Using existing map?

[dakky21]

Is it allowed to use existing map for a starting point, add your new features/ideas, and post it to drafting room?
If yes, where can maps (large versions) be obtained without troop numbers in them?

I got an idea to combine two (already done) maps into one

[ender516]

It is necessary to check with the makers of the original maps. They retain copyright of the images, and CC will not use copyright material without permission. (That's why you don't see maps here based on Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Legend of Zelda, and so on. In the case of the Discworld map, permission was obtained from Terry Pratchett.)

[dakky21]

I PM'ed gimil with the following message, but would also like to hear from you what you think about the idea....

I'm bad at map making (read: using graphical utilities like GIMP or PS), but I have an idea for existing map of yours... Feudeal Epic to be specific.

I asked at forums if an existing map can be used for creating a slightly different version of it, and they told me I would need to contact the original makers, to achieve copyright.

I will tell you the idea, so maybe you could create it, so I don't bother if it won't work (or you won't give me the copyright permissions)

The idea is to cross Age of Realms with Feudeal Epic. Being said, some of the territs should have a different name and slightly different background, to include "pair" system of bonuses, like in AoR. So there would be a "pig farm" on one territory, and "butchery" on another. That would make a pair. In pair with a "shop", that would make even more bonus. All starting territs would have a "shop" which by itself isn't worth anything. Holding pair+shop+Castle would wield x number of troops, and holding pair+shop+Village would wield another number of troops.

Something like this:

Red - shop
Blue/green - Resource pair

So, basically, holding:
Castle + shop = 0 (like now)
Village has shop = 0 (like now)
Castle + pair = +3
Castle + shop + pair = +5
Village + pair = +4

The rest of bonuses would go as they go currently (autodeploy on Castles & Villages)

One of other thoughts... to be able to get a bonus - you would must have to connect from shop to pairs (maybe add roads).
To advance a gameplay to a new level, there could be some pairs on opposite sides of map, or 3 or 4 sites needed for an extra "pair" bonus (like wheat farm + granary + mill + bakery)

Your thoughts? I'll post this same message in my thread on "non-maps" section of foundry, just to see what people think. Maybe a new map can be drawn from this idea

[greenoaks]

just start from scratch.

you have a decent concept. run with it.