Stronghold Heaven

Mapmaking 101 - Fountain Basics

Fountains in a map are a great way to show your creativity. They can range from a very simple fountain on the side of a building to an elaborate centerpiece for a medieval city. Here are some basics to get you started.

The raised river level is the most basic step of creating eye-candy fountains.
Step 1 - Start by placing river sections where you want your fountain to be.
Step 2 - Using the raise land tool, raise the level of the river water.
Step 3 - Keep clicking, and the water will raise to the point where it is cascading down as if from a fountain.
Before we get to more detailed work, let's examine a faster but less flexible way to make a fountain. Note: I don't really advise using this method, but it could come in useful sometime if you have a long fountain to make and want to save yourself from hundreds of mouse-clicks.
Step 1 - To begin, use the mid- or maximum level terrain tool to create a heightened area. Place a straight river upon it.
Step 2 - Lower the land to minimum level, along one edge of the river.
Step 3 - Lower the land on both sides of the river.
Step 3 - Add a background wall or other decorations to make it look more like a fountain.
With these basic techniques in mind, you can begin to combine the raised river levels with buildings and lowered walls to make your own unique fountains.
Step 1 - In this example, we'll make it look as though water is coming from inside the tower. Begin by placing the tower and wall sections (so that the window will appear).
Step 2 - Using the smallest brush, place two sections of river next to the tower, under the window. Again using the smallest brush, raise the land under the water.
Step 3 - Stop when the water levels reach the bottom of the window.
Step 4 - Add additional wall sections next to the water. To make it look natural, add river sections for a spill-over area at the bottom. Decorate with bushes, and you're done!
For more ideas and inspiration about fountains, look here.
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~Kester*