[Map] Here be Orcs!

[Darraketh]

Here be Orcs!

There's a story in there somewhere.


Comments and stories are welcome!

 

[Darraketh]

Same World

In 1118 King Walencrest "the Mighty" returns from the Dragon Wars and undertakes a three year campaign to route the bandit clans from Sharborne Forest and the isle of Haron, forever.

By 1121 the bandit clans have their backs against the wall. A young clansman eventually known as "Young Gregor" convinces the elders to build ships and escape across the sea. Weary and beaten they work feverishly throughout the winter of 1121.

In the spring of 1122 they flee, in their ships, northward across the Greatwater Sea and eventually settle along the Barren Coast. The village of Northgate is founded in 1125.

 

[Darraketh]

Our story continues.

Years later the bandit clans spread northward. They formed two kingdoms, Norlund and Fridgia and came to be known as the Sea Peoples.

Northgate managed to thrive in spite of the inhospitable surroundings. Kelinor became a prosperous colony of Haron.

 

[Eternalknight]

Nice use of Hex Mapper

 

[Darraketh]

Nice use of Hex Mapper

Thank You! my friend.

This one is the same map with character portraits from the WoTC site added.

 

[Darraketh]

IMHO

I guess for me, a map is more than just a picture. I have collected maps that are a sheer joy to behold. I made custom tiles for "HexMapper" to get a more polished look and feel. So I can't deny I judge artistic presentation first.

But more important to me is the map itself. What is it really showing me? I begin to ask myself questions. Such as, what kind of civilization is this? I begin to wonder about confrontations with other peoples. Where does their food come from? Where are the trade routes? Which cities have the monuments, temples, wizard schools, arenas or powerful guildhalls? How do I get from one city to the next? Is it over the mountains or through the woods?

Maps are about information and navigation first. Now most any map by nature addresses the former. But for the latter I feel a hex map does it best, in relation to the needs of the game.

 

[Arravis]

I have to agree... when I make a map, I begin thinking of how things really are there, the practical issues, etc... it just enriches my DM'ing

 

[castlewalls]

maps

I like to think of the "map" as being a character. Instead of a stat sheet, what can be told by the way it looks? What kind of flavor/atmosphere does it "give" off? How much story-detail is "told" by it? Does it immediately "tell" you where it belongs? That's it's character. -Jim

 

[Darraketh]

I hate to bump my own thread just for the sake of bumping so here is the first map I ever created using HexMapper.

I've since added this island to my larger world map, using my custom tileset of course. I can't post the world map because it is more than 10mb. The Paint Shop Pro file is approaching 80mb.

I use PSP to add titles and other pics. I'm still learning to use PSP.

Note: This map uses the stock tileset and a few wingding fonts.

 

[Malessa]

Kewl

I'm still learning PSP too, at least you accomplished art from it, and good maps they are! I personally am still cursing (insert four letter words here) and fighting tools.

Keep up good work, glad u bumped up!