Experiment on town mapping.

[Mkoth]

Map1SepiaText.jpg

So I had wanted to try using a graphics program to make old-style illustrated maps for use in gaming, but without spending a ridiculous amount of time on them as my players weren't going to wait a month to explore every new town. Originally, I had drawn a bunch of elements to use about 5 years ago, but only now got around to scanning them in and using them. However, what I thought I had drawn in isometric perspective, was anything but...

Yesterday I used some isometric graph paper I'd dug up, and re-drew most of the structures. So here is my first attempt, using Gimp. Any thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

-Mick

[Josiah VE]

Those elements are fabulous! What a great idea.

Some shading would be nice and the colours need to be cleaned up, but that's an awesome idea for a quick city. Have some rep!

[Ryusamasan]

Nice, I agree with the shading, but man I am more interested in the game... That city/town is very, umm, diverse to say the least. But you pull it off nicely.
Anywho, keep it up

[darcycardinal]

So I had wanted to try using a graphics program to make old-style illustrated maps for use in gaming, but without spending a ridiculous amount of time on them as my players weren't going to wait a month to explore every new town. Originally, I had drawn a bunch of elements to use about 5 years ago, but only now got around to scanning them in and using them. However, what I thought I had drawn in isometric perspective, was anything but...

Yesterday I used some isometric graph paper I'd dug up, and re-drew most of the structures. So here is my first attempt, using Gimp. Any thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

-Mick

Hello Mick,

So what I see looks good, as other have mentioned, a bit of shading would further enhance the buildings. I don't see much of use of isometric view, so i find these illustrations unique. How big is this game intended to be? Looks like an ambitious project!

-darcycardinal

[Mkoth]

Thanks for the suggestions! This morning I went through and added basic shading to my elements. Now, I'm going to convert a copy of them into ruins. After that, I need to draw some more structures such as slums, an evil temple, and round wizard towers (including ruins). Also, better rendered trees and shrubbery. Once I get done with all of that, I move on to more countryside/overland elements. Later, I plan on Sci-Fi elements.

I run and play pen and paper rpgs for those of you who are curious. I have a gaming blog that I use to show off my artwork and my rules changes, the Horrors of Anglypur and Corporate Space.

[ChickPea]

I love the style of this. It's gorgeous and so inviting. The buildings are fantastic!

[Mkoth]

I love the style of this. It's gorgeous and so inviting. The buildings are fantastic!

Map1ruinedbluebord.jpg

Oh No! What happened!?!

(Yeah, I know. The ground. Rubble elements and a grass active pen coming...)

[ChickPea]

What have you done to that lovely little town?!

Looking good and some rubble will make it great.

[ladiestorm]

I love these two! Man, you sure know how to ruin a city!!! why didn't you join the lite mapping challenge?!? This is fantastic!

Shading aside, which others have mentioned. I like the eerie factor of this second map. well done!

[Mkoth]

map3.jpg

Okay, made a cobblestone pattern for the streets and pen for grass. All these elements are brand new, basically some trees and 3 story buildings (both clean and ruined) for more variety when I make a finished map.

Is the shading a strong enough contrast?

Sorry about the sloppiness of the painting. Will be tighter once I make a 'finished' map.

Also, the bridge is modular, so I can make it as long as is required.