Creating a star map for my campaign. Program advice.

By Reclusiarch, in Deathwatch Gamemasters

Hello!

I'm looking to create a star map over the sector that my players are currently in. Of course, I could just draw it, which I will if I can't find any alternatives. That's where you come in! You guys know of any good programs to create star systems in? Or should I just get a screenshot of stars and add systems? :)

Thanks!

No help on software, I'm afraid, but my idea of a 40k starchart looks like the Calixis and Scarus sector maps:-

Calixis-600.jpg

Scarus_Sector.jpg

Like ye olde mappes, with Lots of 'here be dragons' and sea monsters and blowing clouds and whatnot.

And I'd concentrate on producing a representation of the warp routes between systems rather than showing their physical locations. Like the iconic tube map:-

beck_map.jpg

Maybe the Traveller Star Mapper (never used it myself)? not sure.

Alex

Don't use a program, I find 40 k maps are super easy to make by hand, just draw some cirlce for the planets add zig zaggy lighting like lines between them to represent warp routes and add a thought for the day at a bottom something like ++DUTY ONLY ENDS IN DEATH++.

Dip teabags on it, crumple the paper and put it in the oven for 5 minutes to make it look old like everything in 40 k is.

In between your planets try to add some nebulas and asteroids or whatever. A nice tough but no nesessary it to dip a paint brush in white pint and pull back on the brussels to creat stars in the back ground.

keep it simple.

The easiest map would be to grab some images from google. 'space, stars, etc.'

You could easily paintover in pshop or a free paint prog to represent the details you want, like where the PC's are focusing and other relevant details.

You could also scan in one of the existing DW , DH, or RT maps and skew the lines and change the text to fit.