I didn't even know that was possible.

Yes, the MERGE layer is one to be left well alone, but visible at all times.

Oh I see!

Maybe make the boundary a bit less regular, with mixed bushes and a few small gaps here and there?

I prefer the organic one.

Those kidney stones sound painful. I hope you get them sorted out quickly. Good luck! :)

Ah well, you see, Remy told me that one ;)

My initial ideas were completely wrong when I checked with him.

Thanks @Monsen :D

Yes, nobody knows how long it takes to do one of these beasts until they do it themselves. The problem is that clients asking for city maps are never going to know what's involved, so city maps seem to them to be unreasonably expensive.

But it's looking good. I'm glad you decided to go with this style. It's good and clear :)

Alternative to Julian's suggestion, and if that doesn't work, try making the farmland texture smaller, so that more of the detail shows in each patch of farmland.

Well, either could work.

I think the secret is to try both and pick the one you like best.

That looks better - without all those stripy light bits in the shadow :)

Hi Fersus :)

There are shadow sheet effects that should achieve what you describe. Try hiding that drawn shadow sheet and instead adding a Wall Shadow, Directional sheet effect to the sheet with the trees and then editing it to check the drop shadow option in that effect.

I've done several water effects, both in sheet effects and symbols in different styles. The greatest number of them are in Marine Dungeon, but there are some in Darklands City. I can't be sure which you mean.

You can make drop shadows that behave according to the global sun by checking the 'Draw as drop shadow' box in a Wall Shadow, Directional sheet effect.