The Continent of Dordrien

[DMWednesday]

Long time lurker, second time poster. So I thought I had a finished map, as referenced by this post https://www.cartographersguild.com/s...ad.php?t=43291. But the rivers were pointed out to me so I decided to take another try at the rivers after consulting the linked informative thread. So thought I'd post a WIP thread for some more CC.

This is for my homebrew D&D world. After decades of notes I've finally decided to flesh out the map. I was interested in creating a map that looked hand-drawn on parchment with light color added to it. I've always preferred top-down maps over others so I did many sketches.

Here is the initial sketch


I then drew over the sketch in GIMP with a parchment background


Laid down some shadows


Initially, I went and laid down color, cities, towns, and names, and called it done. But decided to go back and lay out the elevations and rivers:


With the new river layout, I then went back and adjusted the colors. (for next post)

[DMWednesday]

Here is the map with all of the color laid in.



Next step, tackle cities and kingdoms. I've changed the scale of the continent from my initial designs, so I think the kingdoms need to be smaller and tighter. I'll do some kingdom borders prior to laying out the cities.

[Diamond]

I like it - it has a very old-school Mike Schley feel, so... win! Rivers look good, and its a great layout in general.

[DMWednesday]

I like it - it has a very old-school Mike Schley feel, so... win! Rivers look good, and its a great layout in general.

Wow, thanks! I'd be lying if I said Schley wasn't an influence.

Here are the borders and cities and major towns.


And here it is with the names laid in and layer effects in place.