World Building. What's unique in your setting?

Manyana 2021-05-21 01:34:17 UTC #1

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?

If it's an alternate universe, what's unique about your alternate Earth/country? What's something that can be seen in your world that is impossible or far-fetched in the Earth we live on, and vice versa?

Then drop your link.

Let me start.
Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?
My world is purely fictional. Although there are the historical aspects of both the West and East, it has nothing to do with our real world.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?
My world's name is Imaginan, derived from the word "imagine". When the main character, Ari, was a child, she used to imagine a fictional world whenever she played with her imaginary childhood friend, Mariana. Throughout Iris' life, she still communicated with Mariana. And when she ventured into writing, she did world-building and made then no-name-world, Imaginan, as the setting for her books. It was all me, I haven't consulted a professional world-builder, but I do ask questions here and there.
What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?
Imaginan is magical place - it has Elementalists and Peculiars (not the kind of Peculiars in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children), as well as Spellcasters and Wielders. The people of Imaginan also have a purely fictional religion where there are 6 major deities who lends people their powers.
Do the inhabitants look like humans? Or is it "Star Wars diverse", with different kinds of species that are on par human-level? If yes, what's the dominant race? Do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?
The inhabitants of Imaginan look like humans. There's no Jaba the Hut, Ewok, Wookie kinds of species who are slimy and/or furry ones. There are absolutely no "alien" looking people. But there are certainly discrimination among human-like humans... sadly, as community and individual.

wekanian 2021-05-21 01:54:55 UTC #2

Interesting!

Most of the questions don’t apply so I’ll answer just like this.

The world in my comic is our Earth. Minus most of the human since an ancient magic wiped those without magic. The ones staying are few and they can use magic. So this world has apocalyptic vibe, but with LOTS of resource. Not human resource tho.

For the country, I don’t specify what country the characters are in but things are based on Indonesia.

Kaydreamer 2021-05-21 02:09:32 UTC #3

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?

It's a fictional universe, but based on an alternate reality of "What if the universe was static, rather than expanding?" There was an Earth in this universe, but I don't think it's liveable anymore.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?

The name of the galaxy Blue Star Rebellion is set in is the 'Thuliv' galaxy. I got that from a random word generator, and chose it because I liked the way it sounded. I then build up some lore around it. It's named for the thuliv flower, which grows on most of the planets in that galaxy.

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?

Very, very magic! Buuuuuut, the coalition governments of the Thuliv galaxy do not like magic one bit. Their tech is what the broader interstellar community calls 'spark-tech', as opposed to the magic-based 'rune-tech'.

Do the inhabitants look like humans? Or is it "Star Wars diverse", with different kinds of species that are on par human-level?

Lots and lots of different species!

If yes, what's the dominant race? Do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?

The dominant races are Elves, Humans, and Naga. There are many other races, some which are treated decently, but others which are treated very poorly. The Ahir'ri, or 'dust bunnies', are definitely one of those races, as are the Kovlins. Harpies and Fauns, too.

The elemental magic and the FTL space flight are definitely up there on the list of 'stuff that doesn't exist in reality.'

Kuma 2021-05-21 02:12:36 UTC #4

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?

Purely fictional, the world is called Vasmundi, the continent most of the action happens is Centris and the Kingdom where the story starts is called Via.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?

The Kingdom of Via is called like that because of an epithet it had during the time it was an Imperial Colony, as the Imperials, who lived there are the only ones with abilities to cast magic and magical energy is called "Vis", Via is modified world combining Vis and an archaic prefix for land. Thus "Land of Vis"

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?

Via has magic, but they call them Arcane Sciences and have a more academic focus on it. Recently they presented an innovation allowing them to remotely cast Spell Formulas through wires filled with a liquid solution composed of water and pulverized Cibus, a mineral that serves as an Arcane focus for Arcanists. There is a lot of stuff I can't comment on because it would be spoilers.

There are multiple variants of "human". Plus there are two non-human races, the beast-like Saevus and the horrifying Unda.

I have a lot of world-building done, with unique flora, fauna, cooking recipes, political systems and more.

LinQ 2021-05-21 02:37:28 UTC #5

Cool idea! I guess I'll just take the questions one by one.

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?
Purely fictional with some inspiration.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?
There are two main continents where the story takes place. Merthal and Dragoncrest. Dragoncrest is named that way because it was historically the home of the dragons, who have long since gone extinct through events forgotten to the modern people. Merthal was named by the elves who ruled the continent during the age of the dragons. I didn't take any professional worldbuilding help. There is one more continent but I won't address it at all in this story. I have plans for a prequel story eventually where I'll address it.

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?
My world does have magic. It's the fifth fundamental force of this world and interacts in unique ways with matter. Living beings are capable of manipulating it using magic channels which are burned into them physically (for elves and warlocks this happens naturally at a young age in a very painful assimilation process but for perabels they need to manually burn in their channels by focussing on natural magic). The perabels have no natural aptitude for magic usually so they ended up studying it and developing technology around its natural interactions with matter.

Do the inhabitants look like humans? Or is it "Star Wars diverse", with different kinds of species that are on par human-level? If yes, what's the dominant race? Do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?
The inhabitants mostly look human but there are certain mythical species like centaurs, orcs, and goblins as well as a race of tree people who are like tiny green-skinned people with arms and legs covered in flakes of bark.

DasIstWunderblyat 2021-05-21 02:52:10 UTC #6

There is no true 'purely fictional,' it is fictional but directly and indirectly influenced by the real world. It is set in a planet named "Sandur," and the current arc takes place in a country named "Maiyean." Maiyean is inspired by various countries in East, Southeast, and Central Asia. Other countries which has not appeared yet get their inspiration from other various countries.

"Sandur" is the name of the planet. I created it from the word "Sadur" which means "To arrange" or "To create" (in literary/artistic term, like how I create the world), I slipped an "N" and it became more smoothly pronounced.
For the inhabitants, it is just like how we call our planet "Earth." Which is the word for it in a global language.

I cannot say something unique about it, uniqueness is relative.
They combine technology with magic. Magic is treated as something more 'artisanal' or 'old-fashioned' for things that can be achieved/more practical to achieve by technology (e.g. people will use generic medicines for minor ailments like headache). For things unachievable/hardly achievable by current technological advancements, magic will be used entirely or in combination with technology (e.g. regenerating a whole damaged organ needs combination of modern medicine and use of magic).

The non-human inhabitants try their best to look human. I meant even amongst humans, look-based discrimination is awfully rampant, I think that would be even worse if they do not look like human. Looking human is a way to life for them since the ancient time where their progenitors try to blend in and gain the trust of humans, for the betterment of their own kinds. Back then, human also have their own reasons to not trust them, as many of those non-human are historically known for tormenting and devouring humans.

Any "Diverse" world is unrealistic without inter-racial/species dynamics, both good and bad. Most of the time, they get along pretty okay. In my case however, the rift is more based on what kind of supernatural/magical power a certain race/species have and what history is shared with them, rather than based on their look (like skin color) alone. That is why the dynamic is very different with our current world, while some human races on the planet highly resembles the races we know now.

The novel:

MeltingCORE 2021-05-21 04:12:10 UTC #7

In terms of world-building, I'm really into using imaginary physics/metaphysics to help build the civilization. The universe in "Red Shift" is actually a pocket dimension that moves through the vibrational frequency of all realities. Some of my favorite pieces of worldbuilding that I've created include the following: the Escher Index. This is the degree in which physical space is warped around and for my alien children! When coming to 3D space, it can result in eldritch scenery or impossible objects if the higher dimensionality of the being isn't concealed. Fata morganas! Real on Earth but in the Emily-verse they are bad omens when the megastructures of Umbra and Ignis are refracted into the sky as mirages. And speaking of the megastructures, they add to the tectonic activity underneath the endless cities (that and the hollowed out parts don't help - there are beams everywhere for denziens to grab onto when the ground starts shaking again.)

This was a fun post to write before bed. Here's some of the art I've painted for "Red Shift"!

thetalentedmrwulf 2021-05-21 04:21:32 UTC #9

I love world building and the worlds here sound cool, so let's go!

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?
The Sons of Adam (and others series I have in the wings) is set in an alternate Earth in the near future. Two wars primarily consisting of escalating missile salvos (including nuclear warheads) have ruined most of the planet.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?

The series is set in the last human city, Chrysalis Falls, a city the size of a large US state, surrounded by an impossibly tall and reinforced wall. It takes its name from being built to encase and provide safety for millions of people in case of widespread destruction (Chrysalis) and from the massive geographic project that was undertaken to make its northern border a dam powered by miles of waterfalls (Falls.) It was a decades long project that wasn't entirely finished even with futuristic tech by the time the 4th World War destroyed most of the rest of humanity.

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?
While most of the inhabitants of Chrysalis Falls would tell you that their world is one driven by science, that's mostly because they don't know exactly what beings are besieging them from all sides and their source. Magic is real and was always real, but being difficult to manage, several groups made sure to keep it secret. Now that devastation has rocked the planet, the forces of magic have taken the gloves and have a bone to pick with humanity. Lots of forces are mobilizing against humanity and some humans have discovered that not only are gods real, but some of them are becoming new gods.

Do the inhabitants look like humans? Or is it "Star Wars diverse", with different kinds of species that are on par human-level? If yes, what's the dominant race? Do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?
It's almost entirely humans that are recognizably human inside Chrysalis Falls. Extensive body modification and gene-splicing does exist but isn't available to the average person. That doesn't stop there from being cyborg cults or weird genetic creations - it just means that those groups either have a corporate donor or have been stealing tech. Working their way into various corporate positions and other positions of power are creatures of myth and legend. An ancient Norse monster works security on a top secret train. A bloody prank-playing faerie leads a specialized team (that includes a god-killer from myth) for one of the two corporations on the charter. Outside the wall, the great sea creatures rescued the humans that built underwater bio-domes to live as pacifists only to have them shattered in the war and turned them into the fanatical fish people, The Judges. What few humans were still alive outside the walls, and those corpses that were still mostly intact were seized by the forces of nature who gave them over to the spirits of animals slain by the weapons of destruction, making animal-folk with a serious axe to grind with humans. They're referred to as Sleepers. And there's also a council of death gods from assorted cultures planning exactly what to do with Chrysalis Falls as the last of humanity is on the brink of death.

Eiranyx 2021-05-21 04:32:56 UTC #10

Woooo most of my answers are long but I'll just shorten it as I can...
It's always interesting to start topics about world buildings, it often shows how each individuals come up with their worlds ^^ now to answer your question

Is your world purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?
- My world is fictional. Yes, it is set in Omegaverse, but it has something like a unique 'rule/s' as well. Although it has some borrowed aspects like the hierarchical system titles of the European monarchy, it has nothing to do with the real world, the definition of titles may differ and the laws of the monarchy is only applicable in that world.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world or country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?

My world doesn't have it's own world's name(because I haven't thought about it lol) but the 'countries' do. So far in the story there are only two confirmed name countries mentioned : Angrecia - where the main story was currently set and then there will be a mention of the country of Heleia - which seems to imply that it's a place that has a connection to my MC's past.
As to how it was named that way --- those are actually derived from names of flowers ^^ --- yes, that's right, and each flowers has symbolism and meaning which represents what that particular country/place stands for. For example:
Angrecia was derived from Angrec - a flower which often symbolized "Royalty" but can also mean "secret love" or "chaste love" in the flower language which pretty match because this is the biggest country, and this country is famed to have a certain place where secret lovers usually meet for a rendezvous.

Heleia is a playful wordplay on the first syllable of the flower called Heliotrope - which means devotion, healing, eternal love and faithfulness - which also matches the country because this place is a magic capital, and are usually the place where magic users who specialized in healing magic resides. This country is also famous for trading magical charms and herbs.
All of the names, and meanings were researched by me before coming up with it.

What's unique about it? Is it magical? purely technological? or something else?

Well since my comic is a fantasy genre to begin with it is magical. As for it on how it ended up being set in Omegaverse, it is explained in the chapter after the teaser chapter. What makes it a bit(?) unique compared to the usual omegaverse setting: The concept of a soul-bond or fated- pair..While it is also found, in some Omegaverse themed works, In my world, because there are vampires , humans and the mysterious existence of werewolves, the soul-bond actually plays a major role for humans to gain immortality.
When a human meets his/her fated pair, and the fated pair is either a vampire or a werewolf, their life-span will be connected. The human will then stop aging, and as long as the other one lives, the human will continue to live --- however, this occurrence is very rare and can even be considered as a legend in that world. Therefore a lot of vampire-human pairs and some rarer werewolf-human pairs always end up wherein one will always outlive the other (so sad )

Do the inhabitants look like humans? or is it star wars diverse, with different kind of species that are on par human-level? If yes what's the dominant race? do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?

The inhabitants all looks like humans, even the werewolves --- they blend among humans for some reasons and to ensure the survival of their clans. Vampires and humans are blatantly living with each other but one can see the stark differences on their living conditions because vampire races are very few and most of them are nobles. Humans are the dominant race, all with the potential to use magic but only few were able to actually use it and are qualified to be sorcerers. There 'might' be members of other races but of course coming across one is harder, like the werewolf for example, if it is already hard to come across one then the others are harder to come across with because majority are in disguise and blends with humans well ^^
In terms of discrimination, it doesn't often happen between the races, instead it often relies on their status /secondary genders in this case discrimination often happens to those belonging in the knighthood (which are all betas).--- there are two types of people who they always deal with - ones are those in high status who only sees them as pawns, and the others are normal individual who either admire them or fear them depending on where they come from. Because betas qualifying for knighthood are the only individuals that has a mandatory requirement to undergo screening and train as knights as early as they can, which is why majority of illegal slave-traders sell them as combat slaves.(looks like the future king has a lot of things to do to fix that huh?)

ML_Peregrine 2021-05-21 05:22:40 UTC #11

1. Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?

My world is based on the late Joseon Dynasty, but it is fictional. You'll find a lot of influence from Korean culture, but it's obvious that it's a fictional country, completely removed from our world (idk if that answers the question).
2. If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?

The Kingdom is named Saro. It is an alternative spelling of Silla, which was a Korean Kingdom located in the Southern and Central parts of Korea.

3. What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?
There is magic, though it's only been hinted at so far. The mythos of the magic system is that certain people are given gifts (usually at birth but not always) by the God of the universe. The main lead doesn't have magic himself, but he frequently runs into magicians when he's casually moonlighting as a detective.

4. Do the inhabitants look like humans? Or is it "Star Wars diverse", with different kinds of species that are on par human-level? If yes, what's the dominant race? Do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?

Yes, they mostly look like humans. That might change since the novel is only beginning.

blakestackman 2021-05-21 07:01:45 UTC #12

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?
My world is purely fictional.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?
The world my friend Ash and I created is called, Qwé (Pronounced; Kway). It was all done by us.

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?
The world is set in medieval times with some technological advancements such as steam-power and machines powered by a magical substance known as Pollen, which is found in ley-lines hidden underground.

Do the inhabitants look like humans? Or is it "Star Wars diverse", with different kinds of species that are on par human-level? If yes, what's the dominant race? Do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?
There is a mixture of races in this world, all of which are inspired by Dungeons and Dragons. There are a couple races I have created, such as the Elysian. But you will find that apart from the few exceptions most of the races and creatures in the world are your typical fantasy stereotypes.

mcarrowolga 2021-05-21 07:03:47 UTC #13

I'll be brief.

In GWI: the apocalypse made people better, not worse.

In "Cold Obsidian": magic is a sister to poetry.

Manyana 2021-05-21 07:06:28 UTC #14

@Kaydreamer Such an interesting world. Just by reading your world, I'm assuming it's a well-built one, not just some spice here and there then boom, you have Power Puff Girls. The PPG were created by throwing things without consideration and purely by accident; I, based on the one that I read in this thread, think that your world was carefully outlined and executed/created.
@Kuma I also have Centris! My sis used Centro, so I played with the word and came up with Centris. But it hasn't been introduced in my story yet. Having many world-building done must mean that your world is not (just like what I said to Kaydreamer) a "little bit of spice here and there". By the way, I've been seeing your book cover in Tapas lately, maybe it's a calling for me to read it
@MeltingCORE Red Shift!!
@thetalentedmrwulf Your work is already in my library and I already subbed to it. I'm one of your not-so-silent readers I like reading first, then going back to hit like-next chapter-like-next chapter-like and so on.(Not related to this thread, but whenever I see your book cover, I always think of a Thai series)
@Eiranyx ABO! Heleia is such a nice name; it rolls smoothly on my tongue. Just a question, is it "Heleya" or "Helaya"? Or none of the two?
@marysiapopie yes, it did. You answered it right. Korea has a very rich history, like most other Asian countries. And Korea preserved their history well, imo. You'll have many info and references and resources, so good luck! I love a non-OP MC; characters, especially MCs need to have flaws just like us readers to be at least relatable.
@blakestackman mapping is one of my major problems. I knew what should go where, but I just can't seem to map out my worlds. So, I just want to congratulate you for mapping your own world. It's good and easy to understand. (I envy you...)

Manyana 2021-05-21 07:09:05 UTC #15

Okay, now I gotta ask, where'd you make the map? Was it a website with free features or entirely had a required payment? Or was it an app? I gots to know~~

Eiranyx 2021-05-21 07:18:54 UTC #16

hahaha I'm glad that you like the name as much as I do~ you are correct on the first one as "Heleya", only that the first syllable is slightly longer so it's more like hee-ley-a ^^

blakestackman 2021-05-21 07:23:03 UTC #17

I drew it first and scanned it onto the computer. I put it up on photoshop and created a seperate layer and went over the pencil line with the ink tools. Then I added the effects to make it look like an old map, which can be done on photoshop as well.

Manyana 2021-05-21 07:26:15 UTC #18

Thanks for informing me! What a commitment you have!

seiggrainhart 2021-05-21 08:34:35 UTC #19

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?

Yup, Absolutely. It's loosely based around a world I've been developing for over a decade now, that functions as a homebrew world for DnD.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?

Yes, the world is all me, I've not consulted any world-building professionals or anything of the sort. While I do occasionally bounce ideas around with some friends, all the proper world-building is done by my own hands. And sadly, the world proper does not have a name, as the only named 'location' so far has been a small town/village.

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?

It's a fair mix of both Technology and Magic. At first glance, it would seem like your buck-average fantasy world, with magic and elves, dwarves and science, goblins, ghouls, etc etc. It even has the 'Demons' and 'Demon Lords' of most modern "Fantasy" stories. The two things that are unique (at least, from what I can gather.) are that there are two special magical systems within the world. The first, which has already been mentioned in the story, is called "Abyssal Magic" and functions mostly as a way to bend reality to the whims of the user, quite literally, as will be seen later on.

The second system, pertains to another thing mentioned already in the story and that being the "Dungeon Core Ore" which is rumored to allow the finder to create, and control, their own dungeon.

As mentioned before, the world is formatted to fit into a DnD campaign setting, so yes there is a diverse range of races. While there aren't exactly any races that are outright discriminated against, due to a long history of conflict the "Demon Races" are seen with disdain for other races, vice-versa being true as well. Generally.

SurvivALIST 2021-05-21 09:02:53 UTC #20

Wow! You're a life saver! These questions can help me narrow down my world building ideas. Here yeah...

                         Rebirth of the Unrivaled Water Specialist

Is your world/country purely fictional or just an alternate Earth/country?
Definitely purely fictional. Both the world and the countries/kingdoms, I mean.

If your world is purely your own, what's the name of the world/country? Why is your world/country named that way? Is it professionally done or just all you?
The world's name is Kaiden because I researched that it was from a Gaelic term meaning "fighter" so my world can become a war zone. Depicted by the inhabitants as a flat and vast world, continents were spread out and usually undiscovered by others. The continents I introduced first where Deo's Continents (Eudaria, Talineah, Meralte, and Sidero) and Khaos Continent. Funny thing with the four names of Deo's Continents, I came up with those on my own. For the countries/kingdoms, I'm still incomplete but I'll give you the known ones: Amory Kingdom, Celesta Kingdom, and Ordell Kingdom. Yep! It's all just me though I was inspired by other sources. You can ask about it if you're curious.

What's unique about it? Is it magical? Purely technological? Or something else?
Not to be a braggart but I have all the right to say that my world is unique complete with its genesis and anachronisms incorporated in the story. If you're asking whether its uniqueness lies on it being magical or technological or something else, just think of it as the abrupt advancement of the [Mana] Covetor Civilization. Right from the start, you'll see it purely medieval though with little anachronisms brought by Alist into the world. But when the transmigrated novel's world prologue starts, it becomes what you call the pseudo-medieval era. Pseudo medievalism is a setting applied to DnD games. More and more anachronisms starts to rise out in the world. Ergo, instantaneous magic [or Specialism] and technology development are what make Kaiden unique.

Well, that's if you're talking about the world setting but how about the magic in it? The concept of mana is present but I made mana Kaiden's most coveted resource to ever be monopolized like what utility companies on Earth do. All species fought for traces of mana so that they can use magic forever. Predation rocks the world! Now, you can see why it has the [Mana] Covetor Civilization.

Do the inhabitants look like humans? Or is it "Star Wars diverse", with different kinds of species that are on par human-level? If yes, what's the dominant race? Do other species get discriminated against as a community or as individuals?
There are different ethnicities and species including humans, elves, dwarves, monsters, plant humanoids, etc. Discriminations prevalent include classism, natural selection ("only the strong survive"), magical attribute differentiation, and the no-magic species so anyone is targeted. I may be adding more discriminations to build up the drama.

There you have it,
SurvivALIST

Kuma 2021-05-21 13:30:29 UTC #21

The cover was done by my girlfriend, she is the artist for the webtoon "Scarlet Society". I collaborated with her in the webtoon "Solomon's Time" (That has a Tapas version) and she recently started her own story with "We bumped into each other and had a baby"