Quote from: VacuumJockey;508127It's like a mindmap, right? I think it could be useful for an improvisional kind of game. I could see myself trying that out when stressed for time and/or uninspired.

You've hit upon an important thing here: I don't really prep plots when I run a game; rather, I prep a location that has different factions/interests that the PCs can get involved with.  It's definitely more improvisational than what I think most folks do.

Quote from: Benoist;508138If I was to use this the map as depicted in the OP would be the draft, not the actual finished map itself. I would basically use the same methodology as Mister Guignol used here: I would come up with the map, combine the elements I come up with into a coherent setting, and then redraw the updated map without the pictures to serve as a reference for the key in play.

Interestingly, the pictures are really helpfully to me because I can see them and know exactly what they represent, instead of seeing a number I have to look up on a map key.

Quote from: RPGPundit;508581Still seems like a lot of work for something that can be done easier in other ways. Like with a random table!

Meh, I've yet to see a random table for an urban location that didn't read like it was written by someone who hasn't spent much time in actual urban locations.  I've walked around many of the world's most flavorful cities and despite the interesting things you encounter on those streets they aren't anything like the crap people shovel on Urban Encounter Table B45.

Quote from: misterguignol;508724Meh, I've yet to see a random table for an urban location that didn't read like it was written by someone who hasn't spent much time in actual urban locations.  

-Raises eyebrow-

Quote from: Zak S;508732-Raises eyebrow-

I mean the standard "roll on this table to see what wacky NPC interacts with the characters for no discernible reason" type of stuff.

Quote from: misterguignol;508724Meh, I've yet to see a random table for an urban location that didn't read like it was written by someone who hasn't spent much time in actual urban locations.  I've walked around many of the world's most flavorful cities and despite the interesting things you encounter on those streets they aren't anything like the crap people shovel on Urban Encounter Table B45.

Well I'd call that a good thing - being pickpocketed, attacked by drunken mercenaries and/or mistaken for a thief is hardly my perfect day.

Quote from: Rincewind1;508736Well I'd call that a good thing - being pickpocketed, attacked by drunken mercenaries and/or mistaken for a thief is hardly my perfect day.

True, but a lot of that stuff, to me, is boring, lazy DMing.

Quote from: misterguignol;508738True, but a lot of that stuff, to me, is boring, lazy DMing.

I resort to tables mostly when I don't have any other idea. As for the streets themselves - I usually fill them with street performers, or peddlers, and perhaps an occasional odd NPC.

Quote from: Rincewind1;508740I resort to tables mostly when I don't have any other idea. As for the streets themselves - I usually fill them with street performers, or peddlers, and perhaps an occasional odd NPC.

Sure, but that's the point isn't it?  I populate an area with stuff going on so I don't have to rely on a crummy chart telling me that the fishmonger wants to give the PCs a great price on trout.

As for filling the streets...I only really mention it if it could matter, you know?  There's only so many times you can say "This street is thronged with performers, peddlers, etc...what do you do?" before it's a sad routine.  Just let the PCs get to where they're going; mention the sights in passing, if necessary.

Quote from: misterguignol;508743Sure, but that's the point isn't it?  I populate an area with stuff going on so I don't have to rely on a crummy chart telling me that the fishmonger wants to give the PCs a great price on trout.

As for filling the streets...I only really mention it if it could matter, you know?  There's only so many times you can say "This street is thronged with performers, peddlers, etc...what do you do?" before it's a sad routine.  Just let the PCs get to where they're going; mention the sights in passing, if necessary.

Oh, I know - as I said, I consult the tables when I either need a "hit" of creativity, or when PCs suddenly took a turn which I did not foresee.

As for the latter - I usually download a video of some performance for them to see. Used that Cats of Ulthar Sand - Drawing video to great effect in CoC game.