Ponkae Fields

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The raindrops from above felt heavier as they crossed under more trees that had evidence of the invaders scratching around the cocoon mounds. Some were too late with evidence of the villagers sawing out the precious cargo. However some were definitely successful and as they stood at the upper levels of the tiered trees around the village a dash of colour caught their eye.

Red silk flittered in the breeze as the grass clung to to the last bits of sticky fibre. This cocoon was huge and it appeared as though several sets of sheers or blades had cut it open. ‘Ah they found a red one.’ Naya said from nearby. ‘They are rare, very rare in fact with only one appearing every few harvests. The wine and nectar harvested from them is particularly strong and potent so the farmer that finds one ends up well paid and rich.’ she added as she scanned the woods ahead.

Her hand touching the handle of her axe was the first sign of danger, the second was a chittering and thrumming sound that waved towards them from the trees ahead of them. Several red creatures waited and watched them their mandibles and antennae moving menacingly as they watched the party near the undisturbed cocoons.

A simple map tonight with my favourite stamp being overly used – the rocky hills. The cherry on top was placing a cobblestone texture I the rocky crevasse that gave it a true stone wall look – which I will definitely do again. Several trees make up the rest of the assets while three or four grass textures make up the backdrop. A stone like texture darkens some of the area around the hills and blends it with the grass otherwise a fun, quick simple map that will get the job done.

Launghui Docks

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The fog rolled in more rapidly now as the sea witch strode forward more menacingly now that the party had revealed that they wouldn’t murder the villagers. As she moved past the tables that would normally have baskets of fish piled upon them she pushed them effortlessly away snuffing out a flickering flame that stood defiantly in her path from the pan that the party had set upon the village fire pit.

The fabric covers that provided shade and shelter from sun and rain normally would catch the sea breeze and funnel it across the tables to catch the smell of the fish and replace it with the crisp salty smell of the waves. But the fog was oppressive and the coloured canvas sheets hung limply as if scared to raise their sails.

As normal there is quite a few blended textures to get the colouration right. I have three for the waves and eight for the cobblestone this week. The sails, benches and huts take up centre stage with the assets this week appearing to take over the area and provide some depth. However tables, docks, boats and even a few fishing rods that are hiding behind the fog.

Morrowell Village

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The village of Morrowell is no stranger to exotic or rare plants – but a voracious carnivorous plant? That’s got to be a new one. Especially one that reproduces thee more it eats. So the small straw thatched houses that make up most of Morrowell barely stood a chance ones the teethed vines started to creep in. A few parts of this part of the village has clearly visible plants, where as others just have vines sticking out.

The trick is to not trigger the vines by touching them, in theory, and to remove the core – the bulb of the plant itself before it discovers that its next meal is closer than you’d think.

A simple one tonight with a limited pallet. Not overly exciting but a fun little adventure regardless. Three texture paints to make up the background with a mix of watercolour and standard art assets to construct the houses, trees, barrels and plants.

Relic Traders

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The rooms around the shop are small enough to be cosy yet big enough that a few people can more comfortably. That is until you find the basement that is meant to store additional goods for trade. A disguised wall enables a passage that was dug under the neighbouring building and a section of the wall.

In the tunnels, tired and delusional adventurers are found. But they are not feeling themselves and lash out at not only their captives but also the party who have come to rescue them.

A simple one tonight with overlapping tiles, a blend of five texture paints (with nearly two variants per texture) and a few art stamps. Getting the building proportions still seems to be my biggest problem with sizing being difficult as well as making it feel natural. The tunnel was a lot easier and was otherwise run of the mill for what I normally like doing, minus closing mushrooms or crystals.

Nevarl Markets

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The party find themselves standing at the entrance of a narrow, cobblestone street, the kind that knits the many shops, craftsmen and stalls throughout the Nevarl markets. The buildings on either side are tall and constructed from sturdy stone and timber which is a blend between the several races that predominantly call the city of Nevarl home. The upper stories of the buildings jut out over the street, creating a secondary layer where signs, advertisements or simply clothes could be seen hung for all to see.

Wooden signs hang above the doors, one of which reads ‘Draodir’ in a dwarvern tavern that was famous for its exceptionally strong spirits and ale which they mixed together into a broiling mix that many rarely could stomach of finish.

Barrels and crates are stacked haphazardly along the sides of the street, some filled with goods, others empty, a reflection of the bustling trade that takes place here. The street is lit by warm, glowing lanterns hanging from the buildings and strung across the street on ropes, creating an inviting light that was deceptive considering the figures that lurked up ahead and behind.

The air is filled with the faint scent of baked goods, likely coming from a large barrel filled with day old bread near the entrance to a store renown for its freshness.

In the distance, the street narrows further and leads to an archway, beyond which the towering spires of a grand castle can be seen, their silhouettes stark against the bright blue sky. The party knew that on the way to that castle was their destination, with Joe behind them they were taking him to see his daughter and hopefully, to break the curse that had addled his mind.

Askir Cave

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The ice on the ground and pools of frozen water, or blood, create several trip hazards for tonight’s encounter. There are bones that could be used as distractions or, weapons if used in the right moment but otherwise could prove to be detrimental for those trying to sneak through the cave system.

The harsh cold walls, cold wind will make exposure a problem if one finds themselves trapped within without a source of fire or heat. But the biggest problem is the monster and its master that calls this cave home.

Dark stone walls and dark stone floor texture do the heavy lifting this week. A light snow dusting on the outside hints at the stormy light beyond the cave mouth but also shows the temperature. Bones and light sources give a bit more thematic atmosphere and tie the story into this particular map.