A visual aid employed in tabletop role-playing games, particularly Dungeons and Dragons, representing a wooded environment designed for combat encounters. These maps delineate terrain features like trees, rivers, and elevations, directly influencing movement, cover, and tactical decisions during simulated combat. For example, a map might depict a dense thicket providing half cover, or a stream that requires a skill check to cross without penalty.
The strategic visualization of such environs enhances the immersive gaming experience, providing a shared understanding of the battlefield amongst participants. Historically, these maps evolved from rudimentary sketches to detailed, professionally produced assets, contributing significantly to the depth and complexity of tactical gameplay. The use of such aids facilitates strategic thinking and informed decision-making, impacting the narrative outcome of the game.