I tried several ways to make this hostile island look different from the traditional landmass. And it was getting too complex and I didn't like the result. So I decided to go back to basics and work with the least amount of images and functions possible. The result is here, a piece of land forgotten by the Gods.

Shi Ji Dao – The Island of Extreme Losses

This island is a cursed piece of land surrounded by merciless seas. Its skies remain eternally cloudy, as if even the sun refused to illuminate this place. The incessant sound of wind and waves echoes between desolate cliffs, reinforcing the feeling of absolute isolation. A few twisted trees and low vegetation punished by salinity are all that grows there. The inhabitants – or prisoners – live in rotten wooden shacks, supporting themselves with miserable fishing or the precarious cultivation of almost tasteless tubers.

The Island as the Final Destination

On Shi Ji Dao, there is no future, only waiting. Infectious patients, political opponents and traitors to the regime of the capital Tiang Long Du are sent to the island in reinforced-hulled vessels, never to return. The journey there is known as the "Journey of the Last Breath", because no one who crosses the treacherous waves that surround the island returns.

The surrounding waters are a veritable graveyard: razor-sharp reefs pierce vessels, while whirlpools devour even the most skilled swimmers. Even if someone managed to survive the sea, the harsh currents would push them back to the island.

Life in Shi Ji Dao

The inhabitants survive on an unstable barter system, with fishing and gathering being the only viable activities. With no hope of escape, some give in to madness, wandering the island as shadows of their former selves. Others organize themselves into small groups, trying to maintain some form of order. Among the leaders of these improvised communities, storytellers emerge, keeping alive the legends of the island where dreams come to die, but also a stage of forgotten secrets and deadly dangers, which can attract fools or those desperate for redemption.

Legends of Despair

Though devoid of hope, the island is rich in tales of wonder and mystery:

. The Whirlpool of the Drowned Dragon

It is said that deep within a whirlpool north of the island lies the spirit of a dragon who was betrayed and murdered by the ancient emperors. His fury, transformed into ravenous currents, is insatiable. Some nights, the winds whisper promises of power to those willing to descend into the heart of the whirlpool and free the creature.

. Ships of the Dead

On the darkest nights, the hazy shapes of ships appear on the horizon, floating above the turbulent waters. Some believe they are the vessels of those who perished trying to escape, their spirits now doomed to wander the sea. Others say these ships carry artifacts of power, but to board them brings eternal damnation.

. The Cave of the Faceless Guardian

In the heart of the island lies a hidden cave that no one dares to explore. According to the ancients, the Faceless Guardian lives there, an entity that exchanges favors for memories. The few who have tried to bargain with him have returned without knowing their own names, with empty eyes and consumed hearts.

I liked the montage. Congratulations!

This time it was a bit of work.

I used only two groups of images for the trees: pine trees and scrub trees, multicolored, varying between colors 114 and 120, to try to achieve greater diversity, even with the same icons.

@Loopysue Thanks for the resize of the farm, it looks much nicer, at least to my taste.

The Southern Towns

On the southeastern edge of the capital Tiang Long Du, with cliffs protecting its mist-covered shores and crystal-clear rivers, lies a region known as The Southern Towns. Comprising three towns – Han Yue Cun (Cold Moon Village), Mu Shui Cun (Wood and Water Village) and Chou Ye Xiang (Stinking Leaves Village) – this area is both prosperous and dangerous, home to both natural riches and mysteries.

Han Yue Cun – The Village of the Cold Moon

A prosperous farming village located on a vast green plain bathed by the Bai Lin He River, whose crystal-clear waters fertilize its famous fields of Moon Rice – grains that shine with the silvery light of the moon, giving the village a mystical air. However, its tranquility is threatened by spectral creatures that roam the region. On the nearby cliffs, the enigmatic Yinying Temple attracts bold adventurers seeking its legendary blessings.

Mu Shui Cun – Village of Wood and Water

Sitting along the great Hei Lin He (Black Cedar River), Mu Shui Cun is the commercial heart of the region. Famous for its rare Yingmu (“Shadow Wood”) timber, which is highly durable and used in elite weapons and construction, the village also thrives on fishing and shipping. However, workers often disappear into the forest, where Yingmu herself is said to create monstrous forms to protect herself.

Chou Ye Xiang – Village of Stinking Leaves

Despite its unpleasant name, Chou Ye Xiang is crucial to the region. Situated in a wet, marshy area in the south, it produces rare medicinal herbs and a valuable fertilizer extracted from the leaves of a local shrub, Ye Chou. However, the toxic air of the marsh can sicken travelers, and the region is inhabited by dangerous creatures such as spirits that transform into familiar forms to lure their prey.

The Yinying Temple – A Test of Faith and Endurance

Standing high atop the cliffs, the Yinying Temple is a place of mystery and reverence. Those who reach its gate and survive the trials are said to receive blessings from the ancient guardians. The journey, however, is brutal:

1. The Path of the Dark Mist – A treacherous trail shrouded in magical mist, where illusions confuse travelers, leading them to fatal falls.

2. The Pass of the Cutting Winds – A gorge where razor-sharp winds constantly sweep through. Only the most agile or resilient can cross it without mortal injury.

3. The Riddle of Shadows – Spiritual guardians of the temple challenge those who arrive with riddles that test logic, memory, and perception. Wrong answers result in curses or attacks from the guardians themselves.

Dangers of the Region

In addition to the challenges of the temple, the region is plagued by terrifying creatures:

• Black Jiao Longs – Aquatic serpent-dragons that inhabit the sea, attacking fishermen and boats.

• Forests – Home to Yingmu trees that come to life to protect their roots, crushing intruders.

• Swamp Wraiths – Spirits that roam Chou Ye Xiang, whispering promises of gold or forgiveness in exchange for a worse fate.

List of citys, monastery and interest points:

Hai He He Autonomous Region – Autonomous Region of the Sea and River

Jing Hua Cheng – City of Brilliant Flowers

Tian Long Du – Capital of the Heavenly Dragon

Yu Shi Gu – Jade Stone Valley

Qing Shui Zhen – Clear Water Village

Hei Shan Si Black – Mountain Monastery

Zhao Guang Si – Temple of Morning Glow

Shu Guang Xiang – Dawn Village

Han Yue Cun – Cold Moon Village

Chou Ye Xiang – Stinky Leaves Village

Mu Shui Cun – Wood and Water Village

Bai He Xiang – White Lily Village

Chuan Bei Si – Drunken Cup Monastery

Chen Yue Cun – Hidden Moon Village

Hei Feng – Dark Wind

Zhan Yan Cheng – Cliffside Town

Yuan Lin Zhen – Original Forest Village

Tian Nong Cheng– City of Farmers

Shi Ji Dao – Island of Extreme Loss

This time, Master @Quenten sent me to map an "eastern" region. I chose the Empire of the Sun style to create the overland map and then I will use Mike Schley's new oriental images to create the smaller plans within this first map. The names have Chinese influence.

My little piece of land in its original image at 270x270 miles.