If you are a beginner, here's hoping you might find these links and tools useful. If you are a veteran, you have probably seen and used them already, so feel free to add a tip or two to newcomers.

In order to download some of the files you'll need to register at Fileplanet and/or get a yahoo account (both are free).

The utilities usually come with READ ME files, so check them out! ;) Finally, be sure to get the latest versions, as some programs are updated from time to time.

Most of these (and more!) can be found at Laelth's homepage, too!

H4Util by Slava Salnikov

It allows you to copy part of maps, make a dump file, create a script C-like file that may be edited and then processed again.

You can write a script for your map in a regular text file and then process it, which is more useful than "writing" the script fro...]]> http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-02-17-5 cartographer http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-02-17-5 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:44:03 GMT I admit I was one of the fans who bashed the Heroes 5 concept art. Nevertheless, when I actually had to draw some of it I realized just how good it was.

I particularly enjoyed drawing the undead. On page eight I've managed to cram almost the entire lineup in the first panel (I even sneaked the Heroes 3 Nosferatu!).

It's a pity the colorist, my friend Misho Zivanov, gave up after page one. Oh, well. More fame, fortune and scantily clad ladies for me... I guess.

What about the story though? After some br...]]> http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-02-16-4 cartographer http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-02-16-4 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 06:58:56 GMT Heroes of Might and Magic IV: Winds of War

Author's Comments:
Story: This map is my first shot at an 'alternate history' theme, which places the player in a semi-historical setting but adds a twist to allow the player to take events down a different path. The setting for this map is the Crusades and I hope to lead players to some insights on this turning point of Western civilization. I've tried not to be too heavy handed in the religious overtones and certainly hope not to have offended either Catholics or Muslims.

The lead characters are based on real historical personalities, although I have fictionalized them somewhat for the game and anglized their names. Eleanor, Raymond, Godfrey, and Hugh were some of the most significant figures of the time. Omar is essentially my own creation, based on Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab, and he serves to personalize the Arabic culture. Hassan i Sabbah may just be a legend, but the Assassins were real and active in the Holy...]]> http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-01-30-3 cartographer http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-01-30-3 Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:04:47 GMT MapHaven and Celestial Heavens, a discussion at the Round Table prompted me to think further about one aspect of mapmaking – the aesthetics.

It is said a picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ve included some examples. The screenshots were taken from my favorite scenarios and campaigns, although I do understand I may have missed some gems.

One will find a number of great guides dealing with gameplay, but few deal with the looks of the adventure map. Hardcore players, especially veterans who prefer online multiplayer, might say that you should stick to random maps. This missive will mostly discuss singleplayer and RPG maps, where the settings ...]]> http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-01-30-2 cartographer http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-01-30-2 Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:00:47 GMT Heroes of Might and Magic and pick up an artifact, each time you get to read a neat story. However, have you ever wondered what are the true origins of the artifacts we love in our favorite game? Sure, you know that the Horseshoe brings +1 luck, but why?

Well, no one is actually sure, but here are some pretty good ideas!

These stories are based on several online sources (copy/pasted and significantly edited), so some of them might not be 100% true.

Rabbit's Foot

The rabbit's foot is one of the oldest superstitious icons, having been used since before 600 B.C. Rabbits are said to be prolific breeders, so they are sometimes seen as symbols of fertility. They are thought to provide good luck, good crops, many children, and prosperity.

Besides being a symbol of fertility, rabbit's feet are also linked with darkness, witches, and ...]]> http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-01-30-1 cartographer http://cartographer.ucoz.com/blog/2007-01-30-1 Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:58:44 GMT