Quickie 3 - Qeshtari Empire

[Caenwyr]

Hey all! So with my Sahwyn map finished, I decided to give another go at a regional map. This one's intended as a quicky for those dead hours between commission hits (I am currently waiting for labelling input from my client) so I might abandon it at any time... but for the time being, I really like the layout actually!

Alright, here's the sketch:
BentHorizon (1).jpg

It's a bit of a weird form factor, which I really like, with a bent horizon in the background and some exaggerated perspective rotation to the mountains. I'm curious if I'll manage to get that weird look across in the inking stage too!

[Caenwyr]

Okay, and here's most of the inking already! This thing is going *fast*, whew!

BentHorizon (2).jpg

Still gotta add the forests, a few more canyons in the south, a ton more tiny islands, the city icons and whatnot. But the biggest inking work is done.

[QED42]

The line work looks great, can't wait to see how this one turns out.

[Caenwyr]

Thanks QED!

Here's the next update! Forests are all there, and while you can't see it yet, I've made room for cities and roads too. You should be able to track from one end of the continent to the other using the conveniently open corridors already

Also, there's a dude looking over your shoulder!

BentHorizon (3).jpg

[Dimension Door]

This is so cool! The Da Vinci invention gives the map much depth and theme.

[Caenwyr]

This is so cool! The Da Vinci invention gives the map much depth and theme.

Well noted! The basket is shamelessly stolen from—I mean, inspired by, of course!—a balloon photograph I found somewhere, I plunked down a sort of boiler in the middle to give it a steampunk vibe, but like you said the "rotor" (if you could call it that) is 100% Da Vinci's! It's a hopefully original twist on the spectators you'd find in the bottom right corner of many 17th century city maps. I might add a scroll fluttering in the wind with a tiny version of the map on it, as if that intrepid sky traveler is the one actually drawing the map from his vantage point...

Will have to see if that's possible with my (admittedly very limited) skillset. I can draw a million mountains if I must, but one flappy scroll might be too much for my poor brain

[Caenwyr]

Alright, a first splash of colour! I have currently two versions: one with rather subdued colours, and one with my signature bright and flashy colour pattern. I kinda want to do something different here, but I mainly want to do something that looks great, so I'm on the fence with this one...

BentHorizon (4a).jpg BentHorizon (4b).jpg

I still gotta shade it of course, which will also make a big difference, but it's never to early to poll for your opinion. So. Which version do you guys prefer?

[rdanhenry]

More color!!!

[Edward II of Kenland]

Wow this looks really amazing! I prefer the more colorful one on the left. I can't wait to see how this eventually turns out!

[Caenwyr]

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna follow your advice!

Here's another update, this time with shading partially done:

BentHorizon (5a).jpg