September 2016 Challenge: A Mountainous Mishap

[Wingshaw]

Hi all,

I've been absent from these forums for a while, but I'm trying to jump back into cartography and art generally, so figured there's no better place to return than a monthly challenge.

Thus, allow me to present...

A Mountainous Mishap
This map depicts a castle/settlement that is built around a spike of mountain (maybe an ancient monstrous tooth, I don't know yet), in some wintery northern climate. From the castle, there are three ways to reach the ground:

• zeppelin (which is reliable, but expensive),
• rope ladder (which is cheap, but slow and scary),
• gravity (which is fun...and one-way)

The story so far (and some of these details might change): a dwarven zeppelin was heading west, and crashed into the crag. Figuring it would take a while to be rescued, the crew of the zeppelin decided to build themselves some kind of shelter. And it kinda evolved from there.

OK, so this is all a bit vague, so far. And my sketch below is pretty basic. But I'm posting at this stage to get one foot in the door now, and make sure I stick it out to the end.

I'm planning on having a side-view and a couple of plans (maybe 3 or 4 of the floors). The wintery climate will be reflected in the colour palette I've chosen.

Oh, and here's the other thing: pretty much all of my previous work has been done with traditional methods (i.e. hand drawing on paper). This is going to be my first attempt at a finished looking product made entirely in photoshop. So I might need some help figuring a few things out

THW

[ChickPea]

Welcome to the challenge and great concept!

That's an almost monochromatic palette you've chosen. Can't decide if that'll be easier or harder than one of the coloured ones, but nice start anyway.

[Ilgoth]

I am so glad that you decided to go with the same palette as I did. Amazing to see what our minds come up with from same starting point.

[arsheesh]

I really like this color palette too. It will be interesting to see how you put it to use in this piece.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh

[Wingshaw]

Thanks guys.

Here's another update. I'm finding it difficult to stick to the palette, thing. Blending colours is definitely helping. I also quite like this style. It's meant to be a blend of SteffenBrand's architectural drawings, Larb's work, and my own submission from a year or two ago (Apothecarian's Roaming Garden).

Anyone got some critiques or comments for me?

THW

### Latest WIP ###

[Falconius]

Sticking to a simple palette certainly has different effects, (though I'm not joining in) conceivably it should lead to some good learning. The biggest issue I think is the lack of a strong contrast colour. They are all from the same side so having something stick out will be difficult. That drawing style looks easy but it's not, I think you got a good start there.

[Ilanthar]

It's looking good so far. I'm curious to see your next steps.

[Wingshaw]

Thanks Ilanthar and Falconius.

I've done some blueprints for the remainder of the castle. You can see the entire layout below. Now I just gotta finesse the remainder...

THW

### Latest WIP ###

[DanielHasenbos]

Looks amazing! Though you might want to quicken the pace if you are to reach the deadline, haha!

-Dan

[Abu Lafia]

As a big admirer of your "Apothecarian's Roaming Garden" map, i'm really looking forward to see this coming together. Looks very promising so far!