Played around with different Blend Mode settings and a tried and true texture, also throwing in some RGB Matrix Process in the bottom two (Sepia and Gray respectively) with some minor colour adjustment. Dialled down the transparency of the backdrop brown "paper" for a more darker tone to "tame" the Sepia in particular. For the Grey iteration different colours would probably be required to make the hill look a little less wonky.

As with the Grey, I think better colour selection can make it work even without the texture (below)

...which is kind of neat because keeping multiple sheets for different Blend Mode settings (with or without RGB Matrix Process) basially means I get to switch between very distinctive looks for the map with a very minimum of effort (i.e. hiding "filter" sheets not in use).

So...yeah...gradience was less of an issue with this approach meaning fewer polygons overall - and consequnetly less time for colourizing. So I had no choice but to dabble with the time-sink that is the practice of highlighting. Obviously.

That would be the one, @Raiko. My search queries has been somewhat off beat lately. 🥴

Thank you @Elfling and @Quenten.

Having spent an unhealthy amount of time with just the very basic iterations of Drawing Tool options and default tools, I certainly have gained an appreciation for how even the most basic style packages can be perceived as a bit intimidating.

10 different road tools and as many field tools and also variations of those other things and so on and so forth will get you a sizeable tool library. And while that makes for an excellent display of options, it's also makes for a bit of a false sensation of navigating a porcelain store - especially when paired with intricate sheet effect considerations of set style.

The best tutorial video out there, in my opinion, with regards to deconstructing the custom tool is one Sweeney did on battle maps. I can't find it now, but he essentially designs from the ground up - using only rudimentary shapes which he then gradually alters the properties of to get his dungeon room. I.e. the simple red line gets the wall texture fill of the style etc.

Rhudaur, probably.

The fast and loose with the details would most certainly be a detriment to some game systems. But it actually sort of works at the encounter map level, I think. Style is not going to be for everyone, granted, but the part of me who likes the idea of taking down a painting and stepping inside for some initiative rolls is 100% thrilled.