Fantasy World Creation From Map to Bestiary (Ongoing)

This class is designed to help learners create a Fantasy world in which to write stories in, play D&D campaigns in, or have for other fun purposes. We will draw maps, use mapmaking software like Inkarnate (free version) or Wonderdraft (one time payment of $29.99 if that is the map maker you want to use.) create bestiaries and fantasy races, economies and more. There is a writing component to this class as detailed background information will be written out about races, beasts, etc. 

Week 1: Basics of fantasy mapmaking (hand drawn template) We will begin with creation of the world map. This will only require a pencil, paper, and imagination as I explain how to create a working design. 

Week 2: Beasts and Monsters! We will begin to think about what kind of creatures roam our fantasy worlds. (map from week one is not needed for this class but it doesn't hurt to have one.) 

Week 3: The Creation Myth (gods, goddesses, and deities.) We will begin to think about your world's creation myth and pantheon of gods. I will teach some of the real life creation myths from our world (Greek, Roman, Egyptian) so we can think about and begin to write our own creation myth. 

Week 4: Back to the map! We will create woods, mountains, and lakes. (map from week one is not needed for this class but it doesn't hurt to have one.) If new to class, you will begin to create a hand drawn map during this class. 

Week 5: People and Races! Who lives where and are there elves, dwarves, or men in our fantasy worlds. We will begin writing back stories on the histories of the peoples who will populate your fantasy world. 

Week 6: Economies! What do your peoples do to live and survive? Do they farm, ranch, fish, trade goods? We will revisit (or begin if new) the map to figure out who lives where and what they do to survive. 

Week 7: Advanced Map Making: Learners will use Inkarnate (free version) to transfer their maps to software. (Inkarnate is required to be downloaded and installed for this class. Wonderdraft is optional ($29.99 one time. I am not affiliated with this software. It is just an option if learners would rather use it) I will explain some tips and tricks to software created maps. 

Week 8: Cities, Towns, and Villages: Placing and populating areas within the world. This class will require some writing and background information brainstorming. Creating detailed big cities where your characters will spend time is pretty time consuming. This may be more than one week of class. 

Week 9: Roads, Rivers, and more: Cities need water, roads, and trade to survive. This week we will supply water and roads to the people of our fantasy world. We will put the finishing touches on our cites, people etc. 

Week 10: Still have a lot to do? We will begin with the first class map making again, and those who have been in the class a while and need more time to polish up their world will continue to create and add to their creations. This process is ongoing. It takes a while to create an entire, immersive fantasy world.