Becka's World Building Workshop ~ Post #7

A little late in coming, but here nonetheless. This is the LAST post of my World Building Workshop. I know it's been a long few weeks, but I hope you guys got something out of it... :P Here are the links to the other posts just in case you missed them:

World Building Workshop Post #1

World Building Workshop Post #2

World Building Workshop Post #3

World Building Workshop Post #4

World Building Workshop Post #5 & #6

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TECHNOLOGY, MAGIC, AND OTHER ODDS AND ENDS

Okay, now that you have most of your world in place, and even an easy way to quickly think of names, now is the time to get down to the nitty gritty with regards to details.

First of all, we'll start with technology. How advanced is yourworld? Are they truly a Medieval society with swords and crossbows? Or is there gunpowder? Steam engines?

What about a Sci-Fi world? Do they have lazer-blasters? Ion-cannons? Aside from weapons, what kind of medical technology do they possess? Tricorder-type things? Nanosites? Or just your good ol' water & bandages?

Is magic present on your world? If so, can everyone do it? Or only certain races? Is it an inherent trait or do you need items to do magical things? If there are magical items in your world such as a glowing sword or pendant of invisibility, write out exactly what their powers are. Maybe even write some powers that your characters don't know about. Makes it fun when they use a magical item and it does something totally unexpected!

Other odds & ends would include fleshing out your cities, deciding what's a large Mecca and what's a small hamlet. What is life like in those cities? Can anyone buy magical items or are they only for the rich and famous?

Once you have the little details fleshed out, then you are ready to begin writing in your world. There are some things you can make up as you go, so don't feel as if you can't write if you don't know everything there is to know about your world. I've learned that sometimes, it can be a lot of fun for the writer if you don't know what's beyond those mountains. If your characters don't either, then hey, that's an avenue that can be explored along with them.

Sometimes impromptu world building such as that can be great, just don't forget to jot down notes on what you make up. You don't want to forget it!

~~Becka