How to Use Map Packs for RPG Encounters

Quick answer

To use map packs for RPG encounters, pick a map that matches your scene, lay it flat with the grid aligned, sketch only essential terrain with dry-erase markers, and track initiative and positions as the fight unfolds.

Steps to run an encounter with a map pack

1. Pick the map that fits the scene: Before the session, look through your map packs and choose the one that best matches the location you planned—urban for city streets, meadow or river for wilderness. If the scene is generic, pick a map that can be adapted with a few drawn details. Check that the map's theme doesn't contradict your story; a tavern brawl on a river map will feel odd.
2. Lay the map flat and align the grid: Place the laminated map on the table with the 1-inch grid facing up. Make sure it's smooth and doesn't curl at the edges. If you use miniatures, confirm the grid lines up with your movement rules. Use a heavy book or clip to hold down corners so the map doesn't shift mid-combat.
3. Sketch only essential terrain: Use dry-erase markers to draw walls, doors, cover, and hazards that aren't already printed. Keep it minimal—too many details can confuse players and slow down the game. Remember the map is laminated, so you can erase and adjust. Test your markers on a corner first to ensure they wipe off cleanly; avoid permanent markers.
4. Place miniatures and track initiative: Set player and enemy miniatures on the grid according to your encounter setup. Use the grid to measure movement and ranges. Track initiative separately on paper or a tracker, not on the map, to keep the grid uncluttered. If the map gets crowded, use tokens or dice to mark conditions instead of drawing on the map.
5. Adapt the map on the fly: If players take an unexpected route or the fight moves beyond the printed scene, use dry-erase to extend walls or add new obstacles. You can also flip the map to the other side for a different layout without pausing the game. Keep a wet cloth or eraser handy to quickly remove spills or accidental marks.
6. Clean and store the map after the session: Wipe the map with a dry cloth or eraser to remove all marker ink. For stubborn marks, use a damp cloth (since the map is wet-erase compatible). Let it dry completely before storing it flat to prevent warping. Store maps in a flat folder or between books to keep them pristine for the next encounter.

Map packs that work well

• Urban Encounters - Map Pack by Adventurers & Adversaries (4 Maps per pack): The Urban Encounters pack contains two double-sided maps with a 1-inch gridded overlay, laminated and compatible with dry- and wet-erase markers. You can sketch alleys, buildings, and obstacles directly on the map and wipe it clean for the next session.

  

• Game Knight Encounters - Map Pack by Adventurers & Adversaries (4 Maps per pack): The Game Knight Encounters pack features a variety of art, including Summer Meadow and River scenes, on two double-sided laminated maps. It gives you flexible outdoor battlefields that work for ambushes, crossings, or open-field fights.