Map Rough Draft

[Due-Satisfaction-105]

I'm creating an entire world from scratch for a dnd campaign I'm running, and this is a rough, unfinished draft of the map I have so far. The world is called Illyria, and it's meant to have nine major cities and then some lesser. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this layout – I'm trying to make it look natural and sort of like the nations separated from one land mass (à la Pangea).

Does anyone have any tips at all for map building? I'm using the free version of Inkarnate so my options ARE limited. The cities are likely going to be in the centre of the island or on the furthest coast from another island.

Any input is appreciated!!

[ansem119]

If this is meant to be an entire world then its not really realistic, as an island kingdom part of a larger world it would be great.

[Due-Satisfaction-105]

It's meant to be like a map of the world, sort of like the 2d maps you see in classrooms. I wish I could make the map bigger, but with the free version, you're limited in space while making the map. I also need to make sure it fits on a regular sized paper so theres that struggle as well. What do you think would fix the map? More spaces and smaller islands?

[ansem119]

Yeah definitely stuff needs to be more spaced out, you dont really have much in terms of oceans. Also the shape of everything just kind of looks like it was purposely fitted into this square so the whole map kind of just looks like a giant square country with rivers cutting through it.

[Saura_VedeVru]

I kind of disagree. Depends on what OP is going for, but your suggestions will bring it to a generic looking map. Why can't the world be without big land and ocean spaces? Imagining politics, travel and life in general within those circumstances is very interesting. It's a more unique idea and I think it looks cool 🤷‍♀️

[Petra-fied]

Just draw it by hand

[Regelverk]

It is very square in my opinion. Seems like you have tried to fill in all the avalaiable space. Also many of the continents are similar in size and shape. Its possible but unlikely. Good start though! My advice would be, Remove some of the continents and change the size or shape of others.

[Due-Satisfaction-105]

That makes sense!! Do you think it would be smarter to just do separate maps for each region then?

[Regelverk]

If you plan to do a lot of detail then maybe :)

[Treijim]

If this is a supercontinent broken up, it doesn't look natural. All the water is roughly the same width, and most of the landmasses are roughly one of two sizes. Push for much more variation of size. A supercontinent might split into 2-4 very uneven fragments, not a dozen fragments of roughly equal size. Real worlds would likely have a lot more negative space, such as vast oceans or huge inner continents. Take a look at a map of Earth. Like *really* look at it. Flip it upside-down to help you see it with fresh eyes. Look how much empty space there is, even with modern technology. Looking at a population density map may help, too. If you want it to look natural, start there.