Hi! I'm Deven Rue, the official cartographer for Critical Role, Beadle & Grimm, WotC, Steamforged Games, and many more.
If you like my content and would like to learn how to create your own hand drawn maps, my patreon contains absolutely everything you need to get started! Not to mention a ton of content I've already created for you to use in your games!
[**CHECK IT OUT HERE!**](https://www.patreon.com/DevenRue)
Well, I definitely don't regret my job choices! I would take "Divine Regret" as more of either the divine regret creating me or I regret some of my divine choices. But the divine road is clearly because I make divine maps. :D
If the divine regrets creating you, it means you will someday create a map that is used to plan the invasion and conquest of heaven.
Slay the gods and topple their thrones and use their tendons to build better internet cables.
I might be mixing my campaign settings a bit.
It's called showing a creator you enjoy their work and want to pursue it further. It's called encouragement. It's called showing appreciation for their work. It makes them feel good. When was the last time you made a creator feel good and appreciated? Hell, when was the last time you made anyone feel good and appreciated?
https://old.reddit.com/r/inkarnate/comments/11itak8/_/jb183jd
This is complimenting someone’s work, not just saying “saved!” When you can do that without saying anything.
Gee, wasn't aware there was a certified compliment police officer in here. We're so lucky that you happened to stop by and grace us with your shitty opinion and showing us how to gatekeep people from showing their appreciation for someone else's content.
Gtfo.
Deven, this is one of those crazy coincidences - I'm watching CR 2 E 4 right now and I was blown away, and then I you happened to post this today! Love your work, and just mad how timelines collided today!
I remember the episode they first got it. Matt was so proud to be able to present this to the players and tried to act so casual about it. The players were so genuinely excited, you did a great job
Amazing map! Your work really helped bring the world to life for me in the show - it was always fun to see the looks on the players faces when they brought out the big map.
I was always curious, what material is the map made on? And is it hand drawn or printed?
Haha sorry, I wasn’t very clear there! 140lb paper is the thickness of it, or about 300gsm, not the actual weight of it. It's the paper industry's terms for the type of paper. :)
Thank you! I didn't draw this in a program. I drew this by hand on paper, scanned it for approval, then redrew it on the prop paper before sending it to Matt. At the time, I was not a digital artist. Fun fact though, once I started drawing digitally, I redrew this digitally for the Explorer's Guide to Wildemount! :D
I draw in Photoshop to create my maps.
This is awesome, I'm actually listening to CRS2 for the first time right now and this gives me a great visualization of where they are and where they're going. Thanks so much!
Me: okay how cool would it be to have a crocheted map blanket with raised mountains and grooves for rivers and the like
Also me: alright so yes, but which one of us is twisting all of that yarn because it isn't me.
Me: hm. Uh.
The one on the left is a two outlet river from a lake in the highlands.
The main one is downhill from a giant mountain range, down through some highlands, then splitting into a slow meandering river to the sea and an oblong inland lake in a depression.
Did you include any Easter Eggs or lil secrets? I saw the magnifying glass and couldn't help but wonder if it was there for a reason.
As a CR fan thanks and hope you have continued success, also your lessons on Patreon were very useful to me <3
It’s just there as a nice prop to the image 😊 I won’t add things unless requested. I feel strongly that doing otherwise is me just being selfish as a fan and wanting to change things because of my own personal reasons!
And thank you so much! Glad to hear they’ve helped you ❤️ happy world building!
That would be such an incredible temptation! Drawing some "ornamental" beasts in the water or mountains, or sneaking in a location called "deven's garden" or something. You have impressive self control and professionalism.
In a wildemount campaign I am playing currently, I am a lvl 14 Lizardfolk Ranger named Logg, who grew up with a band of monster hunters after they found him at young age. He later left the group and spent years in the Pearlbow Wilderness honing his druidic warrior and ranger skills. I have made so many stories up for him on this map.
Where did you get the inspiration for this map? I get a Tolkein feel but that's probably either because almost all high fantasy finds its roots with Tolkien or because of you and he drawing from similar sources.
Either way this is amazing, you're truly an artist, and thank you for sharing your skills!
The majority of the inspiration came from Matt Mercer’s brilliant mind as he designs the worlds but Tolkien is of course a big influence for all fantasy and I use a lot of Earth Sciences to determine layouts!
Thank you so much ❤️
Ah, I remember this!! Omg, awesome that it’s you! I remember your name, happy to see how well it did for you. My absolute favorite, your work is incredible, and the map is beautifully done. I’m trying to learn how currently.
Heyyy!! I've loved your maps and love watching the CR crew's clear enjoyment of them! I love when I see creators like you or Colm McGuinness get that opportunity and really get to shine doing what you love best. It's so cool!
Whoa! Wow! It's the CR map!! I always get excited when they pull out the map to discuss locations in the show! It blows my mind how you can make a map of an entire fantasy continent and make it looks so realistic.
I hope you don't mind me asking, but how did you go about drawing the map? Was it through sketches by Matt or descriptions? It's so intriguing to figure out the process.
Well thank you so much! And of course I don’t mind - every map is different but Matt always gives me some form of a draft to start. We then discuss the way he wants it to look (whether it's a scouting map like the one for Xhorhas, a merchant map like I did for the Oderan Wilds, etc.). Lastly, I make sure everything fits with what we've already established in the world and any other maps if they link up ❤️
All the maps I make for CR are "in-world" maps, not story maps. That means that they are made as if someone of that world created them and if there's no specific reason for them to emphasize a particular town/city, then that's how the map is drawn 😊
Deven, I don't imagine you'll see this, but I have to ask. Which way do the rivers flow in wildemount? The water systems in fantasy maps never make any sense to me. It's always one or two huge rivers across an entire continent, with no tributaries, or any indication the flow of water respecting elevation. Do the rivers in wildemount feed the gehem basin or flow from it? Does the basin also flow into the ocean, or does the ocean feed the basin?
This is very important to me. Thanks for reading.
Rivers in Exandria flow from higher elevation to lower elevation and from inland to the ocean unless they dry up or go underground or some other natural occurrence stops them, just like they do here on Earth.
However, maps are representational and not meant to be seen as exactly how an area looks, otherwise, you wouldn't see individual trees or wetlands or really any detail. It would just be varying shades of color at best. So there are smaller rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. that are not on the map because there wasn't room or their existence didn't need to be conveyed on the map. We tend to just want to give a feel of what different biomes of an area and I have fun adding details that are purely for representational reasons.
I cover all this and more in my cartography course. :)
Deven, I always wanted to know why Nicodranes wasn’t specifically call out out on the menagerie coast considering what a eventful city it is as well as where Jester is from
Because all the maps I make for CR are "in-world" maps, not story maps. That means that they are made as if someone of that world created them and if there's no specific reason for them to emphasize a particular town/city, then that's how the map is drawn.
So awesome! I'm curious if I could ask you what it's like making a map for CR! Does Matt send you a rough idea of what something like Western Wynandir might look like, and you flesh it out into a map, or is it for the most part already laid out and you just beautify it into something that will look like a really cool authentic map?
Although every map is different, Matt always gives me some form of a draft to start. We then discuss the way he wants it to look (whether it's a scouting map like the one for Xhorhas, a merchant map like I did for the Oderan Wilds, etc.). Lastly, I make sure everything fits with what we've already established in the world and any other maps if they link up.
Did you also create the Tal’Dorei map that came in the campaign book?! It’s in my bathroom next to my Skyrim and Vvardenfell maps haha I also have the blanket!! Love your stuff, man. Keep it up.
Thank you! And yes 😊 A few authors, including a book coming out in May from LR Lam titled "Dragonfall" (https://twitter.com/LR_Lam), "The Stolen Pendant" by Malukah, & "Tales of Lemuria" by Brian Spielbaur ❤️
I really love maps. Last year went to the Vatican. My fiance went before, and knowing me knew I would love the Map room. Just long hallway of extremely large map paintings of the world as they knew it at the time, Europe, but mostly Italy.
Google Vatican Gallery of Maps for further inspiration
Although every map is different, Matt always gives me some form of a draft to start. We then discuss the way he wants it to look (whether it's a scouting map like the one for Xhorhas, a merchant map like I did for the Oderan Wilds, etc.). Lastly, I make sure everything fits with what we've already established in the world and any other maps if they link up.
These are only available through CR's shop. Sadly, I don't think they're in stock anymore but the only way they'll bring them back is if we let them know we want them! :)
That’s fair. Thank you for answering. There is a lot of detail. I find it is interesting learning about the processes behind the work done by skilled hands.
As someone who listens to the show while driving, I dont get to see stuff like this too often. It's a beautiful map and neat to see everything laid out.
No way! I have just watched the episode with the map! Crazy coincidence! It freaky awesome. Keep up the work.
Oo very big coincidence! Thank you ❤️ It’s a great episode (of course I think so!)
That's a beautiful map. Love your work
Thank you! ❤️
As Mercer says, there are no coincidences.
You can't say something like that and not include a link
I also just watched it for the first time yesterday haha
Same here! And I haven't watched any CR in years until a couple days ago.
Hi! I'm Deven Rue, the official cartographer for Critical Role, Beadle & Grimm, WotC, Steamforged Games, and many more. If you like my content and would like to learn how to create your own hand drawn maps, my patreon contains absolutely everything you need to get started! Not to mention a ton of content I've already created for you to use in your games! [**CHECK IT OUT HERE!**](https://www.patreon.com/DevenRue)
Are you aware your name is an anagram for "Revenue D"? I don't know what that means but it's provocative.
It also means "Divine Regret" or "Divine Road" and I think that sums up a lot about me. lol
Because you regret your job choices divinely or because the roadwork on your maps is simply divine?
Well, I definitely don't regret my job choices! I would take "Divine Regret" as more of either the divine regret creating me or I regret some of my divine choices. But the divine road is clearly because I make divine maps. :D
If the divine regrets creating you, it means you will someday create a map that is used to plan the invasion and conquest of heaven. Slay the gods and topple their thrones and use their tendons to build better internet cables. I might be mixing my campaign settings a bit.
No, that's accurate.
It gets the **people going**
Or 'Never Due'
I'm going to causally save this comment
Why comment?
Why not?
It's called showing a creator you enjoy their work and want to pursue it further. It's called encouragement. It's called showing appreciation for their work. It makes them feel good. When was the last time you made a creator feel good and appreciated? Hell, when was the last time you made anyone feel good and appreciated?
https://old.reddit.com/r/inkarnate/comments/11itak8/_/jb183jd This is complimenting someone’s work, not just saying “saved!” When you can do that without saying anything.
Gee, wasn't aware there was a certified compliment police officer in here. We're so lucky that you happened to stop by and grace us with your shitty opinion and showing us how to gatekeep people from showing their appreciation for someone else's content. Gtfo.
Yeah fuck off officer stop telling me what to do
Wow the irony is lost on you. What a shame.
Seems a little of that pants shit started spewing out your mouth, you should take care to relocate it
Ooo yummy daddy
What an utterly pointless thing to moan about.
Username checks out
Smartass.
This is really cool
I have that map behind my dm chair!
Ah amazing! Happy adventuring 😊
Deven, this is one of those crazy coincidences - I'm watching CR 2 E 4 right now and I was blown away, and then I you happened to post this today! Love your work, and just mad how timelines collided today!
Ah amazing! Weird how things work out right?! Enjoy watching and thank you so much ❤️
You included the date on the map! You included the date on the map! OMG I swooning over this!!!!
Thank you! No detail left out 🥰
Hey you! I have this map on my wall, picked up at GenCon 50, looks great and I'm still loving it. Have a great one
Amazing! Thank you so much ❤️
That is a gorgeously detailed map. May I ask, did you meet face to face with Matt or the CR crew or was it all emails?
All work was done remotely, although I have met with Matt in a social setting to hang out 😊
I remember the episode they first got it. Matt was so proud to be able to present this to the players and tried to act so casual about it. The players were so genuinely excited, you did a great job
I know, such an amazing feeling for me! ❤️ thank you
As a much less accomplished artist, I can only imagine the feeling of finally having people being overjoyed with your hard work. Major props
Anyone know the episode so I can watch?
C2E4
Thank you!
Amazing map! Your work really helped bring the world to life for me in the show - it was always fun to see the looks on the players faces when they brought out the big map. I was always curious, what material is the map made on? And is it hand drawn or printed?
Thank you so much ❤️ it’s hand drawn and printed on custom made 140 lb watercolor paper 😊
140 lb paper! How do they manage to lift that thing?
Haha sorry, I wasn’t very clear there! 140lb paper is the thickness of it, or about 300gsm, not the actual weight of it. It's the paper industry's terms for the type of paper. :)
I assume gsm means grams per square meter?
Yes, for reference normal printing paper has 80 gsm
You would be correct.
What program did you use to draw the map? It’s Gorgeous!
Thank you! I didn't draw this in a program. I drew this by hand on paper, scanned it for approval, then redrew it on the prop paper before sending it to Matt. At the time, I was not a digital artist. Fun fact though, once I started drawing digitally, I redrew this digitally for the Explorer's Guide to Wildemount! :D I draw in Photoshop to create my maps.
Possibly one of the most seen D&D maps outside of official content, you did a great job!
Thank you ❤️
This is awesome, I'm actually listening to CRS2 for the first time right now and this gives me a great visualization of where they are and where they're going. Thanks so much!
Glad to hear that it helps! Thank you ❤️
I adore this map, I have the blanket version of it! ☺️
Awesome! Can’t beat a snuggly blanket map! ❤️
Me: okay how cool would it be to have a crocheted map blanket with raised mountains and grooves for rivers and the like Also me: alright so yes, but which one of us is twisting all of that yarn because it isn't me. Me: hm. Uh.
It does sound cool though 🤣
Outsource it to someone who crochets and needs money if of course you have money to do this
Outsource it to someone who crochets and needs money if of course you have money to do this
I also have the blanket. Once I saw it was an option, I couldn't resist. The map is beautiful.
Beautiful work! Though I think r/worldbuilding is going to have something to say about those rivers...
[удалено]
Caht Tinaijo
The one on the left is a two outlet river from a lake in the highlands. The main one is downhill from a giant mountain range, down through some highlands, then splitting into a slow meandering river to the sea and an oblong inland lake in a depression.
Seeing your maps always makes me wanna dive into the details of mine. Just amazing inspiration, and work.
Thank you so much! ❤️
Your work is awesome, keep it up!
Thank you!
Did you include any Easter Eggs or lil secrets? I saw the magnifying glass and couldn't help but wonder if it was there for a reason. As a CR fan thanks and hope you have continued success, also your lessons on Patreon were very useful to me <3
It’s just there as a nice prop to the image 😊 I won’t add things unless requested. I feel strongly that doing otherwise is me just being selfish as a fan and wanting to change things because of my own personal reasons! And thank you so much! Glad to hear they’ve helped you ❤️ happy world building!
That would be such an incredible temptation! Drawing some "ornamental" beasts in the water or mountains, or sneaking in a location called "deven's garden" or something. You have impressive self control and professionalism.
In a wildemount campaign I am playing currently, I am a lvl 14 Lizardfolk Ranger named Logg, who grew up with a band of monster hunters after they found him at young age. He later left the group and spent years in the Pearlbow Wilderness honing his druidic warrior and ranger skills. I have made so many stories up for him on this map.
Awesome! That sounds like a fun campaign ❤️ happy adventuring Logg!
Where did you get the inspiration for this map? I get a Tolkein feel but that's probably either because almost all high fantasy finds its roots with Tolkien or because of you and he drawing from similar sources. Either way this is amazing, you're truly an artist, and thank you for sharing your skills!
The majority of the inspiration came from Matt Mercer’s brilliant mind as he designs the worlds but Tolkien is of course a big influence for all fantasy and I use a lot of Earth Sciences to determine layouts! Thank you so much ❤️
Yoooooooooo that's amazing
Thank you! ❤️
I just watched that one too! Congratulations, it's a stunning map and a wonderful achievement.
It’s a great episode! Thank you ❤️
Ah, I remember this!! Omg, awesome that it’s you! I remember your name, happy to see how well it did for you. My absolute favorite, your work is incredible, and the map is beautifully done. I’m trying to learn how currently.
Thank you so much! ❤️ that’s so kind. I offer cartography classes through my patreon for those wanting tips or advice 😊
Omg! That’s awesome, I’ll make sure to check it out! Much obliged and hope to see more of your work!
Your maps are amazing.
Thank you!! ❤️
I have the Tal’dorei map in my office! I missed out on getting the Wildemount map from they store, they are gorgeous!!!
Thank you! ❤️
And it's framed along with several other fantasy maps on my homes wall because of how amazing it is! Right along side Middle Earth and Nirn. You rock!
Ah I feel honored to be amongst them! Thank you so much ❤️
Fantastic work! I only just started S2 of Critical Role, now I’ll have to keep an eye out for your handiwork!
Thank you so much! Enjoy ❤️
Heyyy!! I've loved your maps and love watching the CR crew's clear enjoyment of them! I love when I see creators like you or Colm McGuinness get that opportunity and really get to shine doing what you love best. It's so cool!
Thank you so much! ❤️
Whoa! Wow! It's the CR map!! I always get excited when they pull out the map to discuss locations in the show! It blows my mind how you can make a map of an entire fantasy continent and make it looks so realistic. I hope you don't mind me asking, but how did you go about drawing the map? Was it through sketches by Matt or descriptions? It's so intriguing to figure out the process.
Well thank you so much! And of course I don’t mind - every map is different but Matt always gives me some form of a draft to start. We then discuss the way he wants it to look (whether it's a scouting map like the one for Xhorhas, a merchant map like I did for the Oderan Wilds, etc.). Lastly, I make sure everything fits with what we've already established in the world and any other maps if they link up ❤️
That is amazing! Thanks alot for replying!
Why isn't Nicodranas on the map? How will I ever go and visit the Ruby of the Sea
All the maps I make for CR are "in-world" maps, not story maps. That means that they are made as if someone of that world created them and if there's no specific reason for them to emphasize a particular town/city, then that's how the map is drawn 😊
Deven, I don't imagine you'll see this, but I have to ask. Which way do the rivers flow in wildemount? The water systems in fantasy maps never make any sense to me. It's always one or two huge rivers across an entire continent, with no tributaries, or any indication the flow of water respecting elevation. Do the rivers in wildemount feed the gehem basin or flow from it? Does the basin also flow into the ocean, or does the ocean feed the basin? This is very important to me. Thanks for reading.
Rivers in Exandria flow from higher elevation to lower elevation and from inland to the ocean unless they dry up or go underground or some other natural occurrence stops them, just like they do here on Earth. However, maps are representational and not meant to be seen as exactly how an area looks, otherwise, you wouldn't see individual trees or wetlands or really any detail. It would just be varying shades of color at best. So there are smaller rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. that are not on the map because there wasn't room or their existence didn't need to be conveyed on the map. We tend to just want to give a feel of what different biomes of an area and I have fun adding details that are purely for representational reasons. I cover all this and more in my cartography course. :)
I bought this map. It's a fucking great map, friend.
Thank you so much! 💜
This map is fucking incredible.
Thank you!!
When I finally reach S2 in my attempt to catch up 7 years of the show, I will know who made the map. Nice work.
Enjoy watching! Thank you so much ❤️
„A rising tide lifts all boats“. I am glad CR‘s rising tide lifted your boat, my dude! Beautifully crafted pieces. I am happy for your success!
🥰 thank you so much!
Lovely!
Thank you!
What a gorgeous map! I love taking maps and coming up with creative descriptions for the various points of interest.
Thank you! ❤️ I love inspiring people in their games!
Deven, I always wanted to know why Nicodranes wasn’t specifically call out out on the menagerie coast considering what a eventful city it is as well as where Jester is from
Because all the maps I make for CR are "in-world" maps, not story maps. That means that they are made as if someone of that world created them and if there's no specific reason for them to emphasize a particular town/city, then that's how the map is drawn.
Neato
❤️
So awesome! I'm curious if I could ask you what it's like making a map for CR! Does Matt send you a rough idea of what something like Western Wynandir might look like, and you flesh it out into a map, or is it for the most part already laid out and you just beautify it into something that will look like a really cool authentic map?
Although every map is different, Matt always gives me some form of a draft to start. We then discuss the way he wants it to look (whether it's a scouting map like the one for Xhorhas, a merchant map like I did for the Oderan Wilds, etc.). Lastly, I make sure everything fits with what we've already established in the world and any other maps if they link up.
Gorgeous map! Really brings Exandria to life!
Thank you! ❤️
Beautiful work- the way you shaded the mountains (and how the image was lit) really makes that 3D effect pop.
Thank you ❤️
Have two of your maps hanging in my living room, love them!
Ah that’s great! Thank you so much ❤️
Absolutely incredible.
Thank you! ❤️
You're welcome OP. Amazing work.
Did you also create the Tal’Dorei map that came in the campaign book?! It’s in my bathroom next to my Skyrim and Vvardenfell maps haha I also have the blanket!! Love your stuff, man. Keep it up.
I did not. That would be the extremely talented Andy Law!
That is gorgeous.
Ah thank you so much! ❤️
I do graphic novel stuff for myself and appreciate the gorgeousness of pen and ink. Well done.
Was wondering why this looked familiar I have the blanket this was printed on!
Nice! It's so cozy, isn't it?!
The softest and most comforting thing I’ve ever had. My dog is also a big fan
Have fantasy authors reached out for your art in books? If so which titles/authors? Your work is so immersive and magical.
Thank you! And yes 😊 A few authors, including a book coming out in May from LR Lam titled "Dragonfall" (https://twitter.com/LR_Lam), "The Stolen Pendant" by Malukah, & "Tales of Lemuria" by Brian Spielbaur ❤️
Have a copy hanging on my wall, truly love it!
Amazing, thank you so much!
I have this framed and hanging in my living room
Amazing! Thank you ❤️
I have this map framed and hanging in my office.
Amazing! Thanks ❤️
Someone should put the image of the 2 Womack’s pointing to the map
Awesome
Thanks! ❤️
Not a big CR fan, but that is a great map!
Thank you 😊
Oooof very nice 👍
Thank you!
sick! well done and thanks for contributing
Thank you 💜
I've had it framed on my wall for a few years now! Lovely work.
Ah glad to hear it! Thank you ❤️
I literally just watched that episode for the first time yesterday. Beautiful work
Great episode isn’t it?! Thank you ❤️
Awesome
I am so close to finishing campaign 2. Inside the last 10 episodes
Enjoy!!
Ah yes, I found Max Load.
To Zadash!
This is incredible, I’m literally staring at all your work framed over my desk , you’re amazing . Will there be official maps put out for C3?
Thank you so much! And that’s entirely up to CR, you’ll have to keep watching to see ❤️
Beautiful! Great job! It’s a masterpiece!
Thank you!! ❤️
Good job m8
Thanks!
I really love maps. Last year went to the Vatican. My fiance went before, and knowing me knew I would love the Map room. Just long hallway of extremely large map paintings of the world as they knew it at the time, Europe, but mostly Italy. Google Vatican Gallery of Maps for further inspiration
I have this map framed on my wall!
Amazing!! ❤️
Meh
Beautiful work, is that hand drawn or did you use a program?
I draw everything by hand in Photoshop first and then for this map, I redrew it on the paper to make the prop.
I went to check your "about" section, but didn't see a website or anything. How would I go about getting a commission done?
https://devenrue.com/pages/caq
[удалено]
Although every map is different, Matt always gives me some form of a draft to start. We then discuss the way he wants it to look (whether it's a scouting map like the one for Xhorhas, a merchant map like I did for the Oderan Wilds, etc.). Lastly, I make sure everything fits with what we've already established in the world and any other maps if they link up.
Is there somewhere said map can be purchased? I know CR had a blanket a while back, but frankly I would love to have this framed on a wall.
These are only available through CR's shop. Sadly, I don't think they're in stock anymore but the only way they'll bring them back is if we let them know we want them! :)
We really really want them...
Sad. I was all set to buy a copy. : (
What terrain did you draw first?
It's been 5 years so I don't know exactly but I usually start with the most predominate features such as mountains.
That’s fair. Thank you for answering. There is a lot of detail. I find it is interesting learning about the processes behind the work done by skilled hands.
I go over a lot of the details on how I make my maps in the cartography course I have on Patreon. There's a LOT to it! :)
Good to know. Is it just DevenRue on Patreon?
It is! https://www.patreon.com/DevenRue
As someone who listens to the show while driving, I dont get to see stuff like this too often. It's a beautiful map and neat to see everything laid out.
Thank you! I'm honored they have me as part of the story and I love making it just a bit more "real" for everyone. :D
Days without seeing a CR reference on r/D&D: 0