Perhaps you’ve seen them around the RPG Blogger’s Network. People are making their own multi-level D&D maps. As I’m just about to get in to face to face sessions, I really wanted to `woo` my players, some of which are completely new to D&D.

For my setup, I took a map that already had two levels to it. Here’s a small segment of it:

Booyah. Two levels. Thinking ahead, if I were to cut that upper walkway out, I’d have a blank 4×4 block underneath it. I busted out the GIMP and went to work. To “show” what was under the walkway, I copied the walkway itself, pasted a new instance of it in the image, rotated it 90 degrees, and lined it up. Blam:

Its important to mention here that you need TWO saved copies of your intended map. One will be for the bottom level and the other for the top level (more as needed as you map may vary). Sure, the edges look a little rough and non blended. Big deal. They don’t have to be. You’re going to cut this newly revealed passage way and you can take those non-blended edges off as you cut.

Repeat that copy/paste process as necessary for any area on the map you may want to “reveal”. You may have to get creative and copy from different areas on the map and then paste it where you need it. In my opinion, it doesn’t have to look perfect. D&D is about imagination, anyways.

When I had all the editing done, I printed out two copies of my map, one of the bottom level file and one of the top level file. I then set to work using my hobby knife to carefully cut out the parts from each map copy and laying them in their proper piles. I had to refer to the digital copy of the maps several times as I was dealing with 9 different 8.5×11″ sheets per map and found myself asking “Is this a top or bottom part?” for various map items/rooms.

After everything was cut out, I glued the bottom level parts to some poster board. Nothing special. The 50 cent stuff you get at Wally World. I then glued the upper level to a $5 piece of foam board acquired at the local craft store. Using my hobby knife, I cut out the top level from the foam board using several strokes over each line to cut all the way through.

I did a little measuring and decided I wanted the top floor 2 inches above the bottom. With a $1.50 1/4″ wooden dowel rod I bought at the local hardware store, I cut off 5 support pieces in that length.  Using hot glue, I attached them on the underside of the upper level in spots to promote good balance and what not.

The map has two sets of stairs to get to the top level (or down from it). On the underside of the steps, at the top where they begin, I cut a slit with the hobby knife and folded the steps down. They’re still attached to the top level but now are angled properly. I had to add a 1″x1″ square in front of one of the steps as the elevation of the top level left a bit of a gap in from of the step where it would normally touch the bottom floor. Oh well.

Here’s the finished product:

Of course, now that I have the pictures to stare at, I can see some areas that need a little touch up. No worries. Nothing a little glue and hobby knife action won’t fix! Also, I had other uses for this foam board before this so please ignore the printed white letters you may see. I’m tempted to make some walls but just aren’t that creative. Suggestions for that?