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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 04:40:16
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Western Heartlands Map. Please give feedback. If you see anything at all that looks off, let me know. I am trying a 'softer' look, but I don't want the labels to be too washed-out, so let me know what you think about that as well.
EDIT: Updated version.
This would be considered a 'players Map' - it contains only settlements, geographic features, and other locales that would be considered 'common knowledge'. A DMs Map will be forthcoming. It is almost entirely 1e/2e terrain, but some new roads and settlements (and even a couple of rivers) were given in 3e, and so these were added as well (and I used my best judgement where new features could not be presented precisely the same way on the older map setup). All settlements are canon - if you have any questions please ask.
This is v1.0 - I plan to tidy quite a few things up, but I wanted folks to have something useable in the meantime. I am not sure about labeling roads - hopefully I will be able to fit at least the major ones on the DMs Map (unless I get feedback to the contrary). I am also hoping to get some names for a few things that don't have any, so expect several updates. The final version will include a map key.
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"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 23 Dec 2012 15:34:35
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 05:20:02
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| Another awesome map MT! If I owned WotC you would be the man I hired to do my maps! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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PaulBestwick
Seeker
United Kingdom
83 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 11:02:38
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| Very nice Markus, looks very good |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 13:42:49
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It looks awesome. I'm scanning over it now, but one thing regarding the labeling that I'd like to point out...
It looks like you used transparency for labeling the names of countries. I think it's a bit too transparent. Over all, it's not a problem, but if you look at Luruar the letter "a" is almost completely washed out. Viewing it at 100% you can't really see it.
Most of them look fine, but Luruar really stands out.
You are also missing the labels for some of the mountain ranges in the North. Example: the Sword Mountains (north of Waterdeep), the Star Mountains (in the High Forest), the Spine of the World (south of Icewind Dale), etc.
The Mere of Dead Men (between Leilon and Kheldell on the map) is not labeled. Neither is the Lizard Marsh (south of Daggerford).
Still going over it, but I thought I'd point these out. |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 13:57:52
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I'm glancing over at the Anauroch Desert - which of course, is only partly shown... I'm curious as to whether or not you have the 2E Anauroch source book? There is a giant map in there that details the desert. It names some of the ranges you have listed, as well as includes features that you don't have.
Additionally, the 3E Silver Marches sourcebook names many of the areas you have unnamed in the region. This map created by someone else names those regions. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 14:18:56
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Thats all the Anauroch locals that showed on that map. The one of the Eastern Heartrlands will show the desert in its entirety with the rest of the locals. Also, I couldn't fit the names 'Moon Lands', 'Cold Vale', etc - too much going on there for a map of this size (there are lots of things there that don't appear on this map that are on my master-map already (like fortresses, ruins, and dungeons). I also still have to figure out how to label the four tributaries to the Delimbyr (they each have a name).
Thanks for pointing-out those Mountains and Marshes/swamps - I'll get on them later. I have to go pick-up $150K right now. 
EDIT: Just checked my copy of the posted map (I can see it better) and I realized I still have a 'glow' effect on over the 'A' in Luruar, even though that bit of text is obscured (its a citadel). Unlike PS that allows me to put glow around each label separately. I have to do them by hand with GIMP. I have to switch that effect to the 'DM Glow effect' layer. Only problem is, that means Luruar will be a lot worse on the DMs map (I'll have to figure out a solution... I had considered leaving off the country names altogether, but that would be weird). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 07 Dec 2012 14:26:34 |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 14:59:31
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| 150K eh? Congrats on the insurance! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 15:16:03
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No problem. This is no doubt the most accurate FR map that's ever been created for the region. It pretty much includes everything that I can see.
I'll definitely be using this map.
Congrats on the $150K.  |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 21:53:11
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Nope, not Insurance - still fighting those dweebs.
The money was for the old property. Got way over market value for a tiny plot of land, so I guess some things do work out. The house with the property was probably worth less then $250K, and the Ins. co. already shelled-out 300K for the rebuild, which means I got 450K for a house worth almost half that. I also had to satisfy the remainder of that mortgage, which took a nice bite out of everything (along with a 10% broker's fee!)
Its the contents check I am still fighting over - everything else really just gets applied to the new house and furnishing it. I won't have 'fun money' until that comes in (IF that comes in - they are still saying they don't have to pay for my 'collectibles' because I never had them appraised). At least now I can to go to closing on the house I am in next Thursday - I've been paying rent (with option-to-buy) for the past 9 months. Once thats done, then I can concentrate on proving my case to the Ins. Co. on my contents. I'll be glad when all of this crap is over - its going on TWO years now.
Word of advice - have all your toys appraised.
So I just got home and now I can get back to mapping fantasy worlds, which are so much more fun then the real one. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 07 Dec 2012 21:53:45 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 22:10:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Nope, not Insurance - still fighting those dweebs.
The money was for the old property. Got way over market value for a tiny plot of land, so I guess some things do work out. The house with the property was probably worth less then $250K, and the Ins. co. already shelled-out 300K for the rebuild, which means I got 450K for a house worth almost half that. I also had to satisfy the remainder of that mortgage, which took a nice bite out of everything (along with a 10% broker's fee!)
Its the contents check I am still fighting over - everything else really just gets applied to the new house and furnishing it. I won't have 'fun money' until that comes in (IF that comes in - they are still saying they don't have to pay for my 'collectibles' because I never had them appraised). At least now I can to go to closing on the house I am in next Thursday - I've been paying rent (with option-to-buy) for the past 9 months. Once thats done, then I can concentrate on proving my case to the Ins. Co. on my contents. I'll be glad when all of this crap is over - its going on TWO years now.
Word of advice - have all your toys appraised.
So I just got home and now I can get back to mapping fantasy worlds, which are so much more fun then the real one.
My saga was much, much easier than that... Of course, I was also claiming a hell of a lot less! I know that at one point they called, asking about replacing particular manga -- I think the fact that the manga were from Japan and thus not easy to find really threw them! |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 22:35:38
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| I've not spotted anything that looks off, but I did see a typo/misspell: the map has the island of Ruathym spelled Rauthym. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 23:13:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
My saga was much, much easier than that... Of course, I was also claiming a hell of a lot less! I know that at one point they called, asking about replacing particular manga -- I think the fact that the manga were from Japan and thus not easy to find really threw them!
It is what it is. Like I said, I'll be glad when its all over. I miss my stuff, but I just want to move on.
As for the map... I can't believe I misspelled Ruathym... AGAIN. 
On the other hand, I may use that misspelling elsewhere (since there is a range of mountains with that same name for some peculiar reason). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 08 Dec 2012 04:41:05 |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2012 : 23:15:22
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| Well, the 'au' combination is pretty common in Realms-names, so it's an understandable mistake by someone who's been poring over the lore. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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daarkknight
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2012 : 02:38:37
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The map looks wonderful. And it is extremely well timed, as suddenly my group has decided that they want/need a stronghold "near" Waterdeep.
Near Skull Gorge and the Goblin Marches is the village of Veilstone. However, the peaks nearby are the Veiltone Peaks. I'm going to guess that they should also be the Veilstone Peaks. |
"That's it!"
Quote attributed to Talor Stormhammer, paladin of Helm, when fighting a frost giant. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2012 : 04:59:48
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Veilstone is featured in the module Nightmare Keep. The 'settlement' isn't really a settlement - its a small 'dale' where several tiny settlements exist (much the same way I put 'Ten Towns' to represent the entire region). Some areas were too small and detailed for me to accurately show everything on a map this scale. I plan the same thing for the Valley of Bloodstone.
The mountains were a bit of a misnomer in that early module - the assumption here is that 'Veilstone Peaks' is just the local name for the northern Sunset Peaks. There are two tiny ponds in the area in that valley (Veilstone), and I figure that the two rivers lead to those. The southern pond even shows a river going off the edge of the map. I had to fudge some things right around there to make the history/lore for the region jibe better with the terrain (the gorge needed to be a 'choke point'). How Ladydove survives where it is is beyond me; FR goblins must be pacifists at heart.
The Tunlands is a very well-populated region, apparently. I am still waiting to hear back form BRJ about a couple of places on his 4e Cormyr map - there may even be more before I am through (all the villages in the swamps are on the DMs map, which will come later).
Glad you guys can find it useful - the Eastern Heartlands are up next.  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 08 Dec 2012 05:04:30 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2012 : 20:52:21
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Updated version.
Added a bunch of stuff I had left off. Hope the country names are a bit easier to see. Keep the feedback coming. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 08 Dec 2012 21:20:39 |
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Aldrick
Senior Scribe
909 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2012 : 23:41:39
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I love this map.
Just looking at this map makes me want to run a game.
When I have a bit more free time, I'll try and see if I can find anything else that needs updating. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2012 : 02:30:56
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Thanks for the kind words.
quote:
Originally posted by Aldrick
Just looking at this map makes me want to run a game. <snip>
BINGO...
Thats what its all about. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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coach
Senior Scribe
USA
479 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2012 : 16:29:55
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| as always a mere thank you doesn't seem enough, great job once again |
Bloodstone Lands Sage |
Edited by - coach on 09 Dec 2012 16:30:47 |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1266 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2012 : 17:08:44
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| Wonderful work!! |
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althen artren
Senior Scribe
USA
780 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2012 : 20:40:14
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I absolutely cannot wait for the DM map of the Eastern Heartlands.
Should I assume that you lost the map I sent you a long time ago,
and would you like another copy?
Also, I don't know if I can swing it, but would you think about
a not-paid-but-published-mapping gig? |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2012 : 15:09:57
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Any maps you have I would appreciate.
If it were for another setting other then FR, I would have to decline for now. When I had Photoshop I was developing my own brushes and styles, which is what I was planning to use for my own setting. Now I will have to start all over with that, but I want to wait until I have PS again because GIMP isn't really robust enough for me to put that much effort into (in other words, I don't want to waste my time developing tools for a piece of software I don't intend to use forever).
Once I have PS again, and those tools built, then I will be open for non-FR projects. What I really want is writing jobs - the maps were just a door-opener.
I realized after I posted that last update that I forgot the three northern passes again {sigh} - Turnstone, Dead Orc, and Fell Pass. I will rectify that on the next update. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Varl
Learned Scribe
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2012 : 17:43:27
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What, no legend? Just kidding. 
I really enjoy how you added all those little hamlets and chalets between all the known settlements. I always wondered if there was anything in between some of those long stretches of road. Good job Markus. |
I'm on a permanent vacation to the soul. -Tash Sultana |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2012 : 20:14:00
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I actually have quite a few more I've acquired over the years, both my own and ones I've gotten from other fans. I had considered having yet another map with 'homebrew' locales (to further fill-in some of those empty spots), but decided against thanks to a piece of advice I got at Gencon. Even if I make sure to stipulate it is a non-canon map, it will reappear 'elsewhere' and someone won't realize it and things will get muddled.
The Map Key will appear on the final version.
So this map is all canon (including a couple of locales that haven't yet appeared in canon, but are... trust me). Many other I found in novels, like Rysheos, Asher, Kendil, and Urloth. Often all I have is direction and how long a time it took to travel to get there. Some island names were provided by Ed.
Several clusters of hills were added by me, but in almost every case there was a single hill there in canon, and I thought that odd (since it happened multiple times). My assumpton here is that very little of the The North is truly 'flat' - it is all rolling hills between cluster of foothills (more mountainous type of hills), with hundreds of small valleys and a few large Vales sprinkled in where good farming could occur. Thus, wherever I've added a group of hills the idea is that the normal rolling hills had given way to more rugged terrain. Its is a much subtler shift then the map would make it appear. One example of that is how I did the Hill of Lost Souls - its now in a region of similar rough geography. And in FR, wherever there are hills, there are goblinoids, tombs (with undead), bandits, ruins, lost dwarf delves, hungry monsters, etc, etc... so the more hills the merrier.
The 'DMs Map' really fills in all the blanks. Hopefully I'll have that done soon.
ATM I am very tempted to shrink the south a bit. Not as much as 3e did, but somewhere between the 2e and 3e maps. I'm really fighting that desire, though, because the idea is NOT to 'improve' upon anything (yet). I can't really call a map 'canon' if I've tweaked it more then necessary. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 10 Dec 2012 20:18:24 |
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2012 : 23:40:13
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| Pretty sweet. However I don't see Ulgoth's Beard to the east of Baldur's Gate? Or is that DM only? |
Edited by - Razz on 11 Dec 2012 23:43:56 |
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MrHedgehog
Senior Scribe
688 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 00:01:49
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| Did your house burn down or something? |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 05:02:46
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quote:
Originally posted by MrHedgehog
Did your house burn down or something?
Yup - about 18 months ago.
quote:
Originally posted by Razz
Pretty sweet. However I don't see Ulgoth's Beard to the east of Baldur's Gate? Or is that DM only?
Wow, how could I have missed that? 
I probably forgot because its placed differently on the BG-VG map, and I used the VG map to tweak that part of the coast (and except for a small bit of land that stuck out in the bottom left corner that shouldn't have been there, it lined-up pretty decent). So I roughed-in that area, and then tweaked it with the BG map, and then meant to get back to it and I guess I never did. Nice catch - I'll correct that on the next update. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 12 Dec 2012 05:04:23 |
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2012 : 02:06:36
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| LOL No prob. The only reason I noticed was cause I was just looking at VG to Sword Coast and reading up on Baldur's Gate and finished reading up on Ulgoth's Beard. Saw this map since it will go great with a naval campaign I want to run that will have its beginnings in Baldur's Gate and caught it quick. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2012 : 15:40:37
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Was hoping to have something substantial for the holidays for everyone, but I guess I'll just have to wet you appetites -
Eastern Heartlands WIP
The tough part was to get the map in the original (non-FR) Bloodstone project to line-up with the newer maps of Vassa & Damara. If you rotate the regional map in HR1 about 80° counter-clockwise (for North), everything works now (although I had to do a little fudging with the forests, its close-enough IMO for a map of this scale).
The forests in The Vast are also canon (along with everything else). I'd like to thank Lord Bane for pointing me in the direction of the map (pg.145) in the City of Raven's Bluff sourcebook.
This map is FAR from done, so don't bother pointing out missing locales. Not yet, anyway. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 23 Dec 2012 15:42:07 |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2012 : 17:58:25
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Awesome MT!
As usual you have a great eye for making maps...and this one is going to be one of my all time favorite maps that you have made.
The ONLY thing I would like to see added would be the Quivering Forest north of Phlan.
I hope you have as much fun making these maps as we have using them and simply looking at them! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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New Maps (The Heartlands)
