Kreator's Mapping Tutorial: Meadow

[Dark Crusade]

Kreator's Mapping Tutorial: Meadow
I thought I'd take the time to make my first (of many more to come) mapping tutorials! This tutorial covers the basics in making a well made grassland or forest. It's nothing special, but it should help.

1\. Firstly lay down some grass, perferably the same style as the previous maps around it. IF you already have maps around it, make sure to block off all tiles on the edges of the maps where you won't be able to walk on the other map. For example, if there is a tree trunk on the edge of the map west, make sure you block off the edges of the map next to it so you won't be able to walk on it.


2\. Now, make sure all trees join up onto this map. If there is half a tree on a map next to it, make the other half a tree here, so you have a realistic overall maps. Tree trunks should be mask 2, and the leaves fringe 1\. Make sure all blocked tiles have  something on it to make it appear blocked, such as a shrub or tree trunk.


3\. Now make some variation in the ground. Make some soil, using the ground layer. Try to be as creative with the shapes of the variation as you can (don't make it look unrealistic)


4\. Add some minor detail using mask 1\. Make this grass, tiny vegetation randomly scattered, roots, some pebbles on the soil, and such. make them random, and not too clustered.


5\. If there were any cliffs/changes in elevation on the previous maps that join up, continue on. Make the cliff wall random, and not too straight or sudden. Cliffs should be mask 1.


6\. Make the cliffs look more awesome. Add some decoration to it, and make it look more varied. At a stair case too if you want. Make them mask 1\. At a tree or some shrubs as well at the top of the cliff, if there is enough room.


7\. Prepare the trees, start by adding some tree stumps. They should be mask 2, and should be blocked.


8\. Add the tree tops, start by adding the tops of the trees on the lowest stumps, then work your way up. Use Fringe 1 for this. Now you will see where you will need to use fringe 2, so the trees closest to the bottom of the screen appear to be in front of the others.


9\. Some of the trees positioning may look irregular. Feel free to move them around, until your happy with them. They should look random, but not too clustered, or just plain crap looking.


10\. Using mask 1 and 2, depending on where its needed, add some heavier vegetation. Also add bigger rocks, some wood, magi… err mushrooms, and some flowers!


11\. And some more detail, make your map look as awesome as you can. Try not to overcrowd too much though. Try to find some detail for everything.


12\. And thats our finished map! Keep practicing, and you will improve. Make sure to lay down all additional blocks. Now all thats left is to set the properties up.


Disclaimer:
THIS TUTORIAL AND ALL DERIVATIVE WORKS ARE COPYRIGHT OF KREATIVE SOFTWORKS. THIS MAY NOT BE POSTED ON OTHER BOARDS OR FORUMS WITHOUT MY APPROVAL.