Marina, 2022 - 2024
On November 7, 2022, I began a new project that was inspired by my friend's medieval-style town and village maps. She showcases her work on her instagram @vicartography, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to explore one of her drawings in first-person view.
Though my initial plan was to replicate one of her maps, my vision expanded and I ended up creating something entirely different. The result is an ongoing series I have called “Tales of Guardiana”, named after the starting town in an old Mega Drive strategy RPG game called Shining Force.
Guardiana is a walled city that you, the adventurer, have stumbled upon. You come from distant lands to explore the splendid city that has a rich history, despite being a little over a century old. The city is a fully democratic independent state functioning much like a commune, with a public palace built as a temple for their protector Goddess. The palace is not meant as a residence for any ruling authority but as a space for the people to visit and cherish.
To avoid issues with villagers wandering off, I decided to confine them to their homes/shops, much like NPCs from older RPGs. As an adventurer, you are free to roam around the Walled City to explore and appreciate its infrastructure and uncover its many secrets. To encourage exploration, there is a fetch quest for the player to complete. This map is for Java 1.20 onwards only. You should play it in Adventure Mode & Peaceful difficulty, no modpacks required.
You can read the full city lore below or locate the books throughout the city.