World Building (pt 8) – Brick by Brick

Incorporating technology and infrastructure into your world building is essential for creating a rich, immersive, and believable fantasy setting. By examining how these elements function within a society, you can add depth, complexity, and intrigue to your story.

Establishing the Infrastructure:
The first step in incorporating technology and infrastructure into world building is setting up the foundational systems that support a society. Consider factors such as transportation networks (e.g., roads, waterways, or air travel), communication methods (telegraphs, messenger birds, or magical spells), and energy sources (wind, water, magic, or a mix).

For example: In Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, the infrastructure includes the vast rail system called the Final Empire Railway, which connects cities and allows for efficient transportation of resources.

Introducing Advanced Technology:
To make your world building stand out, introduce advanced technology that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible within your story. This can include inventions like steam-powered machines or enchanted artifacts with unique capabilities. Consider how this technology fits into your society and its implications on daily life.

For example: In Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan series, steampunk technology is used to create incredible airships and advanced weaponry that change the dynamics of warfare.

Balancing Technology with Magic (if applicable):
If your world includes both technology and magic, strike a balance between these two elements to maintain consistency within your story. Consider how they might interact, such as one enhancing or hindering the other, and ensure that their use remains logical within the rules you’ve established for each.

For example: In Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series, dragons serve as both technological advancements (as living machines of war) and magical beings with their own abilities, requiring characters to navigate the complexities of both realms.

Exploring Societal Impact of Technology:
Technology and infrastructure can have profound effects on a society’s culture, politics, and economy. Consider how these elements shape character motivations and societal structures, and explore the implications of technological progress in your world.

For example: In Neal Stephenson’s Anathem, the rigid structure of society is influenced by the isolationist monks who have dedicated their lives to studying the fundamental laws of nature, with technology playing a crucial role in both their research and societal interactions.

Creating a Living World:
By incorporating technology and infrastructure into your world building, you create a living, breathing setting that readers can engage with on multiple levels. These elements offer opportunities for rich storytelling, character development, and world exploration.

For example: In China Mieville’s Perdido Street Station, the intricate interplay of biotech and mechanical inventions forms a backdrop to the novel’s complex plot, exploring themes of identity, morality, and societal change.

Incorporating technology and infrastructure into your world building adds depth, complexity, and immersion to your fantasy setting. By examining how these elements function within a society and exploring their implications on culture, politics, and daily life, you create engaging stories that captivate readers’ imaginations.

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