How to Make a Fantasy World Feel Real—and Lived In
We get a lot of praise for how we made the fantasy world of Menelon feel “real” and “lived in.” Michael and I have often been asked how other authors can do the same with their worlds. To answer that, I have to start by admitting…
Orcs in LitRPG Fantasy: What You Need to Know
Orcs in LitRPG fantasy fiction are well-known. This is especially true when players encounter—or even play as—these formidable creatures. But in fantasy lore, not all orcs are created equal. In the world of Menelon, the Common Orc and War Orc take on…
Ogres vs Trolls: Fantasy Lore & LitRPG Origins
What's the difference between ogres vs trolls? Well, in fantasy folklore ogres were terrifying child-eating monsters of ancient folklore, and trolls served as sometimes hostile guardians of the natural world, embodiments of an untamed wilderness. Ogres…
The Chosen One: A Proven Trope for Fantasy Fiction Fabulists
The Chosen One’s journey is simultaneously personal and universal. It is a metaphor for transformation and self-actualization.
An Elvish Poem — In Elvish
It's taken a lot of work, but by gummies I finally did it! I have a working elvish language for our LitRPG World of Menelon; and to celebrate, I'm posting an elvish poem -- in elvish. The new language I created. Hopefully, this will make the world of…
What Makes a Great LitRPG Fantasy World?
LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) has exploded in popularity over the past decade, blending the thrill of game mechanics with the depth of immersive storytelling. But what actually makes a great LitRPG fantasy world? How do authors build these vibrant…
How Religion Shaped Civilization—and How to Use it in Fantasy Worldbuilding
Introduction: When Stories Became Sacred Before there were nations or laws, there were stories—divine tales explaining the stars, the seasons, and the soul. Myth and religion form the oldest code of human belief, and they’ve shaped everything from…
Unraveling the Secrets of Riveting LitRPG Fantasy Cities in Fernwall’s Great War
Imagine stepping into a world where magic and technology meet, where cities aren't just static backdrops but living, breathing entities that pulsate with vibrant energy. Fernwall's Great War is a tale woven with such grandeur that its very cities take on…
Why Good Evil in Fantasy is Essential (and in LitRPG)
Jane Austen, with her keen eye for social intricacies and the delicate dance of human relationships, masterfully crafted narratives where dramatic tension often arose from misunderstandings, societal pressures, and the complexities of love and ambition.…
Fernwall’s Great War
The Great War dramatically changed almost everything and everyone on Menelon. That is no secret, and Fernwall's Great War was no different. What is not generally known is what those changes were, and how they affected each culture. The war spanned three…