Creating Khyr's world
When I 'created' (isn't that an amazing thing? To realize that as a writer you can 'create' an entire world?! :) ) Khyr's world I had a clear concept of what Aramyr and the Amber Throne looked like, and the White Throne of Llaryn...the way their cities were designed, their homes, where and how they conducted trade, etc. but a less clear view of the realm of Khyr's people the Ele'ath. Since his people no longer lived in that world, developing it fully was not an immediate necessity. I knew enough of Khyr's life, their customs, beliefs, I wasn't too concerned with the architecture :)
Now that the book wants to grow into a series, that begins to change. Besides, Khyr wants me to "see" his world in all its intricate and incomparable beauty.
So what does Khyr's land look like? Now, we venture into the realm of real world building once more. And it is so exciting. Of course, there is always far more to 'know' than can--or ever should--make it into a story. That is part of the fun too.
Now I can build from what I already know.
So here begins the thinking out loud process. Feel free to jump in with comments and suggestions, I love getting feedback. It inspires me to think ever further 'outside the box'.
I knew from the beginning Khyr's people lived on a series of interlocked islands. Lots of waterways, bays, and (of course) ocean. The climate is balmy, hence their proclivity for going about 'nekkid' as the mood strikes them. Seeing the lands is the easy part of the process. Wide sandy beaches and tall sheer cliffs with waterfalls plunging to the sea. Waterways lined with (their version of course) mangrove stands. But this isn't just earth redeux...it is a very real and unique land and culture.
Bringing that to a 3D realism on the page is the trick.
What else do I know to this point? The Ele'ath are an Elder race, one of the first born of the Dreaming. Therefore it seems logical they would have inhabited these lands for some time. So these are not new islands still forming. They have been there a long time, which would influence the geographical features.
But I don't see them living in great marble 'halls' like Tolkien's elves in Rivendell. No, they live in close proximity with their island homes, so I am thinking less in the traditional mode of 'medieval' or even "Celtic" style fantasy and more toward a Native American/aboriginal world culture. This in no way connotes 'primitive'...they are an ancient people, and I just have never quite grasped how races supposedly living virtually 'immortal' lives would be totally trapped in cultures that never advance in any significant regard.
Admittedly, without the need for much science and/or technology, some aspects would remain what would appear, to us, archaic. For example, Khyr's people have never acquired cars or anything resembling such transportation. Why should they? They have fast, easily accessible flying creatures, and equally fast land mounts. Ships are another story, since the lives of the Ele'ath are so joined to the sea, their ships have indeed progressed and while they still utilize sails (why not, if you can call the wind?) they are fast, sleek and seaworthy.
Every answer in building a world begs another question...because the ships of Khyr's realm leads me back to Aedin and the ships he will command as they sail the river from Llaryn. The sidhe of Llaryn do not command the wind as the Ele'ath can/do... so HOW are the Llaryn ships 'powered'?
A worthy question, and one to delve into.
With delight.
Next time
Now that the book wants to grow into a series, that begins to change. Besides, Khyr wants me to "see" his world in all its intricate and incomparable beauty.
So what does Khyr's land look like? Now, we venture into the realm of real world building once more. And it is so exciting. Of course, there is always far more to 'know' than can--or ever should--make it into a story. That is part of the fun too.
Now I can build from what I already know.
So here begins the thinking out loud process. Feel free to jump in with comments and suggestions, I love getting feedback. It inspires me to think ever further 'outside the box'.
I knew from the beginning Khyr's people lived on a series of interlocked islands. Lots of waterways, bays, and (of course) ocean. The climate is balmy, hence their proclivity for going about 'nekkid' as the mood strikes them. Seeing the lands is the easy part of the process. Wide sandy beaches and tall sheer cliffs with waterfalls plunging to the sea. Waterways lined with (their version of course) mangrove stands. But this isn't just earth redeux...it is a very real and unique land and culture.
Bringing that to a 3D realism on the page is the trick.
What else do I know to this point? The Ele'ath are an Elder race, one of the first born of the Dreaming. Therefore it seems logical they would have inhabited these lands for some time. So these are not new islands still forming. They have been there a long time, which would influence the geographical features.
But I don't see them living in great marble 'halls' like Tolkien's elves in Rivendell. No, they live in close proximity with their island homes, so I am thinking less in the traditional mode of 'medieval' or even "Celtic" style fantasy and more toward a Native American/aboriginal world culture. This in no way connotes 'primitive'...they are an ancient people, and I just have never quite grasped how races supposedly living virtually 'immortal' lives would be totally trapped in cultures that never advance in any significant regard.
Admittedly, without the need for much science and/or technology, some aspects would remain what would appear, to us, archaic. For example, Khyr's people have never acquired cars or anything resembling such transportation. Why should they? They have fast, easily accessible flying creatures, and equally fast land mounts. Ships are another story, since the lives of the Ele'ath are so joined to the sea, their ships have indeed progressed and while they still utilize sails (why not, if you can call the wind?) they are fast, sleek and seaworthy.
Every answer in building a world begs another question...because the ships of Khyr's realm leads me back to Aedin and the ships he will command as they sail the river from Llaryn. The sidhe of Llaryn do not command the wind as the Ele'ath can/do... so HOW are the Llaryn ships 'powered'?
A worthy question, and one to delve into.
With delight.
Next time