Intro

[Blackdally]

Hey guys. New here. I'm a longtime rpg DM, and that's actually how I first got introduced to map making of any kind. I enjoy making maps enough that I normally put far more time and effort into it than a dungeon master should(god damn you, time!). I'm interested in improving my own skills as well as having access to the sort of resources the guild offers.

Uhm, just a shot in the dark, and I'm not sure where to ask this at, but I found this site while trying to find a good map for a dwarven mountain fortress(with plenty of fortifications+buildings that arn't actually built into the mountain). I've had almost zero luck at this point, and I don't mind drawing the fortress myself, but I'm not really sure where to start. I've made plenty of castles, and keeps in my time, but not a fortress on the scale that I'm thinking, and never of dwarven design. I really want it to be logical, and hold up under the weight of my players analytic minds.

[Pmumble]

Hey Blackdally,

Welcome to the guild. Your first project sounds very ambitious, and I'm looking forward to seeing it's progress!

It sounds to me that you need to start with some kind of an overview map that shows the general layout before you delve into more specific sections.

As for creating a design that actually bears resemblance to a "real" dwarven fortress? Well, good news. They don't exist! jk.

I would probably turn to my RPG materials for inspiration and just riff off of the major keywords in my design. If I wanted to take it a step further, I'd probably go looking for dwarven fortress modules for inspiration, or read sections of books where they are described, etc. Maybe someone else has a more direct inspiration source they can give you.

Sounds great, good luck!

[Deadshade]

Here you have an example of what you are asking for - a dwarven fortress in mountains.
Notice how the frontal walls are in shape of hammers

This is not a map strictly speaking but it may serve for inspiration of a map how a dwarven fortress could look if it existed.
Dwarven Home.jpg

[- Max -]

Hi Blackdally, maybe check this one from Torstan as an inspiration.