Dwarf Hold, isometric

JimP

Well, sort of run out of ideas for the current Atlas map set I'm working on.

So, I started this isometric Great Hall of Dwarf Hold map. From the top, starting from the bottom would have been much easier. so this set of symbols will get deleted and start over. This isn't the same Crestar location as Dwarf Home on my site. 1000' x 800'

Saw an interior drawing of LotR Moria a few days ago. So I decided to see if I can do something remotely similar. Could be interesting, I could get bored with it. We shall see.

Here is the first map.

Loopysue

Nothing like a nice ambitious project to kill the hours :)

JimP

Yeah, just the backyard to go to now.

Onward and upward ! I mean, dungeon map making time !

JimP

More added in. I think I'll listen to music and relax after I post this.

JimP

I couldn't just leave it at that. Will eventually move the clouds up into the room. Add more debris and room items.

thehawk

Posted By: JimPSaw an interior drawing of LotR Moria a few days ago.

Where did you see this interior drawing of LotR Moria?

JimP

Probably one of the ad&d Facebook pages. Also saw the movies based on the books. The picture was of one large wall with thin stairs going down to a lower level, balcony area, etc.

You might also look for movie excerpts on YouTube.

On my cell phone.

JimP

And here is another bit.

Any ideas on how to make a connecting water area for the upper left ?

mike robel

I have a hard time visualizing this. Are the dungeons supposed to be surrounded by stone as indicated by the stippled background? The entrance at upper left leads to the surface? Is upper right all underground or is it on the surface as indicated by the wooden steps and door?

JimP

I haven't decided what levels, nor what connects to what yet.

They are surrounded by stone. I would rather it looked more stone like, but changing background, so it still looks okay, is a bit difficult for me with these isometric maps.

Likely there is a way, I just haven't taken the time to figure it out.

Loopysue

Well its only just begun just yet, Jim

It will come :)

mike robel

@Jim. Understand. I wasn't really sure if I was looking below ground or if you were building a house. Now I get it.

Wyvern

Jim, for the connecting water issue, could you perhaps use the Cave with Stream symbols from the Temple of Bones isometric Annual? The only alternative seems to be drawing it freehand yourself, I suspect.

Was the LotR Moria map this one from the Tolkien Gateway website, taken from The Lord of the Rings Online game?

JimP

No idea as I've never seen that bit in the small part of the LotR online game as i didn't get very far in playing it.

@mike robel... Interesting. I could use that for making building interiors.

Here is a previous isometric dungeon.

More enclosed.

Maybe I should go back and enclose it like this one ?

mike robel

I think some indication of the rooms limits would be useful, but perhaps they would be rock walls rather than stone bricks?

If you have seen those illustrations of the tombs in Egypts Valley of the Kinds, perhaps translucent 3D "walls" could show the effect off to better effect.

My artistic abilities are not nearly good enough to attempt an illustration of what I mean, but here is one rendering. Don't know if such a thing would work well for the scale you model.

JimP

I have looked at the Theban Mapping Project, link up in the suggested sites, but I don't know how to recreate a back wall like that, that doesn't look flat and out of place, in these isometric maps.

mike robel

I certainly understand. If I wasn't tracing existing maps, my maps would look terrible. It's certainly my problem with visualization and not your skill,which is far superior to mine.

JimP

These iso maps I make are from lots of trial and error. I had to learn in what sequence to do what. Back to front. Typically upper right down to lower left, being careful not to mess up items coming in from the upper left.

Once I got that all figured out, it was easier.

I have thought of trying to get perspectives and these iso maps together. Make a background using perspectives and the make the rooms with iso.

May not be possible, but when I get some time, and I remember, I'll try it.

edit: Oh, and I have been making maps in CC2, CC3, and now in CC3+; a bit over 5,000 maps. So its just lots of practice.

Looking at my Crestar site you can see some older maps, newer maps, and very new maps. I have improved over time.

brycechard

https://forum.profantasy.com/discussion/9808/dwarf-hold-isometric

Good developments! I'm sure everything is still ahead and you will do a great job! as for the initial stage of leveldesign, the work is done very efficiently! In my youth, i was engaged in level design. I even thought of applying to Besezda somehow(they were developing fallout 3 at that time), but they would not accept me, since I did not have a special work experience. But okay. What was not to be turned back. This is the truth of life. I'm not going to become a level designer anymore. but everything can work out for you. Listen, could you move Cirith-Ungol to 3d? There is a detailed description on one forum. Here is the link: https://www.thetolkienforum.com/wiki/Cirith-Ungol. I think it will help you!

JimP

Sorry, I have too many projects to do now.

This is a hobby, not a job, for me.