After alot of hard work, I have one of my maps ulpaded (Thanks Kreynolds!!)

[kreynolds]

I'd like to thank Kreynolds for hosting this map, it's VERY kind of him to do so.

Not a problem.

[repeat from other thread] My FTP server should be more stable now. I've since updated it to some newer software and it has much less overhead, so the download speeds should be a bit better (25K max I think). Also, connections for large uploads shouldn't drop as often, though hopefully they won't drop at all. I've been stress testing it for a little while and have successfully and repeatedly completed over 150MB uploads to it without a problem. Let me know if you guys have any trouble with it.

Don't worry about space either. Right now, I've got about 1GB available, but that should increase shortly (I'll be backing up the drive the upload folder is on pretty shortly. [/repeat from other thread]

Anyways, like I said, space really isn't an issue (I watch it closely, so it gets low I can always increase it), so upload what you guys have. Right now, there really isn't any organization to the server, such as directories and what not, but if you guys and gals would like some subdirectories in there, let me know and I'll set it up.

Also, the speed of the server will fluctuate from time to time, mostly because I perform a lot of remote operations on that machine, but it shouldn't get too awful. The server only allows 10 simulataneous connections right now, but I can bump that up if anyone needs it.

I'll put my own map files in there as soon as I can.

 

[Arravis]

JDragon, the map was based on a standard 1"=5' grid, I just haven't overlaid it yet. I won't until I print it out, I think it just detracts from it's beauty (but needed for game purposes). Anyway, glad you liked it .

Kreynolds: Again, thanks . I'd love to see your maps on there .

 

[kreynolds]

Arravis, I don't suppose you saved any of your operations in action form, did you? Mostly, I'm wondering how you made your walls (not the effects on the layer itself).

 

[Bill Muench]

I've got to say, as a longtime user of both Photoshop and CC2, those are some damn fine maps.

 

[Arravis]

It's very easy, i'll tell you .

I block out the areas I want to be the walls in black, then I save the selection I made. I then choose two shades of brown-beige, one light one for foreground color, and a darker one for background color. Then on a new layer I go to Filter>Render>Clouds. That makes a full page of beige colored clouds. I bring up the wall selection, inverse it and cut out the excess. So now my walls are in brown-beige. I de-select, and I go to Filter>Textures>Texturizer and load the Sandstone texture (the last of the four default ones). Make sure the lightsource direction is more or less the same, and change the depth as needed to what looks good. The walls are now nice and textured. Then I apply the layer style I have on my file, and lighten or darken walls as needed.

If you need more detailed instructions then that, let me know and I'll go over it in exacting detail .

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

I love those maps. In fact, I plan to use them in our next session.

Do you have them labeled? Most of the rooms are obvious, but I'm not sure what a few of them are for.

Good job!

 

[Conaill]

The floorplans look great. But I must say that they don't look very architecturally sound. Try to place your walls on the 2nd level directly above walls on the 1st level (as in the bottom part of the house. Or at least provide some support columns underneath those 2nd level walls.

Good job though!

 

[kreynolds]

The floorplans look great. But I must say that they don't look very architecturally sound.

Never heard of magic? The Stronghold Builder's Guidebook even addresses that very issue, stating that the use of magic gives you much greater freedom with architectural design. This is D&D, after all, not 12th century Europe.

 

[Arravis]

It IS a Wizard's house!

 

[WizardoftheForest]

The walls seem very thin for the size of the rooms - what's holding up the upper floor or the roof ? There should be pillars in the middle of the rooms also.

Apart from that - nice. A little OTT for my taste though. How do you find Photoshop for mapping ? I would have thought that Illustrator would be better ?