[taken]Kaidan map commission challenge

[Ascension]

I'm wondering if we do this as a challenge, would you provide some samples of a style that you're looking for and then the main challenge would be to map in that style? I think it benefits everyone to try and learn new styles. The thing that I find the hardest to implement would be how to determine the winner...just one vote (by GP) or everyone votes and GP picks the one he wants anyway. I'm all for the idea of this, as people always want town maps, so I voted for this some time ago but just now had the above thoughts.

[Gamerprinter]

In the real world, I, the "publisher" would contact a cartographer whose map style seems to fit my needs in the normal process of commissioning a map.

This is a Challenge, however, so normal rules applies. Once entries are done and deadline arrives, the community votes for their choices and the most votes wins the "commission". As a sponsored Mapping Challenge, the winner earns the $50 commission payment, with their map officially published in the first module of the next great campaign arc set in Kaidan. Finally free PDF of the module will be sent as a bonus (usually standard in the normal commission process.)

As the Challenge Sponsor, I do not get a vote - same no vote as when I was sponsoring the January '09 Challenge.

In the publication I will post a special notice to the CG, presenting the Map Challenge and the community selected winner in the front pages, so buyers will know - more than just the mention of who is cartographer.

I would definitely post some maps of various feudal Japanese cities including Kyoto and others (though much larger in population that what is needed for the adventure, it will show typical town layout, many straight long streets, yet still negotiating the local terrain.)

I'll also post prints of street scenes that show aspects of a Japanese town to try and emulate in each entry. Perhaps some photos of existing walls, canals, bridges and similar structures to gauge sizes, shapes, etc.

I would also post a very general town layout with notes regarding thickness of walls, etc. That would be the only direction provided.

Regarding a specific style, hmmm. You know, I am providing everything from hand-drawn to my photo-realistic map style throughout Kaidan, in a way showcasing my versatility. So I really don't want to hamper the number of entries by demanding a specific style that less are comfortable with.

Because of the proposed population of 3500, 500 homes, and 100 shops, plus castle and other specific required structures, that's quite a bit of work, even if somewhat moderate compared to larger fantasy cities.

Entries can be created with CD3, GIMP, Photoshop, Illustrator, Xara, whatever you're using now. They could be photo-realistic, line art individual buildings showing streets and alleys, or for the really ambitious it could be hand-drawn or tablet drawn creations. Any style that an entrant thinks he can create a great map.

Don't label the final map, but please provide some direction as to where the major required structures are located with copy of map with some labeling. I will provide borders and labeling for the final publication.

I don't want to be too restrictive.

GP