How
to Create a Pre-Modern Fantasy World
By Donna Sundblad
Fantasy writers
create worlds using their own style and voice. The
process follows a path of logic. Even within similar
fantasy settings, distinct points of diversity set
scenarios apart. Carefully chosen words change the
flavor of the backdrop. This backdrop establishes
components that make up everything from authority
structures, belief systems and even the geography of
the landscape. These details lay the groundwork for
a Pre-modern society and culture. Environment,
learned behaviors, social organizations and beliefs
all influence this culture. Adding culture gives the
characters a structure within which to make choices,
take sides and interact.
Religion
In a pre-modern
fantasy world, religion is often tied in with
government structure. In such a culture, laws
reflect the religion's belief in right and wrong.
For example, if the religion believes it is wrong to
speak of those who have died, it would not be
uncommon to find a law in the fantasy world that
enacts punishment if one of its citizens speaks of
the dead.
Religion can be
based on superstition or reality. The fun of writing
fantasy is that the writer can create a bizarre
belief system as long as it makes sense within the
plot and fantasy characters' lives.
Magic
Every fantasy
contains some element of magic. It's part of what
makes the world work. It doesn't have to be called
magic, but the element must exist. Unlike Science
Fiction, the magic in fantasy is not based on
science but on a form of mystical magic that still
must make sense to the reader. A base line of how
and why it works must be drawn.
In my novel
Windwalker, an ancient necklace holds healing
properties. The history of the magical properties is
passed from generation to generation through the
oral telling of history. However, the magic of the
necklace only works for characters from a specific
bloodline. It's not called a magic necklace, but
readers not only understand its powers, but also
know when it will work and when it won't.
Language
Language reflects
origins. Fantasy writers develop different regions
and languages for only one reason--to bring the two
cultures together in some fashion within the plot.
Does your fantasy
world have one language or more? Learning to
communicate is a vehicle for character growth.
Fantasy characters that survive a hostile
environment only to find one other survivor that
can't speak their language adds elements of conflict
while forcing the two characters to work together.
Government
Who is in power?
How did they get to this place of prominence? When
developing a pre-modern fantasy world, government
plays an important role. Without structure, every
character is free to do what is right from their
point of view. However, if the government treats its
citizens unfairly, it opens the door to a power
struggle on some level. How the quest for justice
develops and what it involves will depend on the
government's structure. Here are a few ideas to get
you started:
