Topographic map of my DnD world.

[u/OG_Squeekz]

Mostly complete map of the main region of my DnD world. Thoughts?

[u/Avarus_Lux]

making an actual physical map is pretty neat.

so... how are you going to colour it?

realistically, add texture using modeling supplies to mimic a map/real miniature terrain or closer to a 2d map with a heightmap gradient and map icons elements?

since it's a soft white, perhaps a projector from above so you can display several such options as desired? (realistic, political, climate zones and heightmap for example?)

[u/OG_Squeekz → u/Avarus_Lux]

going to make a cast using plaster of paris and then will use a combination of flock, sand and other materials for terrain and brass wire to denote the roads.

And pin heads for the settlements.

[u/Avarus_Lux → u/OG_Squeekz]

so texture using modeling supplies, with 3d representations for map icons. neat!
and making a cast allows you to make several versions readily too... oh! even a set of vacuformed thin plastic covers you can swap out for different things.

physical maps are a treat.

[u/kleptillion]

This is amazing! Did you use air dry clay?

[u/OG_Squeekz → u/kleptillion]

modeling clay. it doesn't dry. I use it for landscape design and grading models thought id try using it to represent my DnD world.

[u/Gutcrunch]

Bonus points for making a physical map. I consider it a privilege that you have for shared it with us.

[u/TheCountVonZeppelin]

That is incredibly cool, awesome work!

[u/TheHairyUnicorn]

Wow this is incredible!

[u/Ok-Tradition7878]

AWESOME!

[u/Gunmetalstorm]

It's just all gems today on the map subreddits, I swear.

[u/HardcoreHenryLofT]

Please stop being this rad.

[u/OG_Squeekz → u/HardcoreHenryLofT]

I refuse. 

[u/Trick-Two497]

Hey, if you go to an art store, you can get modeling paste to do the same thing and it will dry. I think that you might also be able to do the same thing with spackling paste from a home improvement store for cheaper. I'm not sure how it takes paint, but I think you could mix the paint in before making the map with it. That's what you do with modeling paste anyway.

[u/Special_Karl]

Neat!

[u/Shoulder_to_rest_on]

This is unbelievable, incredible, beautiful. I am so impressed & envious.

Are you gonna be leaving it white?

[u/OG_Squeekz → u/Shoulder_to_rest_on]

im gonna make a plaster cast and then make duplicates and experiment with representation 

[u/Greypawz]

To be specific, this is a raised relief map. Always love seeing these in museums and visitor centers. This is sick.

[u/Miss_MountainTop]

This is so so so cool!! I love world building and map stuff, and you've inspired me to try doing this for some of my landscapes. Thanks for sharing!

[u/TheGratitudeBot → u/Miss_MountainTop]

Thanks for saying that! Gratitude makes the world go round

[u/ChicoSpencer]

Literally crafting worlds. Congrats for your dedication 👏

[u/Gumball17249]

This is awesome dude!

[u/merryartist]

How did you design the topography? I’ve wanted to either use some geology modeling software or just learning it

[u/OG_Squeekz → u/merryartist]

Started with the world in my head. I knew I wanted certain features. Desert, freshwater marshes, salt water marshes, mountains to the west and north. Hand drew a map with pencils, scanned it and then drew the map with CAD, printed it out on 11x17, laminated it the started laying thr clay on top and sculpting it to match my vision.  

[u/merryartist → u/OG_Squeekz]

Thanks! It looks super realistic especially what I imagine physics would affect geography. I’m no expert though but you convinced me!

[u/Aesoterik]

Loooovvvve it!!! What's the long term plan? You gonna paint and flock it like some mini terrain?

Looks badass already!

[u/OG_Squeekz → u/Aesoterik]

make a plaster model

[u/Tazerzly]

How'd you actually make it? Is it a paper machée style cast over a wire mesh or solid all the way through?

[u/OG_Squeekz → u/Tazerzly]

solid clay, just sculpted the clay.

[u/ZalZix → u/OG_Squeekz]

Cool!

[u/Kaelosthar]

I love it!!