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This is incredibly satisfying to look at. Something about it is just so crisp. Can't wait to see how it develops!
I'm not sure I love this font, but it has a vibe I like. I may change it up before I get too crazy with the labels though. The rivers are mostly done, though I still need to add some tributaries. Hopefully the seasonal lakes and rivers in the Great Karoo stand out. (Yes, I know that's a real place in South Africa, but I love the name and the terrain/weather are similar).
Thanks for sharing all your process (again)... Just some stupid question : what's DEM (for the relief ?)
Digital Elevation Model. There's a bunch of free ones here and there on the interwebs. You can make your own too (which is a very tedious process - for me at least).
Hey, another D map in the making!
It looks great already. You have a distinct style and you land shapes are always a delight.
Aw thanks, Ilanthar!
Kind of plinking around here, not settled on a political style, but thinking it might be something similar to my Bannarith Empire map. Probably not quite as label-heavy. Or maybe it will be, though it'll be hard to pull off with this font. Maybe I'll lower the opacity on the city names.
The borders/colors/look are placeholders. They probably won't end up staying like that.
Some lore:
Medria: A mercantile republic, Medria is probably the richest land in the region. With its strategic position, vast mineral resources, and powerful trade network, Medria has no need of huge armies to secure its position on the world stage. The nation is governed by the Council of Syndics, the heads of the strongest and most influential trade guilds. Since the revolt of Akkabar, the Syndics have introduced limited reforms to the slave trade, but tensions grow and wane amongst the slave population and the poorer free men.
Botha: To the north of Medria is Botha, a kingdom dominated by rich prairies and low mountains in the south and east, dry steppes in the north, and swampy wetlands in the west. Botha is a land of extremes, and traveling west to east from one end of the nation to the other is like visiting a whole continent due to the number of different biomes.
Akkabar: Once part of Medria, the slave population of the city revolted decades ago, slew their masters, and proclaimed a free republic. Their noble ideals lasted approximately long enough to secure their freedom. Today the city is ruled by Citizen-Ruler Omides, the grandson of the original rebel leader, who keeps the city free and rich by offering his services to the stronger nations in the area, skillfully playing them against each other by raiding slave ships in the name of 'freedom'.
Pandona: The Empire of Pandona is both militaristic and expansionist, a fact that keeps its neighbors awake at night. Ruled by a powerful Immortal who styles himself as Azabedes, God of Fire, the empire is kept in check by the kingdoms across the Trasian Sea and the natural barrier of the Great Karoo, but its eyes are always fixed on the riches of Medria and the northern lands.
The Great Karoo: A vast and arid semi-desert, semi-steppe populated by various nomadic tribes whose riches lie in their vast herds of Aroptryx, large terror-birds that are used as both mounts and food source.
Immortals: Far to the west, at the limit of the known world, lie the Change Wastes. Strange magics permeate the very ground there, and any who linger too long either die slow and painful deaths as their bodies are defiled by the poison in the earth... or they return as changed beings, beings of immense power, often insane, always eager to dominate. Many cities, towns, and even a few nation-states are ruled by Immortals. The stronger the Immortal, generally the bigger his or her domain. The most (in)famous example is the god-king of Pandona.
Last edited by Diamond; 03-20-2024 at 10:57 PM.
As always with your maps, D, the landshape is pleasing to my eye and the overall composition feels very natural. I also like the lore you shared. So yeah, thumbs up!
I'm trapped in Darkness,
Still I reach out for the Stars
A great map in the making... I'm looking forward to reading more. And the worldbuilding that goes with it must have been a pleasure to imagine: very well constructed, rich in potential stories and great adventures!
I really like the style you used, the realism of your mountains, and the tattered look of the whole map. Very visually appealing, and interesting lore. How long does your process usually take? And what algorithm do you use for your mountains?
At any rate, two of my thumbs are up!
Peter
Your maps never cease to immerse me Diamond!Love your ideas for the political, economic and spiritual dynamics around the Twin Seas. The mapping style is impeccable and distinctive as always!
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