Building Out the World

I've been looking forward to this point in development when the focus turns to developing regions and essentially going into full time level design.  Referencing the world map, the goal here is to essentially build out the Western portion of the map (everything west of the Great Wall) - that's where this story will take place.

As you can see, much of that land is made of desert - so it was important that I could create attractive desert landscapes. What's a little different about this desert though is that it's not as barren as we often think of them.  It has coastal areas, an oasis, caves, and unique plant life that isn't of the good ol' cacti family.

Hey, ever wonder why beaches are comprised of sand near water, but sand in the desert is known for being in extremely dry areas?  What gives, sand?  Deserts are usually bleak and scathing, while beaches are relaxing and comforting.  But in both scenarios you're walking on sand.  I found that interesting and it's why I thought it would make for a cool fantasy world.

So here's two examples of terrain/regions I've been working on that pertain to that design.  One is quite literally a rocky desert, meant to evoke loneliness and danger.   The second is coastal, beach-like port area that will lead into a grassier plain - so more welcoming.

These terrains will be populated with our graphics set - this is literally just the terrain, still void of secondary rocks, walls, plant life, signposts, etc.

The "Pampali Expanse" - not the friendliest or most populated of game regions.

"Port Greatneck" - a village port town will be built here.