Long-time neophyte steps into the light...

[Silverleaf]

Greetings,

I've sat in the shadows for quite a few years - albeit I did join officially in 2009. Like many that hang out here, I've long had a deep passion for all things map related, and its quite astonishing to me to see just how talented you all are. Specifically the detail that I've seen in many of your profiles, and the amount of glorious maps that you've shared. So kudos to each of you.

As a bit of background I'm 47, am a 5th year College senior majoring in Animation and Technology at Kent State and I started gaming in 1973 with Chainmail - subsequently moving on to D&D/AD&D in the next few years. I'm currently working on my own style of overland map techniques, while my main focus has been on Classic Blue maps found in the original D&D mods from the 70's.

As a couple brief examples, my first map from 1974 focused on the plight of 5 missing children, and the mystery of the Muckdwellers. A 2nd level is accessed by the well in the midst of the dungeon, with a single ladder. So it was called The Well of Lost Souls:

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j.../LostSouls.png

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...ator/Wheel.png

I've been using Paint Shop Pro (currently using version 7.04) since its inception, while employing Fractal Mapper 8 and Map Tools for overland style maps. I've recently jumped onto the Gimp, finding the flexibility in its tool design and its layer capability to be a huge boon.

Next is a map which I redesigned for the members over at Dragonsfoot, based on their gaming world called Dragonstone. This was laid out in Fractal Mapper 8, then finishing touches added in PSP.

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...or/Dragon1.png

To finish up this probably too long introduction, I go by Bloated Blowfish over at Dragonsfoot, while maintaining a blog that focuses on Software reviews for 1E gaming, and various old-school campaigning. The blog is:

http://bloatedblowfish.blogspot.com/

Cheers,

[Larb]

I like your regional map, I think it looks really good. And the others have that classic D&D look to them!

[paulbhartzog]

Welcome. Kewl, I dig those blue maps. Old memories....

[Silverleaf]

Hiya

I'm working on a few maps at the moment for a fellow Dragonfooters, but plan to start a WIP thread once I've finalized the look of the map. The first is 50 miles or so, which needs to contain a village nearby and a river leading upstream to a lake. I'm free on the final look for the map from a design aspect, so its a chance to flex my creative muscles (I need spinach I think).

Cheers and thanks for the positive comments.

[Steel General]

Welcome Aboard!

[ravells]

Glad you decided to delurk and hope to see more of your stuff!

[ChicagoMay]

I loveeeee Paint Shop Pro 7. I've been using for at least 10 years I think. I just recently switched to Photoshop because there's no tutorials for PSP7 anymore haha.

[Silverleaf]

Thanks for the warm welcomes.

May,
I feel your pain.

If you've not been to Pinoy's PSP website, I'd highly recommend it.
http://www.pinoy7.com/psptutorials/p...pulation.shtml

He has a wide assortment of interesting effects, while at one time he combined all of them into a single Windows Help file that you could download and open locally on your computer. If your interested in the file (I don't see it anymore on his site), I can email it to you. Shoot me a PM with your email and I'll get it to you. Total size is around 5 meg.

NOTE: If you have Vista or Win 7, you'll need the (WinHlp32.exe) - since neither system has the built in support anymore. See the following link if you need the file:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607

Cheers,

[maxsdaddy]

Thanks for the links and nice to see more old school maps. The Bloated Blowfish (tavern/inn?) sign is great!

[Silverleaf]

Thanks Max, I put a lot of effort into that. Wanted something to stand out and represent the 34 year campaign.

Cheers,