So here is one version of the Map that is OK, but not great.

I had a go at making the parchment look happen entirely in GIMP, and while I am sure there is a way to do this, it just didn't work quite right. I may just end up doing the coffee/tea trick again. I generally like how that turns out.

I also will probably take Ascension's advice from the Avayevnon map thread and go back and draw the banner at the top by hand.

I don't quite like how the label for The Ice Shelf Turned out. I might be able to fix the curve to work better, but if not, I'll just have it on a diagonal.

The little Castles represent fortified settlements, meaning, there are people there, and there is either a fortress or otherwise a force capable of defending the village/town from attack.