Map of varetta

[gdv82]

And other maps in general...

Starting at book 1, the Map of Sommerlund is supposed to be a Special Item (http://www.projectaon.org/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/01fftd/title.htm#equipmnt)

At the beginning of Book 3, you receive a Map of Kalte (and the book doesn't spcifiy if this is a Special or Backpack Item, so I just supposed this was another Special Item) (http://www.projectaon.org/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/03tcok/title.htm#equipmnt)

Even on book 4, you are given a map without specifying the type of object you just received, so let's keep supposing this is another Special Item (http://www.projectaon.org/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/04tcod/title.htm#equipmnt)

Book 5 shows the same pattern, with the starting given map that does not specify which type of object it is (http://www.projectaon.org/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/05sots/title.htm#equipmnt)

We have now arrived at book 6:
- the starting map does not specify which type of object to pick up (http://www.projectaon.org/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/06tkot/title.htm#equipmnt), but the strangest thing regards the

Map of Varetta:
- Section 8 says this is a Special Item;
- in Sections 48 and 109, the Map of Tekaro is a Backpack item;
- Going from Section 165 (and 193) to 16, you receive the Map of Varetta, but no warning as to where (and when) it should be added to your inventory;
- in Section 275 you can buy a Map of Sommerlund, a Map of Luyen and a Map of Tekaro: all of this are Backpack Items

So, I wonder: Are all Maps Special Items?? up to now I have thought so, but after this (I received a couple of bug reports regarding this discrepancies) I am not so sure about it.... What would you think about this problem??

GDV

[outspaced]

The only comment I can make is that it seems Maps are categorised on an ad hoc basis, and some are Backpack Items while others are Special Items. Remember that items usually default to being carried in the Backpack unless you are told otherwise.

Perhaps some maps are small and folded and can be kept in a pocket, while others, such as the maps in Section 275, are larger and come with a scroll case that takes up space in your Backpack? I'm clutching at straws here, since there's no clear indication in the text.

Personally, I don't ever count the map from the Equipment section as an item on my Action Chart, since you are assumed to always have a map relevant to the current adventure with you, irrespective of whether you might have dropped/lost/traded it away or not (e.g. comments in the text such as "consult the map on the inside cover of this book" when trying to answer puzzles). To me, it's one of those items that takes up 0 spaces even though you are carrying it. But there's no clear ruling for this either way.

[gdv82]

Well I think you are right, outspaced!!

Probably the best course of action (I hope) is to consider them all as Special Items without encumbrance. (To me, this surely is faster to implement then other solutions )

All I can think of is that the first maps are Special Items (and the Special Items inventory is unlimited up to book 8), so carrying around all the maps from previous books doesn't incur any penalties.

Starting from book 8, where also the Special Items section is limited, I think considering them as no encumbrance Special Items should be a safe way not to unbalance the game

Thanks outspaced, and I will be waiting for even more opinions from anyone

GDV