We arrive at Act IV of the Hero's Journey. The Hero has set the antagonist back and overcome the Darkest Cave. The Sword, now seized, guides the Hero to the last dregs of the quest. The Hero begins the Road Back and commits to finishing the Journey. This leads to the final battle, where Resurrection …
Tag: worldbuilding
Act III of the Hero’s Journey
Continuing from the previous post on Act II of the Hero's Journey, the third act starts. The Hero has received ample training from the Mentor, support from allies, and growth from tests and enemies. The quest nears the Darkest Cave, or the big confrontation for the Hero. This ordeal results in hardship, near-death, and character …
Act II of the Hero’s Journey
Continuing from the previous post on Act I of the Hero's Journey, the second act begins. Here, the Hero has accepted the Call to adventure. They officially meet the Mentor, who guides and trains the Hero through the rest of the journey. Then comes the Threshold, or the point of no return. Tests, allies, and …
Act I of the Hero’s Journey
The Hero's Journey is the cornerstone of any great story, movie, video game, myth, or legend. It's woven into our DNA at an ancestral level. According to Joseph Campbell, author of the Hero with a Thousand Faces, the Hero’s Journey is a story mechanic of the protagonist’s journey. This campaign weaves through four acts for …
Timelines in Fantasy Universes
Fantasy Timelines are sometimes overlooked when it comes to worldbuilding. Not every story needs one. With epic fantasy, however, timelines are invaluable. After attending a Realm Makers Conference lecture on fantasy timelines, I've some notes to share on the matter. Thanks to Jill Williamson for her information. What Are Fantasy Timelines? A fantasy timeline is …
What is Love in Fiction?
Love, lust, desire, passion. As the selling point of romance fics, subplots, and fanbases, romance has been a strong theme in any tale. With the advent of LBGTQ+, more varieties have emerged. Readers enjoy romance for various reasons, whether they be psychological, physiological, or spiritual. Romantic Payoffs As with most stories, a romance promises a …
Mythic Artifacts & Ancestral Objects
With a mythic artifact, shiny blades, fireworks, and forbidden knowledge may come to mind. Our history is rife with artifacts, from Poseidon's trident to King Arthur's Excalibur. These relics have earned a place in history, as they do in the world of fiction. Mythic Artifacts In stories, artifacts are a trope used to further the …
Fantasy Food in Fiction
"Sure enough, when they entered the Gryffindor common room it exploded with cheers and yells again. There were mountains of cakes and flagons of pumpkin juice and butterbeer on every surface. —Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Everybody loves a good feast. Even better, readers salivate (quite literally) over feasts in fiction. The best …
The Father Figure in Fiction
When you think of a father figure, what comes to mind? Someone tough and brave? Unbeatable? Or perhaps less pleasant thoughts. The father figure can be a very subjective experience. It's also a useful trope in storytelling. Mothers influence tradition too, in different but substantial ways than fathers. But that's a post for another time..... …
Fantasy Maps: A Gateway to Adventure
Galleis, a Wonderdraft Map I created The other day I stumbled upon the map you see above. It had me thinking how maps play into stories, and how vital they are to the worldbuilding process. Not only do they offer a reference for author and reader, maps add depth, immersion to that universe. I've written …
Ethereal Seals 
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