December 2016 Challenge: The Siege of Has'Varech

[Ilanthar]

Added some color variations and details. A few tests for labels.
Damn, I'm late !... Next, I will probably try to work out the labels, key and frame, plus some close-up if I have the time tomorrow. Probably no mini-map...
### Latest WIP ###
Has Varech.jpeg

[Straf]

This already has a history book illustration feel to it. I have a couple of comments on the shadows though - the light source seems a little close making the shadow angles vary from NE to N as you go from W to E. Is it possible to change the distance of the light source to infinity at all? Also the shadows do seem a little sharp, I'd expect more blurring, and quite a bit of rippling on the water. And from a pure nitpickery POV some of the labels might benefit from being better positioned, just to be more pleasing on the eye. They are very legible and that font, for me, works because it's elegant, has a sort of calligraphered look to it but it is by far from being unnecessarily showy.

However that said if someone asked me to do better, I couldn't. Heck my skills aren't even good enough to make a complete hash of it - I wouldn't even get that far

[ChickPea]

It's looking amazing, Ilanthar! Hope you have time to do everything you want. I think you get an extra day, since it's New Year, though that won't help if you're busy with other things. Either way, looking forward to seeing the final version.

[Straf]

I guess that extra day would depend on when Diamond stops partying?

/me sends Bogie tickets for a 5 day party cruise

[Mouse]

I don't think the mini map is a necessity.

Its looking great, Ilanthar - and even if the shadows aren't 100% 'real world' (though I hadn't noticed it) I actually prefer them. You have to have something subtle in a fantasy map that isn't quite real to give it that 'fantasy' feel

[snodsy]

This is looking awesome, I like the understated cliff lines. I also was wondering a little about the shadows in the water - maybe just some coastal wave lines might help?

Should "Camp" be capitalized when all other labels have caps for all names?

Looking forward to the final piece.

[Ilanthar]

@Straf : thanks for the nitpicks . Not sure to see what you mean about the shadows directions, but I've added a slight blur to the building's shadows.
@ChickPea : well, I do hope to have 1 more day... but it's likely to be insufficient anyway...
@Snodsy ; yup, not sure it's good to have so many capital letters, but it's indeed more consistent.

So, I began some close-ups after reworking the waters a bit... But it's way too long so...
With the close-ups.
Has Varech Full.jpg
And...
### Latest WIP ###
Has Varech.jpg

[Straf]

The shadow cast by the buildings of 6 are about 22° from vertical whereas the shadows cast by 7b are almost vertical. The windy bridge is less than 0°.

[kacey]

This is awesome Ilanthar, I really like the colours you've chosen, very nice.

[Ilanthar]

@Straf : Ah! Thanks for the details. Well, Sketchup is making this badly then, since I didn't really change the shadows...

Thanks Kacey !
And, thanks to the "Diamond extra-day", a bit more (and a lot rushed...).
### Latest WIP ###
Has Varech.jpg