and 16-hex armies, which some are advocating for quicker skirmish play, here.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Ticalla Jungle


Ruins at Fort McAda

Uploaded: May 14th, 2011
Known Tournament Use: Wasatch Warfare 2011 - 10/15/2011, TotalCon XXIV - 2/23-26/2012, Chicagoland September Showdown - 9/22/2012 (Battle Report)


Haven't been checking Heroscapers much of late, but a week ago I caught wind of Rÿchean's call for new maps (wouldn't have seen it at all if Dignan hadn't mentioned it in a post for his new map). This was my first attempt ever using RotV in a 2 player map. And of the 3 concepts I came up with over the week, it's my favorite. Balancing the small and big ruins makes MS1 a little trickier than I imagined.

Current version is significantly revised from the first posted. New design is intended to keep riflemen in check. Further changes to single-hex 1-ups to eliminate Turn 1 Raelin perches.

Build requires: 1 x Rise of the Valkyrie, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Shrine of Mo-Ne-Ca

First Uploaded: July 16th, 2010
Known Tournament Use: Wasatch Warfare 2010 - 10/9/2010

This map has seen a few iterations already. After Utah NHSD 2010, it was also nominated for review to the Battlefields of Valhalla. That nomination was likely a little premature given it had only seen use at one tourney that I'm aware of. Nonetheless, the review process was both constructive and informative. And although I was encouraged by a number of people to revise and re-submit, I just didn't have the will to revisit the build.

A year has passed, and with that enough distance to see things with fresh eyes. With this revision, I've tried to address the problem areas surfaced by the reviewers and my own play-testing. It's not a symmetrical map anymore, nor as aesthetically pleasing to look at, and I'd argue some of the theme has been lost as well. But I think it is a better, more balanced map for a double-blind situation. And I think that's the point.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Ticalla Jungle, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie, 1 x Road to the Forgotten Forest


Infested Glade

First Uploaded: November 12th, 2010
Known Tournament Use: TOTALCON XXV - February 25-27th, 2011

If I were to submit a map to the Cartographer's Choice thread, Infested Glade would have some strong consideration. It's not a very sexy map to look at, and it hasn't received the amount of tourney play as many of my other builds. But what it does do is use Swarm + 1 expansion in a way that feels like a legitimate battleground for 2 armies of 400 - 600 points (at least to me).

Fossil sets the standard in this regard, and there are a few other notable, examples. But there aren't many, and I'm sure this challenge will consume me for years to come.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Road to the Forgotten Forest


Trouble Once Lurked Beneath

Uploaded: October 3rd, 2010
Known Tournament Use: Whitby, ON NHSD - 10/24

A return to SotM and BftU as principle build materials, and my first use of the trees from RttFF. With this map, my main goal was to try and use BftU in a way that included the shadow tiles and outcrops in a temperate swamp setting, but did not expose any dungeon tiles. I like that the dungeon terrain is buried below the visible scene. I imagine this as a place that caved in long ago at the climax of an epic battle and was slowly reclaimed by the swamp.

The standard map only uses the two visible Power Glyphs. The unknown glyph placements are for use with optional Treasure Glyphs. The download also includes a scenario trap if the Treasure Glyphs are used.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Road to the Forgotten Forest

Maps Without Tournament Use History:

Spoiler Alert!

Green River

Uploaded: May 12th, 2012


This map shares a number of similarities with a very early map I posted called Split Decision - bilateral Symmetry, same materials, and a high/low divide. Captures the swamp walk aspect I was looking for with Split Decision as well, and overall I think this is an improvement.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Ticalla Jungle


Ascent From Evernight

Uploaded: May 8th, 2012



I've been sitting on this one for almost a year. The goal was simple, use the Marvel set without exposing any concrete or asphalt tiles. Technically, I didn't achieve the goal - 2 concrete hexes are beneath power glyphs, but I'm please with the overall look and feel.


Build requires: 1 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Marvel: The Conflict Begins, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Swarm On The Bayou

Uploaded: May 8th, 2012


This one is pretty straightforward. Opted to use fewer outcrops to free up more shadow tiles.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Battle for the Underdark


Ramble Tamble

Uploaded: May 8th, 2012


Taking uncapped columns to their logical conclusion.

Build requires: 1 x Swarm of the Marro, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Scout's Lookout

Uploaded: May 14th, 2011


Second take on an RotV + FotA build as outlined in Rÿchean's call for new maps. Wanted to use some columns as a LOS blocker, but still keep the map legal.

This map has been heavily revised from its original incarnation. The original tower has been slimmed down to eliminate a turn 1 Raelin perch, but the original structure has been incorporate into a new map, Checkpoint Narrows. Ruins have been repositioned to provide better cover, wall walk tiles rearranged for more map coverage, and battlements introduced to create paths up the main hill complex.

Build requires: 1 x Rise of the Valkyrie, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Steam Room

Uploaded: November 9th, 2010
Known Tournament Use: N/A



Another take on 2 x BftU, but with an expansion this time. The map basically starts where Valley of Shadows left off. The footprint is slightly deeper, preventing Z-bombs on turn 1. The wide foot-print provides channels for melee to rush through, but I placed the rock outcrops more in the middle of the map. Valley... has a very open center ground so I tried to inverse the outcrop placements here. Even with the center filled, I still think the map breathes. It is also the first time I've ever changed a map to better fit the scenario T-Glyph trap.

Build requires: 2 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Volcarren Wasteland

Early Uncapped Columns Series:

Spoiler Alert!

Recessed Atrium

First Uploaded: August 5th, 2010
Known Tournament Use: Rhode Island Rampage - 8/21/2010; Hexes in Texas 2010 - 10/16/2010


4th and final entry for Darkmage7a's challenge. I started on this build as my first attempt with Marvel, but gave up mid-way due to challenges with the footprint. It was much wider and clunky looking and just wasn't working. So I moved on to Flooded Crypt which shares some of the concept - 2-hex columns, rotational symmetry and side hills. Happy with Flooded Crypt and Cursed Fountains, I returned to the map and was able to tighten the footprint to the current state. I considered glyphs on the outer edge of the side hills, but I couldn't place them fairly or without interrupting the outer path using the current footprint. Arguably the most spacious and double-space friendly of the challenge maps.

Build requires: 1 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Marvel: The Conflict Begins, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Cursed Fountains

First Uploaded: August 2nd, 2010
Known Tournament Use: Hexes in Texas 2010 - 10/16/2010


3rd entry for Darkmage7a's challenge. I liked the idea of using the Marvel black terrain tiles as cursed earth. Column placement on this map is essentially the inverse of Flooded Crypt - center of the map is open while the peripheries are obscured. The single columns are tricky to keep stable, so I've attached to terrain wherever possible. They are a lot like RttF trees in effect, but much lighter and easier to tip over.

Build requires: 1 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Marvel: The Conflict Begins, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie

Marvel Concrete: Concrete terrain is used to represent limestone walkways in this build. Movement bonuses for roads apply.


Flooded Crypt

First Uploaded: July 26th, 2010
Known Tournament Use: Rhode Island Rampage - 8/21/2010


Another entry for Darkmage7a's challenge, and my first time using M:TCB as an expansion. Though I tried to cover all the non-classic terrain it wasn't working. What did result was a map that I think hit the mark for what I was envisioning in looks and game-play. The black tiles feel like coal or water drenched sour earth when I look at it. The grey like a layer of clay. For the look to be complete, it feels like there should be a sarcophagus on the center altar.

Build requires: 1 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Marvel: The Conflict Begins, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie


Crossifire Catacombs

First Uploaded: July 18th, 2010
Known Tournament Use: Rhode Island Rampage - 8/21/2010


This map is unusual for me in that it is not a legal map. I built it expressly for Darkmage7a's challenge, and it uses un-capped wall sections from FotA. I really tried to push my limits with this map, and included some new elements for me such as the un-capped walls, narrow paths, explicit void-space, and intermixed start-zone placements. This feels like a very technical map to me when I look at it, and felt even more so when I was making it. So I don't think it will please everyone. That said, I think it does capture the theme I was looking for - the entrance to the deep catacombs of a dungeon complex.

Build requires: 1 x Battle for the Underdark, 1 x Fortress of the Archkyrie, 1 x Volcarren Wasteland

[Creationist]

That looks like a great map. Nice job!

[Arcus]

I like your first attempt at a map(for this site anyway). Keep it up.

[tannergx]

Thanks both Creationist and Arcus for the encouragement.

Scape terrain takes me back to days with Lego, and my first instinct is to build something that looks handsome (to my eyes). I'm still at the very early stages of learning how to optimize builds for playability. So I welcome any criticism as well.

[rednax]

Very nice map. I am always very surprised with what can be accomplished with SotM and TJ. The thinness of the map is really cool too.

[tannergx]

I've added a 2 more maps this week. Both use Swarm of the Marro with just a single Ticalla Jungle set. To do so, I've found myself leaving the starting zones completely exposed.

I'm torn about this approach. On the one hand, I don't like games that get won by suicidal players that use range and get lucky with big attacks in the starting zone. I'm not sure why I don't like it - it just feels inelegant and unworthy of victory or something. On the other hand, full on turtling also sucks, and I try to not reward that type of play. So when economizing the jungle pieces on the last 2 maps, I kept or moved them to the middle of the map thinking it maintains the rewards of the advancing player appropriately.

I'm curious how others feel about completely exposed starting zones, and use of jungle more generally.

[tannergx]

Added yet another map using 1 x SotM and 1 x TJ today - "Split Decision." My recent obsession with this terrain selection has led me down the path of bilateral symmetry, trying to optimize the use of the 3rd palm tree. It's also a really flat map (only 2 levels of terrain in the build), and I've incorporated a glyph for the first time in a way that I think adds to the map.

So while it uses the same materials as my other maps, I think it is very different in both aesthetics and gameplay. If you download and play it, I want to hear what you think so please leave a comment.

And with this release, I'm forcing myself to switch up my materials a bit. I'll add a different expansion to the mix at a minimum.

[rednax]

Your maps just get better and better. Still living with the Marro looks very, very nice. As to Split Decision, I've been waiting a while for someone to combine bilateral symmetry with split start zones, some of the coolest map making techniques, IMO.

Keep 'em coming!

[tannergx]

Thank you for the kind comments Rednax. Split Decision was a pretty technical map to lay out, and I found myself limited in the shapes available. But getting to use that 3rd palm in a symmetrical map made it worth it. And that was my primary motivation.

I think limiting myself to Swarm of the Marro and Ticalla Jungle has really helped me focus on the importance of each hex. There is just so little terrain in those sets that I find myself continually questioning what each placement adds. To that end, I'm really critical of Heavy Ticalla right now, but I can't bring myself to delete it. There are just so many jungle pieces that add little more than aesthetics... although they do protect the starting zones, relieving some anxiety for less aggressive players. I'm leaving the option for now: Heavy or Light, let the players pick.

On the new front, I've modified Still Life with Marro to include glyphs on the high ground 7-hex tiles. On the one hand, it seems wrong to place glyphs on high ground where they are more easily defended. But I think adding them helps the map breath, taking the focus away from the middle low paths. This alone should help melee, but I also think the glyphs give melee armies a valid reason to take the hills other than avoid congestion. And by further incenting ranged opposition to move forward, instead or turtling on the rear elevations, it gives melee the benefit of having to travel less ground to engage. For players that played without the glyphs, I would love to confirm or disprove that this change is positive.

I've also added a new map, "Jaguar Altar Ruins." As promised I've added a different expansion to the build materials - the Fortress. The name comes from a relief found at Mayan ruins of the same name. The relief included carvings of winged Mayan warriors. Mayan Kyrie warriors... I couldn't resist.

The revised and new maps are available in the first post of this thread. As always, if you download and play them, please comment and let me know you think.

[tannergx]

I've added what I think will be my last new map for the time being - "Troltic Paradise." There were times where I thought I might have jumped the molten shark on this build. I'm going to focus more on playing the heck out of my maps to date as I'm seeing 4 with "version 1.01" next to their names.

It seems like some people are downloading the builds, and I'd love to get some input from other players than myself. Please feel free to comment, or even drop me a PM if that's more your style.

All my maps, including Troltic Paradise are available in the first post of this thread.

[Sujoah]

I noticed on Split Decision that you actually used too many sand tiles. Under the sand 'island' near the blue start zone, you used an extra single- and double-hex sand tile. but, this can be easily substituted with the triple-hex rock tile, that isn't used in the map build.

[hobosock]

Your maps are looking pretty good! In your later ones I think you've balanced out the downsides of having open starting zones by splitting them and making the maps shorter. This way ranged figures don't have as many turns to pick off the unprotected figures before they get drawn into the battle.