#map key

[digitalfossils]

[dice-pics]

[oldschoolfrp]

Mapping the wilderness with standard terrain symbols (Bill Willingham, from Hexagonal Mapping Booklet for TSR role playing games, 1981)

[lazzmap]

Dungeon Map Symbols

I made a Legend of the top 40 dungeon map symbols most used in maps that I produce for various game publishers.  I also found this simple graph paper sheet with parchment border I made many eons ago....

Cheers!

Lazz

[lazzmap]

Sketch of a map legend I did a long time ago....

[fencarys]

Main country: Gyldeithr (GILD-eth-eer) [loosely translates to “strange land”]

Capital City: Stellnyd (STELL-nid) [loosely translates to “mountain city”] || This great city was founded when the Survivors crossed the mountains and first discovered this new land. Nestled against the mountains and bordering a yawning canyon, this city is easily defensible. The roofs of the buildings within the walls are all staggered in height to allow for an infallible archery defense. It’s social classes are apparent when entering the city - the poorest stuck at ground level while the rich and nobility are built on higher levels that surround the topmost level - the castle.

LAND MARKS:

Târaith (TAHR- ayth) Gorge [loosely translates to “fire scar” gorge] || This canyon is very old and vast in both depth and width, and splitting half the country in two. It gapes many miles across at its widest point, plunging to unsurvivable depths. It was formed during a great earth quake that split the very ground itself, bursting with the flames of the underworld. An underground river was exposed and freed in the same quake, and this water quickly overtook the molten earth. This river holds the same name as the gorge it runs through, eventually connecting with the lake.

Târaith River [named for the Târaith Gorge] || This river burst forth from and underground spring after a massive earth quake split the earth open. It is the river that cooled the fires the quake had let loose, and it runs steady and strong through the gorge. It supports much wildlife at the bottom of the canyon. Very few people ever venture down to it’s waters.

The Môryrn (MOORE-eern) Peaks [loosely translates to the “ocean’s horns” peaks] || Little is known about these mighty mountains. Only two rise dramatically from the ocean, stretching so high that their peaks are hidden by cloud. They are colossal and unexplored, housing all manner of giant beasts and bird alike. A roaring waterfall cascades from between the twin peaks, pouring into the sea below. The great falls have created violent waters full of cyclones and towering swells that are impossible to sail. Rhwystân (roo-is-TAHN) Mountains [loosely translates to “fire barrier” mountains] || This mountain range is far more mundane in size than the two fangs that end their expanse, but they are large nonetheless. They stretch along the western edge of Gyldeithr until they end at a dark and ancient forest that is largely feared and unexplored. The mountains earned their name when the Survivors realized that the destruction of the volcano stopped on the other side of the range. They are prime hunting grounds. Unigawr (UNEE-gow-er) Lake [named after person] || This lake is vast and entirely fresh water. All streams and rivers connect here. You can’t see to the other side unless you are on a vantage point. It’s fishing is wonderful and abundant, providing a means of healthy living for many villages. It was named for a renowned war general, Unigawr. When his forces were backed against the lake a sure to be defeated by the savages of the north, his quick thinking and clever strategy overtook their enemies. Cefnach (CEHF-nack) River [named for the city of Cefnach] || This river runs from the Unigawr Lake and eastward to the sea. At the coast, it branches into small tributaries. This river serves as a high traffic trading route from the port city of Cefnach, which was build around its branched tributaries. More than half of the countries foreign goods and traders are ferried along this river. Môrwyg (moore-WIG) River [named for the Môrwyg forest] || This river serves well for fishing and water mills, but is too shallow for anything more than canoes to travel down. The current is swift and rapids are frequent, and bears often come here in the spring for catching fish. The river gets its name for the large forest it runs southward into. Môrwyg Forest [loosely translates to “green sky” forest] || Môrwyg forest is large and thick with underbrush, it’s trees called home by many animals and birds alike. Hunters and trappers flood this forest, which spurred the passing of hunting laws and regulations. The much larger and older forest to the north none dare enter. Naught but death awaits there, so this forest is often in danger of being over logged and over hunted. THIS KEY IS ONLY HALF FINISHED, AND I WILL CONTINUE TO ADD TO IT

[anywhichwayatlas]

Almost forgot to post this here!

Dungeon map Key

[oldschoolfrp]

Terrain symbols for hex crawls.  (Cook & Marsh D&D Expert Rulebook, TSR, 1981.)