Monday, March 21, 2022

'Byzantiad' Campaign Map - Work in Progress


 'Illuminated' map for my Byzantiad campaign/ narrative.  I have a feeling that there are too many place names - within the coloured area at any rate.  Not yet sure whether to divide up into 'themes', or to connect the places by a road network.  

Probably the Fatimid Egyptians won't feature, as the figures I gave don't really 'fit' that army.  Otherwise I think I can dredge up armies that will look like what they purport to be, even if they reappear in Italy, the Balkans or the Levant!

If anyone has any suggestions for this map, I'd be glad to hear them!



14 comments:

  1. Hi Ion...A great map which looks very professional. I actually like the abundance of place names, it makes it easier to locate battles and monitor campaign progress. I also like the idea of a road network or at least the major trunk roads between towns as a means of supporting lines of advance or retreat. Your cavalryman drawing is good, not sure if he is either very angry or just fierce while the horse look rather more friendly !!! Regards Tony

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    1. Hi Tony -
      The cavalryman probably imagines he's looking fierce - or perhaps even fearsome. Come to think of it, though, I ought to initial these sketches against somebody else laying claim to them.

      I had forgotten I made a concept map about six weeks or so back. That will help clarify matters, maybe.
      Cheers,
      Ion

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  2. Lovely work there and I agree with Tony's comments above.

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  3. Linked boxes? Each box could be the battlefield or part of it?
    Neil

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    1. I hadn't thought of that, Neil, though I have seen the idea before. Definitely worth considering!
      Cheers -

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  4. I love your map Ion, and your illustrations are excellent. The addition of the “small warriors” to the map really shows the Byzantine empire surrounded by enemies, all looking on… Good luck with your campaign plans.

    Cheers,

    Geoff

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    1. Hi Geoff -
      I'm certainly taken with this map so far - the question is how best to present and use it! The little 'Skylitzes' sketches were fun to do, as well as adding a little 'something' to the thing.
      All the best,
      Ion

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  5. Splendid map and illustrations. Looking forward to the Campaign reports.

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    1. Still working on army lists and such. One thing that is niggling at the back of my mind is the 'aim' of the overall campaign, other than to tell a story.
      Cheers,
      Ion

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  6. Looks great, looking forward to the next installment

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    1. So am I, Mark - I have no clear idea what's going to be in it!

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  7. Love the sketch - to me it looks like the rider is cross with his mount who's having second thoughts about charging towards all those nasty sharp pointy things.

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    1. Could be, Rob! Who knows what passes through a horse's mind? Maybe he's asking himself, 'Whatever happened to those armoured bibs I used to wear...?'
      Cheers,
      Ion

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