Alas! What would a fictional world be without actual, physical land and sea?! Answer: Nothing! So why have I waited this long to post about it concerning my philosophies of world building? Simple. You do not need to start with a finalized ‘world map’ to understand your own concepts. It is even not entirely necessary to have it completed before you know the logistics of your story (although at some point it needs to be done). For example, I know already where every location is in relation to each other in geographical terms, but I have not finished my actual world map. You don’t need every detail completed in order to begin. I believe, however, that I have waited long enough to conclude this world’s map. From where I am at, I simply can not move on until every known logistical detail is complete and fixed in place.
So, what is the world found in FOTS like, exactly? My main continent is roughly the square-mileage of Saudi Arabia. There is another, smaller continent but I want to keep it a secret for now. I looked and found that Egypt’s population was roughly 7 million during one of their earlier empires. Research of other ancient civilizations made me decide upon my world, in its current time period, having a total population of around 12 million. Each nation has a fairly large capital city that governs the area, and minor cities, forts, and rural villages are spread throughout. This is a basic description, however, as you will find out every state is unique in proper ways.
The environment has varied climates. Picture placing a landmass the size of Saudi Arabia and placing it where the northern-centre portion touches the Alps and you will see what I’m getting at. The north is a climate you would find typical of northern Italy, while the southern regions are more arid, dusty, and full of shrubs like the lands of Greece. There is a desert as well. Twelve million people in an area that size and climate might seem small if you do some research, but after taking into account all travel must be done on foot and where interbreeding is extremely rare (it is almost inconceivable from a cultural norm standpoint), and where traditional life is paramount, it makes more sense that there should be relatively less people (relative to our history). It may also seem like such a small world where in typical fantasy the worlds can be quite large. I think the smaller world adds to its fragility, and the impact that war and peace has on the land and its peoples is magnified. This, too, means more room for action when neighbours decide they hate each other again.
Soon I will start a series of posts that show the world map. They will start out blurry and become clearer over time, where eventually specific areas will be showcased.
© 2013 FOTS Fantasy
FOTS Fantasy 