Day 3. Lots of copying from other people so far but that's fine. Already finding that nice lips are something I like doing. Now if only I actually could
As someone that likes to write (and then stop halfway through because I'm bad at it) , this feels incredibly helpful
A Guide to High Fantasy Worldbuilding
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1. Subgenre
One of the first things you need to establish in your story is the subgenre of the high fantasy story you'll be writing. But Azura, high fantasy is already a subgenre?? Yes, it is, but what type of high fantasy?
Different types of high fantasy will require different types of worldbuilding. For instance, dark fantasy needs horror elements and an eerie setting, while steampunk fantasy will have complex machinaries instead.
Here are some examples of high fantasy subgenres :
• Epic fantasy
• Steampunk fantasy
• Dark fantasy
• Medieval fantasy
• Heroic fantasy
• etc!
2. Magic system
Most high fantasy stories will have a magic system, so if you're planning to include one, you'll need to do loads of planning.
Who can or cannot use magic, and why is that? Is it inherited, learned, or both? Are there any taboos in using magic? Are magic users praised or feared? What's the limit of using magic? Are there any incantations or magical tools involved? There are countless questions to tackle while coming up with a magic system, so make sure you plot it in detail.
3. Culture
Where there's people, there's culture. Although it won't be too frequently mentioned, having certain cultures in your world will make your worldbuilding more realistic.
Are there religions? Do people worship God(s)? When are the holidays? Are there any unique traditions? What gestures are considered impolite? It's little things like these that bring your story to life.
4. Type of government
Naturally, your world will have a government system. Decide what yours will be. Republic? Monarchy? Democracy? Theocracy?
Your government should also reflect your time and location setting - maybe using an emperor or empress to reflect a more medieval timeline, and using a president for a more modern setting. If your world is going through a war, you can use a system governed by the military. I have a post about writing a fictional government, you can refer to it for more info!
5. Language
What language do the people in your WIP speak? Is it fictional or not? If your setting is in a single region, they'll probably have the same language, but if it's set in different parts of the world, it's only natural to have more than one language.
Different languages can also be used to indicate diversity. If you're wondering how to incorporate multiple languages in a single language book, try reading Six of Crows as a reference - it shows the contrast of people speaking in different languages perfectly, even though the book is only in English.
6. History
Having a history of your world will help you understand it better. Has there been any previous wars between nations or disputes between the government and civilians? Or has the land always been peaceful, for some reason?
A great way to record your world's history is to make a timeline of main events that affected the plot. I also suggest creating a history for your magic system - how magic was discovered and normalized.
crows have been documented holding ‘funerals’ for many years. however, researchers suggest that they may not be mourning; evidence indicates that crows may be examining the body & surrounding area for potential threats to the rest of the flock.
The line "Just as you reshaped those clouds, you have the power to shape your own destiny." said by Aunt Wu is basically her saying "I'm a fraud. Everything I do is total bullshit. You can't predict the future."
As someone who changed his name just for fun when I thought I was still cis, i promise most people are ok with accepting a new name, even if you lie and say it’s a nickname. I promise. It’s really easy to just casually go “hey I wanna go by Bob now, it’s an old nickname I wanna bring back” like. Just start introducing yourself to new ppl, no one knows better. and if someone accidentally deadnames you just go haha no I go by my nickname now.
It sucks that ppl treat nicknames as more sacred than trans ppls choice names but still.