Very impressive Ascension. Even with just the base, the map has the potential to really wow folks.

I like the palette you are using, but I would make one request--could you lighten up the central area of the continent a bit? You may be keeping it dark so that additional layers will stand out on it, but currently, the central area is so dark I'm having trouble making out the rivers and lakes there. I certainly don't want the map to look like a light-bright, but lightening it a shade or two in the middle would be good.