December 2024 - Monthly Recap

 Hey everyone! Welcome to my December 2024 updates post, where I review all the maps I've released this month.

It's hard to believe it's already 2025! Before I review this month's releases, I figured I'd share my roadmap for 2025.

First, I'll continue my work on my CoS Version 2.0 maps, where I rebuild entirely my older work to update it to my current style. I just started in Vallaki, and I'll focus on hitting the key locations and other supporting locations (such as streets, alleys, town squares, slums, etc.). You'll see my use of the names "Vallaki" and "Gothic City" interchangeably, so both would apply when choosing maps for Vallaki. In addition to the key areas from the module and my additions, I'll be creating maps to support popular third-party content creations like MandyMod's Orphanage. It'll be a massive project for sure since Vallaki has a LOT of locations, but eventually, I'll have it all updated. I also plan to update other locations like Krezk, Berez, Tsolenka Pass, etc.

I am still mapping out the town of Saltmarsh, and with 30 locations (four of them being large manors!)., it has become quite the heavy lift. I'm about halfway through, and I plan on mapping out the Fishmonger Plant next (Primewater Manor won't be too far after). Additionally, I want to create the second part of the Sinister Secret Adventure, and eventually, I'll have maps for all of the published adventures in the module.

I also plan to continue working with Dragna to map the new and changed locations in his guide, Curse of Strahd: Reloaded!

Gothic City Gates

Inspired by the "Vallaki Gates" entry in the book, I created my own iteration, including the wooden palisade walls, skewered wolf heads, and festival flyers posted all around the town. Creating the buildings on this map was a pretty big challenge but I'm quite happy with how they came out! I do very much try to keep the perspective unintrusive over the gridded area for token placement, and while not perfect, I do appreciate the greater sense of depth and "feel" of this city.

Download the Gothic City Gates map here!

Curse of Strahd: Reloaded - Town Square

As mentioned above, this is my second map in the CoS Reloaded series, where I create maps for new or changed areas as outlined in DragnaCarta's incredibly in-depth expansion. This is the second part of the Siege of Barovia, in which the party makes its last stand alongside Ismark to fight off the undead assaulting the town.

Additionally, I created a version without the broken barricades, so you can use this as any general Gothic village-style map!

 Download the Reloaded - Town Square map here!

Winter's Grasp: Gallows Road & Vistani Camp

I've always loved horror in the snow, so I wanted to create my "Winter's Grasp" series, where I convert my Dark Fantasy maps into snowy wastelands. I hope to give you an alternate way to run your games, whether using seasons, creating a snowy CoS, or using them in your snow-themed campaigns.

This month, I tackled the Gallows Road and Vistani Camp maps, where the Vistani bonfire is even more attractive to seek warmth and shelter from the cold roads.

Download the Winter's Grasp Gallows Road map here!

Download the Winter's Grasp Vistani Camp map here!

Restored Haunted House

Taking the Haunted House from the Sinister Secrets of Saltmarsh adventure, I've created a completely restored version! Additionally, I created an "Empty" version where I've stripped each room of all the assets to allow you to place your own asset packs you might have. The popularity of Bastions creates the perfect opportunity to create a player Bastion of your own in not just Saltmarsh but any campaign! This was pretty large and contained the Exterior, 1st floor, 2nd floor, attic, and basement levels. Each level has been fully restored along with an empty variant!

I hope this approach will provide enough flexibility to use the maps for various purposes, especially since I can't predict which Bastion rooms your players will build.

  Download the Restored Haunted House map here!

That's it for 2024! As I reflect on the year, I am thankful for your continued support, which makes all these maps possible. Your support allows me to not only keep the lights on and feed my family but also pay human artists for new art assets each month, which I have the privilege of using on my maps!

I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of my craft!

Cheers,

DM Andy