Using Paint.net to create D&D maps

I find even just a little preparation setting up maps makes my life SO much easier. Graph paper is adequate but I'm trying to do everything digitally and current D&D resources on this topic haven't done the trick. If characters want to go back the way they came, I need to know where they were and what was there.

I'm currently trying out resources but here's one trick using Paint.net:

1. Create a simple 100 x 100 pixel map
2. Zoom in 1200%
3. In the menu, select "view" and choose "grid"
4. Use the fill tool to create a dark grey background

Then, draw out some areas and designate different available colors for different map symbols. I picked some that seemed right to me and then put a legend to the side of the page.

To add more detail to the map, change the canvas size to 700 x 700 or take a screen capture of the picture using FastStone Capture. Those tiny boxes will now become very big ones that you can draw more detail into or type text explanations.

Random findings

To flesh out locations, I like to give random findings to the characters that aren't just a pile of gold and gems but maybe still worth something.  Maybe one of them has magic properties or has enormous sentimental value?

* Small figurine of a cat
* Beautifully crafted wooden horse
* Pot with an old, rotted away plant
* Pouch full of silver coins of an unknown origin
* Sewing kit with various buttons and thread
* 3 old torches that still have the smell of fuel
* Carving of a tree
* Tiny knife on a thin, gold chain
* Old matted red hat
* Dirty map of some indiscernable place
* Silver horseshoes
* Nails (rusted or new) and boards
* Religious icon of unknown origin
* Sharp bronze spear tip
* Gold tiara
* Heavy figurine of a beautiful dragon
* Ring that always gives off a soft glow

Brainstorming

When I'm trying to come up with ideas, I just send myself images that come to mind via text message. They tend to spawn some cool things when I sit down with them later to flesh out ...

Deep blue lake. Hidden forest. World fold. Grey giants. Red Light in a hole in the wall. Creature that tells riddles. Cursed gold. Giant snake harmless and talking. Bold horse riders. Ancient children whose eyes glow. Distant land transport. Foiled attack on something. Betrayl foreshadowed. Drain grate war. Cold attack dogs. Frozen lake. Brutal curse. Blindness. Foster child. Hawk assistance.

Quite possibly the nerdiest things ever

A discussion about vampire anuses and a rap about kill-9.  One is D&D nerdy -- the other UNIX nerdy.