Here's a quick tutorial by Kuusinen for GIMP and Inkscape.
There's also a Illustration Tutorials and Advice Superthread & a tutorial for map making with QGIS.
Map Thread XIX
- Thread starter water123
- Start date
- Status
There's also a Illustration Tutorials and Advice Superthread & a tutorial for map making with QGIS.
Bravo! We've had a run of really professional-looking maps lately, and this is particularly fine.
"The Unreasoning Mask."
United Commonwealth of Columbia and Oregon
OR - Oregon
CK - Clark
VA - Vancouver (OTL Vancouver Island + Part of Washington State)
CO - Columbia
NC - New Caledonia
The UCCO came about when the British and Americans decided that the best thing to do when it comes to a problem is to say, "Screw it! Let it take care of itself!" After a few years of little to no local government, the Columbia District and the Provisional Government of Oregon to unite into a single central government. A triumvirate was created with George Abernethy of Oregon serving as President and Dr. John McLoughlin of Columbia serving as Prime Minister, and Henry A. G. Lee as Governor-General. The President is elected by a national popular vote while the Prime Minister is elected by the House of Commons. The Governor-General was appointed by the legislature with approval from both the President and Prime Minister.
The President is elected once every 6 years with a term limit of 2 terms. They are the Head of State, serving in diplomatic roles, appointing judges and ambassadors, and granting immunity and pardons. Can be removed by being impeached.
The Prime Minister is the Head of Government, they can summon or dissolve the legislature, grant titles and honors, passes laws, and runs the country with approval from the legislature. Can be removed with a vote of no confidence.
The Governor-General served as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the UCCO. They also held reserve powers. The position was abolished during the Columbian-Oregon Civil War of 1956 which the Governor-General turned on the other parts of the triumvirate and attempted to coup the government. His powers would be devolved and the position abolished in 1962 after the end of the war. The Reserve Powers were given to the legislature while Commander-in-Chief went to the President. There are modern movements that seek to combine the Prime Minister and the President into a single role, but they are mostly ignored.
The Current Prime Minister is Keith Wagoner (National Party-VA)
The Current President is Adrian Dix (Commonwealth Party-CO)
The Last Governor-General was John C. Andreason (Freedom Party-OR)
OR - Oregon
CK - Clark
VA - Vancouver (OTL Vancouver Island + Part of Washington State)
CO - Columbia
NC - New Caledonia
The UCCO came about when the British and Americans decided that the best thing to do when it comes to a problem is to say, "Screw it! Let it take care of itself!" After a few years of little to no local government, the Columbia District and the Provisional Government of Oregon to unite into a single central government. A triumvirate was created with George Abernethy of Oregon serving as President and Dr. John McLoughlin of Columbia serving as Prime Minister, and Henry A. G. Lee as Governor-General. The President is elected by a national popular vote while the Prime Minister is elected by the House of Commons. The Governor-General was appointed by the legislature with approval from both the President and Prime Minister.
The President is elected once every 6 years with a term limit of 2 terms. They are the Head of State, serving in diplomatic roles, appointing judges and ambassadors, and granting immunity and pardons. Can be removed by being impeached.
The Prime Minister is the Head of Government, they can summon or dissolve the legislature, grant titles and honors, passes laws, and runs the country with approval from the legislature. Can be removed with a vote of no confidence.
The Governor-General served as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the UCCO. They also held reserve powers. The position was abolished during the Columbian-Oregon Civil War of 1956 which the Governor-General turned on the other parts of the triumvirate and attempted to coup the government. His powers would be devolved and the position abolished in 1962 after the end of the war. The Reserve Powers were given to the legislature while Commander-in-Chief went to the President. There are modern movements that seek to combine the Prime Minister and the President into a single role, but they are mostly ignored.
The Current Prime Minister is Keith Wagoner (National Party-VA)
The Current President is Adrian Dix (Commonwealth Party-CO)
The Last Governor-General was John C. Andreason (Freedom Party-OR)
Really like the look @ShahAbbas1571 ! Decided to try outlining instead of filling on worlda.
Outlining looks better than filling imo, but what do you do with subdivisions, like US states? Ignore them or individually outline them?
Also does anyone know a quicker way of outlining than by hand? Takes quite a while.
Outlining looks better than filling imo, but what do you do with subdivisions, like US states? Ignore them or individually outline them?
Also does anyone know a quicker way of outlining than by hand? Takes quite a while.
Maybe outline internal divisions with a lighter shade of the country outline color.
A complete, modern day map of a fictional world! you'll recognize a lot of expies from OTL.
I'm assuming the colors the same as IRl nations are the equivalent of them in this world?
yes, theyre the same, because im lazy and unoriginal.
If the Great Firewall of China doesn't exist, surely someone from China is the most subscribed channel on YouTube, right?
Except if his content is in English, that's not guaranteed : Internet access in China is lower than in the US, and there are more English speakers than Mandarin speakers (because you don't need to be a native speaker to watch someone's YouTube videos.
I mean that would be correct. He/she would be bilingual to attract both English-speaking and Mandarin-speaking audiences. There's 1.116 billion Mandarin speakers worldwide, and 1.5-2 billion English speakers.
Based off this map I always loved by @Jon the Numbat and being heavily influenced from my favourite TL on this site A Land of Sweetness by @Every Grass in Java
The invention and early adoption of the sail leads to a much more robust, and connected Mesoamerica. This shows all the lands currently touched by Mesoamerican trade, culture, and ideas circa the 15th century.
I’ve been wanting to make this map for a while but always started, deleted, and started again. The multitude of different peoples and regions is what usually drove me off but I finally managed to finish it.
The invention and early adoption of the sail leads to a much more robust, and connected Mesoamerica. This shows all the lands currently touched by Mesoamerican trade, culture, and ideas circa the 15th century.
I’ve been wanting to make this map for a while but always started, deleted, and started again. The multitude of different peoples and regions is what usually drove me off but I finally managed to finish it.
The Pacific acts as a highway of peoples interacting and influencing one another. The increased trade has helped bring stability and new life into the region.
The OTL Colima based confederation was formed as an alliance of cities dedicated to keeping the Tarascans to the east and the Xaliscans to the west out.
In Jalisco, the Cora are experiencing a renaissance as trade flows down from their Huichol allies based in their mountain valleys in the form of different ores being forged into utilitarian tools, jewels, pelts, and peyote, and from their own lands, as new terraces and agricultural villages provide produce for export and new circular-stepped pyramids rise up in their cities.
To the north in Sinaloa, the Totorames and their Xiximec foederati wage war against their rivals to the north, the Tahues and Acaxees. The capturing and flaying of enemy warriors to the foreign god Xipe Totec is increasingly in vogue.
In littoral Sonora, the northernmost altepetls rise from the cactus shrubs. For many looking to trade further north these lands are the last one would call civilized. The Mayo and Yaqui valley lords are content getting rich off farming, crafting and the trade that comes with accommodating merchants from the south. A Cahítan trade language has formed throughout the region, bridging the gaps between these similar coastal peoples.
The Seri are the one exception. Killing any interloper that happens to the stumble onto their lands and rejecting everything the foreigners bring.
The confederation of trade ports at the tip of Baja California is considered culturally a part of Aztatlan although geographically separate. This sleepy confederation is descended from old posts established by various Aztatlan traders and united to keep business and new trade routes open. The Pericúes try their best not to anger their coastal lords in fear of slave raids.
The OTL Colima based confederation was formed as an alliance of cities dedicated to keeping the Tarascans to the east and the Xaliscans to the west out.
In Jalisco, the Cora are experiencing a renaissance as trade flows down from their Huichol allies based in their mountain valleys in the form of different ores being forged into utilitarian tools, jewels, pelts, and peyote, and from their own lands, as new terraces and agricultural villages provide produce for export and new circular-stepped pyramids rise up in their cities.
To the north in Sinaloa, the Totorames and their Xiximec foederati wage war against their rivals to the north, the Tahues and Acaxees. The capturing and flaying of enemy warriors to the foreign god Xipe Totec is increasingly in vogue.
In littoral Sonora, the northernmost altepetls rise from the cactus shrubs. For many looking to trade further north these lands are the last one would call civilized. The Mayo and Yaqui valley lords are content getting rich off farming, crafting and the trade that comes with accommodating merchants from the south. A Cahítan trade language has formed throughout the region, bridging the gaps between these similar coastal peoples.
The Seri are the one exception. Killing any interloper that happens to the stumble onto their lands and rejecting everything the foreigners bring.
The confederation of trade ports at the tip of Baja California is considered culturally a part of Aztatlan although geographically separate. This sleepy confederation is descended from old posts established by various Aztatlan traders and united to keep business and new trade routes open. The Pericúes try their best not to anger their coastal lords in fear of slave raids.
These desert lands are increasingly being pulled into Mesoamericas sphere. The villages around the Colorado and Gila river boom as entrepôts are established at the Colorados mouth.
The Patayans and the Hohokam are the forefront of this new world, eagerly accepting merchants bringing new wonders like copper tools, macuahuitls, bales of cotton, and parrots. Both of these people are intensifying the building and management of irrigation canals to water their fields.
To the west, the various Takic people help facilitate trade with the Chumash chiefs in California. Whale ivory, acorns, mesquite, pinyon nuts, gold, and timber are slithering their ways east towards the Colorado.
Religion plays an ever increasing role in Oasisamerica, helping to explain the world and mans place in it. The multi storied villages of the various Mogollon and Puebloan peoples are increasingly built with Mesoamerican-style ball courts and grand kivas, as Kachina cults grow in popularity. Some people further south would find certain rituals and the characteristics of some spirits vaguely familiar. An increasing number of villages are dedicating people to the gathering of resources for trade as this helps ease shortages brought about by climate change. Buffalo products, turquoise, ceramics, and textiles are all popular exports in the south.
Recent Navajo migrations have helped revitalize the region, with new villages being founded, others being absorbed into already established villages, and others becoming traders helping to bridge and connect the different peoples together.
The Patayans and the Hohokam are the forefront of this new world, eagerly accepting merchants bringing new wonders like copper tools, macuahuitls, bales of cotton, and parrots. Both of these people are intensifying the building and management of irrigation canals to water their fields.
To the west, the various Takic people help facilitate trade with the Chumash chiefs in California. Whale ivory, acorns, mesquite, pinyon nuts, gold, and timber are slithering their ways east towards the Colorado.
Religion plays an ever increasing role in Oasisamerica, helping to explain the world and mans place in it. The multi storied villages of the various Mogollon and Puebloan peoples are increasingly built with Mesoamerican-style ball courts and grand kivas, as Kachina cults grow in popularity. Some people further south would find certain rituals and the characteristics of some spirits vaguely familiar. An increasing number of villages are dedicating people to the gathering of resources for trade as this helps ease shortages brought about by climate change. Buffalo products, turquoise, ceramics, and textiles are all popular exports in the south.
Recent Navajo migrations have helped revitalize the region, with new villages being founded, others being absorbed into already established villages, and others becoming traders helping to bridge and connect the different peoples together.
A Cholulan based HRE uniting various Nahua, Otomi, Zapotec and numerous others in an informal empire under the blessings of the Quetzalcoatl priesthood is the main power in the highlands. The old pyramid of Cholula has been cleared of debris and a new taller pyramid, the largest ever constructed on the continent, built as testament to the power of the realm. Many lords make the pilgrimage here to give tribute and be crowned by the tlalchiach and aquiach.
To the north, far from Cholulas reach, the Huastecs and Otomi control their own cities. Happy to be far from the feuds and intrigue in the cities to the south. The Otomi in particular are interacting more and more with their Pame neighbours to their north. Every year the Pame become more Mesoamericanized, marrying into Huastec and Otomi families, settling down to farm, and trading with their kin back home.
In Michoacan, the Tarascan emperor is living in a world of their own, building elaborate fire temples dedicated to their gods. Tarascan made copper goods are found throughout Mesoamerica, and they are increasingly experimenting with copper edged weapons and armor. Although being checked in the west by the Coliman alliance, the Tarascan emperor gazes east hoping to strike at Cholula should they catch them distracted.
To their south lies the Tlapanec kingdom of Yopitzinco, the Mixtec kingdom of Yucu Dzaa and the Zapotec kingdom of Guisi’si Gui, all eagerly participating with trade north and south, all hoping not to catch the ire of the Cholulans or Tarascans.
The gulf coast is home to the Totonac city-states, dominating trade and agriculture in the lowlands. Vast palatial complexes and temples dot this bountiful land. Snuggled between the lofty Totonacs and the expansionist Yucatec lies the city-state of Cohuatzacualco creating a much appreciated buffer between the Mayas and the rest of Mesoamerica. The lands south of Cohuatzacualco is a hodgepodge of Mixes, Zoques, and various Mayans living in small cities.
Yucatan society went through a collapse as the Mayapan league burned itself and revolts tore apart the noble families. The old cities waged war with one another until all were ruined. Only now recovering under a Tiho centered empire. The Yucatec are a people ravaged by civil war hoping that by uniting and controlling outer territories as tributaries, their homeland can prosper.
To the north, far from Cholulas reach, the Huastecs and Otomi control their own cities. Happy to be far from the feuds and intrigue in the cities to the south. The Otomi in particular are interacting more and more with their Pame neighbours to their north. Every year the Pame become more Mesoamericanized, marrying into Huastec and Otomi families, settling down to farm, and trading with their kin back home.
In Michoacan, the Tarascan emperor is living in a world of their own, building elaborate fire temples dedicated to their gods. Tarascan made copper goods are found throughout Mesoamerica, and they are increasingly experimenting with copper edged weapons and armor. Although being checked in the west by the Coliman alliance, the Tarascan emperor gazes east hoping to strike at Cholula should they catch them distracted.
To their south lies the Tlapanec kingdom of Yopitzinco, the Mixtec kingdom of Yucu Dzaa and the Zapotec kingdom of Guisi’si Gui, all eagerly participating with trade north and south, all hoping not to catch the ire of the Cholulans or Tarascans.
The gulf coast is home to the Totonac city-states, dominating trade and agriculture in the lowlands. Vast palatial complexes and temples dot this bountiful land. Snuggled between the lofty Totonacs and the expansionist Yucatec lies the city-state of Cohuatzacualco creating a much appreciated buffer between the Mayas and the rest of Mesoamerica. The lands south of Cohuatzacualco is a hodgepodge of Mixes, Zoques, and various Mayans living in small cities.
Yucatan society went through a collapse as the Mayapan league burned itself and revolts tore apart the noble families. The old cities waged war with one another until all were ruined. Only now recovering under a Tiho centered empire. The Yucatec are a people ravaged by civil war hoping that by uniting and controlling outer territories as tributaries, their homeland can prosper.
The K’iche’ empire rules over the highlands of Guatemala, growing rich off of their control of rich obsidian mines, jade deposits, and the Xoconochco lowlands. In a state of perpetual rivalry with the Yucatec empire to the north in terms of artistic achievements, monumental architecture, and territorial control. The forested lands of the Itza and the Mopan have seen countless battles fought back and forth between these two distinct Mayan people.
South of the K’iche’ lies a collection of independent city-states inhabited by peoples of various ethnicities speaking various languages. Although having differences, all share a common culture, looking north towards the Valley of Mexico instead of the closer Maya, and most have a fraternal view of one another with princes marrying princess of neighboring kingdoms to cement and build their ties. All of the regions merchants work closely with each other to ensure peace and cooperation between the kingdoms rather than risk war. Starting in the north: The Pipil kingdom of Cozcatlan, the Lenca kingdom of Chaparrastique, the Cholutec kingdom, the Tezoatega kingdom, the Nicarao kingdom of Quauhcapolca, and the kingdom of Nicoya.
Heading towards the Atlantic is a stretch of land sparsely-inhabited by chiefdoms and small villages. Too far away to benefit from coastal trade, the people here prefer the simple life. Most of the resources worked on by the Pacific cities are sourced from this area. The Miskito lands on the Atlantic are going through a cultural revolution with any items produced in Mesoamerica seen as prestigious and holding religious significance. Those chiefs rich enough to send canoes towards the Yucatec and the K’iche’ to trade with whatever they can. This trade is fueling a growing movement in the Miskito lands of rich chiefs taking over smaller chiefdoms.
South of the K’iche’ lies a collection of independent city-states inhabited by peoples of various ethnicities speaking various languages. Although having differences, all share a common culture, looking north towards the Valley of Mexico instead of the closer Maya, and most have a fraternal view of one another with princes marrying princess of neighboring kingdoms to cement and build their ties. All of the regions merchants work closely with each other to ensure peace and cooperation between the kingdoms rather than risk war. Starting in the north: The Pipil kingdom of Cozcatlan, the Lenca kingdom of Chaparrastique, the Cholutec kingdom, the Tezoatega kingdom, the Nicarao kingdom of Quauhcapolca, and the kingdom of Nicoya.
Heading towards the Atlantic is a stretch of land sparsely-inhabited by chiefdoms and small villages. Too far away to benefit from coastal trade, the people here prefer the simple life. Most of the resources worked on by the Pacific cities are sourced from this area. The Miskito lands on the Atlantic are going through a cultural revolution with any items produced in Mesoamerica seen as prestigious and holding religious significance. Those chiefs rich enough to send canoes towards the Yucatec and the K’iche’ to trade with whatever they can. This trade is fueling a growing movement in the Miskito lands of rich chiefs taking over smaller chiefdoms.
OTL Costa Rica is ruled by the golden Huetar empire. One of two great centers of Chibcha speaking peoples of the isthmus. From coast to coast, trade is encouraged and portage across the kingdom protected by soldiers of the emperor based in the Central Valley. Although encouraging the settling of Mesoamericans into their lands, the Huetars see nothing special about their foreign gods or their customs preferring instead to construct gilded stone temples in the traditional style. Raids are conducted south towards their Panamanian rivals.
The Panama based kingdom is descended from mercenaries who conquered the region and saw the trade potential of a land connecting the two great oceans. Two great cities, one on the Atlantic and the other on the Pacific, connected to one another by a royal highway directs trade. Canals and paved roads keep the road dry and straight, ensuring a smooth journey. At the great markets are the meeting points between North and South America where you could find traders as far away as Ecuador haggling with Caribbean Taino over the price of llama wool and coca, where Mayan artisans show off the newest fashion styles, and Mixtec and Colombian jewelers compete for customers.
Coastal Colombia is a frontier land, sparsely-inhabited but rich in gold. The people here are recent participants in the growing Mesoamerican trade network, the Zenu are growing new crops in well-watered valleys, building new canals in order to better manage rivers. In the mountains, the Tairona direct new mines be dug and everyday more people are pulled towards the coast as prosperity increases the quality of life here.
The Panama based kingdom is descended from mercenaries who conquered the region and saw the trade potential of a land connecting the two great oceans. Two great cities, one on the Atlantic and the other on the Pacific, connected to one another by a royal highway directs trade. Canals and paved roads keep the road dry and straight, ensuring a smooth journey. At the great markets are the meeting points between North and South America where you could find traders as far away as Ecuador haggling with Caribbean Taino over the price of llama wool and coca, where Mayan artisans show off the newest fashion styles, and Mixtec and Colombian jewelers compete for customers.
Coastal Colombia is a frontier land, sparsely-inhabited but rich in gold. The people here are recent participants in the growing Mesoamerican trade network, the Zenu are growing new crops in well-watered valleys, building new canals in order to better manage rivers. In the mountains, the Tairona direct new mines be dug and everyday more people are pulled towards the coast as prosperity increases the quality of life here.
What was once an infrequent trading relationship has been utterly changed. The Caribbean is no doubt at this time a part of Mesoamerica with knowledge of the islands commonly taught throughout Mesoamerica. The Taino have readily accepted new farming techniques from the mainland and makeup the largest foreign merchants in all coastal ports with some even venturing to the Pacific.
Large plantations grow cash crops in high demand in Mesoamerica as well as food staples like corn and manioc, tobacco, cacao, honey, and a wide range of tropical fruits destined for export. The capitals of the different cacicazgos are something you'd expect from the mainland with pyramids, great markets, and ball courts. Although the caciques participate in rituals to these foreign gods, the religion of the islands is still shown through Zemi idols, now housed in large complexes at the capitals.
The island of Cuba, due to geography, is the most closest culturally to Mesoamerica with many different peoples from the mainland living on the island as artisans, traders, or advisers to the caciques. Cuban traders have recently started venturing more north, interacting more with the Mississippians, and happy to be the middle-men in this new lucrative trade route.
The island of Ayiti(Hispaniola), is the second most populous island, home to five cacicazgos, each content on ruling their small part of the island.
To the south lies the cacique of Xaymaca(Jamaica), a powerful lord whose ships can be found throughout the Caribbean.
East of the island of Ayiti, lies the cacique of Boriken(Puerto Rico), the most Taino culturally of the cacicazgos, with few Mesoamericans visiting the island due to the distance and with a focus more in defending their island from Carib raiders coming from their south east.
Large plantations grow cash crops in high demand in Mesoamerica as well as food staples like corn and manioc, tobacco, cacao, honey, and a wide range of tropical fruits destined for export. The capitals of the different cacicazgos are something you'd expect from the mainland with pyramids, great markets, and ball courts. Although the caciques participate in rituals to these foreign gods, the religion of the islands is still shown through Zemi idols, now housed in large complexes at the capitals.
The island of Cuba, due to geography, is the most closest culturally to Mesoamerica with many different peoples from the mainland living on the island as artisans, traders, or advisers to the caciques. Cuban traders have recently started venturing more north, interacting more with the Mississippians, and happy to be the middle-men in this new lucrative trade route.
The island of Ayiti(Hispaniola), is the second most populous island, home to five cacicazgos, each content on ruling their small part of the island.
To the south lies the cacique of Xaymaca(Jamaica), a powerful lord whose ships can be found throughout the Caribbean.
East of the island of Ayiti, lies the cacique of Boriken(Puerto Rico), the most Taino culturally of the cacicazgos, with few Mesoamericans visiting the island due to the distance and with a focus more in defending their island from Carib raiders coming from their south east.
Just as Oasisamerica was influenced by Mesoamerica through Aztatlan, and the southern Chibchan kingdoms in Costa Rica and Colombia through Central America, the Mississippians are being influenced by Mesoamerica through a Caribbean proxy. Trade for new exotic goods and the assistance of Cuban advisers in new agricultural techniques has helped bring food security to the coastal chiefdoms allowing more people to take up different professions. Armed with new ideologies and a growing military to enforce the centralizing of authority, new knowledge of metal-working and stone-working, and a newfound hunger for luxury imports, the coastal chiefdoms have expanded and consolidated their holdings.
The Southeastern Ceremonial Complex has worked wonderfully at incorporating many influences from Mesoamerica. Quetzalcoatl statuettes were readily adapted to fit the Birdman. The Paisa dragons and underwater panthers most likely live in one level of Mictlan. Auto-sacrificial and human sacrifices were both seen as natural to both peoples and even some Taino have joined in chunkey games and have taught their Mississippi neighbours the rules of their own games.
Centered on the great Mississippi, the Natchez Great Sun rules over a multitude of peoples. One of the greatest recipient of this new trade network. The river is filled with canoes going up and down bringing goods all across the greater Mississippian area and ships from overseas bringing valuable imports from abroad. With a quetzal-feathered headdress and jaguar robes, the Great Sun surely looks godly to his subject chiefs. The capital is the largest city one can find in this part of the world.
The Caddoans, west of the Natchez, have focused on securing their future through tribute to the Great Suns and new roads leading to the Mississippi are always busy. The Arkansas river is a magnet for peoples looking to trade and the Caddoans are more than happy to help this trade pass through their lands.
East of the Natchez lies the land of the Pensacola and the Apalachee chiefdoms. Intensifying the production of tobacco, crops, and the manufacturing of deerskins for sale. These two chiefdoms are the most populous besides the Natchez.
In OTL southern Florida, the Calusa have taken influence from both the Caribbean and the Mississippians and mixed it with their own Floridian culture. Mounds rise up by their coastal villages where fisherman and traders are constantly moving up and down the coasts. The Calusa are the greatest sailors in this part of America with some even making the trip to Cuba to the happy surprise of the cacique of Habana.
The Guale and the Cofitachequi chiefdoms in present day coastal Georgia and South Carolina are at the frontier of what the Taino would consider to be civilization with nothing of value to be gained north of these sparsely-inhabited lands.
Straddling all of the above named chiefdoms lie the villages and towns of the South Appalachian Mississippian peoples. A source of raw goods and people either willing or not to move into the coastal chiefdoms. North of this is the Middle Mississippian region. These peoples and lands are the core of which all the others were influenced by. Home of Cahokia, and other ancient ceremonial centers. This ancient land is still looked upon by the priests and shamans of the coasts as their ancestral homeland.
The Fort Ancient culture in OTL Ohio is a sister culture similar to the Calusa. Being deeply influenced and pulled into the Mississippian cultural world as interactions between it and their neighbours to the south increase.
The Southeastern Ceremonial Complex has worked wonderfully at incorporating many influences from Mesoamerica. Quetzalcoatl statuettes were readily adapted to fit the Birdman. The Paisa dragons and underwater panthers most likely live in one level of Mictlan. Auto-sacrificial and human sacrifices were both seen as natural to both peoples and even some Taino have joined in chunkey games and have taught their Mississippi neighbours the rules of their own games.
Centered on the great Mississippi, the Natchez Great Sun rules over a multitude of peoples. One of the greatest recipient of this new trade network. The river is filled with canoes going up and down bringing goods all across the greater Mississippian area and ships from overseas bringing valuable imports from abroad. With a quetzal-feathered headdress and jaguar robes, the Great Sun surely looks godly to his subject chiefs. The capital is the largest city one can find in this part of the world.
The Caddoans, west of the Natchez, have focused on securing their future through tribute to the Great Suns and new roads leading to the Mississippi are always busy. The Arkansas river is a magnet for peoples looking to trade and the Caddoans are more than happy to help this trade pass through their lands.
East of the Natchez lies the land of the Pensacola and the Apalachee chiefdoms. Intensifying the production of tobacco, crops, and the manufacturing of deerskins for sale. These two chiefdoms are the most populous besides the Natchez.
In OTL southern Florida, the Calusa have taken influence from both the Caribbean and the Mississippians and mixed it with their own Floridian culture. Mounds rise up by their coastal villages where fisherman and traders are constantly moving up and down the coasts. The Calusa are the greatest sailors in this part of America with some even making the trip to Cuba to the happy surprise of the cacique of Habana.
The Guale and the Cofitachequi chiefdoms in present day coastal Georgia and South Carolina are at the frontier of what the Taino would consider to be civilization with nothing of value to be gained north of these sparsely-inhabited lands.
Straddling all of the above named chiefdoms lie the villages and towns of the South Appalachian Mississippian peoples. A source of raw goods and people either willing or not to move into the coastal chiefdoms. North of this is the Middle Mississippian region. These peoples and lands are the core of which all the others were influenced by. Home of Cahokia, and other ancient ceremonial centers. This ancient land is still looked upon by the priests and shamans of the coasts as their ancestral homeland.
The Fort Ancient culture in OTL Ohio is a sister culture similar to the Calusa. Being deeply influenced and pulled into the Mississippian cultural world as interactions between it and their neighbours to the south increase.
I know GIMP has "shrink selection," which can be used to make outlines. Let me see how quickly I can convert the worlda from here: https://hadaril.github.io/nextgen/2017.png
Start Time is 3:26:00
EDIT:
End time 4:21:30, just under 1 hour. Most of that was cleaning up provincial borders, which unfortunately still have to be done manually.
EDIT 2:
Disregard that, just noticed I messed up Argentina. Counting that, end time is 4:28:40, just over 1 hour.
My general process was Select > by color > (select national borders and coastlines) > paintbucket tool for the big stuff, then Select > by color > (select provincial border pixels) > pencil tool with whatever size fits best for the provincial borders and autonomous areas. The lakes were mostly manual.
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Youtube is blocked in China; Chinese generally use the local equivalent, Youku, or Tencent's v.qq, or other video sites
Small climate map of Arano, the world where I set up a role-playing game that I'm going to master.
Dark blue is for rainforests, light blue for savannah or monsoons, yellow-green is for Mediterranean climate yellow-orange is for deserts, dark green is for forests, light green is for pastures. The very light yellow is a dry steppe.
Beige areas are high mountains.
This world is inspired by RPG mechanics : there are two moons, one is similar to our moon, both in terms of cycle and looks, the other is small and green, and is the world where the old Gods live. Whenever this moon achieves a rotation (approximately 45 days) some of the living beings will ressucite. Living beings with a "soul" (indicated by the presence of an iris in this world, so mostly humanoids, some magic varieties of vertebrates, several mammals and fishes, and other magic beings) can't ressucite. However, "soulless" creatures will ressucite (basically respawn) every time the Moon of the Gods achieves its circle.
The main country is the Empire, mostly located on the Western part of the continent (the Duchy of the Bridge, on the continent's isthmus, is the Easternmost part, apart from overseas of the Empire).
Hows this?
Man I really need to start using GIMP. Doing the outlining in Paint.net took way too long. Thanks for the advice!
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There is an add on for Paint.net which adds an automatic outline tool
That's why Xinjiang is split, but I agree. Tibet's rivers too valuable to let go, so they will never be let go.
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