This came out better than I thought. The font is Neverwinter Nights (which is appropriate).

I always have trouble with rivers. This is a variation of another map I did by the same name, and yes the river ends abruptly. I may have it feed into marshlands, which would make sense geographically (I think).

Thanks for your comments. I have a tough time with rivers, and I may try using the fractal path for the rivers and see how it comes out. My b&w concept for the map was done in a top-down perspective, so you're right there. I never know how many rivers is too many- I feel that too many tributaries can clutter a map. Plus I noticed when I try and add tributaries, they "jump" to the edge of the map (i'm sure there is a code/ layer issue here). I will need to play with the settings.

B&W reference map:

http://forum.profantasy.com/comments.php?DiscussionID=3254&page=1#Item_6

Revised map with redone rivers.

A lot better! Congratulations my friend! Now you just need to break the sameness of the sea. Maybe put diferent tones of blue?

The rivers are quite nice. your map is well done, but I personally don't like the style. The mountains and forests are ok, but, the hills look like little blisters which makes me think the map is 'infected' with something.

anyway, geographically, the NE river looks like it is running down from the northern hills and then up into the southern hills. I would suggest removing some of the southern hills and letting the river flow into the greenish area (like the marshland you mentioned earlier). of course if its a fantasy map, water can flow in any direction you like.

heck, my fantasy map has a 10 mile wide whirlpool which sucks in islands!

Ok- I've been looking at some more maps - and reading a lot more junk (I'm taking care of my mother - so I'm spending a lot more time at my puter on standby, and a lot less time "attempting" sleep due to insomnia and coffee jitters, lol) - and I seem to be seeing a pattern here. In summary:

#1, wetlands, swamps, and marshes are generally found in flood plains.

#2, flood plains are generally found where rivers are thickest, and where they branch out - and in the shallows of lakes closest to the shoreline.

#3, Rivers are thickest - and branch out - in areas of uniform lower elevation in comparison to the surrounding terrain - typically in the lowest regions of valleys, or areas that are generally flat or depressed terrain.

#4, Warm, humid areas will have more swamps and marshes than any other - irregardless of whether or not they (other areas) fulfill the prior criteria - due to greater rain fall.

The bottom graphics are an elevation map of the Continental United States, and a relative humidity map of the U.S..

In both maps - the deeper greens are lower elevations and the browns / yellows / pinks / brighter greens are higher elevations. More water can be found in the eastern third of the U.S. because (A), it has a higher rainfall rate due to the influences of humidity transported up from the Gulf Of Mexico, and (B), because it is at lower elevations than the western and west central remaining two thirds of the continental U.S. (CLOSER TO SEA LEVEL = MORE MOISTURE!), rivers flow from higher to lower elevations = WIDER RIVERS, MORE RIVERS, MORE FORESTS, AND MORE SWAMPS at elevations CLOSER TO SEA LEVEL!

hence - there is a greater abundance of rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands in the Eastern third of the U.S., And thus - a greater abundance of reliable flood plains. Note the clustering patterns and abundances of river networks in prior maps that I've posted on this thread - specifically how tributaries are distributed along the Mississippi, and the location of the Mississippi river itself?

Just wanted to give you some reference / research material Modric that I hope will be helpful / insightful / inspirational.

Remember that the TOP MAP = ELEVATIONS, and the BOTTOM MAP = WETNESS:

This is great information. I appreciate the help. After I digest this, I'll share the finished product.

One question. What fond did you used? I loved the capital letters!

Posted By: ModricThe Font is Neverwinter Nights (from Forgotten Realms).

Can you post a link? Or it is included on the annual that have the "Forgotten Realms Style"?

Since I'm bored at work, I decided to join the discussion re: rivers.

According to Wikipedia (and you know that's the most reliable source on the internet!),

"A river is a natural watercourse,[1] usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea, or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water."

And,

"Most but not all rivers flow on the surface. Subterranean rivers flow underground in caves or caverns. Such rivers are frequently found in regions with limestone geologic formations."

Even though I have changed the Veldta area to now have the rivers flow into the three grassland areas, the NE river could have either dried up or proceeded underground. The dissipation of the rivers and streams, either in or under ground, would contribute to the groundwater through the aquifier, which would explain the presence of vegetation that is not necessarily adjacent to the above ground waterways.

I try to follow the principles that rivers generally flow from areas of higher elevation to lower elevation, and that their paths take the path of least resistance. That may not be true in every situation, but they are good rules of thumb!

Thanks Terra.

Yep, even better now.
Great overland map for an adventure setting.

I've been struggling with finding a map style for overland maps. While there aren't a lot of symbols on this style, it has a very clean stylized look to it. Plus, with the sheet effects turn on, the symbols pop. This style brings me back to the Forgotten Realms Grey Box days!

Well done Mordric. This is still one of my favorite map styles.

Apologies! Thanks for the nudge Henrie61! Map moved. Would love some feed back. Still learning.