SFFworldia: world building project - The absolute basics.

[Andols]

This thread can serve as the discussion for the basics of the world building project.

Some points we should probably get out of the way firstly:

-A name for the universe?

-SF, Fantasy or Blend?

-High magic, some magic or no magic?

-Entirely human or other races/species/sentient creatures?

-Multiple planets? If so, space travel?

-Multiple planes of existence? (Spirit world,wormholes etc)?

-Anything else you can think of.

I would side with a blend. Some form of magic system, or manilpulation of the elements would be a good time for me as well.

I always liked genetically modified humanity but other races or sentient beings I can do without.

Multiple planets and space travel are a must for me. Spirit world I can do without.

SFFworldia also needs a better name (sorry Hobbit )

[Hobbit]

No: totally agree. I was joking when I mentioned it in the first place.

I quite like Dan's suggestion of Andol's World, though it tends to make me think more SF than Fantasy with such a name.

Mark

[Andols]

No: totally agree. I was joking when I mentioned it in the first place.

I quite like Dan's suggestion of Andol's World, though it tends to make me think more SF than Fantasy with such a name.

Mark

I was just fooling with you, I knew you were joking. I'll accept the namesake if that's what people want. It's a fairly minor point I guess, although if anyone can think of a better one I certainly wont be offended.

What about the rest of the points, Mark?

[Hobbit]

I'm interested to see what others think on this one.

Of course you could make your world/s as broad as you like. One world high tech, space travel, culture etc, another a Fantasy style medieval society with magic or what passes for magic. You've even got the old chestnut of technology that seems like magic...

But it's up to those who want to contribute, I think.

Mark

[DailyRich]

My first thought when it comes to incorporating both sci-fi and fantasy is to have the fantasy aspects exist in the distant past, but that requires either integrating magic into the sci-fi elements of the future (which might not sit well with some) or coming up with some explanation as to why magic disappeared from the world so thoroughly that it's looked on as myth (i.e the Howard/Tolkien approach). Which still doesn't strike me as ideal.

So I'd come down on picking one or the other, and if I had a choice, I'd go with fantasy. Just my two cents though.

[PeterWilliam]

DailyRich makes a very persuasive point. I was originally in favor of some kind of blend, but in light of DR's post above, I am persuaded that sticking with one or the other would be a better idea.

[goldhawk]

I create a thread in the discussion group on geography, for those of you who are interested.

[Andols]

Not letting this die!


Anyone attempt a geography rendition? I think once we get that settled and roll out a nice outline we might be getting close to a useable world.

[Pookiejmk]

I would say just move onto an outline. I would start with scene build up. Paint a picture with words of the worlds these two cultures live in.

Then choose goals, conflicts, and what they truly want.

Map out 5 main characters on both worlds. (good and evil characters)
Do character descriptions using individual goals and what they truly see as what they want for themselves and their civilizations.

Anyway that's where I would start.

[mylinar]

Kind of a shame that this endevor died.

[tmso]

Ya just need someone to take the helm.