This year I decided to focus on creating a game tool for generating a map to be used in other games. The idea is to create a map game with an approach similar to that of someone who uses Microscope for the generation of the setting in which to play.

Each player will manage a theme (with some elements and some exceptions to the general rules) and draw a map of the territory to reflect the characteristics of that theme.

Each player will have a squared sheet of paper and an acetate sheet. On the sheet of paper all players will establish some general characteristics of the territory, while on the acetate sheet each player will add the elements of their theme map. Any addition, modification or removal will affect other players’ maps and may also affect the general map.

At the end of the game, the thematic maps will be superimposed on the general map to generate the final map.

P.S.: The game also lends itself to the creation of ready-made sets, with pre-generated general maps and a set of themes, elements and rules to recreate the feeling of specific territories or historical periods.

Maps are not faithful representations of reality, but approximate tools. I started with this consideration to create my game. Therefore the maps that will be created during the game will be characterized by scale, symbols and conventions. Each player creates a personal thematic map and updates the general map based on the indications of the other players.

It is a game for four players between which the control of the four elements (water, air, fire, earth) is divided. Each player, using their element, adds physical characteristics to the general map, showing the others where to draw the element on their personal general map (example: draw a mountain range between G6 and G8). In addition to the element, each player controls a theme that is somehow related to political, social, cultural or other aspects. The culture of a territory is deeply connected to the physical characteristics of that territory.

Here is the grid for the general map:

Choosing to add a physical element to the map brings the hands of the clock forward very quickly. All other elements in the various thematic maps must be updated taking into account the time that has passed. Instead, adding elements inherent to the theme does not move the hands forward quickly and therefore has less impact on other thematic maps.

I’m also thinking about the things you can do in the various stages of the game: create, modify, destroy, alter, force, expand.

That’s all for now. I’ll write the rules over the weekend.