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The Grand Theatre Battle Map - Launch
🕑 Added 2019-03-20 15:04:24 +0000 UTCThis week’s map is another suggestion from our patron suggestion list, I’ve call it The Grand Theatre, but of course it could be used as an opera house, or some kind of private club or venue. I took a look around the web and couldn’t find any high quality theatre maps, so I think this will be a fun and quite unique location for an encounter or two. I’m also playing through Dragon Heist at the moment and I believe a Theatre map would really be useful for anyone starting that campaign.
As always thanks for your support, you're awesome!
How I launch maps
A little clarification for new Patrons on how I launch maps. This post is a public post, everyone gets to see it, but it does not contain any map files. Depending on which Tier you are signed up for you’ll get access to one more post which contains everything you need (image files, PDFs). So Explorers get access to the Explorer’s post and Delvers get access to the Delver’s post. I set it up like this so all the files you needed were in one place and you only got two emails per launch. I hope that all makes sense :) I also release an ‘update’ post between map launches keeping you up to date with where I’m at with maps and schedules. I’ll be sending that post out this weekend with info on my next map! And now to the map notes!
Introduction
The theatre’s grand opening is the talk of the town, everyone of note is here, local nobility, politicians, merchants and trades people. It’s unfortunate such a splendid event should be marred by tragedy. The deaths during its renovation were unfortunate to be sure, but more worrying are the numerous ‘accidents’ which have befallen the cast and crew. That is in fact why you, a lowly adventuring group have managed to acquire tickets. Your new employer Lord Feathermoor is worried about another incident, especially with so many of his peers in attendance. You have been hired to mingle among the guests and watch for anything untoward. Standing at the back of the auditorium you wait for the performance to begin, you’ve seen the cast in rehearsals, they are actually rather good.
Mostly seated now the audience murmurs in anticipation. The lights begin to dim, a simple enchantment to the buildings crystal globe lamps. Then without warning the lights wink out completely. In the dark you hear surprised gasps and the odd cry. You hear someone walking across the floorboards of the stage and then another sound, a laugh, starting low and slowly raising in pitch and volume. As it reaches a mad crescendo the lights blaze on to reveal a hooded figure, arms held to the heavens laughing maniacally. From experience you are expecting a monologue, and unfortunately for you and the audience you are not disappointed.
Notes and Tips
30x30 grid map
- There are three levels to this map, the auditorium floor, the stage itself and the boxes and balconies. Each area can be reached by multiple routes. Make sure to use these for surprise reinforcements if needed.
- Moving along the pews is full movement, moving towards or away from the stage is difficult terrain as you are climbing over them.
- It’s a bit cliched but having a phantom sabotage the performance seems like a fun scenario.
- An explorer has returned from some distant land bringing with him a marvelous and dangerous creature from the deepest wilds! The cage he is displaying the creature in is totally secure and will definitely not break as he taunts it.
- You are invited to a masquerade party with entertainment. Is everyone there evil? Are they doing and saying weird and unsettling things? Sure why not.
- One of the boxes is haunted and your players need to do a bit of ghostbusting. You could incorporate a worried manager and lots of destruction!
- Cultists have taken some theatregoers hostage and it’s your
- players job to extract them.
- A black market auction takes place here, only the very worst people are invited, which includes your party.
Variant maps
Day/night
Stage lit
Summoning circle
Comments
Afternoon Maps
Hey Therion, I use Photoshop and a drawing tablet. Over time I've developed how I create them, really its all just practice and working out what works and what doesn't.
What do you use to create these maps ?
Stormbow
Very cool! Very cool!
Afternoon Maps
Hey Storm, I just removed a couple of items from the back of the stage. There should be better access now :D
Afternoon Maps
Thanks Ocean, hope its useful for your Bard encounter!
Afternoon Maps
Ah shucks, thanks Storm! With the layout I ended up wanting to add more stuff in the back for interest, maybe I overdid it a little. Ah well the actors will have to climb over a box or two until I get a spare moment to do an update :D
Stormbow
You remain one of the best artists on Patreon, in my opinion. :)
Afternoon Maps
I see your point. Its a bit cluttered back there isn't it. I may do an update when I get a moment and remove a crate or two.
oceanicsurvivor
This is perfect! Thank you!!!
Stormbow
Where is the stage access though, since actors don't appear to be able to 'exit, stage left/right' with a stone wall there and clutter all around the north end curtains?
