Mitali
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Does the Duchy of Orbas correspond to a specific real-world place? I have asssumed it to be vaguely based on the various Balkan countries, positioned as it is to the south of Cedonia, which appears to be based on Greece (in your inverted version of Europe). Do you have a more specific inspiration for Orbas? And ditto for the city of Vilnoc?
Lois McMaster Bujold
This fantasy geography is inspired by but by no means identical to our-world, but I frequently use our world the way an artist uses reference photos, as a quick way of getting the proportions right. With that caution... Orbas would be in the western Balkans, on the Adriatic coast; Croatia roughly. (That "roughly" matters.)
Vilnoc follows more-or-less logically, drawn somewhat freehand and from what I've learned about assorted ancient and medieval Mediterranean cities.
Ta, L.
Vilnoc follows more-or-less logically, drawn somewhat freehand and from what I've learned about assorted ancient and medieval Mediterranean cities.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Claire Hess
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Did you plan the progression of the temples in the world of the five gods or was it serendipity? The four square temples with the extra tower where Chalionese Quintarians replace Roknari Quadrenes through a vaguely impressive Easthome temple and various nook temples and a clear description of the Martensbridge six lobed flower in a flourish of impressive Darthacan design?
Kalen Delaney
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi Lois!I was in a bit of a funk so I reread Cordelia's Honor and caught a few things that I hadn't noticed before. I will have a separate post for each. #3 What exactly IS a flimsy? I keep thinking I have it figured out from context, but in Barrayar, Kly is carrying stuff in a flimsy (the snacks he gives to Gregor, the gum leaf). I can't imagine how the flimsy I had been imagining could be used as a container.
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