A New World

[Karikor]

Hello!

So, I recently began to develop an interest in Dungeons and Dragons after I was invited to a game, and I offered to help my DM make a map.

Now, I had no previous experience in making maps, so this was simply something for me to try my hand at, and I quickly found out that it was a really fun process! So, after making the map I began reading a bit more online too, which is how I stumbled onto this site, so I know of some of the mistakes with my map - for example rivers splitting a bit too much, which is supposed to be a rare occurrence.

I don't have a tonne of talent when it comes to art, but I've done a bit of calligraphy, so I decided that drawing the map in ink would be the way to go. I absolutely love the maps from Tolkien's books, so that was my primary source for inspiration.

The map was done first in pencil, and then I went over it in ink. There is a bit of smudging in places due to carelessness on my part.

I guess the point of making this post is seeking advice, critique, and anything else you can think of! Seeing how much I enjoyed making this map, I am pretty sure that I will make more in time. I've rambled on for quite a bit, so... yeah, let me know what you all think!

Edit: Oh, also to mention, there are few cities as only capital cities are shown.

[Chick]

Hello Karikor! Welcome to the Guild!

This is a very nice job for a first map! If you want to learn more, there is a great tutorial in the sticky section of Tutorials, called
Quickstart Guide to Fantasy Mapping: http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=4276

From there, go to
Hand Drawn Mapping for the Artistically Challenged: http://www.cartographersguild.com/sh...ad.php?t=10655

Once you have completed those two tutorials, you'll be well on your way!!

And be sure not to miss
How to Get Your Rivers in the Right Place: http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?t=3822

and
The Most Common Reality Errors:
http://www.cartographersguild.com/sh...ad.php?t=30156

Have fun and have some rep for your first map post!

[Karikor]

Thank you! I'll be reading those tutorials now, and I'll (try to) keep them in mind as much as I can for my next map.

[Ilanthar]

Clean and efficient map Karikor. I particularly like the boats .

[st0rts]

wow i really love this. this is what i try to get my maps to look like simple, but detailed. maybe check out a desert tutorial. deserts can be hard to convey without labling it as a desert, but i dont think learning a couple tricks for like sand dunes or stuff like that could hurt. really nice map though, i dig it

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[ChickPea]

Welcome to the Guild, Karikor.

I love the Tolkien-ish feel of the map and you've made a great job of it. Compass looks fab too. Looking forward to seeing your next work.

[jshoer]

Clean and efficient map Karikor. I particularly like the boats .

Ditto this!

Great interpretation of the Tolkien style; you've hit on a good combination of representational simplicity and aesthetic appeal. I like it a lot.

Next time, maybe watch out for making the mountains too slanty; I keep turning my head to the right! I would also think about those deserts - a smaller-scale symbol to suggest sand dunes might be a little better.

If you had fun with this, definitely keep going! Welcome!

[Tonnichiwa]

Welcome to the Guild. This map is wonderful because it shows so much character from the boats, to the compass, to the large text to identify where you are. I can see you put your heart into making this map as you tried for as much accuracy as you could get even when not knowing much about how to make a map. Its great in my book!