Trail Map Cartographers

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

thorf

Feb 13, 2006 10:36:19
I've been going through my PDF collection, making a list of Mystara's intrepid (official) cartographers. But I've come to an impasse when it comes to the Trail Maps, TM1 The Western Countries and TM2 The Eastern Countries. Obviously these maps are quite the feat of cartography, not to mention the interesting details provided by the various tables around the edges of the maps, and yet it seems that TSR didn't put any credits on those products.

It's a bit of a long shot, but does anyone happen to know who was responsible for making the maps, or the tables of statistics and such?

(Not really expecting an answer, but it can't hurt to ask, right? ;) )
#2

Cthulhudrew

Feb 13, 2006 11:09:18
It's a bit of a long shot, but does anyone happen to know who was responsible for making the maps, or the tables of statistics and such?

I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that Dennis Kauth (who did all the maps in the Gazetteers) was the cartographer for the Trail Maps as well, just updating some of them in certain cases.

I'd also be willing to bet that Bruce Heard was responsible for the tables, Geopolitical Intelligence, etc. portions of the map. Again, not positive, but I'd find it pretty likely.
#3

thorf

Feb 13, 2006 11:35:48
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that Dennis Kauth (who did all the maps in the Gazetteers) was the cartographer for the Trail Maps as well, just updating some of them in certain cases.

Going by the credits from the Gazetteers, Dennis Kauth is just one of three main cartographers responsible for the majority of Mystara's mapping - and he didn't actually work on all of the Gazetteer maps. Just most. (At least, according to the credits, that is...) The other two are of course David C. Sutherland III, and Dave "Diesel" LaForce.

(As you can see, I have been researching this issue. ;) )

I'd also be willing to bet that Bruce Heard was responsible for the tables, Geopolitical Intelligence, etc. portions of the map. Again, not positive, but I'd find it pretty likely.

That one I agree with you on, 100%. I could swear that Bruce mentioned something at some point (Princess Ark letters? old MML post?) that they were his work, but I can't find the reference now. Strange that they went completely uncredited.
#4

Cthulhudrew

Feb 13, 2006 18:38:00
Going by the credits from the Gazetteers, Dennis Kauth is just one of three main cartographers responsible for the majority of Mystara's mapping - and he didn't actually work on all of the Gazetteer maps. Just most. (At least, according to the credits, that is...) The other two are of course David C. Sutherland III, and Dave "Diesel" LaForce

Interesting. I think I just assumed it was all Kauth's work, since (IIRC) he was the only credited cartographer on the Princess Ark series, which used the same hex system (and introduced quite a few new types of hexes).

That one I agree with you on, 100%. I could swear that Bruce mentioned something at some point (Princess Ark letters? old MML post?) that they were his work, but I can't find the reference now. Strange that they went completely uncredited.

I'm pretty sure it was a Known World Grimoire, but like you, I can't recall offhand exactly where. I will try and track it down when I get home and see for sure.
#5

jtrithen

Feb 14, 2006 0:03:37
Don't know if you had the original packaging (I do), and they don't even show any credits.