Skeaulvradkt Kiondju (Soulburn Castle)

[Mark Oliva]

Oh, and in regards.to my moat...the water comes from a completely mundane source - an underground spring, or river. This castle rests in the rocky foothills of a volcanic mountain range. The river was found when the builders dug the moat. The underground river feeds a lake not to far from here.

I'm being a churl again, I know, but unless the moat is much deeper than it looks on the map, it is unlikely that one would find that substantial a water table that close to the surface. The idea of a spring, on the other hand, works quite well. But then the moat would have an outflow, which usually is no problem. Many moats have an outflow.

Happy weekend.

[ladiestorm]

Hadn't thought of.that. Okay, I can add that without too much trouble. Thanks for the insight.

[ladiestorm]

Okay, I've reworked this map yet again....this is now the fourth rendering... and I think it's coming along much better now. I have fixed some issues, and started my inner castle. I'm still working out how I'm working the ground floor of the palace proper, but I've started the ground floor barracks. I've still barely started the second floor... I will post that once I get a little more work done on it. I still have to work on the outflow for the moat...but that will have to come a little later... I hope you enjoy this new lay out.

[Mark Oliva]

Oh yes! This now is starting to look like some real places where I've been.

[ladiestorm]

Thanks, Mark! I appreciate it. Oh, and thanks so much for all of your help on this map, so far.... keep your suggestions and insights coming, I welcome each and every one of them!

In fact... when you get a chance... I could use your help on another stairs issue. I'm having a hard time discerning which staircases are up starcases... and which ones are down... I know it has to do with the shadowing, but I get confused as to which one is which. Plus, I'm hoping to use a double circular staircase, to go up to the second floor, but I'm a little unsure about how to depict a round, double staircase on the second floor.... I have something I want to try, but I don't know how to work it.

I'm not explaining this clearly... let me figure out how to explain what I want to do... and see if you(or anyone can help me figure it out.

[ladiestorm]

Okay, this is the best way for me to show what I'm talking about.



I am attempting to use stairs to show the entrance to the second floor. But since I'm using these particular stairs, I want the to match, to keep consistancy... so I'm kind of limited. I'm trying to use the same stairway that you see coming up from the first floor... but you wouldn't see the whole thing... so how would I go about doing this?

[ladiestorm]

Well, after many starts and restarts... this castle is FINALLY starting to come together! In fact, the first floor is about 80% complete, and the dungeon down below is 90-95% complete. I will admit... this castle has been almost a complete nightmare! But then again... it's supposed to be! But it's been very rewarding working on this... If someone had told me as little as two months ago that I would be making these types of maps, I would be laughing hysterically. But here it is!



and as always, feel free to comment, critique, suggest, rate, rank or run away as you see fit!

[Josiah VE]

Honestly the alligators just look like part of them was erased. After all you can see the bottom of the moat but not the alligator which is a few inches under the water. Not sure what you can do about that though..
Good job though.

[ladiestorm]

Oh, I know... I have to finish the effects for the crocodiles. Thanks for reminding me!!! I still have some tweaks here and there to do... but it's still moving along at least!!!

[Bogie]

Looking good Ladiestorm! The circular stairs on the first floor in the Wizards work room go up to the left and down to the right.

I have a slight issue with the wall floor textures on the 1st floor. the square flagstones of the courtyard are so similar to the ? crenelations of the outer wall that they blend together. If you don't want to change the textures then try putting a heavy shadow around the base of the outer walls. I would do both inner and outer sides of the wall. Coming a long nice.