#wbj2015

[the-clockwork-magician]

WBJ DAY 1: Intro

Day 1: Introduction

Hello im late so very late sorry for run ons its late

My story takes place in a world much like our own, except not really, because there are wizards. And unlike many stories featuring magic in the modern world that I’ve come across, it’s been almost completely integrated into the lives of all citizens, even those who have no magical ability. Magic also changes with time; new applications are discovered, different ways of combining it with regular technology are invented, etc. I’m going to be focusing mainly on the places my main characters live: Europe and the United States (I’m just calling it this for now, but colonization went much differently in my story, so the Americas would be more like the Aztec and Incan Empires, the Iroquois League, and other, smaller nations scattered throughout), mostly, although they travel all over the place, and these places may get occasional mentions. The events I’ve got planned out span roughly three hundred years, so a lot changes and evolves and I’m probably going to be all over the place.

Powerful magical families throughout the world decided that instead of hiding their magic, they would just take over governing powers. Mages of druid ancestry have been ruling England for millennia, with similar events occurring in Japan and Central America. The French monarchy has been fighting a civil war with an illegitimate wizard heir for one hundred years, and are projected to run out of funds long before he dies. Witch hunts sprang up in northern Europe and in small European settlements in the Americas out of fear that wizarding families/the Iroquois League/random magical person will attempt to enslave their non-magical neighbors. Of course, there are still many places run by non-magical or “magically-sensitive” folk (ex. Southern Europe, Western Africa) (these people are known as magi- they have limited magical ability), and the level of influence wizards have will vary depending on the era and location. In the story, a lot of the focus will be placed on the rigid class system of mages, as well as interactions between magical and non-magical people. And magical crime. Lots and lots of magical crime. I realized that almost all my main characters are wizards, so I think I’m going to try creating some more non-wizards when I’ve solidified the world a bit more.

I was not sure where exactly to begin the story. For now I think I’m just going to start near the beginning, which is roughly 1718 (although that’s probably going to change at some point). The Clockwork Magician (dun dun dun! title drop) is the newest member of the British thieve's guild known as The Silver Hands, and no one has no idea where this sulky son of a bitch came from or what he’s doing. And let’s be honest, he doesn’t know nearly as much as he thinks he does, and will be made aware of that fact early and repeatedly until it finally gets knocked into that stubborn skull of his. Along the way he’ll explore a lot of themes, including but not limited to: morality, gender, classism, and the meaning of friendship. Really. And kick a lot of ass and steal some things he really probably shouldn’t even if it totally screws himself over. Yes I like to tear my characters apart, although I’ve toned it down considerably for this story because there was just too much goddamn angst.

I think one of the difficulties with this will be that I’ve never been to Europe, so what I do know is from either my history classes or the almighty google. I can take some liberties because MAGIC and ALTERNATE HISTORY, but I don’t want to spend my whole time researching because if I do that, I will never get this done, period. I tend to use researching as a form of procrastination.

This has been a story that I’ve been thinking about for years, and is almost unrecognizable from when I first started it. I’m not sure how this is going to go, honestly, because I stink at keeping up with things, but we’ll see. Probably going to tag this #The Clockwork Magician, the name of the hellish folders and iPhone notes I call my storyboard/notes/character sheets/random phrases/whateverelsethatdoesntcometomindatthemomentbutitprobablyis. Some stuff is probably going to be skirted around for spoiler reasons, in case I ever post this thing online. And then there will be points where I go on very long in-depth discussions on various funeral services, because that took like an hour to write and I was way too tired to be editing that into something coherent at one in the morning last week. Why funeral services? I have no idea.

ANYWAY, that is the end of day 1, and I hope the next days are a bit more orderly and I am not a tired trainwreck. If you read through this whole thing, thanks, I appreciate it!

[darkelfiisms-blog]

World building posts

Introduction

Geography

Races

History - not yet 8l

Fashion

Arms and Armor - not yet 8l

Technology - not yet 8l 

Magic

[darkelfiisms-blog]

WBJ Day 8: Magic

We’re jumping straight to magic because I need more time to think about arms and technology!!!! And literally all of my posts from now on will be about the dark elves because I don’t really care about the rest right now 8l

Being spirits of nature just happening to have physical bodies, it’s not so strange that they can manipulate the world around them. And they do this with what people would call magic. It is, however, not called magic by them. The name for their ‘magic’ - eallfea -  is much like pneuma, and means something along the lines of life force, spirit, living air. The magic isn’t just magic, but a life force they have access to manipulate because they are spirits and guardians of nature. But I will call it magic. 

All elves are born with this ability. Magic is something they can physically feel when they are around it, and even see. Some places are more easily manipulated than others. 

The very first ‘sort’ of magic is what humans call telekinesis, which is moving objects with your mind. All elves know this. This basic thing of magic is then manipulated with spells, like when you have a piece of clay and begin to sculpt it. The telekinesis is that piece of ugly clay, and the spells and intent are the tools to shape the clay how you want it, and so the elf is able to manipulate, change, remove, add, etc. anything. 

Some magic comes easier to the elf than other sorts. Whatever alignment their magic takes as they grow older, they are named after (Kraki’s elven name is Lauealliɧi which means Little leaf sprout, and he’s a gardener for a reason. Eylir’s elven name is Rrionaɧ and means He/She whispers, as he can communicate with all animals.) Naturally, just as individual elves are better at different magic, they can also be absolute trash at other sorts and never be able to master it no matter how much they study.

Working the magic does draw energy and if you’re not skilled enough for more advanced spells, it could do serious damage to yourself or to the object or whatever around you. The force can be fickle and live its own life, not always willing to bend for words and intent - especially when opening doors to other dimensions and worlds. You might not always end up where you want to go.

They can even create life and raise the dead. The first usually goes for plant life and not so often for animals, elves and other living beings, unless the elf has an alignment to fertility. The second is strictly forbidden since what is dead should stay dead and play its part in the circle of life - not to mention it would be more of a zombie and feed life off the elf/elves that have raised it.

So, the magic and spells need to be studied, although just pure intent can take you quite far as well. Some elves are naturally more powerful than others - some enough to be dangerous for themselves and others, and some very weak and never able to perform any magic much stronger than the ‘telekinesis’. 

The elves can, as said, see their magic. It’s possible to tune in on this life force and see the strings that connect all, at which the elves can tug and control. When working a spell on an object or what have you, the elf can see it work in their mind’s eye. If an elf described to a human what it looked like, humans would say that the elf actually see the DNA double helixes or molecules or the like. A lot like this scene in Tron, actually, where Kevin taps in on Quorra’s DNA and removes the damaged part:

It sort of works exactly like that. Except elves don’t just remove things, but change things, and add things, and barely the gods know what else they do. Either way, they can literally see their magic work as they begin to say the spell.

Last but not least, they can draw power from various things if they need to. Dark elves worship the moon mainly because they can draw power from it, very powerful too. Since they can give life to nature, they can also draw it right back from nature. If the elf is religious, it’s possible to gain power from their mysterious alien ancestors.

And that... is all about magic, I think. They use it for everything, all the time in their everyday lives. 

[darkelfiisms-blog]

WBJ Day 5: Fashion

What do you mean I’m late and that I also skipped History for now. I will only write about the dark elves this time.

Materials are leather, fur, and whatever plants they make their fabrics with. Something like cotton, perhaps, but rougher. The colors are usually earthy greens, brown and orange, as well as blue and shades of grey. Other colors exist, but eh.

Not going to lie, elves are generally vain. They like looking pretty and beautiful. That usually translates to things that have taken a long time to make and used a lot of materials. But the good majority of them are very physically active and fights happen daily, so clothes have to be practical and also resist the weather.

If you’re going outside, it’s leather you wear. It’s windy, cold, and dry out there, the wind will carry dust and other things in your face. Mask, hood, cowl, gloves, longer jacket with slits on the sides for easy access to weapons and tools, trousers, knee high boots - and you’re good to go! Nothing flimsy, nothing that the wind can grab and ruin, everything close to the body.

They have no access to large hides, as there are no large critters living in Svartalfaheim. The result is fine leather work made up of smaller pieces in beautiful organic and symmetric patterns. 

Inside, less practical clothes are allowed and less leather, but it’s still close to the body. Cropped, asymmetrical jackets are popular, rarely plain looking but often either in the same style as the leather jackets or embroidered, or with leather details to create patterns. Long coats, that always, always leave access to weapons worn on the thighs, and still have a cropped jacket illusion on top. Asymmetrical tops. Waist clinchers. Skirts and dresses of varying lengths are worn by all sexes (there are four, we’ll get to that later). Trousers are usually a looser fit - naturally with either embroidered details or leather to create patterns. And, they’re made to hold daggers and knives.

Feathers are incorporated into clothes as well. Feathered hoods are very common. And other things you can find in nature such as stones, bones, and wood. And aren’t they in the clothing, they are made into accessories. Headdresses is a thing, too, but mostly for special occasions. Utility belts or carrying around a pouch or bag can be rather nice too - you never know when you need those potions and herbs.

Other fashion things that aren’t clothes are piercings. The  jewelry is usually made of wood and gemstones, not metals.  But an elf won’t say no to any sort of silver, bronze or gold if they get their hands on any.

Most of their clothes have a worn and torn look to them, and that’s because they are. They don’t mass-produce and don’t want to exploit nature just to dress nicely. They will patch up those clothes. 

Covering up all skin is not necessary. They have sheer versions of fabric too and clothes that leave little or nothing to your imagination, and it definitely isn’t necessary to cover the breasts or nipples, or the genitals.

As for makeup, it’s used by everyone too, but mostly common in rituals and greater feasts and parties. 

Bones of deceased elves are often worn as jewelry.

In short - organic symmetric patterns are cool. Pieces of clothing that are asymmetric are cool. Long coats and long skirts and long dresses are cool because more hours spent on the item. Being able to move in the clothes is cool. Show how much or little skin you want.

 I have inspiration on Pinterest, clothes and makeup.

[kaylithographica]

WBJ #9

Perhaps the greatest mystery of the Pokemon planet is Pokemon "evolution", the subject of the most advanced research on the planet to date.  This great and sudden change in the physiology of an individual Pokemon is still poorly understood.  The energy needed to accomplish this is likely external, but the source is unknown.  Most Pokemon evolve through battling that triggers hormonal responses; their inherent combative nature is the inspiration for the PokeGear.  “Moves” used to attack are both learned behaviorally and inherent genetically, and are unique to every species.  They are labeled similarly by field researchers for convenience - ie, basic fire manipulation is called "Ember" even if there are slight variations.  This allows simplification of field data to an average cloud data used by the Gear.  Pokemon can only perform moves at a certain level of experience and skill, making this the easiest way to quantify a "level" of power.  It is also possible to some extent to measure the hormone levels of an individual to determine battling level, but this requires a blood sample from a recent Pokeball capture.

Though some Pokemon can evolve through artificial means, such as by unique stones, when evolution is triggered in this fashion their battling potential is usually stunted.  These Pokemon are often used for companionship and contests since they don't have to be battled to evolve.  Interestingly, some studies have shown that the stress and stimulation of contests can have some of the same physiological effects as battling in contest Pokemon.  It is unclear if performing in contests does allow them to gain levels; if so, it is clearly at a severely reduced rate.

The PokeGear measures the activity of a Trainer and uses a related algorithm to calculate a counter that increases the levels of their Pokemon.  It will also induce "evolution" of active Pokeballs when appropriate using data from the PokeBox cloud.  Trainers can choose to evolve Pokemon with stones by having their Nav consume the appropriate item from their Pack.  The Gear also uses cloud data to create a database of appropriate movepools for active Pokeballs.  Trainers will be prompted by their Nav to make decisions about their usable moveset.  As a safety regulation, only 4 may be active on any given Pokemon at any one time.  Move technicians found throughout the region can adjust these moves at Trainer request.  If you would like to make use of one, just ask your guide!  Many ask for a small fee in exchange, so choose your movesets carefully.

[meganopteryx]

Some worldbuilding I had left over from June that I hadn’t posted yet.

Some creatures illustrated are extant, others are extinct. Nef and Kel-goran are common food crops for the Bogiwazl themselves. Life on their planet developed very similarly to life on earth, including a few great extinction events in the prehistoric past.

There is much more variety in the life on the planet; the creatures illustrated here are only a small sample.

The Bogiwazl have had several millenia of society and history so far, so this is really only background information.

[skiesofazimuth-blog]

#16 Laws

The best way to cover legality in Azimuth is to look at a few individual cases to get a feel for what you might want to do and not do, if you were ever able to journey its varied skies!

Prohibition

In Ganzabar over recent years, alcohol has come under harsh criticism. This came to a head with the federal prohibition on sale of alcohol in 9311, adopted by all states (but exempting Brazak East,Capridor and -at the time- Brazak West). In the decades since, this has led to mounting tensions and a steady buildup of organised crime in most cities. Its success is still hotly debated in the Ganzabi press.

Drugs and Narcotics

Elsewhere, most intoxicating substances are either mildly distrusted or altogether illegal. Kazak notably outlaws tobacco, while the USK and Gazabar ban cannabis. Brazak West is fairly progressive in its view of drugs, but has strict laws against harder substances. The Lystrata Commonwealth is the only nation outside of Azrune to have no significant laws regarding drug regulation.

Cloudgazers

It is known even outside of the First Nation that Azrune has outlawed the vagrant sling-wielding mercenaries known as Cloudgazers. The reason is not entirely clear, although public distrust of this grouping within Azrune is widespread enough for it to go unchallenged. Somewhat hypocritically, Azrune employs its own security forces in the form of Sentinels, which carry a very similar tool to the Sling; called a Hook.

[skiesofazimuth-blog]

#15 Hierarchy

There are a number of organisations and political structures across Azimuth. So I'd like to look at a few of these in detail, but also how they relate to each other.

The Gold Age / New Tech Divide

Perhaps the most pervasive and characteristic element of Azimuth’s geopolitics is the dicotomy between old and new (or, Azrune and Everyone Else). The Gold Age being what it was, the old in this case is actually the vastly more advanced of the two. While New Tech civilisations are struggling to rediscover much of what was once commonplace in human society, Azrune lives a carefully insulated life of luxury.

Azrune’s isolation means it’s often ignored in modern politics. Their Gold Age legacy is sometimes dismissed as irrelevant, though not for very long once it makes its appearance on a battlefield. The more shrewd see Azrune as a nation with a lot more clout than its small size would otherwise warrant, a kind of historically-inflated importance.

Conversely, Azrune sees the rest of the New Tech world as somewhat irrelevant. There is also an underlying concern that too much opening to the rest of the world will cause the clear denigration of standard of living that is apparent to those familiar with living in a Gold Age civilisation.

Political Systems

Most of Azimuth's nations have a largely democratic form of governance. Even the mercantile United Sky Kingdoms --a federation of constitutional monarchies-- has a publicly-elected central assembly. The Federation of Ganzabar is perhaps the most thoroughly democratic nation, with elections every 2 years and a great deal of focus on voting and political discourse. Ganzabar is nevertheless a very laissez-faire federation, with what little regulation there is focused at the local level. Several groups in recent years have attempted secession from the federation. Although so far met with failure, these attempts have prompted some (including current President Carrick) to motion for increased state powers and cohesion.

Brazak West, like Great Brazak before it, is comparitively socialist. The state plays a bigger role in commerce and welfare is more comprehensive. Other Nezzu cultures such as Kazak and the Valya Free States echo a similar structure. Azrune is the most state-heavy society. It provides and regulates in all significant spheres; including an unconditional citizen's income, a strong public health and education system and all transportation infrastructure. The fact that Azrune is greatly automated allows it to flourish even with much of its citizenry focused on the pleasures of life.

Chains of Command

The naval forces of the USK and Brazak West typify the northern cultures' ranking hierarchy. From top to bottom, northern ranks are:

1. Strategos: This is the highest authority in the military forces. Usually a Strategos is still subject to the Prime Minister or President, although only in so far as declaring or ceasing hostility. 2. Admiral: Typically in charge of a fleet or division, usually the highest authority seen on a battlefield. 3. Voenkom: These are more likely to be engaged in combat and will head up large task forces or fleet detachments 4. Line Captain: The lowest ranking officer with fleetwide authorities, Line Captains direct formations, co-ordinating the smallest multi-ship tactical groups. 5. Captain: The most senior officers with command of a ship, but do not necessarily command multiple capital ship formations. 6. Starshiy: This is traditionally the most junior position to be in command of a ship, although escorts may often be under the command of Lieutenants. 7. Lieutenant: These are the typical command level of bridge officers; of which there may be four or five on a large Destroyer, for example. 8. Second Lieutenant: Junior officers with their first major promotion from the lowest ranks, usually lead groups of Midshipmen on certain tasks, such as co-ordinating a gunnery deck. 9. Midshipman: These are the lowest ranking individuals, forming the vast majority of naval personnel.

It's worth noting that rise through the ranks in both nations can occur from the bottom, though in most cases officers may complete Command School and enter as a Lieutenant.

The southern nations, most prominently Ganzabar, have a roughly equivalent system but with some differing titles:

1. Field Admiral: The highest rank in the navy, although despite the name is rarely seen outside of Greychapel. 2. Admiral: Usually the highest rank in an active fleet. 3. Vice Admiral: The less experienced (or connected) of Admirals. 4. Fleet Captain: The common leader of a task force or flotilla. 5. Captain: The usual leader of a large ship. 6. Commander: The rank of a small ship or escort command. 7. Lieutenant: The rank of most bridge officers. 8. Second Lieutenant: These form the bulk of shipwide officials. 9. Ensign: The lowest rung in the Ganzabi Navy.