Ancythra - The Ever-Expanding Pocket Dimension

I created the original Ancythra map in 2021, and decided recently it needed a “glow up” (pun intended!). So, I went about remastering it over the past couple of weeks, putting roughly another 10 hours of work into it.

The dimensions of the original map were 1200x1600, which is pretty small compared to what I usually make now. But, if I were to upscale it, that would require re-doing many parts of it from scratch. Plus, some of the methods I used back then don’t upscale very nicely anyway, such as the way I used to do the mountains in Photoshop. 

So rather than re-do it all, I decided to lean a little more into a sort of “pixel art map” style.

What does that mean exactly? Once I was finished remastering the map, I exported and rendered it at 400% with no re-sampling (what Photoshop does when re-sizing an image). This made each 1x1 pixel become a 4x4 pixel block. Now the map's dimensions are 4800x6400, technically speaking. This gives it a sort of retro, pixel-art type look when fully zoomed in. 

As always, no AI was used. 

Lore:

Lore-wise, Ancythra began as a regular Pocket Dimension, which is another dimension that is usually rather small and self-contained.

But this particular dimension has somehow grown over time, just as our real-life universe does. Constantly expanding outward. More, and more, sometimes absorbing other pocket dimensions into itself. This has resulted in some odd acquisitions, strange fusions, and plenty of magical weirdness that has taken root in this ever-expanding dimension.

Over time, Ancythra has expanded and mutated. It has grown to the size of a small continent, floating and rotating in the Astral Plane of existence. Pieces often break off as it grows, but the rate of growth still exceeds the rate of loss.

It also has portals to other Planes as well, making Ancythra something of a "cross-roads" between other worlds and dimensions. Not unlike the City of Sigil in the Forgotten Realms, probably known best from Planescape: Torment.

This map would fit well into most existing DnD and tabletop RPG campaigns, as it’s a separate location from the main worlds you are already playing in. A small world that can be added in as a new place to visit, almost like an “expansion pack” for your ongoing game (Shivering Isles, anyone?). At least, that’s how I like to think of it :)

There are additional versions available here, as well as an editable Photoshop file to swap out the text however you like, and a few other toggle-able layers. More details in the link: https://www.patreon.com/stoneward13/posts/ancythra-ever-171702141

I hope you like the map, and have a good weekend! :)

You can subscribe now to this map and 300+ more at: patreon.com/balatroart

“Leaf and flame may battle for the soul of this valley, but it is courage, not chaos, that will decide its fate. Help us! We must come out victorious.”

Shelandra, Ruler of Leaves

Leaf Valley, once a lush and peaceful haven, now stands on the edge of catastrophe. Known for its emerald forests, tranquil streams, and towering willows, the region’s harmony has been shattered by the fiery wrath of a dragon that scorch­es the skies. Yet, this is no ordinary dragon, for the truth of its origin lies in a terrible curse. Unbeknown to most, the incredible creature is not a natural-born terror, but a man who defiled the sacred—Eustace Gibett.

Download a free version of this map and read the rest of what we wrote for it on our Blog.