World Map for new D&D Campaign

[tyrlaan]

Hi all,
I've put together a new world map for a homebrew setting I am hoping to soon get the chance to use in a D&D game (just waiting to see if schedules sync up, but that's another story).

Anyway, as part of the backstory of the world, the four elements are having an increasing influence on the world itself. The biggest thing this means for the world map is floating islands. I'm pretty happy with my "main land", but not very satisfied with how the floating islands look.

Curious if anyone has ideas on how to better illustrate the floating islands. Honestly, open for any and all critique and ideas on this map though!

Thanks!

Without Floating Islands


With Floating Islands

[Homestead]

Just a thought. Type floating island into google. It immediately comes up with numerous rocky upsidedown cone shaped examples, often with water cascading off from the rivers. This always seemed to me to be the most 'realistic' representation of a floating island. I believe this effect could be added by use of a layer solely for the rock. As my digital design skills arn't great id probably draw what i wanted by hand then scan it in and edit it in gimp.

You could always obscure them slightly with clouds for added effect

[tilt]

maybe some shadows far down below will help you achieve the effect of floating. Looks nice though.

[tyrlaan]

Thanks for the feedback so far folks!

Homestead, I went off and did exactly what you suggest. Lot's of good floating island pics. Unfortunately, my problem is that they're all side views or 3/4 views. My world map is top down, so I kind of want my floating islands to be consistent. I've already broken that rule a little bit to do them as I have so far... and honestly it irks me.

Tilt - I'll definitely try some shadows on the "ground floor" and see if it helps!

[tilt]

Not that my map is the same - but if it can help in any way take a look http://www.cartographersguild.com/sh...ad.php?t=15776

[tyrlaan]

Hmm that definitely gives me some ideas! Thanks!!