GameBear's Maps

[GameBear]

Page links to description; map name links to setup instructions.
Green light links to Online Heroscape version.

Timber Ridge Road (1 MS + 2 FF) - 20.2" x 33.3"

(based on Timber Ridge by Killometer)

Shoots and Leaves (1 DD + 1 FF + 1 TJ) - 23.3" x 26.3"


Turf War (2 MH + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 21.7" x 28.9"


Alpaca Trail (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 TT) - 26.3" x 26.3"


All The Maps

Spoiler Alert!

Far and Wide

Spoiler Alert!

When I first started making maps, I was interested in seeing how far I could stretch the terrain, using one master set and at most one expansion. This resulted in maps with very large footprints; nothing to recommend here apart from Embattled Fen.

1. Cyprien's Cove (1 MS) - 23.3" x 44.6"


2. Valda's Preserve (1 MS + 1 FF) - 30.8" x 54.2"


3. Lure (1 MS + 1 VW) - 29.3" x 55.1"


4. Southern Tarns (1 MS + 1 TT) - 26.3" x 42.0"


6. Embattled Fen (1 SM + 1 FA) - 26.3" x 39.4"


7. Temptation (1 MS + 1 VW) - 29.3" x 39.4"


8. Snow Angler (1 MS + 1 TT) - 32.3" x 37.6"

Forest for the Trees

Spoiler Alert!

Forest maps were everywhere by the time I joined this site. Highways and Dieways was already enshrined in the BoV. Using the Forest set was never a priority for me, but I did allow myself some fun a few times along the way.

5. Pool of Reflection (1 MS + 2 FF) - 22.8" x 35.4"


11. Ayrwode's Bluff (1 MS + 1 FF) - 27.8" x 33.3"


13. Boiling Point (1 MS + 1 FF + 1 VW) - 21.7" x 35.9"


17. Survival (1 MS + 1 FF + 1 TT + 1 VW) - 26.3" x 35.0"


19. Diversions (1 MS + 2 FF) - 29.8" x 35.4"

Castles!

Spoiler Alert!

Castles are cool! But they're not very suitable for tournament play, and uncapped castle walls have not always been widely accepted. These are my varied attempts to incorporate capped castle walls into competitive maps.

9. Spineback Ridge (1 MS + 1 FA) - 14.2" x 33.3"


10. Post Maneuvers (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 FF) - 23.3" x 31.5"


20. Floodgates (1 SM + 1 MH + 1 FA) - 27.8" x 32.4"


21. Above the Mire (1 SM + 1 MH + 1 FA + 1 FF) - 21.9" x 38.4"


22. Ashes to Ashes (1 MH + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 19.3" x 32.3"


32. Marpesia's Glory (1 SM + 1 FA + 1 TJ) - 24.5" x 29.3"


35. Dvalin's Furnace (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 23.3" x 29.8"


42. Forgery (1 DD + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 22.8" x 26.3"

Shortages

Spoiler Alert!

Another early focus of mine was exploring terrain combinations that were fairly limited, both in utilization and in terrain provided. Again not much here, but this effort did eventually lead to Common Ground.

12. Ice Buffer (1 SM + 1 TT) - 24.8" x 35.9"


14. Channel Buildup (1 SM + 1 MH) - 24.8" x 32.4"


15. Frozen Spires (1 MH + 2 TT) - 19.3" x 29.3"


16. Surface Tension (1 SM) - 21.0" x 29.3"


18. Blistering Sands (1 SM + 1 VW) - 24.8" x 32.4"


26. Adler's Landing (1 MS) - 29.8" x 35.4"


28. Hide and Seek (1 MH + 1 FF + 1 TT) - 18.7" x 29.8"


30. Tempered Flares (1 MH + 1 TJ + 2 VW) - 19.3" x 29.3"


34. Common Ground (1 MS) - 26.3" x 26.3"


36. Overseer (1 SM) - 24.8" x 29.8"

Rise and Rise Again

Spoiler Alert!

I took a break from my usual terrain constraints in early 2008 to design a few maps that each require two RotV sets. I added a team map to the collection during my brief unretirement in 2022, and also a 4-player free-for-all map.

23. Silent Courtyard (2 MS + 1 FA + 1 FF) - 27.1" x 35.4"


24. Nature's Balance (2 MS + 1 MH + 3 FF) - 40.3" x 41.4"


25. Shelter Skelter (2 MS + 1 FF) - 29.3" x 31.5"


57. X-Woods (2 MS + 2 FF) - 28.0" x 29.3"


61. Manji (1 MS + 1 SM + 1 TJ + ruins) - 29.3" x 31.5"

Peak Performance

Spoiler Alert!

Refreshed after my RotV x2 interlude, I managed to produce these three maps over a four month period in mid-2008. Easily my best stretch, in terms of creating high-quality tournament maps.

27. Badru Valley (1 MS + 2 FF) - 26.3" x 29.8"


29. Ticalla Sunrise (1 SM + 1 TJ) - 25.4" x 27.8"


31. Sidewinder (1 MS + 1 TT) - 24.8" x 27.1"

Contestants

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I have created maps for a few contests on this site. None of my entries have ever finished any better than 5th place.

33. Trespass (1 MH + 1 FA + 1 TT + 1 LEXAN) - 23.3" x 28.0"

Lexan BoV Map Contest

37. Healing Waters (1 SM + 1 FF) - 23.3" x 29.8"

'09 GenCon Map Contest

38. Radiator Springs (1 MS + 1 VW) - 23.6" x 26.3"

'09 GenCon Map Contest

48. Scavenger's Folly (1 MS + 1 FA) - 24.8" x 29.8"

Rÿchean's Map Making Challenge

50. Grip of Darkness (1 DD) - 21.7" x 22.8"

The 1x BftU Challenge

58. Contrast (1 DD + 1 FA + 1 TT + 1 VW) - 21.9" x 27.8"

ScapeCon II Map Contest

59. Alpaca Trail (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 TT) - 26.3" x 26.3"

ScapeCon II Map Contest


64. Turf War (2 MH + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 21.7" x 28.9"

ScapeCon III Marvelous Map Contest

65. Water Treatment Facility (1 SM + 1 MH + 1 TJ) - 23.3" x 28.0"

ScapeCon III Marvelous Map Contest

To Catch a Rat

Spoiler Alert!

Ratcatcher doesn't really fit into any of the other categories, but it reflects a driving force that has always strongly influenced my approach to mapmaking: an interest in exploring novel concepts and pushing design boundaries.

39. Ratcatcher (1 MS + 1 TJ) - 21.9" x 33.9"

The Underdark

Spoiler Alert!

Once BftU was released, I almost exclusively worked on dungeon maps.

40. Jack of Spades (1 DD + 1 MH + 1 TJ) - 24.5" x 29.3"


43. Cloak and Dagger (2 DD + 1 TT) - 26.3" x 31.5"


44. Gravel Garden (1 DD + 1 FA + 1 FF + 1 TJ) - 26.3" x 28.0"


45. Coastal Cavern (1 DD + 1 FA) - 21.7" x 29.8"

.. Scenario: Den of Thieves


46. Bad Moon Rising (2 DD + 1 FA) - 24.8" x 27.1"


49. Infiltrator (1 DD + 1 FA + 1 TT) - 22.8" x 29.3"


51. Fireworks (1 DD + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 19.3" x 29.3"

What's Yours is Mine

Spoiler Alert!

Mapmakers don't do enough tinkering with others' designs. Consider this an open invitation to improve, reimagine, borrow from, or find inspiration in, any of my maps.

** Ayrwode's Volcano (1 MS + 1 FF + 1 VW) - 27.8" x 35.0"

(by Matthias Maccabeus)

41. Elswin Plateau (1 MS + 1 {FA/FF} + 1 TJ) - 23.6" x 33.9"

(by Mooseman)

47. Jungle of the Ancients (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 TJ) - 26.3" x 26.3"

(original Jungle of the Ancients by Angear)

52. Dark Fulcrum (2 DD + 1 TJ) - 21.9" x 24.7"

(based on Fulcrum by Dignan)

60. JotA 3 (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 TJ) - 26.3" x 26.3"

(original Jungle of the Ancients by Angear)

62. Grendel (1 SM + 1 DD + 2 TJ) - 23.3" x 28.0"

(original Grendel by mad_wookiee)

68. Timber Ridge Road (1 MS + 2 FF) - 20.2" x 33.3"

(based on Timber Ridge by Killometer)

New Age

Spoiler Alert!

My 2022 collection included custom glyphs, uncentered glyphs, asymmetry, alternate builds, and a map set, leaving the Heroscape community wishing I would just make some normal maps for a change.

53. 3-Map Set: Exposure (1 SM + 1 DD + 2 MH + 1 FA + 1 FF + 1 TT)


55. Sunnywood (1 MS + 1 DD + 1 FF) - 22.7" x 29.3"


55. Underwood (1 DD + 1 MH + 1 FF) - 22.7" x 29.3"


56. Barrendome (1 MS + 1 DD + 1 TT) - 22.7" x 29.3"


56. Barrenfrost (1 DD + 1 MH + 1 TT) - 22.7" x 29.3"

Castles - Liberated!

Spoiler Alert!

Uncapped castle walls gained acceptance over the years, and eventually became ubiquitous. I embraced this new (to me) freedom in many of my newer maps.

54. Judgment Free (1 MH + 1 FA + 1 FF + 1 TT) - 21.0" x 29.3"


63. Stoker (2 MH + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 23.3" x 28.0"


66. Stolen Road (1 SM + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 24.8" x 27.1"

Back to Normal

Spoiler Alert!

I did eventually manage to make a couple normal maps. Well, normal by my standards, at least.

67. Shoots and Leaves (1 DD + 1 FF + 1 TJ) - 23.3" x 26.3"

Accolades

Spoiler Alert!

Battlefields of Valhalla ('!' links to nomination, symbols link to reviews)
inducted
Embattled Fen (1 SM + 1 FA) - 26.3" x 39.4"
Badru Valley (1 MS + 2 FF) - 26.3" x 29.8"
Ticalla Sunrise (1 SM + 1 TJ) - 25.4" x 27.8"
Sidewinder (1 MS + 1 TT) - 24.8" x 27.1"
Bad Moon Rising (2 DD + 1 FA) - 24.8" x 27.1"
reviewed
Ayrwode's Bluff* (1 MS + 1 FF) - 27.8" x 33.3"
Ice Buffer* (1 SM + 1 TT) - 24.8" x 35.9"
Marpesia's Glory (1 SM + 1 FA + 1 TJ) - 24.5" x 29.3"
Common Ground (1 MS) - 26.3" x 26.3"
Healing Waters (1 SM + 1 FF) - 23.3" x 29.8"
Ratcatcher (1 MS + 1 TJ) - 21.9" x 33.9"
Jack of Spades (1 DD + 1 MH + 1 TJ) - 24.5" x 29.3"
Scavenger's Folly (1 MS + 1 FA) - 24.8" x 29.8"
Jungle of the Ancients (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 TJ) - 26.3" x 26.3"
nominated
Dvalin's Furnace (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 VW) - 23.3" x 29.8"
Post Maneuvers (1 MS + 1 FA + 1 FF) - 23.3" x 31.5"
Spineback Ridge (1 MS + 1 FA) - 14.2" x 33.3"
* modified since review

Wargrounds of Scape ('!' links to nomination, symbols link to reviews)
inducted
Bad Moon Rising (2 DD + 1 FA) - 24.8" x 27.1"
Ticalla Sunrise (1 SM + 1 TJ) - 25.4" x 27.8"

[SgtHulka]

That looks interesting. Can you post build instructions?

[GameBear]

New Map: Cyprien's Cove. 1 MS
Highlights
Balanced glyph placement
Level 8 plateau overlooking lake
10-hex navigable cove
21-hex starting zones
Glyphs
Astrid - control Cyprien's cove to earn an attack bonus
Gerda - find the secret to enhanced defense within the ruins
Dagmar - survey the battlefield from high ground to improve initiative
Mitonsoul - beware the cursed lands of the undead

Originally Posted by SgtHulka

That looks interesting. Can you post build instructions?

Sorry, I should have made it more clear - the map name links to build instructions (pdf).

Oh, and for anyone curious about the map's name: the water slows down most walking figures, and the overhang blocks many flying figures, but the vampire figures can enter the space without difficulty. A few other figures are capable of entering unimpeded (e.g. vipers), but vampires seemed a nice thematic fit for the dark cavernous space. Plus, referencing a wave 7 figure makes my RotV map seem less outdated - right?

[SgtHulka]

Thanks -- I guess I'm a little slow on the uptake.

Really interesting map for only using a single MS. I look forward to trying it some time.

[GameBear]

New map: Valda's Preserve. 1 MS + 1 FF
Highlights
Symmetrical Layout
22-hex starting zones
Glyphs
Valda - traverse the terrain to earn a movement bonus
Gerda - find strength at the base of the cliff

Not quite as interesting as my first map, but it does have a couple noteworthy features. Valda's Preserve is a symmetrical map, which seems to be popular with the tournament-playing, balanced-battlefield-seeking crowd. In an attempt to differentiate a bit, I chose reflectional symmetry rather than the more common rotational symmetry. The layout (hopefully) encourages players to use the entire battlefield, from the road along the bottom (which connects and passes through the start zones) all the way to the Glyph of Valda in the back corner (which requires at least 3 turns to reach).

Feedback - positive or negative - is always appreciated.

[GameBear]

New map: Lure. 1 MS + 1 VW
Highlights
Symmetrical Layout
Challenging glyph placement
21-hex starting zones
Glyphs
Gerda - brave the lava field to toughen defenses
Dagmar - take a risk to gain initiative
Valda - send a scout to quicken movement
Astrid - discover the hidden source of power

One more map - another example of reflectional symmetry. Start zones are intentionally close; a first-turn attack is possible, but only for those willing to cross the lava field. Two of the four glyphs sit in the lava field as further enticement to enter. The other two glyphs force players to prioritize objectives or risk spreading the army too thin; the Glyph of Astrid is at least 4 turns from the starting zone.

[NecroBlade]

I'm very impressed with what you guys can do with 1 MS.

[miniandmee7]

Nice maps Gamebear.

[LongHeroscaper]

I like your Valda's Preserve more than Lure. I think you must play a scenario type of game with Lure because if not, the battle will not pass the river, if not the two 3-hex rock columns. I lkie the long road in Valda's Preserve. Have you played on those maps?

[GameBear]

Thanks for the comments! Playability was my primary objective, so I am quite interested in any thoughts on what may or may not work. Sadly, I have not yet been able to test any of my maps.

My biggest concern with Lure was whether players would utilize the whole map. I planted two glyphs (Valda and Astrid) at the far end of the map in the hope that players would at least consider spreading out, but even that might not be enough of a 'lure'. I'm hoping someone finds my maps interesting enough to try, because it might be a while before I have the opportunity.

[heroscaper2.0]

Originally Posted by NecroBlade

I'm very impressed with what you guys can do with 1 MS.

Kinda' shows why you don't need 42 mastersets, huh?

Awesome work there gamebear!

[nerdyninja]

I really love your maps there a great example of ingenuity with limited pieces