Worldbuilder's Anvil

Sea Jeff is great Today's Topic Lessons from ocean in storytelling  So since we talked a bit about worldbuilding and the ocean in the last episode, we talked more about how the sea affects the planet in episode 139. Micheal and I knew we needed to talk about storytelling and the sea.  So, join Michael and I as we explore many stories that have shown up from before the written world unto Waterworld. Of course, he made us talk about WaterWorld. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Episode 139 Creating a First Generation Naturalistic Fantasy World  Episode 197 Worldbuilding and the Sea   Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-198-storytelling-sea   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Episode 139 Creating a First Generation Naturalistic Fantasy World h

Today's Topic Lessons from ocean in world-building When I think about the Sea and Oceans in my fantasy worldbuilding. I typically and not so concerned about details.  I am a land lover in my fiction. I do not travel under the sea. If you are like me or especially if you develop story or cultures under the waves. The ocean is important. So join Michael and I as we journey 20 feet off the beach. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic 3 Act Structure and 5 Act Structure So I hear a lot from worldbuilders.  I have interviewed them on the podcast. I talk to them all the time in the Fantasy Worldbuilder's Undercroft Facebook group. When the topic shifts to storytelling. The most common topics are act structures. The two most common versions are the 3 act structure and the 5 act structure.  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com These are important to understanding Common structures in storytelling are vital. They make it easier for readers to make sense of the stories. It has an additional benefit for the storyteller.  Structure tells us when to climax the story and start the resolution. I am not an academic or even overly educated in the structure and plots and stories.  However, I have seen and read many stories. And most of them have either the 3 act structure or the 5 act structure. I am not an academic or even overly educated in the structure and plots

Today's Topic Creating a fantasy story from a world It is a journey I have done for three years. I like to sit down for a month and write a book.  It cleanses my mind of a story. It helps make my fantasy world feel more real in my mind.  So as we approach NaNoWriMo for 2018 prep now for success this year.  Join Michael and me as we talk about prepping for NaNoWriMo 2017 Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com   Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-195-check-yourself-before-you-wreck-yourself   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Free Daily Focus Planner: https://www.smallbizlife.com/focus NANOWRIMO https://nanowrimo.org/sign_up Episode 132 How do I write 50,000 words #NaNoWriMo when I work and have a life? http://gardul.com/blog/episode-132-write-50000-words-nanowrimo-work-life/ Episode 140 A Perfect Example of why planning is needed

Today's Topic Creating a home for a villain Michael and I hope you enjoyed the first part of the story, "Marcus and the Jewels of Daivvavaahra". In the story, we talked about an old castle that was being rented to a new merchant.  However, we recorded this first.  It is an example of how I do a quick build for a new structure for my fantasy world, Gardul.  We create in general a small old castle that sits in the middle of the old part of the city of Baurhdrakkas. It ended up with one tall tower an important set piece for the story.  There is also one room that stores the Jewels of Daivvavaahra. That means the room should be the location of this heist story.  Check out the episode and let us know what you want to know more information about.  For more show notes go to Gardul.com Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes   Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-194-lets-build-a-fantasy-villains-lair   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentio

Today's Topic Our Story starts in … Listen to Michael and I as we go have some fun in episode 193 with Markie Markus and the Jewels of Daivvavaahra story to told and played in GURPS Ultra-lite. For more background check out Episode 187 Pathway to DOOM. And look out for episode 194 were we will the major set piece for the heist. Podcast Show Flow Sticks and Stones Mark wins using The Rade Maneuver Tavern (The Axe) Staff a suspicious woman Waltraud Likes but thinks Mark and Gregor are always up to something Hatto The Best sticks and stones player in the tavern Ommuald – The Person who dislikes Mark Rudolf – The Accomplish Casing for temple roof higher and farther away Decimus and Mettius are attempting Snuck in by teamsters (Sinon is noticed going carrying good inside Decimus distracts in the court leads and lead to the guard over response Mettius Gets into the house and lets Decimus in. fail to open the lock and release the spirt trap Decimus tries to distract and Mettius cannot open Zanotos shows up and

Today's Topic Using the Total Eclipse to rethink our fantasy cultures The total eclipse has happened in the United States on 8/21/2017. It started in the Northwest and continued to the Southeast. And unlike what I said in the episode will come in 7 years on 4/8/2024.  It will cover many parts of the country that missed it in 2017. However, why is this a world-building topic? Total Eclipses are universally bad events in early cultures  The sun and its position are exceptionally important to early cultures. In all parts of the world, the sun tells you important facts. When is the wet season or dry season in the tropics and when the snow is coming in the north? It helps as agriculture starts. When do you plant and harvest your food? An event in the heavens that blots out the sun would be terrifying It would attack the early beliefs of any culture to see such an important element taken away. However, there is no reason to actually have these events. The moon is important in this cycle The position of the moon bet

Today's Topic Creating a fantasy story from a world I have been asked several times what is the best way to start a new world building project? The problem is that is not one good way to start. However, in general, there are three good ways to construct a fictional world. The 3 Methods of worldbuilding In this week’s episode, we will walk you through how to figure out the best way to build your world. You will end up with one of these methods. Backwards Top-Down Hybrid The Backwards method of worldbuilding I do not mean it is backwards or wrong to use this method, stop being such a wordsmith. I mean work backwards to develop your world.  Take the settings that you want to tell stories in and work backward in history, so do not evolve but devolve your world. I really like working backwards if I know how I want the world to look at some point of the story.  I use it to give the world some historical details and more cultural depth and I know when I am done when I get to prehistory and I have covered all the

Today's Topic Creating a fantasy story from a world So you have created your hero, villain, geography, cultures, kingdom, and monsters.  However, when you look at your fantasy world it still feels like something is missing.  Something is just flat.  And your fictional fantasy world just seems….FAKE!!! What can I add to make my fake world with magic seem real? If you really want your world building to shine, add in details that make it seem real. Show how and where the weapons are made. Make the princess escape through the sewage enter. Have a look of poop dumped on the villain’s head. The places of civilization are dirty… no they need the dirty to exist. Take advantage of those place to add real world connections that people can make use of.  Does your fantasy thieves guild run the local dump. Do they use the dirty elements need for a city to pilfer from it? We are focusing on the dirty in this episode. However, significant details do not have to smell bad; some details can smell great. The area’s food is mad

Today's Topic Writing about polarizing topics in the age of the internet Watching the current political and cultural issues can be scary for people considering sharing stories or their creativity. Listen to the episode to get our take on the issues that are most likely to caused polarized reactions from people who read you’re your stories. However, here is a few ideas that you need to understand Give understanding to people who are upset by your art. You should put your words, feelings, and emotions into your story. It will make it better.  But keep these ideas in mind. Don’t just do it to be a jerk Do not react to negative criticism Research topics, do not rely on your gut to get the topics right Be understanding to people who are upset Stand by your art! Wait! How do I stand by my art if I am not supposed to react????? When someone attacks you or your art. Do Not react, but you can respond. Do not let your initial emotions, rule your response. If you get into areas that are polarizing. Even if you did not

Today's Topic Look at fun with time travel in story telling Just when you think you fixed it, Michael and Jeffery break the timeline again. How can you deal with two fiends that are so icky! Learn about using time travel to add some juice to your fictional world. However, maybe you already have.  If so join us again! It might be your past, but it is our future. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The bigger benefit for me was increased focus.  It was another major issue of mine.  However, that is a story for a different day. Get the stories and hear the tips in this episode of the Worldbuilder’s Anvil Podcast Listen to Michael and I as we go into this fun topic, again for the first time. Podcast Show Flow Know the rules of time travel What directions? Both Do you travel into the future? What are the cost and risks? Can time travel break other rules in your world? Are there paradoxes? What are they? Is there something that pro

Today's Topic The Background for a fun game and deeper character development Michael steps up again and tries to torture another player character.  We will work to develop a fun and action based adventure. We will explore the world of Gardul and have some fun in this new WBA game. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Help out an indie game designer Matthew Bannock check out his game DeScriptors and donate the help him keep up the good work   Get the stories and hear the tips in this episode of the Worldbuilder’s Anvil Podcast Listen to Michael and I as prepare for a new game to share. Podcast Show Flow Setting Gardul (Time frame of the steward’s son) Wine Steward 124, 127, 134, 141, 151, 155 DeScriptors – Tabletop Roleplaying game Testing location Basic setting GURPS 4th Edition Not the full version, we will use GURPS Ultra-lite Not Testing -> focus story, character and some summer fun Traveling Time of character Character Develop

Question from Charles L. in the Facebook Undercroft Group Let to this great topic. I have characters - detailed, fun, and ready to go to work in my story I have a setting - A vibrant world of myth and monsters I have ... scenes ... maybe ... but, here is my empty spot - I have no story. Does anyone have advice on how to get my people doing things in my world? Why can I not get a plot outlined? Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The bigger benefit for me was increased focus.  It was another major issue of mine.  However, that is a story for a different day. Get the stories and hear the tips in this episode of the Worldbuilder’s Anvil Podcast Listen to Michael and I as we go into this critical topic. Podcast Show Flow Our lies I have never written fictional stories My stories are no good Who am I Let me learn about … My world is not ready After this next level I need to wash my hair Ask yourself Is this something you really nee

Today's Topic GoT geek out on Westeros This is the first time we have looked at the world in a while.  However, like many people, Michael and I started getting excited as the season 7 of HBO’s Game of Thrones approached so we had to take a moment and look at Westeros for the first time. Sure, we might see a reservoir dog style ending with an army of ice zombies take the south.  Now take a few moments and join us as we fan boy over the very enjoyable HBO series, Game of Thrones. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The bigger benefit for me was increased focus.  It was another major issue of mine.  However, that is a story for a different day. Get the stories and hear the tips in this episode of the Worldbuilder’s Anvil Podcast Listen to Michael and I as we go into this critical topic. The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Take over your world The Real-world Task for the Day Don’t be hot like Michael, Buy AC   Michael's Resources Use Gard

Today's Topic What is a fantasy world without an Imperial or Royal Court Outside of the magic, one of the most common features of the fantasy genre is the royal court. It might be the seat of power to the forces of good or the focus of evil. Or there could be a good and evil court. Queens and Kings are here to stay For whatever reason, people even in modern liberal democracies are still enthralled with these relics of the earliest civilizations. Some courts appear with minimal trappings, and others seem to be extraordinarily complex. All of the courts have a few things in common The build around the royal family The leader will appoint prominent positions Ceremonies will be used to reinforce the position of the queen or king And typically, the structure will be mimicked by other influential people in the realm. The aristocracy or powerful commoners will set up their courts to prove their power, even when they are working to improve their positions in the Royal court. Do not fly too close to the royal sun Ho

Today's Topic A look at the first four rules of the magic system So now we covered the basics of magic systems in episode 181, and we covered the first 4 questions in part of this series in episode 182. Let’s finish up our magic system in this episode. The first 4 questions are about the details that make your magical system feel real.  However, that is not all you need for a system that feels like it exists. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com A magic system needs more You magically system needs limitation.  Without limits, magic can just solve every problem without the conflict which creates the interest to finish stories.  It is the same problems that cause people to enjoy or play in games as well. Limits on a magical system can create interest in multiple ways First, all-powerful characters are just boring.  I mean Superman needs to have weaknesses or no one would read the comic.  If you do not limit magic, anyone that can control

Today's Topic A look at the first four rules of the magic system We covered the basics of the magic system in episode 181 or part one of this series. Now let us get into the details of the first four questions into the system.  I would like to give a great shout out to Write A Functional Magic System that completely inspired these episodes. Thanks tvtropes.org. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com If you want to create a better world, or share your creative content while living your life. You need to be increased focus.  It was another major issue of mine.  However, that is a story for a different day. Get the stories and hear the tips in this episode of the Worldbuilder’s Anvil Podcast Listen to Michael and I as we go into this critical topic. Podcast Show Flow 1st Rule of Magic: What type of Magic System? Innate Learned Extra magical Science as Magic Illusions Hybrid 2nd Rule of Magic: How is magic powered? Divine Supernatu

Today's Topic How to create a fantasy magic system that works Magic is really one of the key features of a fantasy world.  Michael and I figured to stay on the ball we should now cover in depth creating a magic system for your fantasy world. Podcast Show Flow Why is magic system framework important? Consistency Saves time to start storytelling Avoid lame Deus ex Machina or a god from a machine Creates character conflicts Saves time adding detail later 1st Rule of Magic: What type of Magic System? 2nd Rule of Magic: How is magic powered? 3rd Rule of Magic: How magic is used? 4th Rule of Magic: Who can use magic? 5th Rule of Magic: What can magic not do? 6th Rule of Magic: What is the price of Magic? 7th Rule of Magic: What happens when magic fails? Story warnings Magic systems do not make good stories Be careful breaking your rules Frame the system, track the details as you use it Follow your rules as you go forward Be careful limiting your system Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For

Today's Topic How a teenage boy has stuck around for so long? Worldbuilding is not only the big parts of a fictional world, the cultures, maps, and states. It is the details. I would argue that the characters of a world, or the faces as I like to call them are the most important detail. However, this is a discussion for a different podcast episode. Let’s skip to Spider-man! Spider-man homecoming is a great reason to look at one of the best fictional characters Spider-man was born in august on 1962.  However, he is still one of the most influential and oldest teenagers in the human experience.  Marvel tries to age him.  He is a nice character with some age.  However, it is his youth and people’s ability to connect with him that make him such a powerful character. Get the stories and hear the tips in this episode of the Worldbuilder’s Anvil Podcast Listen to Michael and I as we look into Spidey, the Wall Crawler, good old web head, Your friendly neighborhood Spider-man Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on i

Derek is a fellow veteran and game master best known for his work at Seize the GM Podcast, our favorite GM Podcast. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Interview Flow ·        Do you feel Orc or Elf today? ·        Tell us about your latest work. ·        How do you connect your worldbuilding back to The Story? ·        When did you know you had a love for worldbuilding? ·        Biggest achievement to date? ·        What real world advice do you wish you had known sooner? ·        Tell a quick STORY about some task that could have gotten you started sooner as a writer   Gauntlet round ·        What held you back from sharing your world(s)? ·        Favorite types of fantasy worlds: alien, earthlike, or earth-based? ·        What is your favorite time period for fantasy settings? ·        What is the most important habit or skill in creating a world? ·        What tool(s) could you not work without? ·        What is one resource you