@warrioroftherealm
Active 4 years ago- Rank: Loyal Sidekick
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I LOVE making cultures. 🙂 My strategy is to mash up various characteristics of real-world cultures to make something unique. Although each culture has a specific aesthetic that I shoot for. For example, I might have a Medieval European aesthetic, but incorporate cultural elements/traditions from feudal Japan.
As a cold-blooded Northerner, I love drawing off of medieval cultures, especially those of Northern Europe (i.e. Scandinavia, Scotland, etc.). But really, anything medieval goes. Sometimes it’s fun to try something different (I have an idea that has a medieval/renaissance Italy aesthetic to it), but that’s generally my go-to.
– Jackson E. Graham, author of the (almost finished) Sword and Scion series
https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham
@leon-fleming
Welcome to the family! Worldbuilding is always a favorite topic. I have created some languages here and there, but I’m not a linguist at all. I often create a language based off a certain “sound” I want.
Do you like creating cultures? And do you base them partly off real world cultures?
Honestly, from what I’ve seen, it seems better to not directly describe the moves a character is doing in a fight scene, and instead focus on the emotion and feel of it. Allow me to demonstrate:
Original – “John executed a perfect overhand cut, which Xavier quickly blocked with a hanging point.”
And yes, I did just pull two random, very different names from my hat. There must be time travel in this novel…
The example I over-exaggerated above is what I did for the majority of my writing history. And whenever I was pressed to change it, I resisted, thinking that my changes would make the fight boring. Â Alas, not all is lost:
Edited – “With a roar, John bashed at Xavier’s defenses. His throat tightened—the man seemed to know his every move.”
That applies to fight scenes—now, about training. Yay!
Things that help your training scenes seem real. By this, I mean “historically-accurate”, but that might not float your boat, so take what you will from this.
1. Research old sword fighting manuals (ie. from the 1300s, etc.) I put a link earlier in one of my previous posts to this thread.
2. Youtube videos! These can definitely help you see what different techniques look like
3. Try it. I truly doubt my swordsmanship abilities are equal to that of Aragorn—but it can help you figure out what you can explain in your scene.
I hope this helps! Once again, take what you will for your story.
Jackson E. Graham
Well done sir. The style and feel is very reminiscent of Tolkien (in a good way). #Silmarillion
One of the highlights of my afternoon!
Jackson E. Graham
Wow guys! Thanks for the suggestions! Keep ’em coming!
I’ve listened to Andrew Peterson’s music, and I know that he had a book series, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet (writer/reader goals). I read Les Miserables for school and I do have to say, it was LONG, but definitely worth it!
The Count of Monte-Cristo is awesome. @Daeus can attest to this truth.
I’ve read Chuck Black’s Kingdom series and Knights of Arrethtrae series—both staples of my fantasy library (besides Tolkien and Lewis, of course). I haven’t read any of his other stuff though. I need to sometime soon!
For anyone else I forgot to mention, I apologize. So. Many. Books.
Jackson E. Graham
Believe it or not, it’s for a medieval fantasy in a territory similar in language to norse/viking culture.
I like Caspin root!
I also forgot to post this:
https://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/support-files/trueswordsman.pdf
This is a good starter ebook on German Longsword. Hopefully this helps!
Jackson E. Graham
Yay! The topic I wanted to write about today! @daeus nailed the various types of swords (excluding some of the more strange swords, ie. Messers, Falchion, etc.).
I’ve recently gotten into HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) and have done quite a bit of research for sparring with friends. I am mostly interested in German Longsword (which would utilize the Hand and a Half sword as Daeus mentioned, and possibly even a two handed sword…). Here’s a good link to where you can download some medieval training manuals.
http://www.thearma.org/manuals.htm#.WlaR9SOZOCQ
Youtube is also a good place to find info about combat. I don’t know how much research you’re willing to do, but it can be quite fun to research medieval weapons/combat (and can be quite useful in sibling rivalries, hehe). However, be aware that extensive detail in fight scenes can very well slow things down and disinterest the reader. It took me quite awhile to get that in my noggin. Suggesting moves is what I’ve found best. As Daeus mentioned, fighting monsters can be easier than fighting intelligent beings, but making them challenging enough for the reader to fear is the hard part. Do your Main Characters only use bows? Or do they resort to some sort of sidearm (Arming/Waister sword, etc.) for dire circumstances? Are you basing this off a real historical period? Sorry for so many questions. I’m geeking out here. 🙂
Disclaimer—I am no expert. Just an enthusiast who has swallowed as much sword lore as possible in the past two to three months. I apologize if anything I have said is inaccurate/dead wrong.
Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham
@radically-surrendered, @emerald-flyer, @emily, @kballen, @josiahdeboer, @daughteroftheking, @dragon-snapper, @daeus, @lifeofkatie, @that_writer_girl_99, @kate-flournoy
Thanks for the replies! I really appreciate the help!
Jackson E. Graham
This is for fantasy.
I don’t think vikings would care whether someone put boundary markers there…
“Oh look! Red flags! We’re not allowed to raid here, men!” 🙂 Just kidding.I like the river idea!
Jackson E. Graham
@hanna-c
I usually do CampNaNoWriMo, which is in July. You plan the novel in June, then go all crazy and write it in July. Its a lot easier to fit into a schedule.
Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-grahamWow. Government reflects the people’s worldview. Great point! Never thought about it like that before.
Also, @aratrea, @kate-flournoy, @daeus
Who do you think first created the “political intrigue fantasy” subgenre (new genre title officially coined)?
Jackson E. Graham
Not necessarily an info dump where the author tells you everything about the royal line, etc. I’m more referring to where there are those competing for the throne (for an example).
Jackson E. Graham
