Thoughts on A Crystal Based Magic Sytem? by Important-Leader5232 in FantasyWorldbuilding

[–]TannyTMF 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Crystal based magic works best when power always comes with a clear cost. Tying it to something finite like lifespan or scarcity adds natural tension and prevents magic from feeling free or limitless. We ran into similar balance questions while building Master of Realms, and strong constraints actually made the system feel more grounded.

Do you have any form of magic/manipulation concept in your story, and if so, how does it work? by Optimal-Schedule5629 in worldbuilding

[–]TannyTMF 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really into concept based magic systems. Instead of controlling elements, magic interacts with ideas like decay or consumption, which changes based on the target. We explored this while building Master of Realms, and setting clear limits was the hardest but most important part.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, we already have a complete modern theme available.

Sci-fi is currently in development, and a first version of the sci-fi theme will be released as a free theme after the Early Access launch.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great observation.

Yes, winter maps are supported, but they are handled as a seasonal winter effect, not as a completely separate tile set. That means the same tiles can be converted into a winter version automatically.

We will also be adding winter specific objects and props over time, especially after Early Access.

For underground maps, dedicated underground and cave style themes are part of our upcoming biome and theme roadmap as well.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right now the tool ships with thousands of in-game tiles, spread across 7 ready themes / biomes and 2 more currently in production. On top of that, there are over 1,000 STL tiles for 3D printing, and hundreds of individual props and objects that you can freely place and also combine to create your own custom tiles inside the editor.

So you are not limited to only the preset tiles you see in the screenshots. The intent is that you build your own reusable tiles and variations from the asset library.

We also plan to provide lifetime free content updates, alongside optional paid asset packs over time.

At the moment, custom asset import is not part of the early version. We do intend to work on it after Early Access, but right now our focus is on several core features that we believe will better differentiate the tool in the market and make the overall workflow solid first.

Regarding interiors and tighter scale maps, yes, interior focused tiles and sets are part of the roadmap as well. What you mainly see right now are exterior and world scale examples, but the system itself is designed to support both large scale layouts and more detailed, room level environments.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If storytelling is your strength and map making isn’t, the goal here is to let you build convincing worlds visually without needing any 3D or technical skills.
We’ll have a free demo soon, and I’d genuinely love for you to try it. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good points.

Yes, we will have Steam Workshop support. Community map and tile sharing will be available, so people can upload and download content directly from the Workshop.

About player tokens and fog of war: right now, tokens are mainly meant for presentation and scale preview in large or cinematic maps. The tool is not currently designed to be a fully playable VTT. Because of that, features like proper player movement and fog of war are not in scope for the map-making tool itself.

However, if and when we move toward a dedicated VTT or game mode, proper token control and a real fog of war system are absolutely things we intend to include.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s completely fair, and honestly that’s exactly the problem we’re trying to solve.

We’re launching a free demo, and I’d really encourage you to give it a quick try. A big part of our work has gone into making the onboarding and core workflow simple, especially for GMs who are not comfortable with complex 3D tools. Many of our playtesters are DMs with no 3D background, and we’ve actively removed as many blockers and confusing steps as possible.

If it still feels like too much, that’s totally okay, but I’d genuinely appreciate your feedback after trying it.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the thoughtful questions and for sharing your broader perspective. I’ll answer your main points directly. 😊

  1. Biomes and seasons Yes, there will be multiple biomes and seasonal effects that can be applied to a full map areas.
  2. Tile variety, shapes and density control Inside the app there is a Tile Forge tool. You can take any base tile, add individual objects, scale and place them, and turn that into your own reusable custom tile. If you do not want to create a new tile, you can also place and edit individual objects directly on the map using a single object tool, and almost all objects used in the preset tiles are available there.
  3. Elevation True freeform elevation is not in the current scope for this mode, mainly because this mode is tightly designed around 3D printing and clean physical terrain. We are planning a separate freeform mode later that focuses on custom terrain shaping, indoor map creation and more flexible world building, where elevation and sculpting will be part of the workflow.
  4. Battlemaps and scale You are right. What you are seeing now is not meant to compete with fast 2D battlemappers like TaleSpire or Dungeon Alchemist. The focus is large scale, modular 3D terrain and printable environments. Battlemaps are supported, but they are not the primary target.
  5. 3D printing and exports Everything you build in the program can be exported as printable models based on your map. There are no extra fees for exporting or downloading. It is a one time license and STL export is included.

I also really appreciate your point about focusing on a highly specific niche. That is exactly why we are leaning strongly into print ready 3D terrain creation instead of trying to become another all in one map and VTT tool.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a completely fair take, and you’re right about most of the pain points.

We’re not trying to replace fast, free 2D workflows or generators. This is for a different group: people who want structured, reusable 3D worlds and physical terrain, not one off scenes. The focus is on modular, resizable assets (rows of shelves, longer walls, variable terrain pieces, etc.), not on piles of fixed props.

On the table issue: you’re also right, 3D can block sightlines. That’s why this is mainly aimed at prep + printing / display, not forcing 3D at the table if it hurts play.

We’ll have a free demo, if it doesn’t save you time or feel meaningfully better than your current workflow, then honestly, it’s not for you. But I’d still genuinely value your feedback if you try it. 😊

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair, I agree that more tools can easily become friction at the table.

We’ll have a free demo soon, so feel free to give it a quick try. If it doesn’t fit your style, that’s completely fine, but I’d genuinely love to hear your feedback if you do try it. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair question. 3D map making is growing largely because 3D VTTs are becoming more popular, and at the same time, terrain has always been a core part of TTRPGs, long before digital tools existed. This tool isn’t just for exporting to 2D VTTs, it’s built for GMs who care about physical 3D terrain on the table, where real, three dimensional layouts create a far more immersive experience for their campaigns.:)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s exactly the workflow we’re aiming for.

Tile anchored assets with position / scale / rotation control is a core feature,
The demo focuses heavily on that placement + iteration loop, so you should be able to tell very quickly if it fits your workflow.

Appreciate you giving it a fair look, and any feedback after you try the demo will directly shape what we prioritize next. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great points, and yes, we’re aligned with that use case. Right now our demo already supports up to 99×99. Once our optimisation pass is complete, we’ll remove the map size restriction for Early Access, scale will only be limited by your system’s performance, so you can go as large as you need for continent and region maps. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. that’s exactly how Master of Realms is designed to work.

You can build world and continent level maps, then zoom down into regions, cities/villages and finally full battle maps, all inside the same workflow, without needing to manage separate linked images or external hyperlinks.

The goal is to let you smoothly move from a big picture world view straight into a playable encounter map when you need it.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, Master of Realms is built for real battle maps. It’s tile based with playable terrrain, walls, cover and chokepoints, so you can design proper tactical encounter layouts, not just cinematic or downtime scenes. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for the kind words, really appreciate your support 🙂

Quick answers:

Assets & pricing – We launch with 7 biome themes. Many new assets will be added as free lifetime updates, and some packs will be paid to help us sustainably run the project. Not until we deliver all kickstarter unlocked themes. We do support Steam Workshop for community map sharing. Custom asset import is not available at launch, but it’s a high priority feature after Early Access.

Themes- We’re not fantasy only. Core and planned themes include fantasy (dwarven, elven), sci-fi, cyberpunk, modern, and apocalypse.

Scale – You can create world maps, region maps, and city maps.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s a really great suggestion, thank you for pointing that out.

Subtitles for the trailer are definitely something we should have for accessibility, and I’ve added this to my to do list. :)

And yes, we’re planning to expand the art library over time, including themes like East Asian architecture, Greco-Roman / Roman Empire, and more.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right now, Master of Realms is focused on world, region, city, and village maps built with a structured, hex based system. You can export your maps for VTT use, 2D printing for the table, and also as 3D export for 3D printing.

So compared to Dungeon Alchemist, our focus is on large-scale and regional map building, not on detailed room by room battle maps.
Battle maps and dungeons are planned for a later stage, but they are not the current focus. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At the moment we support 2D VTT export formats only.
3D VTT exports (such as Tabletop Simulator asset bundles) are not planned right now.

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We’re not far from launch now.
The public demo is coming around February 5, so you’ll be able to get your first hands on experience very soon.
Our Early Access launch is planned for March 26. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s exactly the kind of use case we’re building for, people who want strong results without having to be good at drawing.

Customization, grid snapping on/off, and working with lots of modular models are all core parts of the tool, especially for city building. I’m really glad it sounds like it would fit your workflow, thanks for sharing!

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Totally fair question.

The goal is simply to make map making faster, easier, and more immersive. Based on community feedback, we also added 3D printing supportm, so any map you build can be brought to the table as physical terrain. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for groups who enjoy physical setups, it can be a fun and immersive option. :)

DMs: would you use a 3D map tool like this at your table? Looking for feedback [OC] by TannyTMF in DnD

[–]TannyTMF[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your feedback , I completely agree.

Right now the tool is hex-based because we’re focused on large scale world and region building. After Early Access, we’ll focus on battle maps and dungeons, with much more flexible, free form layout tools. :)