A map legend is a promise to future you. It says that a triangle means danger, a circle means rest, a star means clue, a slash means blocked path, and a dotted line means uncertain route. Without a legend, old maps become decorative confusion.
Start With Seven Symbols
Use one symbol each for danger, rest, clue, locked path, resource, rumor, and unresolved mystery. Keep them simple. Shape should carry meaning even if color is unavailable. For example, danger can be a triangle, rest a circle, clue a star, locked path a bar, resource a square, rumor a wavy line, and mystery a question mark shape without text.
Do not build a huge legend before play. Add symbols only when the map needs them.
Pair Shape and Color
Color helps scanning, but color alone can fail under poor light or for color-blind readers. Pair color with shape, position, or texture. Use high contrast if you will return to the map later.
If drawing small symbols is hard, use stickers, stamps, tokens, or index-card markers.
Keep Symbols Original
It is fine to be inspired by general map practice, but avoid copying proprietary icons, official setting marks, or published game symbols. Personal shorthand is enough. If you share a map, make sure it does not reveal copied scenario content.
Use the Legend During Review
At session end, add or update symbols before writing a long recap. The map can remember danger, open paths, and clues faster than paragraphs can.
The legend is not an art standard. It is a retrieval system.
