Episode 44 - World Building II (Guest: Erratic Errata)
Sep 9, 2018
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Guest Erratic Errata discusses world building in A Practical Guide to Evil, covering topics like societal axioms, reconstructing tropes, free will and deities, video game inspiration, and differences in worldbuilding approaches.
Avoid stereotypical mono-cultural representations in world building for diverse storytelling.
Reevaluate gender roles and societal structures in fiction with magical elements for authenticity.
Navigate the challenges of incorporating gods in narratives without compromising character autonomy.
Deep dives
World Building Challenges with Mono-Cultural Representations
In the podcast episode, the discussion revolves around the challenges of employing mono-cultural representations in world building, particularly in fantasy settings. The concept of assigning one culture or identity to an entire nation or species is scrutinized, highlighting its implications for diversity and depth within storytelling. By referencing examples like Tolkien's archetypal races, the conversation delves into the limitations of such simplistic characterizations, urging for more nuanced and varied cultural portrayals to enhance storytelling and character development.
Exploring Gender Roles in Fictional Worlds with Magical Influences
Gender roles and societal structures, especially in fictional settings with magical elements, are examined in the podcast. The impact of magic on traditional power dynamics and equality between genders is explored. The discussion delves into how alterations like extended lifespans or magical abilities can significantly alter familial structures, power distribution, and societal norms, prompting a reevaluation of gender dynamics and their portrayal in storytelling.
Navigating the Role of Gods and Divine Interference in Narratives
The podcast delves into the complex role of gods and divine beings in storytelling, focusing on the consequences of their presence on plot development and character interactions. The narrative challenges of incorporating omnipotent or omniscient deities into a story are analyzed, addressing questions of free will, divine intervention, and character motivations within the context of religious beliefs and moral consequences.
Balancing World Building Depth and Reader Engagement
The podcast touches on the intricate balance between immersive world building and reader engagement in storytelling. While extensive world building can enrich a narrative, there's a discussion on how to effectively convey world details without overwhelming or detracting from the core story. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning world building intricacies with plot progression and character development to maintain reader interest and narrative flow.
Inspirational Elements for Fantasy Stories from Strategy Games
Playing strategy games like medieval-themed Crusader Kings serves as a creative generator for developing fantasy story narratives. The speaker mentions drawing inspiration from historical sources, linking the narrative principle to the Holy Roman Empire, but with simplification in dynamics. They highlight how gameplay experiences spark imaginative story elements that go beyond historical facts, emphasizing the emergence of unique stories from rule interactions.
Intriguing Absence of Prophecies in the Story
The podcast episode delves into the absence of clear prophecies in the narrative, praising the organic character decisions without supernatural influences. It explores the concept of prophecies potentially undermining character agency and appreciates the story's avoidance of typical chosen one tropes. The discussion highlights the narrative's focus on characters' actions and decisions rather than predetermined fates, adding depth to character development and plot dynamics.
Special guest Erratic Errata joins Daystar and Alexander to discuss more aspects of world building, particularly in his serial A Practical Guide to Evil.
1:04 Planet of Hats
11:31 Societal Axioms
19:30 Reconstructing Tropes
25:56 Playing with Narrative
35:06 Worldbuilding Differences
43:38 Free Will and Deities
49:39 Video game inspiration
55:15 A Practical Guide to Evil Q&A
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