After numerous re-do's, several attemps at wings auto-mapping, a run through UVMapper. and 7 attempts to utilize simple material mapping...I finally came down to leveraging some simple boolean subtraction and got what I think looks like a pretty good pirate map. No post work on this one at all. It also allowed for the transparency to effect the rolled edges which I think looks cool. Comments welcome. Also a quick non-sequitar plug for bikermouse's tif2pgm converter. I must confess I didn't get it at first as it didn;t seem to create any significant advantage...until I used it to do the "hair tassle". Awesome tool for providing greyscale terrains with more detail. Yes, I know it is out of place at the moment but this is still being worked on.

Oh yea, it even seems to be the right thickness...

That looks awsome! Very cool.

Awesome work. Looks much better.

very nice texture on the skull as well :)

Looks nice, Claymor. I can't pretend to have any idea how you made the map, let alone textured it. Two things: It really stands out and bothers me that the cartographic part of the map is b&w rather than looking like it's on parchment. Since this is just a preview render, perhaps you already intend to change that. Also, does the "X" mark the spot of some sunken treasure? And what could "01789" mean?

The cartographic piece is interchangable so yes, this is just a test. The one I used in my challenge entry is what I'll probably put on the final and it does look like parchment. I just never saved the image other than where I put it into Bryce as a texture..a bit of C&P don't ya know. As to the meaning of the markings...."Arrr mate, and why would ye be thinkin a pirate would divulge his secrets?"

Aye, here there be monsters...

@Claymor - Aye, and if that be the case, why would a self-respectin' pirate be showin' 'is map t' the masses?

'tis not my map ;) and the masses be damned should they choose tae follow 't.

Still needs the Jolly Roger flag.....

The skull was the first thing that caught my eye. Nice job, excellent detailing!