Back when I was playing
Dungeons and Dragons, I used to make rather nifty
maps for the players on special
quests.
This is how I made them:
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Start out with a regular paper bag, thinner ones tend to work better. Cut out a section that will not have creases or overlaid edges.
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Soak them in instant coffee or iodine. The cheaper the better.
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Dry them using an oven or the top of a woodstove. This gives you interesting random mis-colored areas.
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Draw your map or add your text using waterproof India ink and a quill or nib. I've made maps that were 6 inches by 4 inches, and it took me a couple of days at this stage. Take your time.
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Reheat the paper to make sure the ink is dried.
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Using cheap cooking oil, lightly coat the paper on both sides. Don't soak it - put on a light layer so it is absorbed by the paper. You may need several light coats with thick paper.
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Reheat the paper.
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Fold the paper as if it were to be stored in a pocket or pouch.
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Put it (folded) in a paper bag and place a large weight on top of it. The paper bag will absorb the excess oil, and the weight will also help to set your folds. I used to use a 55lb anvil on a Franklin woodstove. Make sure you don't make the woodstove or oven too hot, or combustion will take place!
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After a day, re-fold the creases in the opposite direction and repeat the above step. Do this process until you're satisfied.
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You may want to put burned spots or burn the edges. My best maps have this.
Some of the maps I came up with look very authentic. I've had them over 20 years, and they still look great.