Worldbuilding: It’s the backbone of any good fantasy novel, the foundation upon which your characters, plot, and magic systems rest. But whilst many focus on the intricate details of societies and cultures, the geographical worldbuilding often gets overlooked.
This is the second part of my series on fantasy worldbuilding. The other parts are listed below:
- 1: General Worldbuilding Tips
- –> 2: Geographical Worldbuilding
- 3: Creating Your Nations
A truly immersive fantasy world needs more than just intriguing characters and magic systems; it needs a believable environment in which these elements can exist. This article will explore the essential elements of geographical worldbuilding and provide guidelines to ensure your fictional world is both logical and captivating.
Understanding the Basics of Worldbuilding
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to grasp the fundamental principles of geographical worldbuilding. Think of it as creating a stage for your story. Just as a theatre stage needs to be designed with the performance in mind, your world’s geography should complement and influence your narrative.
This means considering factors like:
- Landmasses: Continents, islands, and their distribution. Are they vast and sprawling or a series of interconnected islands?
- Bodies of Water: Oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. How do they interact with the landmasses and influence climate
- Climate and Weather: Temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations across different regions. How do these factors affect the flora, fauna, and cultures?
- Natural Resources: Distribution of minerals, forests, and arable land. How do these resources shape the societies and economies of your world?
Worldbuilding: Creating Logical and Consistent Geography
To ensure your world feels real and believable, it’s crucial to adhere to the basic laws of physics and geography. Here are some key rules to follow:
- Plate Tectonics: Even in a fantasy world, the movement of tectonic plates can explain mountain ranges, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Consider how these plates interact and shape your world’s landscape.
- Climate Zones: The Earth’s tilt and curvature create distinct climate zones. Apply this principle to your world, considering factors like latitude, altitude, and proximity to water. A desert in the tropics will be vastly different from one in a temperate zone.
- Water Cycle: Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation are essential for a functioning ecosystem. Ensure your world has a logical water cycle, with rivers flowing downhill and rainfall patterns influenced by geography.
- Biomes: Different climates support different types of plant and animal life. Research various biomes like forests, grasslands, and deserts to create realistic ecosystems within your world.
Worldbuilding: Adding Depth and Detail
Once you have the basic framework, it’s time to add depth and detail to your world. Consider these elements:
- Geological History: Has your world experienced ice ages, volcanic eruptions, or other significant events that have shaped its landscape?
- Unique Features: Does your world have any unusual geographical features, such as floating islands, colossal waterfalls, or underground caverns?
- Magical Influences: How does magic affect the geography of your world? Does it create unusual landforms or influence weather patterns?
By considering these aspects, you can create a rich and immersive world that feels truly alive.
Resources for Worldbuilding
For further inspiration and guidance, check out these helpful resources:
- Worldbuilding Stack Exchange: A community-driven Q&A site dedicated to worldbuilding.
- Cartographers’ Guild: A forum for mapmakers and worldbuilders with tutorials, resources, and inspiration.
Remember, worldbuilding is a journey of creativity and imagination. By grounding your world in logical geography, you can create a believable and captivating setting for your stories.
More in this Worldbuilding series
If you’d like to read more about worldbuilding, please check out the other articles from this series:
- 1: General Worldbuilding Tips
- –> 2: Geographical Worldbuilding
- 3: Creating Your Nations