More cities (City Designer 3)

[Gandwarf]

I redid the map of Verena today. First attachment is the old map, second attachment is the new map. I think it's better, but there will probably be more versions.

[jaerdaph]

Wow, Gandwarf - you've really taken the CD3 basic software and ran with it! Excellent work, and thanks for the inspiration.

[Gandwarf]

Thanks Jaerdaph.

So which map of Verena is better? For me it's the latest version, but my fiancee thinks the first version is still better.

[Steel General]

Though both are good, I prefer the latter because of the inclusion of terrain outside the settlement rather than the generic grey background.

[jaerdaph]

I like the second map too - it looks like Verena is being depicted in winter, but I'm not sure that's the effect you were going for. I'd even be tempted to add some white polys on a sheet above the buildings and play around with the sheet effects to make it look like snow drifts.

[Gandwarf]

Yes, Verena is depicted in winter. Verena lies outside the Valley in the region of eternal snow. So basically there's snow for almost the entire year. Only late spring or summer the temperature rises and the snow melts. To the north lie the great ice plains where everything dies. No, it's not really a nice place to live. But hey, the Valley was for centuries a very nasty place to live, with all the wizards ruling there. At least Verena had no wizard troubles
Most of stories are taking place in Verena, so it's an important town to me. That's why there's gonna be more versions I think.

I am not sure how to do snow drifts. Do you have some more specific tips?

[jaerdaph]

As for snow drifts, I think you are on the right track in your Duisterpunt map, using similar techniques that used for hills in Zilvertop.

I was thinking perhaps adding some small white smooth polys to the building roofs (and maybe even the trees and bushes) and adding a slight bevel and outer and inner glows. That might get tricky when you take into consideration the roof shading and global sun...

[Gandwarf]

Heh, I never added that effect consciously to Duisterpunt. Ah well, I will look into it, thanks

Finished another map today, the small town of Withoeve (Whitestead). It used to be the retreat of a wizard, but he was killed during the revolution. His manor is now occupied by a single family, that are living almost as nobles. The orchards are theirs as is most of the farmland. Not much else to say, as this is only a small town.

[Steel General]

You are definitely becoming a master at this Gandwarf, very nice.

[Gandwarf]

Couldn't resist tinkering with the map. I think this version is better, yes?