Cathay and Nihon (UK LARP System) Binary Maps

[Ratapult]

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Hi all Ratapult with another LARP System Map thread

This one is a bit weird. The original map of Cathay (one of two nations similar but different) had been drawn in basic form for the game and was "In the wild". The Matching Island (Nihon) I had an electronic version of from a very long time ago and wanted to give them a new lease of life.

Taking the maps into Illustrator (my choice of application) I made tracings of the land masses and worked to bring similar but distinctive themes to represent their differing cultures.

Early on in the Project these maps were going to be 100% electronically printed but as the project progressed I found some cool paper and experimented with Watercolour Pencils and Weathering dusts as well as white pen on the yellow paper (later in the project) for mountaintop highlights.

Now the project is complete (although I am making about paired sets for the game) I settled on simple watercolour pencil for the coastal water (cyan) and some reddy/brown for a splash of colour on the mountains.

This has been a fun project to work on and having the mix of electronic base and traditional media to finish is a nice balance that I may go for in other projects.

I will drop some progress shots below

Comments, questions and suggestions always welcome

Ratapult

[Ratapult]

Progress and reference shots as mentioned above

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[Eilathen]

I really like the feel of these maps, especially the Cathay one (which feels more complete to me). I love all the nice elements you used to "pretty up" the map, the trees, the dragon, the city symbols...all really well done, imo.

I'd love to see a fantasy map in that style!

[ThomasR]

Those are some pretty damn nice props !

[Ilanthar]

Very nice work! It has a lot of style.