Some Help

[Gandwarf]

This is my first time making a map, and I'm in need of some help. First of all, sorry about it being so dirty and messy, I tried cleaning it up as much as I could while damaging it as little as I could.

Now, I've got some questions:
1) What are the effects of a mountain range on an area?
2) What is the minimum size of a forest?
3) Would people take boats upriver for trade and such?
4) What kind of things would having this many rivers in one area do?
6) How long would it take for a desert to form if a mountain range was spontaneously created?

Nice job so far crackerjake. I'll try and reply to your questions:

1. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountains for some inspiration
2. Really, there's no set minimum. It depends on a lot of factors. If there's a lot of civilizations around deforestation is going to be a problem (also depending how numerous and technologically advanced those civilizations are). Most of Europe was covered in forest at one time for example...
3. Yes, if the current wasn't too strong. You could have people rowing or even horses pulling the boats from the shores.
4. Rivers can have a big impact on trade, transportation, conflicts (try crossing a river with the enemy on the other side) and thus civilization. Also consider potential flooding, fertile lands because of sediments and maybe even minerals like gold that are deposited from the mountains.
5. Wait, there's no question 5.
6. Deserts are not formed overnight, but an area can become barren quite quickly. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desertification

Remember, Wikipedia is your friend!