A Look Ahead: What’s Coming Next for The Reclusive Cartographer

Quick note for patrons:
You might notice that this post has been charged. That was intentional, I realised yesterday that our big release on January 23rd https://www.patreon.com/posts/week-3-celtic-148928676 was accidentally not charged, so this post simply brings us back in sync as the fourth charge for January.

You won’t be charged more than you normally are overall, this just balances things out.

Thanks as always for your support!
– RC

Hey everyone!

I wanted to take a moment to share where The Reclusive Cartographer is heading over the next year, not just in terms of maps, but in how this Patreon works for you as: DMs, worldbuilders....legends, take your pick!

This page has been going for six years now, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. Over time the output has grown a lot (more maps, more styles, even animated maps), but I want to make sure one thing stays true:

Supporting this Patreon should make your games easier, faster, and more fun to run.

So over the coming months, I’ll be making some improvements to how content is delivered, organised, and expanded, without taking away anything you already enjoy.

Here’s what you can expect.

More Structure, Less Guesswork

You’ll have noticed recently that a lot of our maps are connected.

Instead of standalone releases, maps will increasingly come in focused sets, things like:

• Cities and buildings that belong together - such as our recent release of Dun Caerwyn and The Sacred Oak / High King Branoc’s Hall

• Dungeons with supporting locations - such as the King's Cairn and Cairn Exterior

• Regions you can drop straight into a campaign - look no further than the Isle of Falrenn for that one :)

We will be continuing to do this going forward and you’ll usually know ahead of time what kind of locations are coming, so you can plan around them.

DM Packs (New!)

Alongside maps, I’ll be introducing DM Packs tied to each major release.

These are designed to save prep time and spark ideas, and may include:

• Plot hooks and adventure seeds

• NPCs or factions connected to the map

• Encounter ideas or room themes

• Suggested level ranges

Nothing too heavy, just practical, usable material you can grab and run with.

A Better Experience for New Patrons

If you’re new (or thinking of joining), I’m also improving the onboarding experience:

• A clear “Start Here” post

• A curated set of recommended maps

• Easier ways to find the most useful content quickly

The biggest part of this will be a complete overhaul of the RC website! To long have we squeaked by with the simple site I built in WIX. We have a web boffin working on a completely new site as we speak with 2 main aims:

• Make browsing our content easier

• Make download our content easier

You see a make you like, you press one button and its yours! That is the plan!

Making Better Use of the Back Catalogue

Over the years, this Patreon has built up a huge archive.

Rather than letting that sit unused, I’ll be:

• Creating curated collections of older maps

• Highlighting maps for common needs (starter towns, taverns, dungeons, etc.)

If you’ve been around a while, you may rediscover things you missed.
If you’re newer, this will make catching up much easier.

Your Voice Really Matters

Polls, feedback, and suggestions aren’t going anywhere, in fact, they’ll matter more.

You’ll continue to help shape:

• Themes

• Additional Content outside of maps

• What kinds of locations get expanded next

This Patreon works best when it feels collaborative, not one-way.

Thank You ❤️

Whether you’re a long-time patron, a new supporter, or following along for free, thank you.

My aim with these changes isn’t to overhaul everything overnight, but to make this Patreon clearer, stronger, and more useful for the people who rely on it for their games.

As always, feedback is welcome so please comment on this post with anymore suggestions you might have. I’m really excited about what we’re building next :D

Cheers!

George – RC