Hey, I've been getting many idea's from me and my friend on this story I'm going to write, and just haven't gotten around to writing about it. It is set in the world of Lialinar. There are the 7 races: the Elves, Centaurs, Dwarves, Humans, Dryads and the Satyrs. The Satyrs used to have a great empire where now the Elves and Humans reside. The Satyr's were always attacking the Dwarves, which is why they took residence in their capital, which is a mountain fortress. Then the elves came across the sea, and took up some of the satyrs empire, using strong magic to drive them out. Then from the south-west came the humans who were superior in numbers and weaponry to the Satyrs, who drove them out of that region. At this point, some of the Elves had decided to go form their own kingdom, because the other Elves only worshipped three Gods, and the now Western elves wanted to worship them all, so they were outcast. They then moved, taking everyone who wanted to worship all the gods with them. The Satyrs then proceeded to try and conquer the Dwarves, who proceeded with a cry of help to the Humans, who came and saved them, and from that time onwards the Humans and Dwarves were allies. The Satyrs then went up into the Centaurs realm, and took over. The remaining Centaurs fled to the Eastern Elves, who gave them sanctuary, and the Satyrs didn't dare attack them then. The Satyrs took residence in what used to be the Centaurs realm. The Dryads remained in their small island to the south, making sure the God of Darkness did not get out of the prison that the Gods had put him in for trying to destroy everything. The Dryads were there to guard the underground entrance to his prison. Their whole island was edged with mountains, and there were only two heavily guarded passes for people to go through. No-one knew about the Dryads. At one point early on in this story, some of the Gods took a few favoured people from each race, and made them the Blessed Ones, who proceeded to take up residence on the island in the small sea to the north, slightly west of what would be the Satyrs realm. They decided to call the island Shalassar, and themselves, Shalassarians. They had powerful magic from the Gods themselves, constructing all of their buildings out of pure diamond that they had fashioned from the air around them. The other races only ever went to them in times of great need, but the Shalassarians preferred not to take sides and remain neutral. When the story begins, the Eastern Elves and the Humans had been warring for 20 years, because the Humans were trying to expand their borders. The Dwarves did not take a part in this, because they knew that the Eastern Elves could easily conquer them. The Humans had begun to push them more and more inside their borders, because they had superior numbers, and the Elves themselves were peaceful, and only fought in retaliation. The main hero to this story is the Queen of the Eastern Elves, Sylania. What do you think so far?
Just ignore insanity there. I like it that you have a backstory from stuff that happens before the actual story. That makes it seem more real. Still, 7 races is quite a lot, and you only described 6 of them. If you really want to write a good story, I'd cut back the number of races back to 3, or 4 at most. Combined with factions and god-like creatures, you then already have more then Tolkien made. Speaking of Tolkien, some of your story thus far has many similarities with the Silmarillion. If neither of you have ever read that book: your imagination is great. If you did read that book, then you know that getting people to know even a single race is very hard. Best tip I can give: Keep the focus on Feänor, erm, your main character. Leaver the Valar and Maiar, erm, the god things out of the story as much as you can. Also, what happens to Melkor, erm, the big baddy after his imprisonment? Are the Noldor, erm, bad elves interested in him, resulting in their banishment? Couldn't resist comparing there. See it as a compliment.
I have never ever read lord of the rings, or seen any of the movies...This is all from the top of my head. I like my stories complex . The Shalassarians aren't going to be in it much, but will have occasional appearances. The Eastern Elves are a force of good not evil.. The Satyrs are cruel and stuck up, but still aren't evil either. Though the God of Darkness has seen a very slight flaw in his prison. He can still reach out with his mind. So then he corrupts the King of the Satyrs, and forces them to wage war on everyone else . Wait, which race was it I didn't describe? Tell me, and I'll give some info.
Hey thought I would take some time and invest in this story a bit. First I would like to sat welcome to the idea of this story. Now to get past some of the basics I would like to tackle two things that you have worked for here. Or at least I believe the intent was. 1. To create a realistic world. 2. To create a vibrant world. Both goals are very admirable and can easily be intertwined to bring about the complete satisfaction that has been done in other novels, chiefly that which has been mentioned, Lord of the Rings. Hopefully I can give some, if any, advice that will help you with achieving that specific goal. I would say that when you chiefly concern yourself with any background on a story you are placing your world together before it is born. Which is good and bad. The good is that it gives you solid direction on where to go. However the bad is that it limits the realism that occurs in the world. For example you said there are seven races in the world of which 6 were mentioned. Now, through this small error of clarity you can actually work a whole new side into the story that was not foreseen. Maybe the other races never speak of this seventh race. However it then limits the emergence of other races that could oppose. Suppose for example you had written the background without the inclusion of humans. Then during the story decided you needed the inclusion of another conflict. You could in fact do the emergence of the human threat to the Satyrs and how all the races cope with it. That is just an example of the effect of realism on a story. As realism itself is a natural progression of events that isn't forced. Events that are forced, such as the war you describe. However it isn't such a double bladed sword as I describe it to be. With such an event as war you open up a vast amount of story room. Why does it happen? Who started it? Why was it started? How was it started? Does everyone agree with it? If not then what do they do? If they do agree what do they do? Are there mercenary factions? What is their role if there are? The line of questions can go on and on. But you understand my point. An event does not simply happen. People in the real world do not go to war for simple reason and neither should your characters. Now with what I've said with regarding realism should come the idea of a vibrant world. This is because a world full of realism should be just as vibrant as the real world it is based on. Events should flow like water through a dam and out into the world. Sun should shine through the clouds of imagination. Hopefully this advice helps a bit. If not I'll be here to help with anything. Finally in regards to your last question my : What do you think? I believe that with any story you have the capabilities to create pure and unfettered magic. But it requires more than a delicate touch to do that. It needs commitment and a strong resolve. Writing simply isn't so simple as saying things exist and then they magically become real. It takes effort. What you have there is a beginning. I eagerly await your next delivery. Maybe a touch of writing? The background is a start, but the actual writing is where it begins.
I like the outline of your story, but honestly, I find these classical races of elves and dwarves to be tired and dated. I don't want to read about them. I'd rather see you design new races and you tell me what they are like. Give me something new and I'm interested. When I read your story I'd like to feel that I don't know anything about these races but want to know them. They need to be interesting, and hold my curiosity. They need to have some darker aspects as well to create interest. Compare with how some elves are portrayed with a magical addiction or an exaggerated sense of self importance, while some humans are portrayed as corrupted or insane) The events of the story should just be incidental; as a tool to express their racial stereotypes and the cooperative and rebellious elements within them. Also explore the interracial interactions: whether it is undying trust and dependability, indifference, or passionate hatred. Your story can explore these relationships in themselves, or monumental changes to them, such as devastating betrayal or a notable act of mercy. I want to feel both curiosity and empathy when I read fantasy fiction. I don't want to know that 'the elves and dwarves are at it again'
One thing: it took Tolkien over 40 years. So maybe we'll see another epic novel at starcraft5forum.org? Don't want to discourage you, but 6 races is a lot. You would have to name quite a few characters and stuff. I'd go with what Jasmine and Shady said: create a good reasoning for their actions, combined with new racial ideas. That gives you more freedom then you would have with using stereotypes. Further, you don't need as many races to keep the story interesting that way.
I somewhat agree with Aurora. The reader will take a side in the story. They'll want a clear idea of who is their allies and enemies else it becomes confusing to read. While your world history can be as complex as you like, the main story should have two focal races, and the rest appear as minor races, who you can move in and out of the story as needed, coming to aid their allies, or swapping their alliances, or whatever. But keep them in the background. Of course, if you have heroes in your story, they can be from any races you please. They are your main way of firmly linking the main story to a complex history. And if you do have heroes, they should all have unique personalities in order to create good dynamics.
Thanks for all the input guys. The 7th race shall remain a secret for the time being. They *DO* play a big part in the story though, I'll tell you that. I do know that it will take a lot of work, and quite a lot of effort but I am very prepared to do this. In response to ShdwyTemplar, thanks for the advice! I know everyone must have many questions, and I will try to answer them the best that I can. The war was started by the Humans because they wanted to have a larger empire, and decided to attack the Western Elves in an effort to take over their land by conquest. The Humans started the war. It was started when the Humans brought together a huge army, and amassed it on the Western Elves border, and then decided to strike. The Western Elves were completely shocked by this action, but proceeded to retaliate with force. Unfortunately, the Western Elves were starting to lose the war when the story starts. The Elves and the Dwarves never battled, and never will, seeing as the Dwarves are abstaining from the war. There are also a few other intelligent races that I haven't mentioned also, that are parts of the story also. There are no mercenary factions. Sylania, as Queen of the Western Elves, is to lead everyone into battle, along with her sister Tania, who is telepathically linked with her twin sister(can't remember her name at the moment) who is back in the elven capital. The royal family has always been very gifted, and they all possess magic. Tania is very good at defensive magic i.e. magical barriers to ward off attack etc. She can also speak to animals telepathically. Her sister can tell if someone is lying to her, and is also a Seer of the Future. Whenever she has vision, it drains her strength, which is why she is back in the elven capital. Also, the Queen Mother, is a master at the art of healing, so she can transfer some of her strength to her when she is weak. The second oldest, Kalatha, is the best at all magical arts in the whole Elven kingdom, and has been participating in the war since the start. The old King died in one of the early battles with the Humans, so Sylania as the oldest child took up the Throne. Oh and by the way, the Secret 7th race is of my own design. The only race that knows of this 7th race is the Elves. Questions?
Thanks for all the input guys. The 7th race shall remain a secret for the time being. They *DO* play a big part in the story though, I'll tell you that. I do know that it will take a lot of work, and quite a lot of effort but I am very prepared to do this. In response to ShdwyTemplar, thanks for the advice! I know everyone must have many questions, and I will try to answer them the best that I can. The war was started by the Humans because they wanted to have a larger empire, and decided to attack the Western Elves in an effort to take over their land by conquest. The Humans started the war. It was started when the Humans brought together a huge army, and amassed it on the Western Elves border, and then decided to strike. The Western Elves were completely shocked by this action, but proceeded to retaliate with force. Unfortunately, the Western Elves were starting to lose the war when the story starts. The Elves and the Dwarves never battled, and never will, seeing as the Dwarves are abstaining from the war. There are also a few other intelligent races that I haven't mentioned also, that are parts of the story also. There are no mercenary factions. Sylania, as Queen of the Western Elves, is to lead everyone into battle, along with her sister Tania, who is telepathically linked with her twin sister(can't remember her name at the moment) who is back in the elven capital. The royal family has always been very gifted, and they all possess magic. Tania is very good at defensive magic i.e. magical barriers to ward off attack etc. She can also speak to animals telepathically. Her sister can tell if someone is lying to her, and is also a Seer of the Future. Whenever she has vision, it drains her strength, which is why she is back in the elven capital. Also, the Queen Mother, is a master at the art of healing, so she can transfer some of her strength to her when she is weak. The second oldest, Kalatha, is the best at all magical arts in the whole Elven kingdom, and has been participating in the war since the start. The old King died in one of the early battles with the Humans, so Sylania as the oldest child took up the Throne. Oh and by the way, the Secret 7th race is of my own design. The only race that knows of this 7th race is the Elves. Questions?
Lol, double post. Question: have you written all of this down? Tip: if you intend to have characters which are family of each other, make a family tree. Also, think of how you want your story to end before starting to write. Never just start writing random things and try to make up stuff to as you go. It will result in a messy story. Most important here is to figure out which characters will play a key role. Make a list of these key events, and what characters play a role in them. Once you have done that, you can start thinking of the details, and fill in the gaps between your main events. I hope that helps. ^^
Lol. I have thought this story out quite thoroughly. I have done the family tree's. I know how it is going to end, a secret though . The key events are clear in my mind.
My guess is that the seventh race is either A) an accident of elven magic, B) an opposite to elven magic, or C) something paralleling the Dark Templars from Starcraft, assuming the elves parallel the High Templar. This story seems to have great potential, but only if there is a LOT of content. Readers don't necessarily want to read about history of the story. The history generally has to be added in to the story, or left up to the readers imagination. If you look at Tolkien's work, there is about three times the content of the stories left out as background information. As for all this talk of difficulty because of the high number of races, don't be too concerned. If you take a look at Tolkien's work again, you can see that we really don't know the background at all of the dwarves, elves, or humans except for basic BASIC knowledge of where they came from. I can see a great story based on what you have told us without a high level of confusion or boredom. Remember: Nobody wants to read a straight chapter of background history. Unless written less as history, more as story. But then it's not history, but story preluding the story. ...I'm confusing myself.
The 7th race have helped the Elves with a few matters in the past. They are not evil, nor are elves themselves in any way. Not like elves *AT ALL* lol. If you have read David and Leigh Eddings books, they usually have a bit of background at the start of each story, so I was thinking of having a small prologue having some background information story in that.
