Gastropod is a symmetrical 2 base Team Slayer and Multi Flag map.
The map is designed to be a forerunner power generation type of facility,
driven by the massive turbine device that also serves as the centerpiece of the map.

Gastropod supports other gametypes, but is meant to be played with Team Slayer and Multi Flag moreso than others, hence why not as much attention has been focused upon other gametypes.

Gastropod is a CTF map that requires strategy to win. Because of the map's design, gameplay is funneled through the central area above the turbine's wheel. Players simply cannot resist taking the shortest path to their objective.
Playing this way can often result in a stalemate, unless the attacking team forms a decent strategy to alternate carrying and defense as they fight the flag back across the central area.

An alternate strategy is to take the "long way around" the map. By travelling the outer pathways of the map, players gain access to power weapons, and also escape from the heavy combat centralized in the middle. It is possible for a single player to make a capture, while his team continues to fight in the middle of the map, serving as a distraction.

There are also multiple tactical jumps that are intentionally built into the design that I hope players will find and utilize. I have depicted one of the more important jumps in the post, but there are a couple other sneaky ones that you might find during a game!! Especially in the small rooms ;)

This map has been in development since the release of Reach, and is my first competitive map that I've completed for Reach. It has undergone extensive and repetitive testing by members of the Forge Hub Colored Names society and also the Testers Guild. Small problems that were found by the TG have been addressed to the best of my ability. This bastard has sat on my hard-drive for long enough, its time to release him into the public's angry maw.

Thanks to everyone who helped test this and gave feedback throughout its journey.
Special thanks to:
Smeagleton (for help with map design)
Rusty Eagle (for pointers on the redesign)

Weapon List:
8x DMR
2x Shotgun
2x Sniper
2x Needle Rifle
2x Needler
2x Plasma Pistola
1x Rocket Lawn Chair
1x Banhammer

Rockets spawn bottom mid.
Sniper spawns in the elevated platform of each base.
Hammer spawns in the back room.
Shotguns spawn on the back path on each side.
Needlers spawn by the small rooms for each side.
Needle rifle spawns on the walkways.
DMRs are everywhere.

Map Overview:
on the upper left and upper right sides are the opposing bases.
as mentioned before, the design is symmetrical.

The Central Area:

Looking at Blue Base:

Looking out from Blue Base:

Looking down the "back way around"

Back Room: (hammer spawn)

Tactical Lift at each base:

Tactical Jump into base:

Well, that's about it. Hope you all enjoy this map, I sure have enjoyed designing it
and I'm glad its finally over so I can focus more on my current projects!!

http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=9849478&player=TEETMARE

V2 Update: 11/16/10
changes made:
center rock made smoother to ascend for red team.
"streetlight" structures at each base simplified.
sniper rifle moved to spawn beneath "streetlights."