Jizerai,
While exploring the forum to gain a better understanding of the guild I happened upon your work, and was instantly drawn into the world you are creating. Towns do not often bloom over night or out of nothing, and learning the history of how your town came to be gave me the feeling that this map was of a place ripe with adventure, mystery, and excitement. Looking over your map, I found beauty in the non-symmetrical clusters of uniquely constructed buildings, and an overall sense of realism; as if I could traverse the dark alleyways and learn of the rich history you narrated. Before I continue, I would like to explain I have no real knowledge of the setting of your world (technology, culture, factions) beyond what you have provided, and I am completely ignorant to the limitations of your software. That being said, know my following critiques are purely from the view of a D&D enthusiast aspiring to learn how to give my ideas beauty similar to what you have displayed.
A little backstory: Pylara is a large bustling city, the largest located in the northern part of the country of Ilaaren with some 25,000 inhabitants.
In my campaign, I am attempting to develop a kingdom of mankind that the players will be able to explore and influence while it is in its infancy. During my research into demographics and medieval/fantasy town development, I came across a document called “Medieval Demographics Made Easy” by S. John Ross. I found it really helped me understand how to incorporate land size, population, culture, and geography into a single self-consistent idea. With that document as a reference, your city has roughly the same population as 15th century London, would be around a square mile in size, and require roughly 135 square miles of farmland to support. This need not be part of your map, but might be worth thinking about.
Trade in lumber and pelts are predominant and there are exclusive trade agreements with the reclusive dwarfs of Throm for ore, rare metals and even gems. The city was originally built by the Theran Empire after the Scourge had ended, some 80 years ago, around an ancient tower structure that have stood there long before they became the masters of those lands.
The more I thought about the size of your establishment, the more I questioned the economy, as it would need to be quite robust to become such a large city that was fought over. Lumber and pelts could prove quite the catalyst for such a booming city, especially being augmented by dwarf trade; however, I feel your city is not really designed with its own history in mind. Lumber is heavy, and would need to have a large forest to pull from. Most places with such an industry utilize(d) rivers to help transport the wood to where it could be processed for use. Being that all civilizations (especially those with a large population) require a clean and reliable source of water, wouldn’t it be wise to add a river? Perhaps even give the town a port to further its strategic worth to invaders? Pelts are easily explained by the large forest you would need for the lumber, but you might want to consider what the climate of the area is to determine what creatures are being killed and their size. This may have an impact on the size and material of your roads in much the same way as the type of military your Theran’s may have had.
Since then, the Therans have retreated from Ilaaren to the last bastion of their crumbling empire in this part of the world, Mineia. The city is now ruled by a City Council, made up of influential members of the city. The Frostfall family, however, are the ones in de facto control of the city, as they control its military forces and have the popular vote.
I can see the renovation in your city spurred by the founding of the new City Council in the cobbled roads and private gardens, however, I am unable to see anything resembling the dwellings of those who suffer under such an elitist rule. Where are the slums and hovels that attest to the old city under the Therans? Where are the roads neglected by council funding? Where do the lesser working folk and the diseased and poverty stricken dwell?
The tower itself stands some 300 meters tall and can be seen from miles away. The lower parts of the tower is used as a market, training halls and storage, while the higher floors are mostly inaccessible due to old wards still guarding the secrets of whoever built it. Occasionally, meddling mages or curious adventurers try to venture further up, hoping to find artifacts, treasures or forgotten knowledge inside. More often than not, they do not succeed or even survive these attempts.
I truly love the tower you have here; the lore screams adventure! I would question why such an old and mysterious building would be retrofitted into a market, however. Wouldn’t the less educated peddlers fear the tower’s unnatural power, and seek another place in fear of ‘bad juju’?
A small update. I'm wondering, what do you think of the white roof ridges. I can't really decide. On some buildings, I think it looks a lot better. On others, not at all.
I like the color accent you added, but feel it makes things a bit muddled when taking in the entire map. The white is the same as the steps for your outdoor theater, and due to the solid colors of most your rooftops, elevation becomes confusing. I do think it needs an accent to help make give the roofs some life, but perhaps a different color or shade for the highlight depending on when the building was built?
Originally built by the Theran Empire after they recaptured Ilaaren, shortly after the Long Night had ended. A majestic structure, towering over all those around it (except, the Tower itself), made to awe and impress those gazing upon it and feel those walking within its halls small and amazed, so they never forget the might and splendor of the Theran Empire. It served as the private residence of the governor and her family, but housed most of the vast imperial bureaucracy in its bowels as well.
After the Theran departed Ilaaren, some 40 years ago, it has served as the offices of the magistrate, housing what remains of the bureaucracy of Pylara as well as the private quarters of the magistrate himself, although, he is little more than a figurehead. But while the Theran flag no longer flies from its walls and rooftops, the palace still imposes itself upon the city of Pylara, leaving little doubt in its citizens minds that one day they will return.
I truly enjoy your keep, but question some of its functionality. Wouldn’t it have been built to withstand attack if the main gates were breached? If so, I would think the old and grand tribute to the empire would be at least the largest complex in the city. I feel the description you paint with words dwarfs what you have put on the map; perhaps a different colored roof and a more ‘impregnatable’/ castle-esk structure?
In closing, I find your story and map to be simply dazzling! I can see many adventures starting and ending in your amazing creation! You have given me ideas and insight as to some things I need to think about, tweek, add, and remove in my own world (which I hope to illustrate here in the near future). I look forward to following your work, and hope my words offer some constructive feedback. Thank you for shareing!
~Syd