Dungeon mapping tools are very helpful to map 5 Towns, 16 Caverns, 7 Castles, 8 Dungeons, 4 Planes, and 20 outdoor areas. VARN challenges players with locked doors, teleport tiles, spinner tiles, dark areas, and one-way passages, therefore, mapping is one of the many keys to survival.
“In uncharted realms, a detailed map isn’t just a guide; it’s the thin line between triumph and oblivion.”
The cartographer
Reveal Map details
Key:
ES refers to Encounter Size and larger number indicates potential for larger encounters with more foes.
MG refers to Monster Group and this indicates which Foes may be encountered. Foes are placed in encounters based on their Index value. Monster Group 1 for example could have any Foes with Index between 0-16. Generally, higher MG number means more difficult foes. You can see the Index value for a Foe in the Foe List here.
Teleport, Etherealize, Town Portal, or Surface spells are blocked from use by unknown forces in some dungeons and castles.
Dungeon Mapping Tools
Real-time mapping can be fun with the right tools. Feel a sense of accomplishment after meticulously mapping a dungeon or castle. Explore the dungeon as it was intended, one square at a time. Manual mapping can add incremental reward while otherwise an adventure is just endlessly confronting enemies.
Graph Paper
You only need some graph paper, a pencil, and the Location spell to craft functional maps. As you take steps and turn corners you simply right it down. Notate doors, stairs, secret doors, elevators, sign clues, NPCS, while understanding all maps are 16×16, that should get you going.
Software
Gridmonger
If you don’t want to use graph paper and pencil then go for a free mapping tool such as Gridmonger. This is a truly exceptional tool and I highly recommend it. Read the online manual it is very well written and clearly explains what you need to know. This tool is designed to use keyboard entry which makes it quite simple to Alt+Tab between the Game window and the Gridmonger window to map as you play, never needing to touch the mouse. Exceptional tool with themes and support for dungeon or overworld maps.
https://gridmonger.johnnovak.net/
Where are We?
Another exceptional tool is the Where are We? application. This is companion software that runs while you are playing Might and Magic II from GOG. Real-time maps reveal as you explore and display an arrow for your party that moves around the map in step with your in-game movements. Check it out.
https://www.eskimo.com/~edv/lockscroll/WhereAreWe/
Attribution
How to obtain a copy of this game:
eBay link – PC version (1988)
GOG link – Digital PC version (includes games 1-6)