Newsletter 09/30

This Will Take More Than Seven Days Part 4

Mountains and Grasslands and Swamps, Oh My

All right, granted geography is not among the most interesting of topics, but if you want to build a world right, you have to think about it. I've read a few stories that were spoiled by the placement of a swamp in the middle of a desert, or a mountain range in what was flat plains as far as the eye could see two days ago. The way the physical world is built is always in the background, but it can prove very important.

Many professional authors place a map in the front of the book. That has a number of advantages. You can look at it while you are writing to get an idea of distance and directions. That way you won't accidentally have the forest the characters are searching be north, east and south of the capital on alternate days. With a map, you can also look before everything is finished to make sure your geography makes sense. You can make a simple map on your own with graph paper, or hex paper. Just draw the general contours of the area your story will take place in, and mark each square with a different color or symbol to indicate what type of terrain it is. It will take some time, but will no doubt be worth it.

When you are working up a fantasy geography, the real world is a great place to start. If you have an Atlas, it will be a great resource. You can see how a real world is put together and what kinds of terrain typically go together. Naturally, you will vary things from how the are in the real world, but be careful about what you put where. Hills can be found where there are no mountains, but mountains do not generally begin without some foothills.

Not all geographic features in a fantasy world will have real world counterparts, however. Fantasy worlds often, though not always, have features that stand out as extraordinary, and even magical. Floating islands, mesas in the middle of plains, single mountains in the middle of nowhere, all can occur. The important thing to remember is, make sure there are reasons in the story for these unusual features. "It's a fantasy world!" just isn't enough. Maybe the gods put these things there. Perhaps an ancient war of wizards blasted the landscape. Whatever the reason make sure you let the reader know there is one. Also, make sure you at least give hints of what the reason is, through stories, songs and myths if nothing else.

Sometimes an entire story can revolve around a particular geographic idiosyncrasy. A great spire in the middle of a desert can be a terrific story setting. A lone mountain can be a great lair for a mighty monster. And of course, features that resulted from a war of ancient and mighty magics can conceal who knows what within them. Use the geography of your world to your advantage and you'll have a better story.