January 2025 - Monthly Recap
Added 2025-01-31 18:00:06 +0000 UTC
Hey everyone, and welcome to my monthly recap post where I talk about the month's map releases, what's going on with me, and even touch on future plans.
Let's just say 2025 is starting with a full pedal to the metal. If this month were a person, it would be one of Immortan Joe's War Boys screaming, "Witness me!" Seriously, Jan, you don't need to go this hard!
This month, the biggest news is that my city, Los Angeles, has been ravaged by some of the most devastating fires in our history. The good news is we are safe here in Burbank, and fortunately for us, we just lost our back fence to the winds and had a little critter get stuck in our attic. But we know plenty who were impacted and have been donating to various causes and animal shelters for rescue. It was a month of uncertainty, but fortunately, I could still work safely without having to evacuate.
In addition to the fires (and my main PC dying and having to go to the shop for repairs!), I had moved from our tiny apartment to a slightly larger place where I have my own office setup so it's been nicer to be able to focus in a much more comfortable space. But the best news of all is our place is big enough for my wife and to invite new member of our family to live with us! Everyone, I'd like for you to meet DM Andy's new familiar "Mewozers!". She loves to talk with me while I am working on my maps (mostly because she knows I'm a sucker for giving her treats) but I just had to pay the pet tax and share some pics here :)
In the second pic, I'm working on an AWESOME puzzle my wife gifted me. It's a hand-drawn "Where's Waldo" style image of Bran Castle (Castle Dracula), and I could not be happier with it. Seriously, the image is so cool! I don't have permission from the artist to share their art here, but I will at least share their link for you to check it out (This is not sponsored or anything, just a big fan). If you enjoy puzzles, check it out! https://hollycarden.com/store/h-h-holmes-murder-castle-jigsaw-puzzle-rza8c-3e5y4-b49ge
That's enough about me; let's talk maps!
Dreadmist Fen
I wanted to add some new nature maps to my catalog. Instead of another basic forest, I wanted to include a water feature in the center. This map has three different variations for the little "island," including a huge gnarled tree, a gravesite, and an empty version to help add some versatility to the map. Though not for anything specific, these outdoor maps are always handy to have in your DM toolkit.
CoS Reloaded: Izek Encounter
As most of you know, the awesome DragnaCarta asked me to create some maps to support his supplementary content, "Curse of Strahd: Reloaded," which you can find for free here. I've been using Dragna's work for years now, so it was quite an honor to be asked to make maps to support it. This is the third map in the series, and this time, it supports the Izek encounter detailed in Arc F4. Here, on the shores of Lake Zarovich, the party has their final confrontation with the mad Guard Captain Izek, but be prepared for one firey fight! I added lots of dry, flammable wood here, so there are plenty of chances for Izek to make the battlefield extra spicy. I also created a version without the boats on the shoreline, so you can use this as a general-purpose lake shore map as well.
Download the Izek Encounter Map Here!
Blue Water Inn V2.0
Last month I created the Gates of Vallaki and now I'm excited to release my revised Blue Water Inn! I started with this building first since it is one of the most popular locations in Vallaki and of course, who doesn't love the Martikovs?? (Well besides Strahd and Baba Lysaga of course). I changed the orientation of this map from the side to a front view so I could better showcase the building facade (with the painted waterfalls and ravens on the side!). This was such a fun location to recreate and I was able to use tons of the new assets I've been getting commissioned each month to bring the Blue Water Inn to life. I gave it plenty of yard space but added a few extra buildings around the edges to still give it that "City" feel (though somewhat still rural).
Download the Public Version of the Blue Water Inn Here
Download the Champion Tier Version of the Blue Water Inn Here
Saltmarsh - Fishmongers Plant
This is officially the 17th location I've mapped out from the town of Saltmarsh, one of the 30 town locations called out in the book. Eventually I'll have them all done (Even though there are still three more mansions to map out.. yikes!) as well as maps to support the surrounding areas and adventures from the book.
The Fishmongers plant features a large fishery, which I've named "The Briny Barrel Fishery." Here, fresh fish are received daily by the local fishermen. They are sorted, cleaned, and salted before being distributed to the town's markets. I added a small area inside the fishery where boats can unload their catch directly inside the building, but who knows what else might lurk in these dark waters? I imagine some Witcher-style monster fights taking place here!
Download the Fishmongers Plant Here!
Well that's it for my mad ramblings and map showcase for the month! It's going to get frosty next month as I tackle the next batch of Winter's Graps maps as well as a snowy location from the DragnaCarta CoS: Reloaded guide (plus more maps!).
It's been a wild month, but knowing I have such a wonderfully supportive community keeps me going. I am so thankful for your continued support every day.
Cheers everyone,
DM Andy
