When it comes to creating a fantasy universe, whether it’s in a book, movie, or video game, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. We want everything to make sense, to be logical and believable. But what if I told you that the logic of the world isn’t as important as the emotions it generates?
Let’s look at the importance of atmosphere over logic and how emotions generated by the universe surpass the plausibility of the setting. We’ll also explore how following the logic of a fantastical universe can lead to enriching that universe, but knowing when to stop is crucial.
The challenges of world-building
It’s easy to fall into a spiral of insecurity when building a setting, especially for fantasy writers and world builders. As we approach the finish line, we question everything we’ve created. “Does this make sense?” “Would this happen if that happened?” But this is usually just stage fright. Our subconscious is creating barriers that prevent us from progressing.
It’s important to remember that it’s not the internal logic of the world that matters, it’s the atmosphere.
Harry Potter as an example of an incongruous setting
Take Harry Potter, for example. The Wizarding World is a completely illogical place. Think about it, with the existence of portals and Floo powder, why do wizards need other forms of transportation, like trains or flying cars? And why use owls to send mail when there are magical possibilities?
If we dig deeper, it’s strange that a small group of individuals with so much power doesn’t rule the world. Why aren’t they a totalitarian regime that controls the future of muggle kind?
But these illogical elements don’t take away from the experience of reading the books or watching the movies. What matters to us is the atmosphere. The music of John Williams, the magic wands, the train ride to Hogwarts, the sporting events that include dragons, studying wizardry. The emotions that this setting generates in us surpass the logic of this universe.
Now, I’m not saying that logic isn’t important. It’s just not as important as the atmosphere. And in fantasy, it’s very difficult to create a completely logical universe. Trying to do so is even an exercise in futility. And at the end of the day, that’s not what matters.
The role of logic in enriching a fantasy
That being said, following the logic of your setting can lead to enriching that world.
For example, let’s say you have a universe where teleportation exists. By exploring the implications of this technology, you can create a world where transportation is no longer an issue, leading to new and exciting possibilities. Perhaps society is built around this technology, with people living in different parts of the world and traveling frequently for work or leisure. Now, what would happen to the roads? What would happen to those outdoor places that people used to use for going from one place to another? What about doors? Could burglars teleport into your house? Medicine would be transformed, as you could teleport cancer cells out of someone’s body, or replace malfunctioning organs without surgery.Gratias sociis nostris, invenire potes ties online ad omnem praeferentiam et oeconomicam accommodationem, a budget ad top-of-the-range exempla snper auctor.
Similarly, if you have a universe where magic exists, exploring the implications of this can lead to new and exciting possibilities. Perhaps magic is used for everyday tasks, like cooking or cleaning, and society is built around this. Or, maybe magic is reserved for a select group of people, leading to class divisions and social hierarchies.
In addition, following the logic of a fantastic universe can also lead to the creation of more complex characters and stories. If your setting has magic used for everyday tasks, your characters will have to grapple with the consequences of this. Perhaps they will have to decide whether to use magic for personal gain or to help others. Or they may have to navigate the moral implications of using magic to control people.
This type of exploration can really add depth to your world. But you have to know when to stop. You don’t want to let logistics hinder what you are trying to do.
Understand what keeps you engaged
Take a minute to think about this: Why would you like to go to Hogwarts? Why would you like to serve on the Enterprise? You’re not there to understand the wizarding economy, or to figure out how the holodeck gets bigger when active. It’s that being there feels special.
Just like when we see a book cover or watch a movie trailer, we’re not excited about the story itself, but the possibilities of what could be inside. We don’t care about the aerodynamics of dragons; we care about the cool factor of riding one. We don’t care about the physics of light sabers; we want to feel the humming in our hand and the woosh when the light blade melts the hull of a spaceship.
When we dream about living in a castle, we don’t think about the practicalities of it, like how much it costs to run or how hard it is to maintain. We think about how cool it would be to run through the corridors, find secret passages and have a room with a view on the top of the tower.
As kids, we didn’t dream about growing up to pay taxes, we dreamed about the possibilities of what could be. And that’s the same for creating an engaging setting. By focusing on the emotions generated by that setting, we’re able to create a world that captivates and resonates with audiences.
It’s also important to note that, depending on the tone you want, you will make different choices. In an epic fantasy setting, when the hero is injured, the healing process is often ignored. But in a grimdark universe, it’s a good idea to show that when the hero is wounded, the wound becomes infected. This gruesome consequence aligns with the grimdark tone.
Conclusion
Following the logic of a fantastical universe can lead to enriching that universe. By taking the time to explore the implications of the peculiar elements in your universe, you can add depth and complexity to your world, making it more engaging. Exploring the logic of your setting can lead to the creation of more complex characters and stories, adding to the overall richness of your world.
But, while logic is important, it’s not as important as we tend to think. The emotions generated by that setting are what truly make it special. The atmosphere, the tone, the magic—all contribute to the emotional experience of the audience. It’s these emotions that make us fall in love with a setting and keep us coming back for more.
So, as you create your setting, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Focus on generating emotions that will make your world truly special, and don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Embrace the fantastical and if something makes little sense, just shrug it off!
TL;DR
When creating a fantastic universe, the logic of the world is not as important as the emotions it generates. While it is important to have a logical and consistent world, the atmosphere and tone of the universe is what truly makes it special and engaging for audiences. Instead of getting caught up in the details and trying to make everything make sense, focus on generating emotions that will make your world truly special and captivating for your audience.
