Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Iddig 11-23-06, 08:00 PM	I figured that I'd post some of the city maps for my homebrew setting. The first is Port Hallward, it was a human city that's now under the control of elves. Lemme know if I should include more information for the cities...:cool: This was my first attempt some 15-17 years ago. Hand drawn, painted with watercolors. http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i97/FoxyRose71/PortHallwardMap.jpg Port Hallward – The Crossroads City It is said that Port Hallward is the spine of Greymoore, militarily as well as economically. Port Hallward is a city where almost anything can be purchased for the right price, it’s also one where secret police wander the streets at all hours, waiting to take care of those who would cause trouble, engage in illicit activities, or attempt to smuggle illegal items and slaves through the port. Port Hallward was built in the lowlands between the Gryphon Flow and the River Isambra here they flow into Bannys Bay on the Cardossian Sea. The city is immediately surrounded by lush farmland where crops for the city are grown as well as orchards and vineyards can be found. Beyond the farmlands are the thick forests of Greymoore, where the elves watch over and protect the “wilderness”. Port Hallward was founded in 971 AW to defend the mouth of the Essyn River, and to keep hostile people from sailing up it and right into the heart of Greymoore. Doogan Parthiirs, a Corsailian knight, was installed by the royal House Strory as Lord Mayor of Port Hallward for loyalty to the crown. Lord-Mayor Parthiirs benevolently ruled Port Hallward for nearly twenty years. As Port Hallward’s human population increased however, human excursions into the forest beyond the borders set by King Elryss of Strory increased as well. After being denied permission to allow the burgeoning population to expand into the surrounding forest the attitude of the human population in the city began to grow ugly as they thought they were being forced into the role of second-class citizens in Greymoore. After five years of being ignored by the crown and listening to his subject’s complaints, Lord-Mayor Parthiirs organized an army and began marching toward Greymoore’s royal castle in an effort to force the king to listen to his concerns. Seeing the potential rebellion, King Elryss sent Duke Palens to intercept Lord-Mayor Parthiir’s army before it could reach the capital. However, being warned of the approaching superior force, Lord-Mayor Parthiirs and several of his trusted allies slipped away in the night. For a good fifteen years, Doogan Parthiirs and his bandits plagued Greymoore and Port Hallward, until they were captured and put to death for treason however. In the meanwhile, Duke Palens absorbed Port Hallward into his duchy. Duke Palens also slowed the city’s population growth. The dominate race of Port Hallward’s population is still human, though the elven population has increased since Duke Palens seized control. Port Hallward has also remained a free port for the kingdom of Greymoore in an effort to attract trade. Port Hallward is the largest and most urban city in Greymoore. Population: 38,456 Lord: • Duchess Alyysha Palens (Ef, W/F 10/6). Duchess Palens is the daughter of Duke Uriyens Palens, she had caused a bit of a scandal in her youth due to a dalliance that she had with Berkkly Gryphon, the human Captain of the Port Hallward city guard, nothing came of the romance and of late Duchess Palens has been romantically linked with Prince Balfour of Strory. City Guard: • Port Hallward is guarded by some 400 guardsmen who are led by Rufus Gryphon (Hm, F 8). • House Palens Soldiers: The soldiers of House Palens that are in the region aid the Port Hallward cityguard in keeping the peace, there are around 150 soldiers. • Palens Cavalry: The house Palens Cavalry that is found in the city proper is made up of 100 mounted knights on horseback and 50 Griffon riders. Equipment Shops: Anything can be purchased in Port Hallward. However, magic items, potions, and scrolls are purchased from local mages and priests on a commission basis for a premium. Animals need to be purchased from breeders (some might not be available), food from farmers, unless it’s processed foods like cheese, then it’s to the Dairy that one must go. Luckily, for food purchases there is a farmers’ market once a week in town, though availability of food is dependent on the season, it’s also possible to purchase more exotic food and drinks from merchants, though there is often a 15% mark-up on the price. Money-Lenders: The street of Money-Lenders is often one of the first places frequented by adventurers or foreigners, there is a 1% tax on currency exchange, if lending services are needed, then there is typically a 30-day grace period before it needs to be repaid, after that the interest will accrue at the rate of 1-5% per week that it’s overdue depending on the money-lender in question. The main building on the street of the money-lenders is a bank, if someone has opened an account with a bank in another city, then they are issued a deposit slip with a wax seal on it, if they take it to any other bank, they can withdraw up to the amount that they had deposited. These deposit slips are magically warded to try and keep them from being forged or tampered with. Inns & Taverns: There are quite a few inns and taverns in and around Port Hallward, some of the more infamous ones are listed here. • Dancing Shadow Inn (Moderate/Good) this tavern is favored by adventurers of all caliber for its good food and moderate prices. • The Sea Shanty (Poor/Good) the Sea Shanty’s close proximity to the docks in Port Hallward makes it the establishment of choice for sailors, it’s also never short on brawls or rotgut. • Rock’s Bottom (Good/Pricy) The almost exclusive dwarven cliental helps to keep elves out almost as much as the dwarven cuisine and spirits. Religion: There is a shrine there for pretty much any deity that one could think of, as far as churches however, those tend to be fewer they are represented by the Elven Pantheon, Saint Cuthbert, Wee Jas, and Ehlonna(sp?). Additionally, there are churches and shrines that have been established for deities of the sea. Noble Houses: • Palens: House Palens was House Strory’s staunchest supporters during the civil war in Silvrus, Uriyens of Palens was rewarded for his support when Port Hallward was incorporated into his lands. Palens still continues their support of House Strory, though there are some in the royal court who use their close relationship with House Gryphon (one of only three non-elven houses in Greymoore) as a sign that their ‘purity’ has somehow been tainted. • Gryphon: House Gryphon came from Moorveignia when Port Hallward was founded, the lands that the family cleared was quickly discovered to sit upon an extensive vein of iron ore, they immediately went into the armor- and weapon-smithing business. When Lord Doogan was gearing up for his failed rebellion against the crown, he approached them, thinking that because they were human, they would be against the crown of Greymoore, Lord Doogan soon found out that wasn’t the case. After the war, House Gryphon became responsible for keeping the peace in the city and surrounding area. • Du’Laur: Reginauld Du’Laur came to Port Hallward shortly after Lord Doogan was driven from the city, it’s said that he was sent by the crown to keep an eye on the city and to report of any possible uprising. The Du’Laurs soon bought land outside the city that had been seized by the crown and began making and selling wine locally, they organized the other vintners in the area and their power-base grew rapidly. Notable Arcane Casters: A few arcane spellcasters advertise their talents as being for sale and the wealthy residents of Port Hallward make ample use of their skills. • Kenrick Dephage (Hm, Wizard 8) Dephage is a harsh man, prone to fits of anger, he is also quite bitter about his lot in life as he feels that his social standing should be quite a bit higher then it is. • Tisha Saffo (Hf, Wizard 10) Saffo originally comes from the Borthian city-state of Necropolis, she is flamboyant, noted for her free-wheeling ways, and has been linked to quite a few people romantically. • Denys Felthryss (Em, Wizard 10) Cold and aloof, Felthryss will not work for non-elves and is known for his intense hatred of dwarves. Magic Items: The only magic shops in Port Hallward are those that sell components for spells, material for spellbooks, and other materials needed by mages and alchemists. However, it is possible to purchase magic items in the city if one knows where to look. Low-powered magic items like scrolls or potions can be purchased from a variety of sources, such as alchemists, spellcasters and their apprentices, or even at certain shops, churches will give their followers potions (usually healing) for a donation. Magical weapons up to +2 may be purchased at weapons shops, sometimes the owners might not be aware of any enchantments, just that it’s an exceptional sword that deals a lot of extra damage or makes it so a person can almost never miss. Higher powered items must be commissioned through the church or one of the wizards in town, and those are expensive and take time to complete as they don’t just have Holy Avengers or Boots of Kicking People in the Shins collecting dust. Payment is half up front to help cover the cost of the item and then the other half on delivery of the item, the down-payment is non-refundable, there is also usually a 5% mark-up on the listed prices. Another less known option for buying magical items is through collectors, though the mark-up I typically nearly 100% of the listed price for the item. Guilds: There are only a few guilds that have been formed in Port Hallward, they were originally established by groups of merchants to protect their business interests from outside interlopers. While the majority of the guilds in Port Hallward are legitimate, there are also a couple that may serve those in the underworld. • The Shipwrights’ Guild: Membership is made up of those who work in the ship construction business in Port Hallward. • The Vintners’ Guild: The Vintner’s Guild is dominated by the Du’Laur family, some whisper that it’s a front for a thieves’ guild, especially since Reginauld Du’Laur, the one who established the family in Port Hallward was a thief of unknown background known professionally as “Fast Reggie”. The Vintners’ Guild maintains tight control over wines that are sold within the city and surrounding countryside. • The Smithing Guild: In addition to commanding the local guard, House Gryphon also controls the the smithing guild in the city. Because of Port Hallward’s Freeport nature, weapons and armor is purchased fairly regularly by travelers, it also helps that House Gryphon’s work is known for being of high quality. Places of Interest: There are several places on interest in and around Port Hallward. 1. The Lord’s Keep The Lord’s Keep is the center of government for not only Port Hallward, but also House Palens. It is heavily fortified and is home to the Palens Cavalry (land-based as well as the aerial cavalry that rides griffons). 2. The Fairgrounds The fairgrounds attracts people during every holiday no matter the time of the year. 3. Marketplace is the center of the trading season, almost anything can be purchased here for a price. At the center of the Marketplace is the Hiring Tree, where mercenary types hope to find employment. 4. Hill of Gods The Hill of gods is where the main temples are located. The gates are kept open at all hours of the day and night, though in times of war they can be closed if necessary. 5. Hill of Opulence The city’s merchant class and other wealthy people reside in this part of town, the gates are kept closed and people are only allowed in upon invite. 6. The Dwarven Ghetto (Rock’s Bottom is located here), the ghetto offers a slice of dwarven life after it’s been crowded into a human city in an elven kingdom. 7. House Palens This is where the Palens family lives, just outside the city walls, their personal guard are housed here, as well as a contingent of their cavalry. 8. Cemetery The Cemetery is divided into two parts, the common field, where the majority of the populace is buried, and the Lords’ Rest, where the wealthy of Port Hallwaed is buried, usually in fancy crypts that can house their entire family. 9. The Crystal Tomb of Berin Axbeard is several miles east of town, many groups have descended into its depths in an effort to locate the treasure that’s said to be hidden somewhere in its bowels. 10. The Reaper’s Bones is a large area east of the city as well along the coast, where more then a few ships have been lost due to hitting uncharted rocks, the whole area is made up of small, rocky islands topped with trees, it gets its name because the stones have been bleached white by the sun. Current Events: There was a recent dust-up at Rock’s Bottom in the dwarven ghetto, it seems that a young dwarf was abducted from the tavern after a major battle, the group that was hired to protect him was slaughtered in the attempt, it’s believed that he was taken into the sewer-system beneath the city, though there has been no sign in the two weeks since, nor has there been any ransom notes. The dwarven priesthood in town has been scouring the city looking for clues as to his whereabouts. Rumor has it that Lord Parthiirs might still be alive, or else his followers are still active in trying to stir-up trouble for the elves, this is denied by the powers that be however. Reginaul Du’Laur’s tomb was broken into, the perpetrators were caught, however his left hand is said to have been stolen and not-returned as of yet, it’s thought that Niallson, the Mad Mage of Corbia is responsible. The fishing in the Reaper’s Bones region just off the coast has become scarce in the past three months, and now something has begun to attack the fishing boats that often ply those dangerous, yet historically fertile fishing grounds. The few survivors have claimed to have been attacked by giant crab-like creatures.
Kadasbrass 11-23-06, 08:30 PM	Well... heres question... What are the little black dots that are scattered around the city?
Iddig 11-23-06, 08:31 PM	Well... heres question... What are the little black dots that are scattered around the city?Those are public wells for people to wander to and draw water from.
Kadasbrass 11-23-06, 08:32 PM	Was thinking they were sewer opennings. Didn't think of wells.
warghoul 11-23-06, 08:41 PM	Where is the map key at? Looks good though.:clap:
Iddig 11-23-06, 08:43 PM	Where is the map key at? Looks good though.:clap:Details details... ;) I'll get one soonish.
PSchirf 11-23-06, 10:20 PM	The only major problem I see is the scale.
Iddig 11-23-06, 10:49 PM	The only major problem I see if the scale. Which is?...
PSchirf 11-23-06, 11:24 PM	Currently, 1 inch equals 2640 feet. That works out to 17.6 feet per pixel (150 pixels per inch). The castle in the center of the city covers an area equal to about 32 football fields. That's extremely large compared to historical maps of real-world cities. You could cut the scale to 1 inch equals 1/5th of a mile (about 7 feet per pixel) and still have a large city. Heck, at 5 feet per pixel you still have a large city, and then you have a great scale for zoom-in.
Iddig 11-23-06, 11:43 PM	Currently, 1 inch equals 2640 feet. That works out to 17.6 feet per pixel (150 pixels per inch). The castle in the center of the city covers an area equal to about 32 football fields. That's extremely large compared to historical maps of real-world cities. You could cut the scale to 1 inch equals 1/5th of a mile (about 7 feet per pixel) and still have a large city. Heck, at 5 feet per pixel you still have a large city, and then you have a great scale for zoom-in.Ahh, OK. Gotcha. Will decide on the exact scale again and readjust it accordingly.
Knute 11-24-06, 12:23 AM	It's very pretty. Has a genuine feel to it. Good Job. Cant replace hand drawn stuff. If you post a link to a bigger version, perhaps with no writing, I'd be very happy to use it in a campaign. It 'feels' right. Obviously a labour of love at the time. K
Warlock13 11-24-06, 08:36 AM	Hey, Wonderful map! I love the look of it. How did u go about doing this? Don't bother with all the detailed crap. It's a nice map, plain and smiple.
Warlock13 11-24-06, 08:38 AM	Oh yeah, how did u scan it onto the computer? And how did u add the scale and title on afterwards? Thanx!
Iddig 11-24-06, 02:36 PM	Oh yeah, how did u scan it onto the computer? And how did u add the scale and title on afterwards? Thanx!I used the flatbed scanner at my job and Photoshop CS to add in the text, I might enhance the color a bit and increase the resolution as it's presently very low resolution (a mere 72 dots per inch). I have about 3 more cities (one is a smallish town as well) just waiting for me to finally sit down and finish them.
Iddig 11-24-06, 02:37 PM	It's very pretty. Has a genuine feel to it. Good Job. Cant replace hand drawn stuff. If you post a link to a bigger version, perhaps with no writing, I'd be very happy to use it in a campaign. It 'feels' right. Obviously a labour of love at the time. KI'll put up the more generic one, I can also add in specific information for the city a well if people want.
Fullmetal_Alchemist 11-24-06, 10:40 PM	Dear Old Friend Iddig, Well, maybe you could make a list of the taverns, inns, shops, homes, etc and put numbers showing them where they all are located. Like... Taverns: Numbers 1, 3, 6, and 8 #1: Dragon's Talon Tavern; Ran by Teilos the dwarven bartender, face burned from red dragon's fire. #3: Swinging Ale Tavern; Ran by Wuioles the half-elf. #6: Burning Ashes Tavern: Ran by Oilps the Warforged #8: Fat Lip Tavern: Ran by Exuies the Spellscale sorcerer. Alot of dice games run in this tavern. Not much help, but It is all I can think of. Cheers, Clayton Harring (The Fullmetal Alchemist)
Iddig 11-28-06, 09:43 PM	This one isn't finished. I'm not done pencilling it in or painting it. I might do the color work in photoshop this time around. Downer's Grove, Moorveignia -- Capitol of the Rebellious Western Baronies... http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i97/FoxyRose71/DownersGrove.jpg
PSchirf 11-28-06, 10:33 PM	Potential problem with this one... Except in extremely flat areas, such as at the delta, streams don't split and head off in different directions. Islands do appear in running water, but they're temporary things in terms of the geological time span. As a rule of thumb, water in motion, when it splits, should be shown to enter a common body of water in a relatively short distance or should rejoin, forming an island. The Island city is great... the small stream at the bottom of the map is the issue.
Iddig 11-28-06, 10:45 PM	Potential problem with this one... The Island city is great... the small stream at the bottom of the map is the issue.It's actually not a problem as the pond is spring fed and the water runs from the pond to the river. As for the smaller portion of the river, that was dug by hand so as to offer the city more protection as needed. :)
Thought 11-29-06, 12:21 PM	Very impressive maps (I particularly like the second one). I, for one, would love to see more of your work. Out of curiosity, where do you find insperation for these?
Iddig 11-29-06, 03:49 PM	Very impressive maps (I particularly like the second one). I, for one, would love to see more of your work. Out of curiosity, where do you find insperation for these?Thanks, I just sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil, and see what comes up of it. It does help though, to have a general idea of the terrain while you're drawing them out.
MMMMMfear 11-29-06, 07:12 PM	These are really good drawings, I too like the second one particularly. I have some-what of a nack for hand drawing world maps, maybe I can post em' to show. I've tried myself to map out cities, but mine hardly ever make sense. Good job.:D -Tastes like ****
theblindman 11-30-06, 02:24 AM	These are very high quality, good job. *bookmarked*
Iddig 11-30-06, 02:59 PM	These are very high quality, good job. *bookmarked*Well thank you. I hope to have the map for Downer's Grove finished being penciled in after Christmas (there's a complete lack of time, and sadly I'm not taking any college courses for that extra 3 hours/week to work on them).
Benicus 01-10-07, 11:13 PM	So Iddig, what is your method of penciling these maps?
Iddig 05-07-07, 06:52 PM	So Iddig, what is your method of penciling these maps?Sorry, I lost track of this thread...Basically, I just pencil where it looks like a town should be, no real method I s'pose.
turalisj 05-07-07, 07:15 PM	Any chance of taking requests? And bravo for the excellent work. Here's a :cookie: and an army of :dragon:
OneEye589 05-07-07, 10:15 PM	I really like the watercolors, a lot. They're amazing looking and give it a good feel. Excellent job :clap:
Rockjaw 05-07-07, 10:48 PM	Very Nice, how big was the overall...? 22" x 17" excellent for first attempt:clap:
Iddig 05-14-07, 08:07 PM	Very Nice, how big was the overall...? 22" x 17" excellent for first attempt:clap:8.5" x 11" I'm working on getting it a bit cleaned up for a Knowledge Arcana issue at the moment.:cool:
Iddig 05-14-07, 08:09 PM	Any chance of taking requests? And bravo for the excellent work. Here's a :cookie: and an army of :dragon:Sure, what ya got? The only thing is, I'm very busy at the moment, but I will get to it eventually :)
turalisj 05-14-07, 08:12 PM	I have several maps I'm working on that will need better quality.
Iddig 05-16-07, 04:15 PM	I have several maps I'm working on that will need better quality.Gotcha. In the next day or so I'll be posting information for Port Hallward, as well as an adjusted map (I'll just edit the first post with the picture in it for that).