Dungeons and Dankness Part 4: How to Make a Map

We planned out our epics and features, going through each one and voting on priority.  Story is our major focus right now, as the story will either make or break our campaign.  After establishing our basics, delighters, and satifiers, we started creating the map, which is simpler than you might think.

The above is our protoype map, which is split into two continents.

Making fantasy maps is pretty simple, so here's Noah Rotter's patented guide to creating fantasy worlds.

1. Start drawing continental plates
2. Determine where the continents are ramming into each other, that's where your mountains will be.
3. The furthest points from you mountain will be where the oceans are
4. Did your world have an Ice Age?  If so, then your continents are going to be cut up near poles due to glaciers.
5. Rivers always flow downhill and take the path of least resistance, i.e. rivers flow from mountains and always flow into each other.  A river will never split in half.
6. Islands are formed in many ways, the two most common are continental islands and volcanic islands.  Continental islands are formed by glaciers/rising sea level and will occur around the coast.  Volcanic islands are made by rising volcanoes, and occur where continents are splitting apart.
7. Deserts occur in bands around the 30th parallel, that is, above and below the equator.

Use these 7 helpful tips in creating your own world!