Fragged Kingdom: Akharon and Catlan.

[Wade Dyer]

G'day all.

As a follow up to my previous post maps (see here), here are maps from another RPG book. For these maps I built on the fast technique that I developed for my pirate maps (see my previous post for more details on this) and experimented with two new styles.

Fragged-Kingdom-Map---World.jpg

These two maps were placed at the start of my book and are designed to show what the continent of Catlan once looked like (image on the right) and what it now looks like (left image) after a massive Druidic war (that it lost). I'm really happy with these maps, but I do wish I had place the "pre" map on the left and the "post" map on the right

Fragged-Kingdom-Map---Large.jpg

This is the second map in my book and shows the land where the setting assumes most campaigns will start.

I experimented with style a lot with this map and it took WAY longer than it should have (I spent too much time on the trees and the small city/ruin icons). It still has more of a 'digital' look than I would have ideally liked, but I'm quite happy with the clarity of the map. If I had more confidence and skill with my digital pen I would have liked to have hand drawn this map.

[SteffenBrand]

Great work on these, Wade! I especially love the first one. And I gave you some Rep, of cause.
You mentioned there is a way online to see for us how you did it? I'd be interested how =)
Best wishes and have a great Sunday, Steffen

[Wade Dyer]

Great work on these, Wade! I especially love the first one. And I gave you some Rep, of cause.
You mentioned there is a way online to see for us how you did it? I'd be interested how =)
Best wishes and have a great Sunday, Steffen

Cheers Steffen I don't have a detailed tutorial, but here is my core process:



Technique:
My process is rather simple:

1. Create a photoshop document to the correct size (I use American Letter and 300dpi for my books).
2. Block out the land masses in pure black using my tablet. Start with a big brush and then get smaller as I do the detailing.
3. Bring the image into Illustrator and autotrace the shapes.
4. I then create all of the graphic elements, detailing (mountains, etc...) in Illustrator.
5. Bring back into Photoshop and apply the textures.

The first map looks a lot better than the second one because textures make things look good These textures were simply taken from space photos of the earth and then worked into the picture using photoshop.

[Clemence]

I really like your maps, Wade Dyer! The first one, in particular, looks really nice; I like the coastlines and especially the textures of Catlan. The second map is really well made as well! I like the fairly muted color scheme and the way you outline different elements like the forests, etc. Great job!

[Kellerica]

Ooh, I love the compass rose on the second map! You have a cool style, I'm really looking forward to seeing what you do next.

[Wade Dyer]

My ego is hurt by everyone liking the 1st map more Damn it people, the 2nd one took 100x longer!!! Lol!

... I'm really looking forward to seeing what you do next.

Cheers! My next one will be a giant city map, its one of my best IMO.

[Falconius]

My ego is hurt by everyone liking the 1st map more Damn it people, the 2nd one took 100x longer!!! Lol!

Well I like the second one more, although I like them both. The styles are very different so it's like comparing apples and oranges. Some people just like apples more and some just like oranges more (because they are crazy).

[Clemence]

I'd agree with Falconius. I think both maps are very well made, but the styles are different so it wouldn't make sense to compare them directly, as they excel in different areas. I'm looking forward to seeing the city map!

[Jean-Abdel]

Acually, I prefer the second one, it looks... I don't really know how to say it but it looks cooler.

[Wade Dyer]

A new map that I'm working on for this project. Do people have any suggestions?

Arcane-Bay-Final.jpg

And some close-ups (Most of my fine detailing wont be visible in the final printed book, but they may look good on a printed poster or computer screen).

Arcane-Bay-1.jpg
Arcane-Bay-2.jpg
Arcane-Bay-3.jpg
Arcane-Bay-4.jpg
Arcane-Bay-5.jpg