> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.thescriptersguild.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.thescriptersguild.com/forge/layout/level-design/terrain.md). # Terrain The way to create terrain in Forge is with individual, preset terrain objects. These terrain objects come in various shapes that can be combined to create various shapes of terrain.
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Landscaping in Forge is achieved by combining individual, preset terrain objects of various shapes. Creating complex landforms often requires a careful visual assessment to determine which pieces can be effectively used together to form specific shapes and features. ## Composition and Placement Because landscapes are built from many distinct, shaped pieces rather than as a single mesh, the process can be tedious. Achieving natural-looking terrain requires significant effort in selecting and placing objects so that their silhouettes transition smoothly into one another. ## Object Variants Terrain objects fall into two categories: normal objects and TI (Terrain Inherited) objects. These variants serve different aesthetic purposes and have distinct technical behaviors. ### Normal Objects Normal terrain objects allow for customization of both material and color, similar to many other Forge objects. A key feature of these objects is the inclusion of three material slots (swatches). Creative use of these swatches can create well-blended pathways, as some swatches are designed with smooth transitions between them. ### TI (Terrain Inherited) Objects TI terrain objects inherit their material and texture directly from the canvas terrain's current texture at that location. Unlike normal objects, they cannot be manually adjusted for color or material. When a TI object is moved to a different position on the map, its appearance changes because it displays whatever part of the underlying canvas texture exists at those new coordinates. {% hint style="warning" %} Using TI terrain presents specific challenges: * Blending them into non-TI environments can be difficult since finding an exact material match for the inherited texture is complex. * Map design must account for the fixed nature of the canvas terrain, as its texture patterns are locked in position and cannot be moved or changed. {% endhint %} *** ## Source Data * Discord thread: [Terrain](https://discord.com/channels/220766496635224065/1534326125277347932/1534326125277347932) #### Contributors Okom --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://wiki.thescriptersguild.com/forge/layout/level-design/terrain.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.