You Are Standing at a Crossroads – What Do You Do? Maps, D&D and Worldbuilding

Maps are among the defining features of fantasy worlds. But how are they created and what role do they play in the shared process of storytelling? 

Drawing on the example of «Dungeons & Dragons», Dr. Lisa Weigelt explores the significance of cartography and worldbuilding in tabletop role-playing games. She examines how dungeon masters (DMs) and players collaboratively create, shape and expand imagined spaces through play. The lecture offers insights into the dynamic relationship between maps, narrative and collaborative world-making. It considers how fictional landscapes, cities and regions emerge through collective action and storytelling, revealing the creative processes that bring fantasy worlds to life. 

Free of charge. Please register in advance. The event will take place on site at the Zentralbibliothek Zürich and will be held only in German. 

Audio aids (including induction loops for hearing aids) are available for people with hearing impairments at ZB events (guided tours, courses, lectures). If required, please contact kommunikation@zb.uzh.ch.

Figure: Example of a battle map from the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons (1974). Courtesy of Ex Carta, private collection, EC070.