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One of the best ways you can use Project Sigil is to make amazing 3D maps that are tailor-made for yourDungeons & Dragonscampaign. In Project Sigil, you can create enormous 3D spaces like taverns, dungeons, or even outdoor environments to run both roleplay and combat encounters for your table. This is great for immersing your party in the world of your campaign.
With a comprehensive suite of map-making tools, Project Sigil’s map-making process can take some getting used to. That’s why we’ve created this guide. Here’s everything you need to know to create breathtaking, fully realized maps for your Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
How To Start A New Map
To start a new map in Project Sigil, first, you have tocreate a new campaign or adventure.
To do this, simplynavigate to the main menu and select ‘Create Table.‘From there, you’ll be asked to come up with a name for your table and then enter the lobby.
For example, you cannot edit the introductory adventure without Master Tier, and you cannot save more than one map without Master Tier enabled.
Once you’ve entered the lobby, you’ll have a blank slate to work with to create a campaign and a map.To enter map-making mode, simply click on ‘Creative Mode’on the right-hand corner of your screen.
How Map-Making Tools Work
Project Sigil has a comprehensive suite of map-making toolsthat can allow you to create everything froma standard dungeonto an expansive villain’s lair. Here’s a breakdown of all of them.
Build Set
Bottom of your screen
Build Sets denote the motif of the set pieces and build optionsyou’re using.
Master Tier offersBasic Dungeon, Crude Mine, Graveyard, Owlebear Forest, and Rustic Villagemotifs.
Groups
Project Sigil offerspre-built groups of walls and floor piecesthat are ready to use.
Building Blocks
Building Blocks are theindividual pieces that comprise Build Setslike floors, walls, and windows.
Terrain offers playersgrass, dirt, and other natural flooring options.
Props
Props includetables, chairs, manacles, cages, fireplaces, and other specific objectsto populate your maps with.
Set Pieces
Set Pieces are fully rendered models like aminiature fortress or hangman’s gallows.
Floors
Top left-hand corner of UI
You can use this totoggle between different floors of your map.
Right-hand side of UI
Use this function to addcharacter miniatures, NPCs, or monsters.
Add Note
Add notes for either yourself as the DM or for your playersso they can better understand or interact with the space.
Environment Details
Environment Detailschange the lighting, time of day, and musical ambianceof the space you’re creating.
Add Image Board
Image Boards allow you to import 2D imagesand alter them so that you can add customized pieces to your map.
Fog of War
Fog of War allows you toobscure map elements from your playerswhen they first enter a space.
How To Build Maps
Once you’ve entered Creative Mode and are familiar with the above build options, you’re ready tostart making your own custom mapsfrom scratch!
Follow these stepsto begin making highly detailed maps.
There are also a handful of build customization optionsat your disposal to give you more freedom in placing objects.
You can press shift to lock the height of objects, press control to freely place objects without being beholden to a grid, and press ‘R’ to rotate objects. All of these commands can be found at the bottom of the build UI.
From there, once you’ve followed these steps,you can subsequently interconnect multiple mapsby saving each map and tying them into a given act in your Adventure Journal.
For a great sample,take a look at the Adventure Journal for the starter adventureoffered in Project Sigil, called ‘Trouble at the Bald Boar.’
As you create your maps, remember you can always edit and alter themtoo between sessions or even during if need be.
If you need to delete something,simply click ‘Alt,’ and drag your mouse over the objects you want to get rid of. Or, you can right-click an object and select ‘Delete.’
Within Project Sigil’s map-maker, you can also copy and paste objects, hide or reveal objectsor NPCs, choose different variations of set pieces, and group objects together by right-clicking the given object.
