Hello everyone! So I have heard a lot of people having issue with the map and compass. So I thought I’d pass on some basic orienteering instructions, so even the most inexperienced navigators can understand. I’m also making this somewhat humorous (think Vault-Tec from the Fallout games).
Well golly Casey, what is orienteering?
I’m glad you asked, fellow adventurer! Orienteering is where someone finds their way to various checkpoints across rough country with the aid of a map and compass (Thank you Webster)! Now that we know what we are doing, lets get down to the most important parts, the map and compass.
**First we will look at the map** Now, it is generally safe to assume the top of the map is north, unless instructed otherwise or you see a *compass* on the map like so:
These can some times be as simple as an arrow or very fancy, but the point being if you see this then follow its direction, other wise **TOP OF MAP = NORTH**. Now, you might be thinking...
>If it only tells me where north is, how do I remember where the other directions go? Especially if the map or compass don't have them listed.. :confused:
Simple! Never, Eat, Soggy, Waffles. No, I’m not crazy, it works. When you say it move you hand in a circle going clock-wise, at each quarter movement you way the phrase. Now if this doesn’t work for you, try this. South is always opposite of North, East is 90 degrees right of North, and West is 90 degrees left of North.
Congradualations! You have now learned you’re four cardinal directions. It might be a lot to take in at first, but with practice and study I know you will have those map directions down in no time, adventurer!
But wait Casey! What about the compass? How does that newfangled contraption work?
How to use the compass
Ahh, a beautiful little booger isn’t it? So, remember how with the map the top is normally North, well with a compass that ins’t always the case. See the compass shows you what direction you are facing. This is a very important part of orienteering to keep in mind. So, if you pull out for compass, and North (the dark grey arrow) is to your Right, that would mean you are facing West. If North is behind you then that would mean you are facing South.
Wow! That’s not so bad, but what about when my quest says go North East?
Excellent question adventurer! Remember that compass from above, the one during the map part? Let’s take another look at a more detailed one.
So as you can see on this one, those smaller point’s aren’t just for looking cool. These are called intercardinal directions. They the directions between the four cardinal directions.
**Now let's put the two together** So let's say **Party A** needs to meet with **Party B** so they can go raid Sanyael the Grand Worm. Well first let's establish where **Party A** is, they are just **South** of Green Lady Forest and **West** of Kingsport Lake. For them to get to **Party B** they have to go **North East** to cross the bridge at the falls. Once over the bridge **Party A** will head **East** until Lakewood Inn where the road goes **South East** to a fork. Once at the fork the party will take the **North East** path, finally reaching **Party B**. >Gosh Casey, why give so much detail?
You see adventurer, by doing so you are now orienteering! Using key makers on the map to distinguish what is around you, then you figure out what direction you need to go by using your compass. This process of orienteering is called get one’s bearings.
Now you have done it! You now know full well how to use the map in Orbus and even a map in real life with ease! You adventurer are now ready to go forth to the next Beta session and orient the crap out of it!
(I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed making it. Most of all though I hope you now have a understanding or a better one on how to use a map and compass)
(Btw loved the world boss raid in the beta, great fun!)
