Post by G on Jun 25, 2015 10:47:12 GMT -8
Hey all. I am currently building a world for my, as of yet untitled, fantasy series, which I hope to make scientifically accurate. That said, I am not much of a cartographer, and could use assistance, either in finding and learning a program to use to build it, or with actually drawing it (preferably digitally). The area on which I would like to focus for the time being is the small kingdom of Ilion, situated on the coast of a continent called Dragonrock (on which the Heila, their decendents (Dragons and Aeri), and Humans evolved). To the north of the kingdom is Dragonridge, a seldom traveled, are almost entirely un-explored mountain range in the icy north (this region of Dragonrock is about where scandanavia would be in terms of latitude). To the south are smaller kingdoms and unaffiliated tribes, towns, principalities, etc. Like any good kingdom, it is overseen by a king (Elias, or more properly, The Right Honorable King Elias). It's full title is The Sovereign Kingdom of Ilion, and it is divided into five duchies:
Within each duchy is duchy land (land sparsely inhabited, and administered in special districts by the duchy's administration), counties (administered by counts/countesses), and marchs (administered by Marquesses/Marchionesses). Within each of these are towns (administered by Mayors, each with its own council of aldermen/alderwomen). I have many towns and counties thought up, but a good place to start would just be to map out the duchies, terrain, and kingdom, so I will leave it there for now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If anyone wants to help, lets open the discussion here.
Thank you.
- Capitol - Needless to say, this is the capitol region, and metropolitan epicenter of Ilion. It is the smallest geographically, but largest in terms of population, of all the duchies in the kingdom. Unlike the other duchies, it is overseen by a "Grand Duke" also known in the story as The Honorable Grand Prince of Capitol. King Elias, his central administration, courier service, and all other "federal" programs are based here. Capitol, or "The Capitol" which it is sometimes called, is located in the southern-central portion of the coast, and comprises roughly 10% of the kingdom in a fairly square-ish shape.
- The Marchs (pronounced Marks) - Coastal land, more rectangular in shape. Marchs (from which the duchy got its name) dot the coast, as opposed to the usual Counties (lead by Counts), these are lead by two individuals: The Marquess/Marchioness (Administrative Manager of the March, akin to the Count), and the Margrave (military leader for the militia of the march. In these areas, though populated with individuals with many different occupations, military members make up a large plurality of all working men and women.
- Dragonsgate - The northern borderland of Ilion, this region is just south of The Valley of Ice, the glen/valley south of Dragonridge. The mountain range surrounds this region, so little is needed in the way of milita, except the northeastern march which is the only eastern border of Ilion not contained in Ironforge. This region is sparsely populated, hilly, and cold. Winters here see snow for 12 of the 16 lunar months, counted on most calendars from the nations of Dragonrock.
- Ironforge - By far the largest, and least densly populated duchy, this rural region surrounds most of Ilion from the South and East. Much of it is hilly, mountainous, or forest land. The eastern border of Ironforge (also the eastern border of Ilion) is adjacent to massive regions of unclaimed land, dotted by numerous tribes and small principalities. There are a few Marchs on this border. Ironforge is filled with hearty people, strong in muscle and spirit, many tending to crops or herds. This region has the lowest population of any duchy in Ilion. Its people often feel strong ties to nature, and opt to use every part of every animal they choose to kill for food. Though they are peaceful, they defend their land with vigor and valor.
- Southerly - The southern border of Ilion largely consists of a single, rectangular duchy called Southerly. The southern border of Southerly is the southern border of Ilion (the sole exception being a portion to the east which is occupied by Ironforge, which also wraps around the northern border of Southerly. Southerly is a peaceful region, with the exception of the southern marchs. Its people often extol intellect over might, and act in diplomatic fashion to Ilion's southern neighbors. Southerly is a moderately populated duchy, and is the academic center of Ilion. There are many universities, including The King's Univeristy, the most prestigious and well regarded in all of Ilion.
Within each duchy is duchy land (land sparsely inhabited, and administered in special districts by the duchy's administration), counties (administered by counts/countesses), and marchs (administered by Marquesses/Marchionesses). Within each of these are towns (administered by Mayors, each with its own council of aldermen/alderwomen). I have many towns and counties thought up, but a good place to start would just be to map out the duchies, terrain, and kingdom, so I will leave it there for now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If anyone wants to help, lets open the discussion here.
Thank you.
