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Thread: Anubia - 1450 AD - Fantasy map for Shadow Lords RPG

  1. #11
    Guild Artisan Charerg's Avatar
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    If you intend your Empire to basically be the Roman Empire, then I think Latin names would be a good way to make it different from the real Europe in 1450. So, yeah, I think it's a good idea. I doubt it will bother English-speakers, it should help make the world feel a bit more "exotic".

    Oh, and probably the best source (well, practically the only source) of Latin names for regions like modern Germany is Ptolemy's Geographia. Unfortunately it's a bit hard to find a complete version on the Internet, but there are at least two (incomplete) versions that you could use.

    The First is at LacusCurtius. This one uses a Latin base text, and some of it is translated into English (some parts have only the Latin text).

    The Second is at de Res Historiae Antiqua, it includes Books I and II (that are completely translated into Englsih, I believe). This translation is based on a Greek text, so the names here are sometimes in Greek. But it shouldn't be too hard to convert them into Latin (Fabiranon -> Fabriranum, for example).

    Edit:
    I should add that this is if you want to use "classical era" Latin names. Ofc alternatively you could use the Medieval Latin names instead (those should be much easier to find as well).
    Last edited by Charerg; 08-04-2016 at 01:20 PM.

  2. #12
    Guild Artisan Tom's Avatar
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    This is very nice, very good job! Which fonts did you use? I've already seen them, but I forgot their names..
    Last edited by Tom; 08-04-2016 at 11:36 AM.

  3. #13
    Guild Grand Master Azélor's Avatar
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    If it's meant to be used by players, you can go both ways.

    1- If the map was made to give the perspective on the world as seen by the people ruling in Rome, there is a good chance they will use Latin names.
    2- If it's made out of context just so that English players could feel familiar with the names use the English names. You would have to get rid of things like accents (ex:Orleans) since it doesn't mean anything in English. Unless you keep them for flavor.
    3- Lastly, using strictly local names (limiting yourself to the Latin characters only) is good for an atlas but I doupt anyone in the Empire would use it. Players might find the map more exotic. Warsaw would become Warszawa, Gothenburg becomes Göteborg for example.


  4. #14
    Guild Artisan Freodin's Avatar
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    First let me say: the map is amazing!

    Regarding the names: I don't think the problem is so much with latin vs. modern names - though latin would fit the theme better. I see more problems with names that derive directly from historical events from "our" timeline. England, France, Hungary, the Teutonic Order, Austria, Gibraltar, the Iberian states... all these names are based on historical events. How do you justify these in your world?

  5. #15
    Administrator Facebook Connected Diamond's Avatar
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    That's a quite engaging and beautiful map! Everything seems legible to me and not crowded at all.

    Quote Originally Posted by Freodin View Post
    Regarding the names: I don't think the problem is so much with latin vs. modern names - though latin would fit the theme better. I see more problems with names that derive directly from historical events from "our" timeline. England, France, Hungary, the Teutonic Order, Austria, Gibraltar, the Iberian states... all these names are based on historical events. How do you justify these in your world?
    That was my question also. A surviving Roman Empire would have altered history so radically that most of 'our' nations of 1450 would've never been created, at least not with the semi-historical borders and names as on this map. I see that you've got extra landmasses and of course magic too. All of that is going to contribute to a world vastly different than real history. Of course this is all for fun, and there's nothing wrong with hand-waving in whatever you want. Gary Gygax did the same thing to great effect with his Mythus setting.

  6. #16
    Guild Novice Facebook Connected Erebus's Avatar
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    Well, I will go with latin names then, you convinced me!
    It will require a bit more of research but I always like to do some historical research, there is always something new you can learn!

    For the Nations and things like the Teutonic Order I will also think in terms of what they actually are NOW in THIS world.
    If you see the map you will notice that SOME areas have their own names, often with no exact historical reference (for example the FIR Nation, comprising Ireland and Scotland, is loosely based on the mythical Fir Bolg of irish myths): these areas are those I already developed in depth for a reason or the other (usually because I created/run a Campaign in them so I created the place and its history and culture).

    Thanks all for the suggestions, you really made me think!!!
    Illustrations gallery: http://erebus-art.deviantart.com/
    RPG Shadow Lords: http://shadowlords.net/
    My Main Site: http://erebus-art.com/

  7. #17
    Guild Artisan Charerg's Avatar
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    Nice to hear!

    If you're going with Classical Latin, the wikipedia map of the Late Roman Empire should cover most of your place names.

  8. #18

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    This is fantastic and really inspirational.

    Some of the location names are particularly good and really make me want to explore and investigate (which is something I need every good map to have).

    Great job

  9. #19
    Guild Novice Facebook Connected Erebus's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Weery View Post
    This is fantastic and really inspirational.

    Some of the location names are particularly good and really make me want to explore and investigate (which is something I need every good map to have).

    Great job
    Thanks, I also think a map should invite you to wonder what's in that spot and why is there?
    Illustrations gallery: http://erebus-art.deviantart.com/
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  10. #20
    Guild Novice Facebook Connected Erebus's Avatar
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    Hello all,
    I followed your suggestions and updated the maps!
    Great ideas surged up from your own, thanks all!
    Since the game is mainly about epic heroes and ancient myths, I took the opportunity to add many mythic places and suggestions to the map!
    You will find something from greco-roman myths, norse and germanic myths, the Bible, the Arthurian cycle, the Ancient Egypt and much more, including some original ideas I had (such as the Demonstorms and Shadowstorms)!

    Enjoy, and again thanks all for your suggestions!
    Illustrations gallery: http://erebus-art.deviantart.com/
    RPG Shadow Lords: http://shadowlords.net/
    My Main Site: http://erebus-art.com/

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