Cheers

It would look something like this

Hy Royal! Achieving depth of field with assets designed for a longer view can be tricky. One of the techniques I usually use to try to achieve this effect is to "strip by strip" progressively increase the size of some - but not all - icons.

In this example, while I use smaller and smaller hills as they get closer to the observer, the trees instead gradually grow larger to create a greater sense of proximity and distance. In the case of this style, all the images go to the default Symbols, since there is no specific sheet for trees, like Mike Schley for example.

In this case, as sometimes with Mike Schley, I have to put "everything on the same sheet" (in the case of Mike Schley I use all or most of the drawing on the TREES sheet) and go drawing layer by layer. It is always advisable to have a draft or sheet trace image with a very clear base transparency before starting, so as not to waste time and to make the task easier.

If you want to add even more realism to these scenes, gently vary the size and types between trees "in the same tree range". I usually do this visually with the controller, checking every so often to see if it is within the acceptable size range for that location.

Ezrute - Dunor Valley - Dunor Region - Mate Mill - map of the day - October 29 - 2025

@Royal Scribe I found it in the Trash bin of my computer. This was the image used in Moon Islands.

Today's map takes me back to the Fonlorn archipelago, more precisely to the already visited Fisher Island.

I chose a small oasis in the upper left corner.

Tien Nong Chen – The City of Farmers

Tien Nong Chen and the surroundings towns is the kingdom’s agricultural jewel. With vast fields irrigated by rivers flowing down from the mountains, the city is the kingdom’s hub for grain, medicinal herbs, and rice production. Surrounded by small settlements such as An He (Silence River), Qing Gu (Clear Valley), and Feng Gu (Wind Valley), each of which plays a specialized role in the cultivation and gathering of vital resources.

To the north of the valley lie the logging settlements of Mu Feng (Wind of Trees) and Lin Shui (Water of Forest). The precious timber of the Ancient Forest is a coveted resource, but overexploitation angers the forest spirits, who occasionally manifest themselves in the form of storms or monsters. It is said that the leaders of these settlements hire mercenaries to sabotage each other, increasing instability in the northern region.

With its rich agricultural production and strategic position, this is a place of vital importance to the kingdom, but also a powder keg of political and social strife. For adventurers, the valley offers unparalleled riches and glory—at the cost of navigating betrayal, monsters, and ancient curses.

Local Beliefs

• The Curse of the River: The villagers of An He believe that the river that irrigates their land is protected by a guardian spirit. A farmer who tried to divert the river's course mysteriously disappeared.

• The Golden Rats of Qing Gu: A local legend tells of golden rats that appear during harvest nights. Capturing one would bring infinite wealth, but killing one would bring bad luck for seven generations.

• The Well of Lamentation: Between Tien Nong Cheng and Feng Gu lies an abandoned well. A site of suicides during times of famine, the well echoes with voices on stormy nights.

Recent Events

• Crop Sabotage: Recently, rice fields in Qing Gu were burned overnight. Farmers are suspicious of Feng Gu and have hired willing individuals to investigate and, if possible, retaliate.

• The Fury of the Forest: Angry spirits have begun attacking lumberjacks near Lin Shui. Local leaders are offering a reward to anyone who can appease them—or destroy them.

• A Secret Alliance: Intelligence suggests that An He is negotiating a pact with the northern timber settlements to secure privileges. Uncovering and exposing this alliance could change the balance of power in the valley.

• The Ghost Route: Traders report that an ancient, forgotten road deep within the valley has reappeared, shrouded in mist. Anyone who follows it disappears.

If I could give an opinion, I would say to take advantage of the latest monthly content and expand the eastern domain with towers, sacred gates, shogun castle, maybe even a boat or two to set the eastern scene. In the case of this image of Mike, it has a lot of interesting elements, I highlight the two most important ones - for me:

1. cliffs oriented diagonally and straight towards north or north west as in the case of the image, "similar" to Sue's versatile cliffs in Darklands.

2. green hills covered with grass. Currently I can only get close to this image by opting for multicolor, overlaying grass on top or even using terrain marshe above the hills on a special sheet and regular inner opacity at 40% or less. (middle example), all... unsatisfactory for me. I also highlight the building in the lower left corner, which is very beautiful. The cave with a lurking monster and, finally, the underwater vegetation as well as the swampy lagoon. perfect for greater detailing of swamp areas.

As a consumer, I wouldn't be against Mike Schley launching a new Symbol expansion set with versatile elements for overlanding... and dungeons... and isometrics :)