Steps 11-16
OK, we're half way through this tutorial.
Step Eleven: first select "Arrange/Move to Back" to place the copied land shape and place it where we want. Because we really want this layer just above the copied land, select "Arrange/Move Forward".
Next select the color fill tool, then "bitmap" from the top dropdown menu, then select the stone texture from the available gallery.
Just as we blended the background on the plateau, you will repeat this process for this layer. The settings should show more green than stone, so drag the slider until such is achieved. Then adjust the lower slider to the left almost all the way to a setting about 5. This greatly contrasts the two layers.
The first image below shows the results.
Step Twelve: creating mountains. On the plateau, using the Freehand drawing tool, I create a rough shape of my mountain base, its colored in default black.
The second image shows the mountain shape.
Step Thirteen: apply the Stone texture fill into the mountain, as we've applied the stone texture to the plateau and the copied land shape.
The third image shows the filled mountain shape.
Step Fourteen: now select the Bevel Tool on the right side tool menu. In this case, we will be using the default first option of the dropdown menu for a "Flat" bevel. You don't need to select it as its the default option. Drag the arrow handle inward until there top surface disappears to a point.
Insure to adjust the contrast and light angle so the shadows aren't as severe.
With the mountain object still selected, you MUST use the feather slider tool as the mountains seem to float above the ground level if you don't. I create a feather of half way to all the way, depending on the size of your mountain object. Don't forget this step its important for the best look.
The fourth image shows the result.
Continue to create mountain shapes insuring to each shape closely follows the edge of the nearest mountains. Apply the same fill, but rotate differently to differ from other mountains. Apply the bevel and adjust settings.
Step Fifteen: Now to start creating forests. Using the freehand tool, create a rough shape for your forest, try to create scalloped edges.
Once completed, you will need to adjust the transparency to show internal and edge openings in the forest to give it the realistic look.
As with mountains, remember to apply a feather here. It makes the difference in truly realistic forest terrain!
The fifth image shows the results of this (as well as the completed set of mountains.)
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