Worldbuilder's Anvil

Today's Topic – Understanding yourself is the most important tool when creating a fictional world We always look for tools to achieve things in life.  It is no different when we create fictional worlds. And many times we want the tools to be shortcuts or magic bullets to perfection.  I have found the perfect tool for worldbuilding. It is you! Listen to this weeks episode as Michael and I talk about you, and what you need to understand about yourself for worldbuilding purposes. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow The most important tool on any worldbuilding project: Understanding yourself What is your personality, Check out this test What motivates you? What frightens you? What does your fear sound like? Why are you worldbuilding What context do you think influences your creativity? Understand what works for other people, might not work for you or vice versa.     The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Explore and pract

Back to the study of archetypes that can be stored in your storytelling and worldbuilding toolbox. The Everyman character is unique in the fact that this pattern is not meant to be exceptional. Listen to Michael and I as we talk the everyman character archetype and how you can use it in your Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com What are character archetypes What is the Everyman Nothing special about the character Does not gain what is needed to solve the problems An empty character that the audience can fill in the voids Variations of Archetype The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a doomsayer The Real-world Task for the Day Look through your character, share examples of prophesiers in the Facebook group Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Jungian archetypes Tarot Archetypes of the Major Arcana  Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) h

Michael loves traditional zombie fiction. He can be picky, for example, they must be dead a disease is not good enough for him.  Join us as Michael talks about the zombie stories he loves the most and I talk about the 2 lessons we can learn as storytellers from the genre. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Z Nation Walking dead Zombicide World war z the book Dead Alive Army of Darkness Shaun of the Dead State of Decay 28 Days Later Warm Bodies – Zombie Romance Dawn of the Dead The 2 Takeaways -What we can learn from zombie fiction The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Wargame a zombie apocalypse The Real-world Task for the Day Watch the original Dawn of the Dead   Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Jungian archetypes Tarot Archetypes of the Major Arcana  Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/podcast/episode-216-brains-yeah-zom

Today's Topic Every Hero needs someone to guide them on their journey Michael and I often have many great ideas on shows.  We talk about having the episode and then we forget.  Thanks to Amanda for reminding us that we need to create an aquatic race. Listen to this episode if you need direction or want to listen to our newest race. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create an aquatic race The Real-world Task for the Day Research some real underwater critters BBC Blue Planet   Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show   Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-215-lets-build-aquatic-race/ ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))     ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilde

Today's Topic Worldbuilder's Guide to Fantasy Map Making, Creating an overland map Okay! So you have checked out episode 213 and have realized you need to create an overland map. Then this is the episode for you.  Michael and I talk about the process I use to create an overland map. I am talking about it in the from the context of creating a map in Campaign Cartographer 3+. However, the same principles worked for me with pen and paper and other software where I made maps. So join Michael and I as we talk about how to make an overland map. Check out what I use to create maps Campaign Cartographer 3+! Order of Creation (Highest to coastline, Lowest to coastline) Create your coastline Mountains Rivers and lakes Vegetation Structures Roads Deepest ocean point Deep Currents Underwater structures Surface Currents Trade routes Other desired goodies or points of interests Important tips not to forget Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com M

Today's Topic The start to our Worldbuilder's Guide to Fantasy Map Making Making maps is a passion of mine. So, Michael and I thought it was about time that we look how to create fictional fantasy maps. Podcast Show Flow What type of map do you need? Your purpose for the map Who is the map for? What is the purpose of the map maker? Study some real maps over during the age Order of Creation (Highest to coastline, Lowest to coastline) Give it the finishing touches to feel right for the viewer Title, Scale bar compass rose  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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-202-pirates-space-west-everywhere/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) What type of software I use when creating fantasy maps? https://youtu.be/gR2R_I

Today's Topic A New Fantasy Monster the Fusellbüt Michael and I always love making things up.  So I started calling my newborn son a Fusellbüt. My wife looked at me and asked. "What is a Fusellbüt?" Pausing studying the confusion on my face until she noticed that some of the confusion was about her question and not all about a new dad surviving his new baby she continued, "Fusellbüt, it sounds like something from your world." And at that moment this episode was born. Join Michael and I as we create a new fantasy monster for Gardul, the Fusellbüt.   Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a character scene with a Fusellbüt   The Real-world Task for the Day Share your scene in the undercroft and read What does your monster want by Randy Ellefson Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))

Today's Topic Placing characters out of water This episode was inspired to help show worldbuilder’s there are tactical choices that can be made to help remove or reduce infodumps in their stories.  I love my world! And I understand the desire to share as much as possible.  I feel the pressure of my world trying to force it way out of my fingers.  However, it can feel forced or worse yet, fake! So what we are proposing is find a way to work in a “fish out of water” character to accomplish sharing the world without large infodumps. Join Michael and I in this episode as we discuss what a “fish out of water” character and different ways it can be deployed! Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a fish out of water character The Real-world Task for the Day Think of times you have been a fish out of water   Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Big A

Episode 210 Building an Iron Age Gang MS 119 BCE Today's Topic Let’s make us a very old school gang To further flesh out the world needed for the Marcus and the Jewels of Daivvavaahra heist story I knew I wanted a gang.  It would be easier to create a classic thieves guild, the trope is so common in fantasy.  However, it does not yet make sense in my world. The idea of guilds are starting to show up, however, they are currently only used in very common professions. Luckily this is not common enough in the city of Baurhdrakkas. I personally wanted a street gang to play the role of secondary antagonist.  I like the idea of having another group of criminals interfere with a burglary style heist story.  So join Michael and I as we create a gang in the iron age city of Baurhdrakkas.   Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Write a story about a pirate from space in the old west trying to get a ship crew to g

Today's Topic We Pick up with Marcus and Gregor stealing a bone Marcus raids the toom of King Hermann and learns a very dark secret about the heist he is planning with Gregor. Michael and I pick up on the third part of the heist to steal the jewels of Daivvavaahra. 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 200 Let’s Build a Crypt Episode 199 Marcus and the Jewels of Daivvavaahra, Part 2  Episode 194 Let’s Build a Fantasy Villain’s Lair Episode 193 Marcus and the Jewels of Daivvavaahra, Part one Episode 187 Pathway to DOOM   Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-209-marcus-jewels-daivvavaahra-part-3/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Episode 200 Let’s Build a Crypt http://gardul.com/blog/episode-200-lets-build-crypt/ Episode 199 Marcus and

Today's Topic Every Hero needs someone to guide them on their journey  Michael and I have been talking about starting an ongoing series about character archetypes. We understand the importance of creating characters that have patterns that will be easily identifiable by readers and players alike. It helps them step into a new world in comfort. It saves their imagination for envisioning your world. And we figured, why not start with a little DOOM! Join us as we look at one of the most important and fun archetypes from the prophesiers, doomsayers, and soothsayers. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a doomsayer The Real-world Task for the Day Look through your character, share examples of prophesiers in the Facebook group Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Jungian archetypes Tarot Archetypes of the Major Arcana  Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((

Today's Topic A look back at where we have come and where we are going Over 200 episodes and Michael and I have had a blast. However, the fun is not over. We are just getting started. So join Michael and I as we look at our favorite moments from the Worldbuilder's Anvil Podcast. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Let us know what your favorite moments are by replying to our newsletter or join the Facebook group. The Real-world Task for the Day Thank you all so much! Have a Happy New Year! Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-207-greatest-moments-first-200-episodes/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Episode 0: Worldbuilder’s Anvil Podcast! The introduction http://gardul.com/news/episode-0-introducing-world

Today's Topic 5 steps to create great characters great characters I spend lots of time talking to people about the act of character creation. I think it is the purest and most important step of great worldbuilding. I was shocked at how many overly complicated systems I saw to create characters. Now, I do believe that you should spend some time developing essential characters for your fiction.  However, what you need to look at is very simple. Join Michael and I as we look at the 5 steps to great characters.  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a new character follow our advice The Real-world Task for the Day Create a character based on you  Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-206-5-steps-great-characters/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( M

Today's Topic What we love about characters on the edge There are so many wonderful character types that have been developed over the last 5,400 years of literature. Characters living on the edge is one of our favorites In this episode Michael and I will be looking at these characters on the edge, some are almost villains and others are just over the line and considered villains. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com  The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a new character living on the edge The Real-world Task for the Day Still waiting to get started, Join the undercroft start rolling next year and watch Europa Europa Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Europa Europa Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-205-characters-living-edge/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))   ((((((((((

Today's Topic Holidays give us more Rocket War Days! Have you thought about the how the holidays are celebrated in your fantasy world? If not this is the episode for you. Michael and Jeffery look at the real-world holidays to find some original inspiration for our fictional holiday. And have solid Wija day! Or as they say this time of the year. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a winter solstice holiday for your world The Real-world Task for the Day Have Ritual for Wija to bring back the plants and creatures and enjoy your Rouketopolemos next year Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Episode 67: Baurhdrakkeim Calendars 7 of the World’s Most Dangerous Festivals 7 Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-204-creating-holidays

From the depths of the Fantasy Worldbuilder’s Undercroft Jeffery Biles comes to us to chat about Worldbuilding and his personal journey from an Website Programmer to the Published Author of Mages Must Fall now available on amazon. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Mages Must Fall now available on amazon   Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://gardul.com/blog/episode-203-interview-author-jeffrey-biles/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join our Facebook Group ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

Today's Topic Why do we sea the pirates everywhere. In this episode of the Worldbuilder's Anvil Podcast, We see pirates! Michael has been itching about this topic since we started talking about the sea. So I decided we best cover the subject and talk about why people get so caught up by pirates in fiction, and hopefully not in real life. We will talk about some of the great pirates we love in fiction, some of the best pirate fiction we have heard of, and just geek out about the pirates in fiction. So join us as we look at the unscrupulous scallywags we love from smugglers to modern day hackers. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Write a story about a pirate from space in the old west trying to get a ship crew to go to the sea. Bonus point The Real-world Task for the Day Play Assassin's Creed Black Flag Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links (((

Today's Topic Knowing when to stop your worldbuilding and start writing There comes a time we all need to stop worldbuilding and write. of course I am mainly talking to worldbuilders that want to be authors. However, I am also talking to the other worldbuilders. Being an author is not the only reason to write. Sometimes we write so we can remember and improve the worlds we do create. So take a few minutes and join Michael and I as we look at the time we NEED to stop worldbuilding and start writing. The 4 "Whens" to know when to stop world-building When you have a story When you can visualize your plot When you feel overwhelmed When you are forgetting ideas about your fictional world When you can see no end to your fantasy world When you want to start writing and your brain says NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Start a story, today or keep working on a story you have st

Today's Topic Creating a fantasy story from a world So I was looking for a crypt to have Michael break into to help gather what is needed to pull off the heist for the jewels of Daivvavaahra. Crypts are classic fantasy fair, It is a great reason to go down into the dungeon.  However, This is meant to be a minor piece of a heist story, not a focus.  I also wanted some element in my world to be influenced by Montjuic Cemetery in Barcelona. It goes up into the cliffs, not down into the earth. There are major differences. However, the stacked elements of the cemetery are what inspired my version on Gardul. Join Michael and I as we create a crypt. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Create a bony crypt that is dangerous and leads to action The overview Up not down Risk of being seen as you climb A stone building faceted at the base that leads to the Prince's tombs (No Kings and heavily guarded.) Dug in crypts above i

Today's Topic Markie Markus gets a bit closer to his jewels Join Marcus as he has a shocking meeting with his father and learns what he needs to do to get past the spirit guarding the Jewels of Daivvavaahra. For more background check out Episode 187 Pathway to DOOM. And check out Episode 193 Marcus and the Jewels of Daivvavaahra, Part one before you listen to this episode. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com 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 Meet find father Taken under the Tea Shop A dank hallway seeing the old lady sitting on a thrown of pillow Lights a pipe Thoughtful, wise, calculating, honest, smokes from the side of her mouth. Introduced to Nero, Gaius, Commodus Teamsters Requires axe of Thormaer to be “Planted” at the scene Wants 50% starts at 75% can be negotiated down to 35% plus expenses has