Age of Annihilation Tournament Maps & Glyphs

[caps]

Cross-posting from Dignan's thread

Update 04/08/25

I finally got around to getting a map uploaded with just the new Heroscape terrain. After working through a few different versions, I finally landed on a map that I've enjoyed playing on. Enjoy.

Map: Serration
Date Uploaded: 04/08/25
Requires: 1 AoA, 1 BftW, 1 GaLE

 

[Scapemage]

I'll cross-post mine too. All of my maps use a mix of new and old terrain so far:

Scapemage's Maps
Newest Map: Persimmon Ridge 03/31/2025
​

Persimmon Ridge
1x BftU, 1x VW, 1x SoV

Google Drive Build Instructions
Heroscapers Build Instructions
Heroscape.org Map Page

My next map was inspired by the orange bushes in the Swamps of Valhalla set. I think they look beautiful with lava. New set combinations continue to intrigue me.

​

Crust
1x LoV, 2x MtCB

Google Drive Build Instructions
Heroscapers Build Instructions
Heroscape.org Map Page

My second map is another attempt at providing more terrain combinations using Lands of Valhalla. The concept for this map is a raised center wilting away with perfect visual layering, one terrain type per layer. This was a challenging set combination due to very limited Line of Sight blockers and lots of 2-hex pieces.

​

Deposit
1x LoV, 1x BftW, 1x RttFF

Google Drive Build Instructions
Heroscapers Build Instructions
Heroscape.org Map Page

This is my first time making a map in over a decade. It is my first real attempt to understand and implement modern map-making techniques. Thank you for those who have provided feedback now and to everyone who plays on this map going forward. For this map, I wanted to explore two concepts: make a map with Lands of Valhalla, and play with interaction between Wellspring Water and Road.

​

I'm back! After over ten years, I have decided to try my hand at making maps again, this time, learning and applying modern tournament map principles. I do have an old map thread, and looking back, I would rather it stay in the past. With the strong resurgence of the Heroscape scene, I hope to learn to be a good mapmaker and build interesting maps for everyone to use at their events.

Feedback is always welcome. Thank you for taking the time to check out my creations, and I hope you enjoy them!

 

[Shurrig]

Cross-posting from Shurrig's thread

oops, forgot to share NTI and Bunkered. I’ll update those on my OP soon

 

[Scapemage]

I now have a map that uses exclusively Renegade terrain, so I'll begin a list for reference:

TAIGA
1x BftW, 2x SFoV

KINSLAND SPRING
1x LoV, 1x WoV, 1x GaLE

 

[caps]

Three more AoA-era maps from me:

Iced Cider


Requires: 1 BftW, 1 SFoV, 1 LFoV

In the build instructions, the "swamp water" tiles are wellspring water, and the glyphs of Brandar are treasure glyphs.

The treasure glyphs are optional.

Link to .pdf

Volcan Shards


Requires: 1xAoA, 1xBftW, 1xLFoV

In the build instructions, Glyphs of Brandar are optional Treasure Glyphs.

Link to .pdf

Volcan Schism


Requires: 1 MSTK*, 2 LFoV
*MSTK can be built with RotV, AoA, LoV, or 1/4 of the TOTK

The glyphs of Brandar are optional treasure glyphs.

Link to .pdf

 

[Scapemage]

I also added Kinsland Spring to my above list!

 

[bean]

Updated my original post with Convection and Vapor.

Vapor
1x BftW, 1x SFoV, 1x LFoV


Convection
1x AoA, 1x LFoV, 1x GaLE

 

[Shurrig]

Added New Tortuga Isle, Bunkered, and Halushia's Grove to my OP

 

[SubatomicMonk]

What are standard Tresure Glyphs?

 

[Shurrig]

What are standard Tresure Glyphs?

I don't think the competitive community has been particularly concerned about balanced Treasure Glyphs, the only ones I've seen banned are like, Revenant's Tome and Bolt of the Witherwood. I usually leave Oceanstrider Amulet, Holy Symbol of Pelor, Brandar's Chest, and Cloak of Invisibility out of pools but that's mostly because they're bad or not relevant in most competitive games.

 

[Shurrig]

Adding Velsa's Den to my OP:
Velsa's Den
LoV, SwoV, LFoV, LJ

Also, check out this sick IRL photo taken of it for GenCon:

 

[caps]

What are standard Tresure Glyphs?

Treasure glyph selection actually matters a lot in competitive play. I'd suggest using this list:
- Brooch of Shielding (disengage permanent glyph)
- Giant Hunter Stone (+1 attack and defense vs large and huge figures permanent glyph)
- Belt of Giant Strength (+2 attack temporary glyph)
- Ring of Protection (+3 defense temporary glyph)
- Scarab of Invulnerability (one-time chance to ignore wounds temporary glyph)
- Gem of Lava Resistance (ignore lava damage permanent glyph - this is a custom glyph from C3V)

And then maybe adding:
- Healing Potion (heal 3 wounds temporary glyph)
- Elixir of Speed (+4 Move temporary glyph)

 

[Shurrig]

Treasure glyph selection actually matters a lot in competitive play. I'd suggest using this list:
- Brooch of Shielding (disengage permanent glyph)
- Giant Hunter Stone (+1 attack and defense vs large and huge figures permanent glyph)
- Belt of Giant Strength (+2 attack temporary glyph)
- Ring of Protection (+3 defense temporary glyph)
- Scarab of Invulnerability (one-time chance to ignore wounds temporary glyph)
- Gem of Lava Resistance (ignore lava damage permanent glyph - this is a custom glyph from C3V)

And then maybe adding:
- Healing Potion (heal 3 wounds temporary glyph)
- Elixir of Speed (+4 Move temporary glyph)

Out of curiosity, why leave out glyphs like Whetstone of Venom, Bracers of Teleportation, Talisman of Defense, and Heroic Rune? I've certainly played in events that have used these glyphs and they didn't seem to cause much of a problem.

 

[MegaSilver]

Out of curiosity, why leave out glyphs like Whetstone of Venom, Bracers of Teleportation, Talisman of Defense, and Heroic Rune? I've certainly played in events that have used these glyphs and they didn't seem to cause much of a problem.

Yeah, ToD and HR are fairly common and the most basic choices for sure. They are the ones I'd recommend if you're not sure what to use.

 

[caps]

Out of curiosity, why leave out glyphs like Whetstone of Venom, Bracers of Teleportation, Talisman of Defense, and Heroic Rune? I've certainly played in events that have used these glyphs and they didn't seem to cause much of a problem.

I have used Talisman of Defense and Heroic Rune at Colorado events for years. @dok recently persuaded me they can tilt a few matchups too much for competitive play. He was particularly concerned about Talisman of Defense.

Whetstone of Venom and Bracers of Teleportation are probably fine. A lot less likely to be generally useful in a competitive game than some of the others I listed. Giant Hunter Stone is probably in that category too, but there are a lot of armies that feature large or huge figures, especially in the Contemporary meta.

I only include the Disengage glyph in the pool on maps that don't have it as a power glyph. And I only include the gem of lava resistance in the pool on lava maps.

I've also been persuaded not to use traps on treasure glyphs in tournament games either.