i really cant choose either of the responses, i think maybe you need to reword them.
if a map has borders on the edge depends on the terrain water, no borders wide expanse of desert, no borders, but maybe mountains swamp, no border, maybe mountains same with the other terrains like grass, or snow, could be left open, or have a border.
it also depends on whether you want the area of the map to be an enclosed area, or whether its part of a larger continent and you have roads that lead off the map so you would leave it open.
but i will agree that having a border of mountains or trees is nice to give the map a more complete look, but borders should only be used it it suits the map/terrain
well the only reason why im curious is because when i approach the end of the map in the current map im working on, the land just sort of dissapears, and i guess it is distracting, but i'll have to finish it before i think its a distraction or not
Well when you play a map, the edge is blacked out by the fog of war, so it really doesn't matter. UNless I am misunderstanding the question. Do you mean there should be some sort of default that always shows up around the map? Or are you wondering what people prefer to find at the edges of the maps they play?
Then I agree with myythryyn. Either water if appropriate, or some sort of impassable barrier (mountains, trees or smoke shoots). A map should never simply have a grassy field extending to the edge...
No border decoration if you want to give the visual hint of expanse or no horizon. Much like the others suggested: Don't border what is supposed to be an ocean or vast desert, but border valleys, fields, marshes, grassy and rocky terrains. It gives them a complete look.
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