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Hexcrawl25 Challenge by Maatlock

The Hexcrawl25 Challenge is a proposal inspired by the famous Dungeon23 Challenge, but tailored for those who want to undertake a hexcrawl development project for the new year rather than creating a dungeon. Designed by Maatlock, this challenge invites participants to create a complete campaign world over the course of a year, focusing on designing hexagonal maps and filling them with evocative, playable content.

The primary goal is to develop a map consisting of 19 regional hexes arranged in a "flower" pattern, with a central hex surrounded by two rings. Each of these regional hexes is further divided into 19 smaller sub-hexes, creating a total of 319 sub-hexes. Each sub-hex can contain elements such as points of interest, varied terrains, settlements, NPCs, or monster lairs. As Maatlock puts it, in projects like this, you can always choose to focus your efforts on artistic aspects, narrative development, or a combination of both.

Additionally, I, for instance, would consider the opportunity to incorporate worldbuilding into the challenge, reflecting on the cultures, races, factions, and religious cults represented in the different hexes. This approach would not only enrich the content but also add depth to the stories and conflicts within the world.

One of the greatest advantages of this challenge, as laid out, is its flexibility. Maatlock suggests a workflow that includes rest days and the option to adjust your workload according to your preferences. He also recommends using tools like random tables or pre-existing maps from artists such as Dyson Logos to make the process more manageable.

If you want to delve deeper into this challenge, Maatlock has prepared a detailed guide that includes templates, design examples, and useful resources to help you get started. You can find all this information here: Hexcrawl25 Challenge.

I see this challenge as a great opportunity to push your creativity, build a unique world, and connect with a community passionate about hexcrawls. Take up the challenge and share your progress!

And happy new year!

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