This map was made using Photoshop for the Cartographer’s guild July/August Lite Challenge (2012). In the challenge you had a limited shape and color palette to work with.
The map depicts a small village lying in the shadow of a small mountain. Inside the mountain lies a Dwarven city/mine. The village serves as a above ground conduit for the outside world and assorted trading goods; along with providing an added level of security and home for a variety of little races (gnomes, halflings, etc.)
I arrived at the name using a Dwarf name generator program. It translates into “the lost maiden”. I used that name to develop a little back story and the lyric displayed in the border.
Without Hope But Undeterred,
The Maiden Awaits Her Lord’s Return,
Beyond Our Gates And In The Shadows,
Forever Known as Glandred’s Hollow.
Generations ago, a Dwarven lord went to war and never returned. His lady was inconsolable and refused to believe he was dead. She spent the rest of her days roaming the shadows of the mountain…and her spirit remains (to either curse or protect the village…haven’t decided yet.)
Drunken Nerdery 