The Mappening: Valhadrune - July 22nd

I haven't done mapping in quite some time.  In fact the last one I had done was so long ago that I actually forgot nearly all the techniques I used to create and draw out the landmasses!

I had wanted to actually get a definitive map of the largest of Felwroth's continents done for the longest time.  I've always had a few little sketchy maps of the continent, mainly as a writing/game-running tool, to give me a general sense of where various settlements and territories were on Valhadrune, but to map the entire place out was daunting, to say the very least.

There were a few reasons I put this off for such a long time.  One was that I didn't have a work machine that could handle its fairly leviathan size at 300dpi print quality.  This thing measures in at around 34.5" x 33", and takes up something like twelve 8.5" x 11" sections.  The work file size was a massive 7.68GB in size by the end.  Luckily my new mobile work-space can handle this beast and even more.

The other reason was actually an issue with my health that I didn't realize was even happening until the new doctor I'm now with noticed something odd and adjusted some things (hammered some bolts back in, made sure the gaskets weren't too rusty, etc).  Within the week I had more energy and focus than I thought was even possible.  

So I set about looking at this project and thinking "Okay, its time.  Let's get this thing done."  I had planned on it being a very long term project, but ended up enjoying the process so much that I powered through it in about 3 days.  The great thumb shaping the mountains and planting the trees couldn't stop.  Soon the whole thing went from being a scribble on paper to a fully fleshed out map that includes territory borders (not shown in this current image.  That will be in upcoming updates.)

I wanted to show the base landmass here.  It still needs to be labled (something I have to research how to do) and small refinements will be added.

It may not be Tolkien, but it's mine and I love it :)

Still have a couple things I'll be working on to post, as well as starting up the Patron sketch for this month today as well.  Its rather nice being 'awake' during the day, instead of merely existing.  I plan on a few more world maps as well in the further future.  None as massive as this, as its the largest continent, but Aanktoroth still needs a map, as well as the Eastern lands that include Calaphashaar, Jaapri, and all those lovely tropical islands near Qiuloa.

Speaking of which, comic page is sketched out, featuring otters.  Hoping to have some roughs to post soon!

For now, I present a scaled down version of the full map (the file was still a whopping 200+MB at full size, which is a bit much to post here).

Take care folks.  Have an awesome weekend!

-T.J.