The way that I most often find myself drawn into a fantastic world is through the medium of an interesting map. Ever since I first cracked open RuneQuest‘s rulebook in 1980, casting my eyes over the map of Dragon Pass, I have been repeatedly drawn towards worlds through their maps.
When I explore this idea the truth becomes apparent. It wasn’t the Palladium Fantasy Roleplaying Game‘s system that hooked me in to that particular fantasy world but rather the map at the back of the book. It was the same when I opened up the D&D Expert Set and first saw a map of Mystara.
This extends into fantasy literature too. I remember examining the maps in Tolkien’s books, as well as those at the beginning of each volume of the Belgariad by David and Leigh Eddings. Dragonlance grabbed me through the maps. The way the maps spoke to me was repeated many times.
This is why I like to begin all my games with a map. It’s why, more than any other part of the lore of a game world, the maps are how I prefer to navigate the exploration of that place. Maps intrigue me and suggest so many details that they speak more than all the volumes of dusty words.
Begin with a map. Explore it. Absorb it.
Game on!
Roleplay Rescue’s Blog 
I couldn’t agree with you more. Rather than an illustration or a cover, a map is what gets my blood pumping. I especially love the two-page spread by Bill Church. As you say, Game On! Indeed!
BTW, I have to ask if you’re a fan of the RQ Griselda stories. I love them so much that I grabbed a Runyon Omnibus!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Honestly, I have not heard of the RQ Griselda stories… which is something that seems weird to have missed. Thanks for mentioning them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! I also picked up a Runyon omnibus as a result of enjoying the Griselda stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so true! This works on the player’s side too. I have been lately creating maps for characters’ home town and it has been great for creating character back story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A land from the books of my youth would be Midkemia from the Magician series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good choice. I loved Magician – read the whole first series in a couple of days when I should have been in lectures at Uni.
LikeLike