Universe Building: Where do I start?!

[SecretWonders]

So, I'm starting a new project. I'm excited for it, but um.. I don't know how to start with the universe. -.-''' I found this lovely tutorial for universe building on one of the many RP sites I venture on, right? Well, I can't find it. So I'm hoping you nice folks here at RPer Guild can help me out! So whattya say? Help a poor girl out, eh?

It'd be nice if you stuck around so I could also bounce ideas off of you and see what works and what doesn't... :"D

[Hellis]

First thing: Do you want a fantasy setting, Alternative history, Sci-fi?

[SecretWonders]

Alternative history for sure, thinking of going with the Age of Enlightenment but not entirely sure. Somewhere around early renaissance though!
Fantasy, I am really, really considering. xD I just love my fantasy! Then again, I can always change it if it doesn't work. c:

Thank you by the way, dear!

[Grif of Hearts]

Fantasy's always a good way to add some spice to any setting, because it has no real defined meaning. It can either be the subtlest of changes to a complete remodeling of the world we know today. While settling on a fantasy theme is always a good thing to decide on during the early stages, the fact it's so varied is also the biggest problem. You really need to work out how that splash of insanity will affect your world and how drastic these changes are. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is a vastly different type of fantasy to anything that Lovecraft wrote for example, and you could consider both fantasy.

So decided how much it changes the laws of the land is always a good thing to start with, because not only does it give you a better idea of the universe you're building it often spirals off into new ideas.

[SecretWonders]

It's going to be strong, since we're pulling in the supernatural element for the story. Going to have various mythical creatures scattered around, may consider making my own though... or perhaps newer alterations to such creatures. o: Ohh, maybe that is a good place to start! I do love designing so maybe creating the populace would be good for me to start at?

The laws of the land often depend on the characters and inhabitants, I personally think.. c: So so, I'll be back hopefully with some new society junk! :"D

[Grif of Hearts]

Making up some mythical beasts could be a good place to start. Wildlife has a bit impact on the surrounding world, after all. What might start as a half rubbish idea of a walrus rip off could lead to an entire nation that survives off of selling and utilising walrus ivory. Working from a bottom up approach, focusing on smaller details, is a perfectly good idea, and is usually the kind of thing I prefer to do.

When I said laws of the land I just meant how things function. :3 Societies, nature, culture, technology and everything else.

[SecretWonders]

Thanks for helping me out guys. <3 I think I made a lot of progress, I've got a few noticable species from different mythologies as a starting point, I've gone and developed a bit of folklore for the people (as well as a few possible races) and I've got a map done! ^.^ I think I'll start thinking a bit about the different government systems that can be used, I don't know if I want a dynasty or see about having a "democracy" go on for the country the character I'll be following (or well, will guide the story at the beginning.. :"D).

If you've got more tidbits you'd like to share, feel free to. It helps loosen my thought process up a bit and helps me brainstorm ideas better...*o*

[Grif of Hearts]

Things like empires and monarchies are quite overused in fantasy settings. They make sense considering most are set in medieval eras, but it's always nice to see a government that's actually a bit different. Seeing King Ronald the XXXXX a dozen times can grow dull, and it's nice to see things run in a more unusual way. You don't get a lot of medieval democracies.

Other tidbits? The culture of a "main" nation is always a good thing to work out, their government is also part of that. Traditions among the people, what the nation's specialities are, etcetera, etcetera.

[Brovo]

Whilst building your universe, remember to create natural "powder kegs."

"Powder Kegs" being areas where adventurers would be needed to fix local or international errors or issues.

Also make sure that your universe, whilst unique as it may be, has enough traditional ties to established genres like fantasy or history so as that someone can understand the basics of your world in five minutes or less.

General rule of thumb: When presenting your universe, assume that everyone reading will have an attention span of five minutes. That is all the time you have to explain the concept of your world, and then the "main" location(s).