30 Days of World-Building - Day 30 - Last Day

Exercise 30 - Today's exercise is to NOT exercise. Give yourself a break from world-building to let the ideas sift themselves out in your mind before you start writing like a fiend tomorrow.

Today's post will be simple. No worries about anything, just like the prompt said. Instead, I'm just going to relax and enjoy the company of my girlfriend tonight. Then after I take her home, and the clock strikes midnight, I will begin to write like the proverbial fiend that the above exercise believes I am.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 29 - Character II

Exercise 29 - Look in your social and cultural world for not just the places where your character doesn't fit in, but also the places where he or she does, and note them in your character notes. Make sure that, by the end of today, you can name your character's parents and siblings, the town where they grew up, their age and any training they've had, and the three most influential people in their lives.

Places Hadrian DOESN'T fit in:

• The northern tundra cities, due to his upbringing in a temperate zone. On a physical scale, Hadrian would not be able to survive as well as people naturally born there. Also, despite his actions to dodge his lessons, Hadrian truly loves his grandparents, and wishes the best for them. Once in a blue moon, he'll even offer to help them. And as noted yesterday, the elders of the north wouldn't be too accepting.
• The marshland and jungles in the southwest, again because of his physical upbringing. Also, while he may be self-sufficient, the flora and fauna of the jungles differ greatly from those of the woods, and he wouldn't know the difference between poisonous or safe, hostile or docile

Places Hadrian DOES fit in:

• While he was raised in a small trade-village, Hadrian finds early on that he is easily accustomed to the winding streets of the cities. Among the people, he is able to satiate his curiousness without having to subject himself to the elements of the forests. It is, in a sense, his own concrete jungle.
• There is nowhere that Hadrian feels more at home than in the shrouded forests of Kasova. Particularly in the forests surrounding Coppervale, he has explored everywhere he can imagine. He has drawn countless maps that nobody but him can read, written in scrawls about the wonderful things he has found, and spent his days dreaming of the world beyond the confines of his grandparent's home.   

Other facts:

• Hadrian's parents, ____________________________ , raised him in the small village of Kern. However, they sent him to Coppervale to live with his grandparents when he was five years old, following a vicious blight that swept across the crops for miles around. It has been eight years since he has seen them.
• Apart from parents, Hadrian holds very few people as high as he does the heroes of the realm. He admires their bravery, and wishes that he possessed the courage that they had. However, as the story progresses, Tomas Gerridon III, Professor Drevan, Headmaster Grecian, and the other strong characters he meets will shape his destiny in ways that he couldn't imagine. In addition to teaching him magic and aiding him in his endeavors, they also teach him morals and values that his parents and grandparents never got the chance to teach him themselves.  

30 Days of World-Building - Day 28 - Left Out

Exercise 28 - Spend 15 minutes thinking about two or three of any left over topics that haven't been covered in any of the previous exercises.

Clothing - Most common people who work for their living do so in semi-comfortable breeches and tunics, with belts, hats, cloaks, and other accessories as necessary. Seldom do they attempt to woo anybody with their clothing. In higher societies such as Valthiem, Aloren, and Brel, the upper class take to adorning their already high-style clothing with numerous gemstones, both practical and impractical. If overdone, this can make them seem prideful, no matter how important they truly are. However, apart from a few exceptions, the typical formula is: More gemstones = More influence and power.

Disease Treatment & Medicine - Touched on briefly during the recent history post, the main source of medicine and healing comes from the Church of Elohim, the goddess of healing and good fortune. Most cities and villages, especially those west of the Chador mountains, have access to a shrine/church of Elohim. Clerics and medicine men work out of these establishments, and use both mixtures of potions and salves as well as magic to heal injuries. As part of their code, they only use their magic when people are severely injured, and would not be able to live properly otherwise.

Clerics and the Shadow-Taint - A modern phenomenon among the realm of Cordaire, these few men and women are sorcerers who have somehow severed their ties to the Shadow Realm. For those afflicted with the taint, this often results in death, as the taint infects an entire body, and in a sick twist of fate, is the only thing keeping the afflicted alive. However, for the few that survive, the process is truly life changing. If the once-afflicted person worshiped a particular deity, that deity would accordingly appear to them in a vision, and instead of carrying them over, blesses them and names them an emissary of their faith. Additionally, the person is blessed with certain abilities given to them by the deity. Thus, the clerics of Elohim being able to heal injuries with a simple touch.

Treatment of Elderly - In most societies, the elderly are held in high respects. Their family and friends are deemed socially responsible for their well-being, and must tend to them, or be regarded as heartless and cruel. For the most part, the elderly appreciate this treatment, and do their best to return the favor. But in the cold northern mountains, the elderly are not so accepting of the aid. For them, growing up in the harsh world was a part of life, and in a society where personal merit and pride are readily prevalent, bowing out and letting the younger generation take over is considered weak. In fact, it is considered to be an insult to ask an elderly person if they need help.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 27 - Plot Hooks III

Exercise 27 - You may or may not have an outline of your actual whole-novel plot yet. If you do, read through your list of plot hooks and your outline, and match the hooks to wherever they might fit into the story. Next month, when you get to that part of your story, you’ll decide if you need to throw the plot hook or device into the story, or if it’s superfluous.

Basic Outline is as follows:

• Prior to the start of the story, Hadrian discovers a small sapphire buried in the earth under a tree
• Tomas takes Hadrian as his apprentice, after realizing the true potential the boy possesses.
• While journeying back to Brel, the two encounter the dark creatures mentioned earlier (Hadrian's first experience with the gemstones).
• Narrowly avoiding capture, the two hastily make towards Brel.
• They are hunted all the way back to the city, and they catch wind of a bigger plot festering in the dark woods of the north (Hadrian learns of his innate magical abilities).
• While Tomas is seeking aid from the University, Hadrian meets his future love interest. Interestingly enough, she too bears the taint, but uses its power for very different reasons than most would suspect.
• Tomas returns, bearing a summons from the headmaster himself. Aware of Hadrian's talent, Tomas sought for him to be able to hone it, by taking proper magic lessons in the University.
• Hadrian's first lessons in magic, and witnessing the true power of the taint. He also gets to witness the process through which the gemstones are made.
• More to come . . . (Watch this post for edits)

30 Days of World-Building - Day 26 - Anti-What If

Exercise 26 - Look at your "mood words" list and then at your notes and outlines and ideas. Put anything that doesn’t match at least one mood word (or a synonym of a mood word) onto a separate page or in a separate file. You may end up putting your misfits into this novel when you're stuck or need some inspiration or when there's an opportunity for them to fit in. You may even, when you get tired of the main storyline, decide that you want a subplot of Misfits, something to give a little comic relief, perhaps, or just an alternative tone to your main story-line.

Not to brag, but after looking through all my outlines, lists and notes, I wasn't able to find anything that didn't readily fit into any of my mood categories. Now, this isn't necessarily a good thing. Any good story needs a break from the intensity of the main story-line.

Therefore, I may add in the start of a romantic character arc. When Tomas and Hadrian finally reach the city of Brel, Tomas has to acquire some information from the college. Hadrian is denied entry, despite Tomas' attempts to let him in. As Hadrian is waiting outside, he runs into his future love interest. At first, the attraction is simply physical. However, as they begin to talk more, they both become aware of their innate connection (Could she also be afflicted with the taint? The odds of that? Duh. High. This is a fantasy story, after all).

30 Days of World-Building - Day 25 - Sky

Exercise 25 - Read this article and then figure out: how many moons does your world have? How long is a month for each of them? What are they named? Do you have any scenes already plotted in which moonlight is absolutely necessary? If so, be sure to write down the phase of the moon you need on that date, and use that date as your "touchstone" for what phase the moon will be in on other days. If you need to, write out the moon's calendar and as scenes happen when you write them in November, jot them into your calendar so you know what kind of moon your folks might encounter at those times.

To be honest, I fell victim to what that article described. Typically, I never really regard the sky in my stories, and I've never thought of how the stars, suns, and moons can affect the daily lives of the characters.

Therefore, in my story, there will be a singular moon (name pending), with phases that correspond to the day within a set month. More research on moon phases will be coming soon . . .

Also, might experiment with a little tribal worship centered around the moons (inspiration from the Khajiit of Elder Scrolls lore?).

30 Days of World-Building - Day 24 - Mood III

Exercise 24 - Go through your notes and make a "m?" note next to anything that doesn't actively fit into the mood you want to convey. It's all right to have mismatched moods, of course; in many ways, it's crucial to have a variety. But you want to know, when you write your novel, if a particular element is going to dilute the mood or not.

For the most part, my mood remains constant through the entirety of the plot. At some moments, there are areas that allow for humor, and others that allow for a love interest to grow. But for the most part, the suspense-filled area of the plot dominates the novel. This may cause the novel itself to seem dark, but I hope that will not be the case. There will be moments where the protagonist, for a little while, forgets all about the dark and dangerous future ahead of him. Those will be the moments he lives for. The reader may enjoy the suspenseful events that he finds himself in, but they will also relish in the opportunity to lay back and enjoy the good aspects of life. 

30 Days of World-Building - Day 23 - Culture II

Exercise 23 - Spend fifteen minutes or so revisiting your culture notes, filling in any gaps, and changing any major or minor details if necessary. This will make everything more consistent, and help with the flow of your novel.

Major Change -
- Revamped each society to include their differing views on magic. For example, some may use magic freely, whereas others might see magic as volatile and dangerous if used for evil.

Minor Changes -
- Included details about the evolution of the train in my novel, which societies have access to it, what it used to transport, etc.
- Included possible plot hooks via. magic fearing fanatics attack the protagonist
- Included rumors and myths about the Gem-Scale dragons, which are prominently worshiped in some areas in the South-Western jungles. Also included notes about the first Gem-Scales, and their immense size.
- Included possible uses of the gemstones. Options include, but aren't limited to: increased speed, strength, improved eye sight, minor magic control, magical protection & shields, and control of fire and electricity (if mounted on a staff or other focus). These gemstones are common among the upper class, and can make them difficult to fight if they are trained in the used of their gemstones.
- Included more common-place uses for the gemstones. For example, gem-stones that produce light, gems that can record a telepathic message, glow different colors for silent messaging, etc.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 22 - Geography

Exercise 22 - Redraw the map if you need to. It doesn’t need to be exact—when they put the map at the front of your beautiful book, the publisher will hire an artist to re-do it anyway. If you have no idea how to re-draw your map, get out a black marker and go over any pencil marks from your original that you will be keeping (like contours of the coast)-- leave out any lettering, as they won't show through well anyway. Put a second piece of paper over the first and trace over the black lines in pencil. Write in place names and any additional map key icons (little trees for forests, upside-down V's for mountains, etc.). Draw in your roads and rivers (remember: blue is always water on a map), and your cities, towns, and settlements.

Similar to Day 5, you're going to have to take it on good faith that I finished today's exercise. I don't want to subject the internet to my terrible drawing skills quite yet. Thanks again for having patience with me.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 21 - Flora & Fauna

Exercise 21 - Spend fifteen minutes or so sketching out some of the animals and plants your characters might encounter in the world. If you want to add a little fun, toss around some plot hook ideas while you're at it.

While the flora and fauna will be similar to what you would find in a typical temperate deciduous forest, there might be options for rather different creatures.

Due to the spreading effects of the taint, and the ancient legends of the Gem-scale Dragons, anybody venturing into the darker regions of Cordaire may find themselves face-to-face with frightening, shadow-infected creatures. They might also come across long-lost creatures created by the Gem-scales themselves, which were initially created to serve as minions, but now wander aimlessly, still charged to protect their masters with their very lives.

The flora, especially in the North-Western Region, would be severely affected by the taint. The closer to the mountain one goes, the more twisted the trees become, the grass begins to fade to brown, the din of the birds dies out, and one feels as if they are being watched. And odds are, they are.

Just a few ideas. Nothing too crazy, but then again, nothing too boring. Should be enough to keep me entertained.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 20 - Plot Hooks II

Exercise 20 - What questions are you asking in your novel? What is the primary message you are trying communicate through your novel? What is the overall question that should be answered by the end of your novel? Are you setting up a major conflict between your hero and the villain? Or is your question as simple as "who will win?"

Throughout the novel, the conflict between sorcerers and the Shadow Realm remains a major turning point. Both of the main protagonists, as well as a couple sub-protagonists, are all connected to the Shadow Realm via the taint, and are therefore victim of the degenerative effects of the taint. The broad question is simple: "How do people living under such a heavy burden manage to live life to it's fullest potential? Are they carefree because of this? Or do they hide themselves away, fearing the inevitable?"

While there is no distinguished "villain" in my novel (aside from the King of Shadows himself), the numerous servants of the Shadow Realm serve to detract Hadrian from his path of understanding. Some of the people he meets even go so far as to blackmail him, saying that the taint isn't worth the repercussions in the future.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 19 - Character

Exercise 19 - Today, we're going to apply our "What if?" wondering to the characters. You can use any character-building exercises you like, but the questions below should help you fit your characters into your novel. A person is always a product of where they came from; don't neglect your hero's background when you determine who he is and what he does. Additionally, do the same exercises for your protagonist(s), additional primary characters, antagonist(s), and any love interests in the story.

(Questions are provided in link above, answered respectfully)

• Hadrian is a young thirteen-year old boy who lives in the village of Coppervale with his grandparents. He shoulders are broad, but his short stature overpowers this fact. He is physically strong for a young boy, and he possess some survival skills, but when it comes to his lessons, he is easily distracted. He typically speaks in short sentences with simple words, but his speech pattern is oddly illuminated with a few larger words that he picked up from Tomas. This may make him seem off-balance and strange to somebody unfamiliar with his personality. 
• They would notice that he seems rather disorganized and rather odd. At a moments glance, Hadrian seems like just another boy who doesn't realize his true potential, and instead wastes away his days toying with childish fantasies.
• After spending time with Hadrian, one would learn that he truly means well, and that he never intentionally causes problems. They would learn that he is a kind person, who may be a little brash, but always means well. He may not be focused when it comes to his lessons, but he truly tries his best to pay attention. The call of nature and adventure can prove to be quite the buffer against the more structured forms of learning.
• Hadrian's parents are currently living in the village of Kern, twenty miles east of Coppervale. Hadrian was sent to live with his grandparents after a plague soiled the crops surrounding Kern. They promised him a better life, without worries. It has been eight years since he has seen them. and any questions about them are quickly deflected by his grandparents.
• If Hadrian were to return and bury the hatchet (if they are dead) with his parents, he would feel sad and almost angry towards them. But inwardly, he would achieve a sense of fulfillment and closure, and be able to focus entirely on the mission ahead. 
• Hadrian spent his early years in Kern, but grew up primarily in the trade-village of Coppervale. Raised by his grandparents, by his parents request, he spends his free time wandering the surrounding forests, seeking adventure in any way he can. 
• If Hadrian wasn't born there, he might have become aware of the taint in his blood sooner in life, and he would have been trained to better use it to full capacity.
• Hadrian's biggest heroes are those who have stood up to insurmountable odds and lived to tell the tale. While he could care less for the events themselves, he holds the people who were brave enough to put their life on the line in high regards. If he met one of these heroes, he would attempt to treat them as best as he could, without getting side-tracked, or becoming over-eager.
• If Hadrian were to meet his nemesis in a neutral public place, he would probably pass him by, unless provoked. Then, his brash personality would get the better of him, and drag him into problems he wouldn't be able to easily escape.
• Hadrian has never had a very stable family, but he believes that if he did, he would treat them with respect and provide for them however he could. He doesn't think about the details, but instead focuses on the familial aspect of things. He secretly longs for a secure family, as he has never had one.
• Hadrian bears the taint, which was born down to him from his mother and father. They had kept the taint a secret, hoping that it would disappear if it was never exploited. Hadrian believes in magic, having seen it performed by Tomas, but never thought that he would be able to manipulate the same forces by himself. 
• If Hadrian encountered something outside the realms of his understanding, he would be strangely accepting of it. While he hasn't seen many things outside of Coppervale or Kern, he would love to see and believe in the many wondrous things that ignorance would prevent him from witnessing. However, this attitude often makes him gullible, and he often gets his hopes up for little pay-off.
• Hadrian's primary secret (?) is that he longs for a secure family in the future. He doesn't want any of his future children to have to go through what he has. He also possess the secret that his parents were also bearers of the taint, a secret that could be used against him if the wrong people knew. 
• Like stated above, he is holding an unknown secret that his parents were also bearers of the taint. Once he learned of this, he would attempt to wrap his mind around the fact, but he would still possess doubts.
• If Hadrian left home, it would be to explore the world and see the many wonders that lie outside the world of Coppervale and Kern.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 18 - Spec and Society

Exercise 18 - Revise your cultural write-up you've developed in the past two weeks to include your speculative element, and to answer the above question. As a bonus, you can get back to your character sketch and figure out where your protagonist and supporting cast fit into your speculative elements and society.

South-Eastern Region - After the events that transpired during the Shadow War, the common people of this region are generally dismissive about magic. They know it exists, and they understand what is capable of, but they wish to have no part in it. Some more zealous citizens even go so far as to denounce Brel as a breeding ground for the dark creatures that plague Kasova. The citizens of Brel, on the other hand, come face-to-face with magic everyday. To them, it is commonplace, and almost essential.

North-Eastern Region - To these traditional people, magic and the resulting aftershocks of its' power are viewed as dangerous and violent. Feared and despised by most, those born with the taint are often shunned by their peers. In the more tribal societies, people born with the taint are sacrificed, in attempts to rid the forests of the cruel magic that wracked the region decades ago.

Middle Region - While pure magic and sorcerers are not as prevalent in this region, the trade of the magically-infused gemstones plays a major impact on the upper-society. Nobles commonly bid against each other for a chance to acquire the best gemstones on the market. Merchants who can acquire these rare gemstones can become major players in the market, and can easily bend the scales in their favor.

South-Western Region - This region is one of the rare places on the mortal realm that hasn't been affected by the taint of the Shadow Realm. While the many tribal societies depend on ritual leaders and chiefs for their religious ceremonies, none possess the true taint of the Shadow Realm - which could be both good and bad. However, they are fascinated by the power of the rare gemstones, and some tribes deep in the jungles revere the ancient group of dragons referred to as "Gem-Scales".

North and North-Western Regions - Magic is as widespread as the numerous traditions that preside in this region. Some families are afflicted with the taint, and others are not affected at all. The oldest of these families claim that their family history can be traced back to the Gem-Scales and the first men born from the dragons.

Southern Islands Region - Even in this tropical island setting, the taint exists and grows among the people. Most that possess magical talents are seen as gifted, and are sought after for various reasons. Many seafarers seek those with magical talent to serve aboard their ships, and are willing to pay a pretty sum in order to one-up their opponents. These seafaring sorcerers perform tasks ranging from tying and maintaining ropes in dangerous situations, to magically propelling the ship through control of the currents or the winds.

Mountainous Regions - Among most societies living here, magic is seen as weak and cowardly. These rugged people prefer the bulk of a sword or a hammer to the flightiness of a sorcerer's spells. Anybody born with the taint are often ostracized, ridiculed, and (in the worst cases) killed by those who fear the taint and anybody associated with it. These people also separate themselves from the Gem Trade, as the objects are seen as instruments of dark association. They openly mock Brel, Valthiem, and pretty much any other city that has "given in to relying on the whims of forces they can not understand".

30 Days of World-Building - Day 17 - Mood II

Exercise 17 - Pull out the list of adjectives you wrote down that set the mood for your novel. You used this list for figuring out your setting climate, and a bit for refining your names. Read them out loud, Then, take out your notes on your speculative element. Read your rules out loud. Try describing how your speculative element works in your novel. How do you feel when you describe it? Also look at what you decided to name your speculative element. How you name your speculative element has a huge impact on how your reader will feel about it. Say the name out loud and decide if you feel the way you want to feel when you read your novel. Rename and rework your speculative element and their rules if you need too.

After rewording, I feel that my speculative element about magic, gemstones, and the connection with the Shadow Realm, fits perfectly with the mood. The element is both intriguing and mysterious, and any encounters with the monsters of the Shadow Realm would certainly make the hero run (that is, until he learns how to fight them). Fulfillment would settle in after stopping the creatures, and by extension, saving the mortal world.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 16 - Limits of Spec

Exercise 16 - What are the limits of your speculative element? What's the trade-off for using it? Magic usually comes at a cost - what is that cost? If there's no cost, then what's the trade-off? What keeps it from being used all the time, for everything, or is it used that much after all? Write down your rules, specifically focusing on what's impossible, and what should be established as unstable early, so when it fails conveniently in your novel, it won't be out of place or throw your reader out of the story. Establish the limits and boundaries of your speculative element today.

Primary Speculative Element: Connection between Magic and the Shadow Realm
- People with the ability to manipulate magic are afflicted with the taint of the Shadow Realm.
- This connection doesn't physically weaken these people, but instead wears on their minds.
- People affected by the taint usually die in their mid thirties. The stronger willed can survive for as long as average people, but the weaker-willed are usually consumed by the taint when they are but young children.
- The magical abilities gained through the taint usual manifest around childhood or the early teen years. Signs can range from simply reading thoughts and feelings to controlling and conjuring different properties, such as fire or lightning.
- One of the most prevalent dangers of the taint is the risk of possession by the dark creatures of the Shadow Realm. Malevolent beings bent on controlling the mortal people, these creatures can sense those people afflicted with the taint. Unless a sorcerer's will is strong, he could easily be transformed into a monster of the Shadow Realm.

Secondary Speculative Element: Connection between Gemstones and the Shadow Realm
- The gemstones are fashioned to harness the various powers of the Shadow Realm.
- In essence, these gemstones are able to allow people with non-magical taint to acquire some of the power it provides, without the long-term side effects.
- However, the gemstones are limited in their power, and they pale in comparison to the powers of a true-taint sorcerer.
- The Gem-Forgers of the University of Brel are dedicated sorcerers who use specific rituals to imbue the gems with the power of the Shadow Realm. Each gem is meticulously crafted, as any mistakes in the process could be costly.
-Creating the special gems requires the Gem-Forger to experience partial contact with the Shadow Realm, and sometimes, full contact, with the more powerful gems. During the brief connection, they are extremely vulnerable to possession. Therefore, only the strongest-willed and most talented of sorcerers are ever given the honor of Gem-Forger. Aside from the Headmaster himself, the Gem-Forgers are the most respected members of the university.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 15 - Resources

Exercise 15 - Check out some of the websites above that relate to your novel, and pick out a book or two that you plan to read, either between now and when you starting writing, or to flesh out your world after you've written your first draft.

I'm going to have to take this as a free day to write. The links that the program provided are broken, and that renders today's exercise moot.

I will, however, post some of my story up, for anyone who wants to read it (Forgive me in advance for the font change).

____________

        A sharp rapping sound startled Hadrian from his daydream, and he looked around the room in a sudden panic. His instructor, Tomas Gerridon III, noticed this, and peered over his notes, observing the situation with a careful eye. The sound resounded throughout the room again, and both Hadrian and Tomas realized where it was coming from. They turned their heads, almost simultaneously, towards the small circular window that was set into the wooden wall opposite the desk. There, a small blue bird was perched, silently watching the activities of the strange, rough-skinned creatures within. Every so often, it would peck at the window pane, as if to garner attention to itself. It beat its’ wings against its body, and shook its’ neck, as if proclaiming its arrival.
        Tomas stood and quickly crossed the room towards the window. The bird stared at him momentarily, cocking its’ head to one side. Tomas stepped closer, and the bird fluttered away, riding the western winds back to the forests that surrounded the small village of Coppervale.
Satisfied, Tomas turned back to the desk, and Hadrian promptly turned his eyes back to the open textbook in front of him. As his eyes scanned over the words, his mind was swimming in thoughts of the outdoors and the adventures that could had outside the confines of his grandparents’ home.
Tomas took his seat, and broke the silence that was lingering, “Anyway, enough reading for now. You can close your book now.”
Even before Tomas had finished speaking, Hadrian had jumped from his seat, making to escape the rest of his lessons. He snatched a sharpened stick and a small knife from under his chair, and made a dash for the back door.
A strong hand fell on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. Tomas looked down at him with narrow eyes, “I didn’t say we were done.” He removed his hand, and motioned towards the chair, “Sit down.”
Hadrian heaved a heavy sigh, and slumped into his chair, “Why, Tom? Why do I have to learn these things?”
“Like I’ve told you before, we learn and study history in order to avoid repetition in the future.”
Hadrian laughed, and retorted, “But according to this,” He tapped the book on the desk, “nobody ever learned.”
Tomas smiled, reassured of himself, “Those people never learned their history. They were too quick to action, too prone to anger, and too ignorant to learn otherwise. It is from their mistakes that we learn what to do in order to avoid doing the same.”
Hadrian stuttered, and Tom’s eyes reflected his astounding intellect. Why is he so smart? He continued his downhill argument, “What change can I make? I’m not a noble; I have no gems decorating my sleeves. Nothing I can do will change anything.” He paused briefly, leaning back in his chair, and then added, “So why try?”
He felt proud of his argument, as Tomas didn’t say a word, and in fact backed down, the shimmer in his eyes fading out. Then, Tomas did something that Hadrian did not expect. He quietly took the textbook, and flipped through the pages, muttering to himself. His fingertips passed over numerous dog-eared pages, and every so often, he would pause and make a note to himself in the margins. The eerie silence that hovered in the room unnerved Hadrian, and he shifted nervously in his seat.
        Tomas eventually found the page he was looking for near the end of the book, “I understand our world’s history might not be in your best interest. When I was a young apprentice, I was the same way. A day doesn’t pass that I don’t wonder what could have been had I defied my parents and pursued my dream. Yet, I don’t regret my decision.” He set the book on the table Hadrian couldn’t believe his eyes.
A beautiful painting of an ancient battle-ground encompassed both the pages. The crease in the middle of the page served as a dividing line, which separated the two sides from one another. On the left were the remnants of a fallen city. The magnificent white towers had collapsed, a blaze was engulfing the keep, and innocent people were drowning in the smoke and ash. In front of the burning city walls, soldiers stood vigilant, bravely defending their city with their dying breaths. Beside them stood robed figures, weaving powerful magic around themselves and their companions.
On the right side were the vast hordes of a dark and twisted army; Creatures as black as night with writhing red eyes jostled violently, clawing and biting at one another. Behind them, there stood a dark figure, with heavy robes draped around him. His eyes were blood red, and he was raising his hands towards the darkening sky, which appeared to swirl and convulse in pain. He was flanked by two female figures, each drenched in blood and wearing an impish grin on their distorted faces.
Between the clashing groups, an immense chasm had opened in the ground, and shadowy creatures were shambling out of it like a moth to a flame. Above them, the sky split open, and light poured through the clouds as a women wreathed in soft silk descended over the city. Her arms were outstretched in a loving embrace as soft white light enveloped the city.
What is this? Hadrian was intrigued; his eyes grew wider, brighter. He started to speak, when Tomas raised his hand to stop him, “You’re wondering what that is, right?”
Hadrian subconsciously nodded, lost in the painting. His eyes darted from the warriors, to the shadows, to the women in the sky, to the demons rising from the ground.
“Do you remember what I told you about the Shadow War two days ago?”

30 Days of World-Building - Day 14 - Education

Exercise 14 - So, what kind of educational system does your society use? Decide what kind of schooling is available in your world. Decide how your characters have been educated, and in what kinds of subjects. And don't focus so much on their specialty that you forget that they're people.

Hadrian Devetyn Benet (Protagonist) - A young thirteen year-old who can't seem to focus his ravenous curiosity into his studies. He possesses simple street knowledge, and excels at survival skills, but has difficulty focusing on book-learning and history. In his mind, the only thing that matters is the present. What is past, is past. What is done, is done. There is no changing the past, so best to move on and embrace the present. Much to his grandparent's behest, he dodges his lessons almost daily and rarely focuses when he is caught by Tomas.

Tomas Gerridon III (Sub-Protagonist) - A scholar at the University of Brel, Tomas was inherently blessed with his intellect. The only son of two University professors, he was raised within the walls of the University. From a young age, he nurtured a love for natural creatures, and kept extensive notes on anything and everything that he could find. But his parents wished for him to study history instead, and they railed him enough until he regrettably switched his focus. But he still nurtures a love for the more magical side of history, and he lives for the day that he can truly pursue his true passion as a Wayfinder - one who records notes about the various creatures of the realm and reports their findings to the University for collection into anthologies.

Kasova & Lithar Education - Education in Kasova and Lithar is prevalent in the more developed cities. The rural communities teach the local children their basics as well, but not nearly to the extent that students in large school-houses learn. Essentially, if you can pay, you can afford the education. If not, you have to make do with what you can get, which unfortunately in most cases, isn't much at all. Most parents consider their children blessed if they are able to attend classes at the local Temple of Elohim.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 13 - Plot Hooks

Exercise 13 - If you have some idea of your plot by now, get out whatever plot notes you have and write down ten things (minimum) that your speculative element can do to your plot.

1. Sorcerers would constantly be at risk of possession by dark, other-worldly forces. They would also live much shorter than lives that most other people, simply due to the strain on their mind and willpower.

2. Some might seek to obtain the taint for different purposes other than spell-casting. And fewer still might wish to use the taint to further more nefarious plans.

3. Sorcerers who lose themselves to the Shadow Realm are transformed into vicious dark creatures, similar to the ones that invaded Kasova nearly three decades ago.

4. The dark creatures can sometimes manifest themselves on the mortal realm. They hunt down sorcerers and other interlopers to their world, in an attempt to weaken humanities understanding of them, and further their quest to enslave the mortal realm.

5. The various gemstones that warriors employ could possibly be connected to the Shadow Realm, similar to the association of magic with darkness.

6. Gem-forgers at the University of Brel are highly respected and feared, as their craft sometimes involves direct confrontation with the Shadow Realm and other magical creatures.

7. Dragons were among the first creatures to harness the power of the Shadow Realm to make these magical gemstones, and some even embed numerous gemstones into their scales. These dragons are informally referred to as "Gemscales" by other dragons. An urban legend exists that the first Gem-forgers were originally of dragon-blood, and that the family line died out during the Shadow War.

8. Nobles and other men and women in power go through great lengths to acquire these gems for their clothing and jewelry. Typically, the more gems you own, the higher your status. But for them, the gems must be authentic. Normal gemstones are held in lower-value than magical ones.

9. The more rural regions of Kasova denounce Brel as a breeding ground for dark creatures, and the more zealous of the North-Eastern tribesmen even go so far as to disrupt the gem-forgers. And after the events of the Shadow War, who could blame them?

10. The protagonist could discover one of these gemstones on accident, and as a result, drag him into the on-going struggle between the sorcerer's and the Shadow Realm.

30 Days of World-Building - Day 12 - What If

Exercise 12 - Write down the snippets and images that you already know you want in your story. Some of these might be thins you have already decided on as convenience items; things you want in there to help drive the plot forward and eliminate certain inconveniences as a storyteller. Next ask yourself the hardest question of all. "What if?" Drill down on the big things and the details, decide what would happen if they work one way vs. another. Chances are, you'll find there are speculative elements that you need in your story to support or limit the power of the ones you've already created.

Snippets and Images

Young hero, in the company of his mentor, travels to the city of Brel.

Young hero manifests wild magical talent (a rare gift among sorcerers).

Dark creatures hunt the hero, almost capture him, but permanently scar him.

Young hero is separated from mentor by a landslide caused by an angered dragon.

Young hero finds himself pursued through the mountains by said dragon.

Saved by a remote group of nomadic warriors (deus ex machina!).

and so on . . .

"What if . . . ?"

What if magic could only be performed by those tainted by the Shadow Realm?

- How would one become tainted? Could the taint be obtained purposefully? Are their long-lasting consequences? Is there a cure?

What if dragons could weave powerful spells to make themselves appear human?

- Would these disguised dragons breed with humans? What would give away the guise of the dragon? What traits would these "dragon-touched" humans have?

What if soldiers were granted magical gemstones that could aid them in battle?

- Who would make these gems? Enchanters from the University of Brel? How were they first made?

What if the dark creatures (from above) were sorcerers who lost their will to the Shadow Realm?

- Could they be saved? What happened to their physical bodies? Are their souls still alive?

and so on . . .

30 Days of World-Building - Day 11 - Focus In

Exercise 11 - Expand on one area of the culture you've created for your world. We have a bare-bones timeline, the bare-bones elements of a language, the bare-bones of an economic and political scene. Today, select one of these areas to flesh out: History, Economics/Politics, or Names/Language.

Economics/Politics - Write a 1-paragraph description of each major political body and name them now so you can refer to them as needed later. If you want, take extra time and write one sentence about how 3 of your groups (the 3 most important groups) feel about all the other groups.

Coalition of Eastern Provinces (Kasova) - A collection of provinces that stretches from the Chador mountains to the eastern shores of Cordaire. Each province is free to elect their rulers in any fashion they wish, but the more violent forms of take-over are generally frowned upon by society. The provinces enjoy trade between each other, and generally have friendly relations between each other as well.

- The University of Brel - The centerpiece of Brel, this immense college stands as a symbol of knowledge and power throughout the continent. Every scholar of reasonable merit longs for the day to visit the vast libraries that lie within. Most sorcerers throughout Cordaire once found themselves training within the walls of the university. While not an official political body, the wisdom of Headmaster Grecian and other advisers is often consulted in major events.

- The Blitani - A loose organization of especially talented sorcerers that are exclusively trained at the University of Brel. The group was originally formed in order to stave off the onslaught of the Shadow War (see Day 7). After the war, the group remained as a power symbol of the University, and the elite sorcerers often serve as magical advisers to soldiers and nobles.

New Kingdom Alliance (Lithar) - The numerous provinces west of the Chador mountains have been assembled under one banner: a silver phoenix on a sea of blue. Ruled by the Venerable Empress Liliana, Daughter of Aurelia, the New Kingdom Alliance is a prosperous, hopeful, and unfortunately, arrogant nation. They've been locked in a stalemate with the South-Western tribes over land disputes, and find themselves torn apart from within . . .

- The Royal Protectorate - A puppet group under the strict control of the nobles of Valthiem, this elite group of soldiers serve to protect the royal families of the city. While they are an accomplished group, they are nevertheless ridiculed. Many of the less-fortunate have deemed them as glorified mercenaries, who are only protecting the rich because of the occurring windfall.

- Church of Elohim - The most prominent temple of Elohim, the clerics and healers that reside inside its' walls dedicate themselves to the betterment of life among the common man. One of the driving forces behind the repelling of the demons of the Shadow War (see Day 7), the church has nearly doubled in size, and many smaller churches have been built, in honor of the grace of Elohim, the goddess of life and good fortune.

- The Tradesmen Union of Valthiem - With vast markets and opportunities comes traders. And with traders come other traders. Before the city was barely standing, numerous vendors and merchants attempting to barter away their wares in Valthiem. When the city grew immensely, and the customers also came in greater numbers, they met in a loosely correlated group, and formed this minor union. When trade becomes difficult, they approach the king, and offer their thoughts on what could be done about the problem.

Colonies of Shie'vea - Influenced by both the free system of Kasova, and the connectivity of Lithar, the Island nation-colonies of Shie'vea have fashioned their own system of government. While each colony is free to do what they will, they all must answer to the leader of the colonies when things go awry.

- The Shie'vean Naval Academy - (Not important right now. Maybe in a sequel? . . .)