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Post by CSP Kris on Jun 23, 2007 15:06:37 GMT
If you've checked out the 'campaign toolbox' section of the site you might have noticed that I like to inject a slight Tolkien feel into my D&D games, and as such the world of Airtha has a certain Middle-Earth feel to it. Anyway, I doubt it would be of much interest to anyone other than those playing in my games, but I thought I'd include a link to the new campaign website I have been building, as it contains a few more maps and things that have not appeared on the site yet. In particular there is a larger version of the campaign map - which you can actually piece together to make one huge map if you are so inclined. Anyway, it's all pretty stereotypical stuff - but here's the link: airtha.freehostia.com
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Post by CSP Kris on Dec 8, 2008 16:16:43 GMT
I've still been adding little bits here and there to my campaign website now and again (even though I'm not actually running any games at the moment). Some of the things I've added are probably not that interesting, but I've been messing around with some text-to-speech software (basically you type in the word/sentence and the computer will try and speak it aloud) with some success. Anyway, here's something that I was playing around with: airtha.freehostia.com/daerdagor.htmlPretty cheesy, but I kinda like the result Anyway, if anyone else has used elements of the world (even just the maps) then it would be good to hear about it. (note that the world is also the default setting for the Werewolves of Hargaldor adventure I wrote recently www.enworld.org/CrookedStaffProductions/werewolves_of_hargaldor.pdf ).
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Post by caldarion on Mar 20, 2010 2:19:29 GMT
Hi there! I'm new to the site, but I found your Airtha campaign world. Loved it! Hitting the link above now, though, tells me the link is broken. Just wanted you to know. Thanks.
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Post by CSP Kris on Mar 20, 2010 11:47:04 GMT
Hello, and welcome to the site/boards. Thanks for the heads-up regarding the Airtha website. I'm just using a free hosting service for the setting, and as such I have noticed that it does become unavailable from time to time (though thankfully, not all that often ). I've checked it now and it seems to be up and running again (and I've renewed my account with them for another year), so it should be available the next time you try it (fingers crossed).
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Post by Guest on Mar 23, 2010 21:37:30 GMT
Hi there...first time poster here, but long time RPGer. (Had the original 3 pamphlet set of D&D rules back in the late 70s).
I was looking over the setting you've built for you game and just wanted to take the time to say "kudos"! You've done a great job! It's a well considered setting!
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Post by CSP Kris on Mar 24, 2010 11:40:56 GMT
Thanks for the kind words.
I've not really used the setting (or even run any games) for a couple of years now, but I thought I'd keep the Airtha pages running - just in case there is anything there that folks want to borrow for their own personal games (not that I think that any of the things on the site are very original or even particularly well written).
So if anyone has used any of the stuff there with any success - then it would be great to hear about it.
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Post by Dave on Jun 6, 2010 16:46:38 GMT
Hi Kris!
I just discovered your site and love it! I'm a long-time GM and I'm really impressed with your Airtha campaign map, beautiful, gorgeous, and very Tolkien-esque.
I'm in the process of working on a new campaign setting and I've been trying to create the same feel for my maps, but I'm running into some issues, particularly with the mountains and forests. Have you posted anywhere a synopsis of your amazing map-making methods?
I have CC3 but to be honest, I haven't used it in years. Currently I'm making my maps in Photoshop and they're getting closer to what I want, but they aren't there yet.
I'd really appreciate any advice or instruction you might be willing to offer.
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Post by CSP Kris on Jun 6, 2010 21:42:53 GMT
For the Airtha map I have pretty much used a basic vector graphics program called 'Greenstreet Draw4' to draw all the basic shapes (I think you can download something called inkscape for free that is pretty much the same). The things that took the longest to draw were the mountains (as these are the most important feature to get looking right in my opinion) ...but what I did was draw lots of little mountain sections that I then pieced together to create a number of different looking mountain ranges. Here's a quick example that shows a couple of mountain sections and how they can laid over the top of one another to make two different ranges. ...so once you've built up a library of mountain and hills, they can be used over and over again in lots of different ways. I'll admit that drawing all the little mountain sections piece by piece took quite some time... but I still use them (often modifying them slightly) to create mountain ranges for maps I create today - so the time drawing them was well spent (though I now shade them in photoshop ...as can be seen on the 'Age of Shadow' map... ageofshadow.freehostia.com/page2.html ). Anyway, I hope that was of some help. However I will say that if you are not familiar with vector graphics then they can be a little tricky to work with to begin with, but don't let that put you off.
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Post by Dave on Jun 9, 2010 21:06:03 GMT
Hi Kris,
I see what you mean. I'm much better with Photoshop than I am with Illustrator, but I can make simple vector graphics in PS with the pen tool. I was considering hand-drawing a slew of mountain images and scanning them in for vectorizing, also.
If you ever decide to make your map symbols available, I'd love to give them a go, you do beautiful work. Thanks for your time!
-Dave
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Post by xephyer on Sept 13, 2010 14:19:26 GMT
Hi Kris,
Just game across your site. Wanted to compliment you on your maps and your campaign setting. It is all very impressive. Some really nice work!
If you have a minute, can you drop me an email? I can be reached at xephyer at trexlin dot com
Thanks!
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Post by Erik on Mar 17, 2012 4:51:02 GMT
Kris, I just wanted to post that someone out here is still finding helpful stuff on your sites. I recently found the CSP website through a Google search for tavern maps, and your Airtha campaign through that. As a big Tolkien fan (like most fantasy lovers), I really like the Middle Earth influence in Airtha. I hope you don't mind, but I have plundered both sites shamelessly! I'm not a terribly inspired GM. But, there are lots of great maps (world, towns & buildings) and world info for me to use. Plus, I'm pretty excited about the Werewolves adventure! I actually had a similar idea a few years ago of using a Barghest as a "werewolf." But you've done all of the legwork, and much better than me! Eager to run my group through it at about 3rd level. Although it seems that you've moved on from Airtha, I thought I'd ask if you had done any further development on some of the towns/cities? I've brought my group to the port village of Cambol-Tur. If it's not too forward (or lazy), I thought I'd ask if you'd given any thought as to what kind of town it is? What is the lighthouse and/or the city tower like? Again, thanks for keeping these cool sites going to help the mapping/adventure challenged!
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Post by CSP Kris on Mar 17, 2012 12:30:51 GMT
Hello and welcome to the forum. I do have a lot of notes for that place (and the various things going on at the time) - but most of them are rather messy and wouldn't make much sense to anyone but myself. However I've done a quick copy & paste of some of the stuff that is in a readable state (though it is pretty basic stuff). I hope that helps. Cambol-Túr (village): Conventional; AL NG; 200gp limit, Assets 7000gp; Population 700 (97 % humans, 3% other). Authority Figures: Barden Signum (noble), Rawlins (constable), Stokley (harbour master) The road into the settlement is flanked by houses and small cottages upon either side before reaching a central 'square' area. Here there stands a large two storey inn and several stores and workshops. The entire settlement seems to be cut in half by a swift flowing river (crossed by a stone bridge) - upon the far side of which stands a simple motte & bailey castle. To the south can been seen a couple of tall masts peeking over the top of numerous rooftops, while overhead can be seen (and heard) many gulls. The Town Streets: The narrow cobblestone streets are reasonably well-maintained, and now that the rain has stopped you see lines of washing strung between many of the houses. The nearer you get to the sea front the smaller, and more run down, the houses get - and the whole place has a salty tang to it. The Town Square (most days): The square itself seems empty apart from a few children running hither and thither - playing some sort of game of 'tag' with each other. The Town Square (market day): Today seems to be a market day, and several carts and stalls have already been set up out in the square. As the morning wears on the square fills up, and some of the adjacent storefronts fold down large shutters that now act as a kind of counter from which they ply their wares. A few guardsmen bearing a blue arrowhead emblem upon their shields pace back and forth and in-between the traders - who in turn seem to be doing their best to attract the attention of passers by. Items for sale: There appears to be a wide range of things for sale - from bags of grain and food from the last of the year's harvests, to livestock and spices. The smell of fish also hangs heavily in the air, beneath which you can just make out the smell of freshly baked bread. Cobblers, tailors, folks selling wine and pastries, and even an old gnome selling tobacco are all there - touting their wares. Mundane gear and supplies 100% chance Specific clothing or specialised gear 75% chance Normal weapons and armour 75% chance Fancy or outlandish items 50% chance Rare or expensive equipment 25% chance The Castle: Across the bridge is the castle - the keep of which stands upon an earthwork mound out in a prominentary of land that projects out into the sea. The keep itself appears to be a more recent construction of stone (from which a flag of white, bearing a blue arrowhead emblem, flies) - though the walls of the bailey are of timber. Beside the gatehouse stands a guardsman bearing a spear and shield. Upon his white tunic is a similar blue arrowhead emblem. The Docks: Down by the docks are several weather-worn sheds and warehouses, and the squat, brick built, lodging of the harbour master. A number of wooden piers extend out over the water, and out in the bay area you can see the dark outline of a few of small boats - most likely those of fishermen. Further out you can just make out the shape of a large ship. Nearer at hand, and anchored at the longest pier, are two ships with furled sails. A couple of people can been see making minor repairs or doing something with the rigging aboard both vessels. The Vanguard: The Vanguard is a three-masted carrack and has been in a month or more, and generally sails between Brimdenn and Gardor. Its captain is a man by the name of Nyle Chapman - who can sometimes be found down in The White Gull Tavern. He is currently the guest of Barden Signum, and is probably planning on waiting out the winter in the castle. In addition Lord Signum is pressing Nyle's suit to his daughter (Miss Adora) - though she herself favours Curandir (Elfhelm - from the werewolves of Hargaldor adventure). The Foam Rider: The Foam Rider is more of a coastal ship that plies it trade between Port Brodian, Cambol-Tur, and the gnomes of Gullatyr. Its captain is a man by the name of Morven - who can sometimes be found in The Flag and Anchor down by the dock. He's also thought to be a bit of a rogue. The Baron's Heraldry The Chapel The Welcome Inn The Flag & Anchor
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Post by Erik on Mar 18, 2012 7:30:50 GMT
Wow, Kris! That's a lot more than I expected. Very generous of you.
Thank you again.
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Post by justanartist on Mar 27, 2012 14:57:02 GMT
Hi Kris, This is Erik, who asked about Cambol-Túr. Really appreciate all of the resources on the site. As a small "Thank You" I wanted to post a sketch I drew of Elfhelm, from Werewolves. I think that you're a very good artist & designer, so I'm sure this isn't what you had in mind. But, I haven't seen too many characters on the site, and being an art/comic enthusiast, I wanted to contribute. Hope you enjoy! Attachments:
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Post by CSP Kris on Mar 27, 2012 17:32:57 GMT
Wow ...that's awesome! It's pretty much exactly how I pictured him. (also ...if you get chance, check your private messages )
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