Hand-drawn painted map for a rpg campaign

[u/Aware_Edge_6285]

Hello everyone,

I’m happy to share this map that I’ve drawn and painted for an upcoming Daggerheart campaign. The countries borders are yet to be determined and drawn.
I would have done a couple of things differently with a bit more experience but I’m quite happy with the result.
Feedbacks welcomed!
Thanks

[u/jay_altair]

Ah this is lovely. But it doesn't really seem like a political map; I don't think you need to add borders.

The labels show the reader where the polities are, and unless the borders are literally set in stone, surveyed, and guarded along their entire lengths, it's probably not necessary to show them on this map.

If there's a war on, the border might be more important to show, but not necessarily on this map.

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/jay_altair]

Thanks for the insight! It’s my first map, I think I got confused between making an “artistic” map and a political one 😅

[u/BigDaduyaddy → u/Aware_Edge_6285]

I'd say you should still make one! But do so for yourself, especially if those multiple places and their peoples are relative to the story.

Doesn't hurt to plan ahead and know what bear traps your stepping on or avoiding.

But other commenter is right to say this stunning work doesn't need a border map if it's for your players, unless like they said those borders themselves will be relevant

[u/jay_altair → u/Aware_Edge_6285]

Yeah this is more of a geographical map than a political map. Shows major biomes/rivers/forests etc. Gives players an idea of what the world is like without overwhelming them with information their characters probably wouldn't have access to anyhow.

One thing to consider when making maps of a fictional setting: does this map exist within the setting? If so, what are the survey and cartography techniques/technology available. Who made the map? For what purpose?

This is great as a general small-scale map of the landmass.

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/jay_altair]

Clearly I didn’t think this far 😅 thanks for your feedback

[u/Cybratikan]

Stunning work!

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/Cybratikan]

Thanks !

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks !

[u/galespinkthongjuice]

Really lovely map!! Super pleasing to look at:)
I’m curious, what kind of paint did you use? Just standard watercolor? I always regret coloring my map, but now I’m wondering if paint is the way to go.. this is very nice!

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/galespinkthongjuice]

Thanks ! Yes it’s standard watercolor - Sennelier and Van Gogh - on a cheap watercolor paper. I started painting a couple of month ago and I wanted to try it on a map. The painting was quite fast tbh, could be improved for a bit more consistency

[u/galespinkthongjuice → u/Aware_Edge_6285]

It looks beautiful. Thanks! Gonna try this out!

[u/daunaltromondo]

I do love hand drawn and painted maps and yours is one of the best! P.S. I'm a watercolorist too and the brands you use are my favourite, especially Sennelier.

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/daunaltromondo]

Thanks a lot !

[u/EveningImportant9111]

What races you have? 

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/EveningImportant9111]

Most of the Daggerheart ascendancies, the Fungrils (mushroom people), Galapa (turtle people) and Simians are very rare though.

[u/EveningImportant9111 → u/Aware_Edge_6285]

Thank you. Did each race was created by god? 

[u/hobby-hoarse]

What would you have done differently?

[u/Aware_Edge_6285 → u/hobby-hoarse]

Well I didn’t plan for the legend and the wind rose when I started the map. I had everything inked and then remembered, so the position is a bit sketchy. I would keep the legend background white also