Complexity

A common theme in tales of the medieval variety is that, regardless of magical involvement, political enemies and alliances are the driving force. Thirsts for power through marriage and war are heavy issues of the times, and the main motivations for many villains. Clamors for land and wealth, women and power, things that are on the mind of every single member of royalty. Being able to balance this with the individuals desires of characters is what marks the truly skilled when it comes to writing these kinds of stories.

I have... attempted to do this in some small projects. And I have found that I am less than proficient. I don't think on a grand enough scale to properly imagine how a king might feel about his people, his neighbors, his allies, and his enemies. I have enough trouble trying to think within the confines of one kingdom, much less several. On even just a single continent, there can be upwards of a hundred kingdoms depending on how they are divided, and then if one was to consider any nearby island nations, or month long voyages across the ocean...

That kind of dedication and imagination is where world building gets its name from. This isn't just a pocket area in which a story takes place. This is a world with a history, where every action truly has its ramifications, and actions need to be fully thought through before they are taken, for fear of creating a future where one's children may be doomed to life long servitude or exile.

I wish that I could think a world so thoroughly through. A world in which every law is fully developed, where treaties and documents can be written and have far felt impact. Where people of even the lowest livelihoods can have a role in the events that are too transpire, and small acts of heroism can lead to great reward down the road, and the smallest thievery can lead one to taking part in a scheme to take over the world.

I suppose the biggest obstacle to being able to create this kind of world is my desire to write hastily. To have such a defined world, one would have to spend a lifetime there. Perhaps several lifetimes. One would have to think of consequences before actions have even taken place. One would have to create a history for a place that does not yet even exist. Know the wars that have already transpired, the alliances that have been forged, and how strong or tenuous the bonds that tie hundreds of people together are. Know the way children are raised by family and teachers. Know the way history is viewed by different people, with a dozen biases producing a dozen different results.

And these are all things that are to be taken care of before the story even begins. The story itself, even if focusing on only a small number of characters, would take these things and expand upon them. Show the ways in which the very fabric of the world can twisted and turned in such a way as to produce the desired results. Rewrite laws to create a brighter future. Make promises that may or may not be seen through. Make deals that my weaken what it is those characters are searching for, but without doing so they could never get close. Having to deal with the emotions that come from making those sacrifices, and trying to come to terms with all that comes with it.

And, worst of all, trying to find a way to balance of all these things so that it feels like you are reading a novel rather than a textbook.