Sorry to here about being burned on those commissions. You know, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to start a Guild blacklist of those clients who renigged on their agreements/contracts with Guild artists. That way, even though they may have gotten a map or two free, they will have burned their bridges with the Guild on future commissions. This would also help to protect Guild members from being taken advantage of by known offenders. My 2c.

On a side note, I've been asked to do a couple of commissions (which have yet to materialize) and I insisted on 50% of the payment up front (no refunds if they decide they don't want the map after all). Moreover, I will only send small resolution WIP maps to the client, with the full resolution completed map only being delivered upon final payment. This is my way of protecting myself.

Anyway, I hope this experience has not tainted your love of fantasy map-making JT.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh