looking for advice on a lore expansion.

[thatoneguywho-]

hello! Lately, I've been thinking about expanding on the cultural aspects of my fantasy world. if you can help me think of stuff or show me a resource that helps, that'd be great!

Additional info: the world has a small amount of gender segregation, with specific occupations generally preferring a gender, though it is mainly based on skill.
humans who can use magic are widely seen as mercenaries for war.
of course, Turianic names are different from our names, preferring longer, sharp names.
Turianuyani, being a very damaged planet, requires the use of magic to travel almost anywhere.
six moons.
NO (real) stars in the night sky (the few specks of light are actually drifting pieces of the planet that were cast away, but they don't know that)

that's all I can think of for now, thanks!

 

[pmmg]

Well...there are plenty of sources for reference material that one can find. Just about every good fantasy series tackles lore, mythology, and legends fairly well. And of course, our own world...


For myself, I have a timeline of 'what is real' starting with the big bang and leading up to the events of the story. But this time line is never present in the story, its just a reference for me. After that, there is a time line of what is believed to be real, and from that I get most of the lore of the planet. There is a re period of pure mythology, were things are so distant and so unknown, that the stories and tales that come from that period are far more likely to have fantastical elements, and more directly have Gods or very powerful creatures involved. After that, there is a period of legend, where the tales featured are more eh type o legend. It features less gods but more mortal doing things that would seem super human, such as felling ten trees in one blow of an ax. Then we move into a phase were things are more real, and more skepticism is places on the claims and tales of others.

One story that I point to that shows this well enough, is there is a moon in my story, but the sky is hazy and the moon is never clearly seen. The moon has a follower, a big rock the goes around it over and over again. I know, the moon is just a rock. The myth is, there was a great battle and it is the carcass of a dragon that died long ago. There are legend of those who have taken blood from the dragon for various reasons. But if anyone was to clam that today, they would get a lot of scrutiny for such a claim.

Your world has seven moons. That ought to leave a lot of room for myths and legends to bubble up. What are you finding the hardest about developing these legends and myths?

 

[thatoneguywho-]

Your world has seven moons. That ought to leave a lot of room for myths and legends to bubble up. What are you finding the hardest about developing these legends and myths?

first, it's six moons.



the hard part is that, with how old my PLANET is (2 trillion years, the universe is older.) I know the stories should be clouded, but I keep trying to perfect everything.

also, my unlucky RNG at birth makes it pretty hard to come up with things without changing something, making up an unrelated story, laziness, etc... (haven't even figured out how many divinities exist, and I've done this for two years)

 

[Journey]

What I found useful in my own worldbuilding is to think of the century or time-period your world is equivalent to Earth. Those who write medieval fantasy stick around the 1500s-1600s range; find one that suits your world. Then you research what life was like during that time period, what different cultures there were, and what influenced them (a king, a faith, a rebellion, etc.), then apply it to your own. If you think your world is too futuristic to reference current earth, what I've done is search up projects that people have designed for the future. Saudi Arabia has several interesting ones in regard to living communities (the line, NEOM, Red Sea Global, etc.), but there are a wide range of "projects of the future" type stuff. At the very least, the images alone could spark a few ideas.

Your magic, depending on how old it is, can be a driving force throughout history, and people's perspectives and uses of it could have changed throughout time. The presence of six moons could make the rise and fall of tides more erratic, cause more eclipses to occur, and the world to be brighter at night. As for divinities, the easy answer would be to have one all-encompassing, and one for each moon, but that's up to you.

With all that said, if you are planning to write a story to fit in this world, I think the best thing to do is to put a character in a setting on your planet and have them walk through it. While you are word building an entire planet, there's no need to know every culture in every region and all its specifics. Have the character encounter the big picture cultural aspects of the world (six divinities for six moons, for example), then dig deeper into what you want those divinities to represent and how they affect a character's thoughts and actions.

Some things to think about:

• would they follow one divinity or all six?
• are there conflicts between those who follow different divinities?
• does following these divinities influence how the magic is used, or even grant them certain powers?

I am by no means an expert, this is just how I go about my worldbuilding. I hope this helped!

 

[thatoneguywho-]

What I found useful in my own worldbuilding is to think of the century or time-period your world is equivalent to Earth. Those who write medieval fantasy stick around the 1500s-1600s range; find one that suits your world. Then you research what life was like during that time period, what different cultures there were, and what influenced them (a king, a faith, a rebellion, etc.), then apply it to your own. If you think your world is too futuristic to reference current earth, what I've done is search up projects that people have designed for the future. Saudi Arabia has several interesting ones in regard to living communities (the line, NEOM, Red Sea Global, etc.), but there are a wide range of "projects of the future" type stuff. At the very least, the images alone could spark a few ideas.

Your magic, depending on how old it is, can be a driving force throughout history, and people's perspectives and uses of it could have changed throughout time. The presence of six moons could make the rise and fall of tides more erratic, cause more eclipses to occur, and the world to be brighter at night. As for divinities, the easy answer would be to have one all-encompassing, and one for each moon, but that's up to you.

With all that said, if you are planning to write a story to fit in this world, I think the best thing to do is to put a character in a setting on your planet and have them walk through it. While you are word building an entire planet, there's no need to know every culture in every region and all its specifics. Have the character encounter the big picture cultural aspects of the world (six divinities for six moons, for example), then dig deeper into what you want those divinities to represent and how they affect a character's thoughts and actions.

Some things to think about:

• would they follow one divinity or all six?
• are there conflicts between those who follow different divinities?
• does following these divinities influence how the magic is used, or even grant them certain powers?

I am by no means an expert, this is just how I go about my worldbuilding. I hope this helped!

oh yeah, my magic is the first thing to exist ever. and yes, i have perspectives that have changed. the planet isn't really a 'planet,' but a mess of ten large fragments (the continents) floating in space due to a cataclysmic event(multiple), held there by the moons and a 'strange object in the middle' (lore hehe), so physics isn't normal here. I already had six main divinities (completely unrelated to the moons, man, how did you get that...)


they follow all main divinities, and there is currently a ten thousand year long war going on between the only humans born with magic and their tribes.


yes.

and it does help, thank you!

 

[xena]

Six moons but no real stars, I think that would lead to some really interesting myths or stories people tell. And with magic being necessary for travel, I can imagine all kinds of traditions, like special rituals before journeys, maybe people even leave little offerings to stay safe on their travels

 

[thatoneguywho-]

Six moons but no real stars, I think that would lead to some really interesting myths or stories people tell. And with magic being necessary for travel, I can imagine all kinds of traditions, like special rituals before journeys, maybe people even leave little offerings to stay safe on their travels

never thought of that tbh

 

[ClearDragon]

first, it's six moons.



the hard part is that, with how old my PLANET is (2 trillion years, the universe is older.) I know the stories should be clouded, but I keep trying to perfect everything.

also, my unlucky RNG at birth makes it pretty hard to come up with things without changing something, making up an unrelated story, laziness, etc... (haven't even figured out how many divinities exist, and I've done this for two years)

Whoa! A two trillion year old planet! I find that idea fascinating, especially since you have the planet apparently falling apart. I want to know more about this world.

 

[thatoneguywho-]

Whoa! A two trillion year old planet! I find that idea fascinating, especially since you have the planet apparently falling apart. I want to know more about this world.

do you mean 'now' or that you're just interested?

 

[ClearDragon]

do you mean 'now' or that you're just interested?

Well whenever you have stuff written about it I'd like to read it. I like the idea of a planet thats so old. Goodnight.

 

[SamazonE]

I had a planet, that was a sun, with the earth on the inner layer. Later, I made it a maze, with four dimensional light, (MEANING, it could bend around corners, and valleys.)

Six has been done before. I had giant monoliths, and ancient giants, actually mechanical, but made of stone.

Animal life could have a lot to do with calendar and heavenly body stuff. There could be stars that are ancient robots, huge birds, immortal cats.

Mostly with lore stuff, what do they eat, when do they celebrate, what is similar or different. A harvest festival has changes, that have something to do with metaphysics if only in name. A sci-fi is similar to fantasy in lore. What do they worship, besides atheism, flow of time, science, stuff like that.

What constitutes a nightmare? Is it in their brain to feel a push towards something that is no longer real but should be? Are they bored or not when they have this war?

 

[Waylen]

hello! Lately, I've been thinking about expanding on the cultural aspects of my fantasy world. if you can help me think of stuff or show me a resource that helps, that'd be great!

Additional info: the world has a small amount of gender segregation, with specific occupations generally preferring a gender, though it is mainly based on skill.
humans who can use magic are widely seen as mercenaries for war.
of course, Turianic names are different from our names, preferring longer, sharp names.
Turianuyani, being a very damaged planet, requires the use of magic to travel almost anywhere.
six moons.
NO (real) stars in the night sky (the few specks of light are actually drifting pieces of the planet that were cast away, but they don't know that)

that's all I can think of for now, thanks!

Hello! Your world sounds fascinating. I particularly like the moons and drifting pieces of planet - the place sounds rather torn up.

For culture, maybe explore the following:

• Moon-based beliefs or rituals.
• How magic-as-transport shapes cities or trade.
• Naming customs tied to moons or magic.
• Gender role traditions (are they shifting?)

I'm excited to learn more about this world of yours.

 

[Michael Terrance]

hello! Lately, I've been thinking about expanding on the cultural aspects of my fantasy world. if you can help me think of stuff or show me a resource that helps, that'd be great!

Additional info: the world has a small amount of gender segregation, with specific occupations generally preferring a gender, though it is mainly based on skill.
humans who can use magic are widely seen as mercenaries for war.
of course, Turianic names are different from our names, preferring longer, sharp names.
Turianuyani, being a very damaged planet, requires the use of magic to travel almost anywhere.
six moons.
NO (real) stars in the night sky (the few specks of light are actually drifting pieces of the planet that were cast away, but they don't know that)

that's all I can think of for now, thanks!

If magic is required for travel and not everyone has it, I presume travel is not all that common. Typically, that would mean the development of a wide variety of languages and beliefs, with common threads usually running through them since 1) primitive peoples tend to try to answer the same big questions, and 2) there is some travel, so some stories and beliefs will spread and then evolve slightly differently in the places they spread to.

 

[Saigonnus]

I have something similar for my main world. Mine only has 3 moons. Lant is Earth-like; meaning it is habitable. Every so often the moon's native magical force "rubs" with the one of the planet Aern, and create portals that can go back and forward. It's not often; perhaps once or twice a year, but it has caused Lant to be habitated with small clusters of accidental settlers. Lant is revered by those who seek to overcome challenges in their life, or those who seek out new challenges.

Sila; the lady of fortune. Aern's smallest moon resembles a gold coin in color, and is often revered for good fortune, or wealth, or to wish it upon others.

Ios, is shining silver; as an ice-bound moon. It represents truth, cleanliness, purity.

 

[thatoneguywho-]

If magic is required for travel and not everyone has it, I presume travel is not all that common. Typically, that would mean the development of a wide variety of languages and beliefs, with common threads usually running through them since 1) primitive peoples tend to try to answer the same big questions, and 2) there is some travel, so some stories and beliefs will spread and then evolve slightly differently in the places they spread to.

magic is little confusion for my world. as long as its THERE, anyone can USE it, but its only those who can use it who actually SUMMON the magic and use it at full potential. make sense?

 

[Kassandra]

Hello!
Since there are divinities in your world, I would definitely analyze their myths - at least, as much as this is needed. Mythology can get very complicated, very fast, and it will be a shame to spend an endless amount of time on something that may not play much of a role in your story at all - unless it did play a significant role.

Have the different fragments/continents of the 'planet' developed their own traditions? Laws? Divinities? Perhaps they have a different version of the same myths?

Are they all in peace with one another?
Are there politics that control all continents, or are they separated?

Also, as Pmmg said, keeping a timeline of 'what is real' and 'what is believed to be real' is going to be of great help in your world building.

You mentioned traveling. Do people pay for traveling? What is their monetary system like? Or do they not use money, but something else instead? (services? Time? Magic?)

Then, of course, you have the weather conditions of each continent. And, respectively, the clothes each different continent has developed for their needs.
Different food, drinks...

Are there animals in your world? Are they treated the same way in each continent? (are there different animals for food and human company?) Or are there continents that don't eat meat? Mythology and religion can affect this.

 

[minta]

That sounds like an amazing world. Maybe you could build on the culture by tying myths to the six moons, with each one representing a different god, season or omen.

 

[Steelspider]

first, it's six moons.



the hard part is that, with how old my PLANET is (2 trillion years, the universe is older.) I know the stories should be clouded, but I keep trying to perfect everything.

also, my unlucky RNG at birth makes it pretty hard to come up with things without changing something, making up an unrelated story, laziness, etc... (haven't even figured out how many divinities exist, and I've done this for two years)

Sounds like one per moon would fit. Maybe the moons could be the divinities (or there symbols) in which the occupation are divided.
“ the laborers pray to the red goddess moon Shaw to lead them through poverty”
Just an idea

 

[thatoneguywho-]

Sounds like one per moon would fit. Maybe the moons could be the divinities (or there symbols) in which the occupation are divided.
“ the laborers pray to the red goddess moon Shaw to lead them through poverty”
Just an idea

tbh, I do have six main divinities, but that was purely a coincidence lol

 

[thatoneguywho-]

Hello!
Since there are divinities in your world, I would definitely analyze their myths - at least, as much as this is needed. Mythology can get very complicated, very fast, and it will be a shame to spend an endless amount of time on something that may not play much of a role in your story at all - unless it did play a significant role.

Have the different fragments/continents of the 'planet' developed their own traditions? Laws? Divinities? Perhaps they have a different version of the same myths?

Are they all in peace with one another?
Are there politics that control all continents, or are they separated?

Also, as Pmmg said, keeping a timeline of 'what is real' and 'what is believed to be real' is going to be of great help in your world building.

You mentioned traveling. Do people pay for traveling? What is their monetary system like? Or do they not use money, but something else instead? (services? Time? Magic?)

Then, of course, you have the weather conditions of each continent. And, respectively, the clothes each different continent has developed for their needs.
Different food, drinks...

Are there animals in your world? Are they treated the same way in each continent? (are there different animals for food and human company?) Or are there continents that don't eat meat? Mythology and religion can affect this.

I'm late


hey so the divinities appear WAY more than you think... some of them die too

somewhat, but since literally all of the divinities except the first six come from the exact same place where humans can ascend, cultures sort of blended together.

oh, no, definitely not.
there used to be a powerful empire, Kavifgasa, which ruled an entire continent and MORE.

yesssss

the main coin is(was) the Ezasderkin, created by an alchemist facing gold shortages after the 'fourth invasions' complete death of resources. now, even that is running low.

not figured out yet

yes. they aren't treated the same way. pets aren't widespread.