Today I want to share this grimdark fantasy map I created for Kobold, el señor de las cadenas (Kobold, Lord of Chains), a novel by the talented Alfredo Álamo published by Ediciones Torre de Marfil. It was an exciting challenge that let me explore a world full of darkness, revenge and ancient secrets, all framed in epic fantasy. I also illustrated the cover of the novel.
Grimdark fantasy map
Creating the map for Kobold
When I was commissioned to illustrate the map for Kobold, I knew it would require not only technical skill but also a deep immersion in the universe created by Alfredo Álamo. The novel combines adventure, darkness and an emotionally intense narrative, so it needed a map that faithfully reflected the complexity of its world.
The story follows Kobold, a ruthless assassin from the South who, after the tragic death of his lover, sets out on a bloody revenge against those who have put a price on his head. In his search for justice, Kobold digs into his own past, uncovering secrets that could unleash the destruction of hundreds of cities and bring back the ancient, bloodthirsty gods.
The main challenge was capturing the dense, dangerous atmosphere that runs through the whole novel. The geography of Kobold’s world, with its hidden cities and vast territories, had to reflect both the brutality and the dark beauty of the story.
What the grimdark fantasy map shows
The map shows a long, narrow land divided into two great halves, the North and the South. In the North there are mountain passes, ruins, forests and fortified cities such as Kohr and Vermis, along with the Black Forest and the sierras that separate the regions. Further south, the landscape turns harsher: marshes, a red sandy waste, the Assagh desert and oases scattered among cities such as Samarand, Scitar and Kdath.
I drew it in black and white over a dark, worn texture, with small castle icons for each city and a framing line ending in a compass rose. The aim was for this grimdark fantasy map to feel like a document that has survived violence and time, just like the characters of the novel.
Synopsis of Kobold, el señor de las cadenas
Kobold is a story that begins with death and loss. After the death of his lover, Kobold, known as the most ruthless assassin of the South, sets out on a relentless vendetta. His goal is to destroy everyone who has dared to put a price on his head. However, his quest for revenge leads him to uncover the buried secrets of his own past, revelations that could unleash the destruction of hundreds of cities and drag the ancient gods back into an endless conflict.
The novel was relaunched in digital format six years after its original publication, with an extra story titled La escaramuza (The Skirmish). Kobold plays with the clichés of the fantasy genre, exaggerating them almost to parody while keeping a deadly seriousness that appeals both to adventure fans and to readers who enjoy stories full of violence and dark humour.
Do you need an editorial illustration for your novel?
Every day I work on maps and other illustrations for fantasy, science fiction and horror books. If you have a project in mind and need a cover or a map for your book, feel free to get in touch. I also create children’s and young adult illustrations for all kinds of projects.
A map is not just a visual extra; it is a tool that enriches the reading experience and lets readers fully immerse themselves in the world you have created. Whether you need a grimdark fantasy map or something brighter, see more examples on my map illustration page, read how I create fantasy maps, or contact me here.
