Showing elevation on a city map

[Kid_Inkarus]

Hello all,

I'm building a campaign world for my first D&D campaign. I am trying to draw a capital city that's built into a large hillside/mountainside. The city extends from the river bank to almost the top of a plateau.

For context, the story arc of the campaign is that the city was built on the shell of a giant turtle that's been sleeping for 1000 years. The party won't know it until later in the campaign when the turtle moves from the area.

So, I want it to look inconspicuous to the eye until it's revealed. I was thinking elevated tiers or terraces of the city. Kind of like Severen from The Name Of The Wind. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

[LordEntrails]

I tend to think contour lines, or perhaps background shading that indicates the elevation. Not sure I have seen any good examples though.

[Azélor]

There are different ways to do that depending on the style you want.

Shadow, on the dark side, the higher the elevation, the longer the shadow.
The steep hill side is likely unhabitated It is covered with plants or a rocky texture.
The roads are parallel to the elevation, if there are roads.
If it is very steep, add more details (lines) and less when it is flatter. It gives an impression of height.

2 maps I made showing elevation.
https://www.cartographersguild.com/a...9&d=1512506282
https://www.cartographersguild.com/a...2&d=1514598288

[MistyBeee]

I agree with every advice from Azélor, and as told it depends on the style

Two more great examples to study :
- Hidden City of Kamantou by Djekspek,
- Limpet City by Ramah.

[XCali]

I concur with my fellow guild members.
Though, a good place to start is learning the value of CORE shadows, CAST shadows and very important highlighting. Those three together make things pop nicely.
Goodluck

[Chief84]

How about using terraces. You could define them by using a wall at the edge and/or using stairs between the different elevations.