Most important element on a fantasy story?

[WinterFall]

Hmm, to me, the most important element of a fantasy story would probably be the concept and the world you would be making. Take Harry Potter as an example; J.K. Rowling created a lot of specific features like every detail of the creatures, the spells, the structure of the school, the characters, and the world she made. She added tons of little details that connect to the story, but she also had to make sure that the readers/watchers would be able to understand the aspects she has added.

Since you have already defined the races, the settings, the religions, and a bit of the magic systems, I think you should focus next on the tiny details that would build up and support your whole story. For example, you are planning to add creatures into your story, then I think you should then label them with their characteristics, aspects, nature, abilities, and most importantly, their names. Or if you would be planning to make different types of magic elements and spells, then label them too! However, while you are planning all the details and plot of the story, you have to make sure that readers would be able to understand them. Make sure to add a few adjustments for the readers, and there! I think your fantasy story would shine all and then.

I hope I would be able to help with this, but as of now, I wish you the best of luck with your story!

[rajillustration]

I think it also helps to just start writing. You can't know what will actually be necessary in your world building until you know where your characters are going to go. Like it's fine to fill binders and binders with notes, but in the end your story will only be so long. Most of that stuff won't hit the page. You need to focus on what lore is most important for the plot. So if this is a story mostly about a royal family--then you need to focus on royal family lore and also on the structure of your politics. If this is instead a story about a character who gets lost in the woods--then you would need a different lore.

I usually don't know exactly the twists and turns my stories go until I get writing, so I see worldbuilding as an accompaniament. You write the melody--you put the world building underneath it like chords for support. Everyone's process is different though.