So I will be DMing a new campaign, and we are going to be starting with the module for The Sunless Citadel. I have a very large .jpeg file for all of the dungeon maps, and plan on using my little projector, mounted above the table, to project the map onto the table to use as the battle mat.
Here is the problem, how would I keep from revealing the entire dungeon level to the players all at once, while still being able show the areas they are in/have already been too?
Initially, I was thinking of using a thick card stock (flash cards) and some tape to block portions of the projected image before it got to the table, but that seems like a lot of additional work every time they enter a new room.
Does anyone here have any experience using digital copies of maps and projectors, or even tables with a built-in screen?
Best Answer
Basic set up
Use the projector as an extension of the screen. Do not copy the main screen! So you have your own workspace (notebook or PC monitor) and the projected view.
Roll20 way
Make 2 account and use one account as a game master and the other as a player in one game, where you uploads all of your map. Than you can use the built in fog of war. You can open two browser one you can pull to the projector's view, and make it full-screen (in Google Chrome with the F11). Be aware that the whole map is shown on the view. The game master stay on your notebook where you can take control.
GIMP way
You can use the GIMP as "not docked" mode. So the toolbars will be free from the picture view. You can simply pull the picture to the projector view, and the windows with the layers can stay on your notebook's view. Be aware that you created all of the layers which hides the map.