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#1 kheldren Feb 25, 2006 16:27:22

There has been some discussion as to the origin of the map symbols used by TSR to produce Mystara. So far the earliest known use of them is the 1981 Expert set, which has both the small hex symbols familiar from the modules, and the large symbols not seen again until Gaz 1. Discussion has bounced around (usually in passing on other threads) about these symbols, but thinking of this I put the question to my brother, who although not interested in D&D is interested in mapping etc. His prediction, based on the date, is that TSR didn't have a special mapping program, but probably used Letraset for the maps. Given the probable print run size, it might have been economic to commission a new set of symbols from Letraset, it would certainly have been to buy an existing set. He doesn't think that they would have had a type-set made up for the symbols (not nearly large enough a print run) and Letraset maps would work well for a product that had a fair amount of graphics in anyway. I don't know nearly enough to comment, but I thought I'd post this for consideration.