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**Worldbuilder’s Anvil**

Do you have visions of fantasy world’s dancing through your head? Are you a gamemaster that wants to tell stories in your world? Are you a fiction writer who wants your next setting to be your best?

Do you want to build better fantasy worlds?

Then the Worldbuilder’s Anvil podcast is for you. Learn to create the physical world, characters, cultures, kingdoms, races, species and monsters. Learn it all, with some banter to boot.

Join Michael and Jeffery on the weekly podcast that looks at storytelling, game mastering, pop culture and life through the lens of fantasy world building. Subscribe TODAY!

Listen to new episodes every Monday and BUILD BETTER FANTASY WORLDS.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 278 Why creating rules is important when creating fiction May 14, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic Do not break your laws

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

What are rules?
- Macro
- Only need to talk about the ones that very.
- Consistency
- Limit and make the world more interesting
What I think about in my worlds
- An Inspire list not a checklist
Laws of science
- Conservations
- Speed of Light
- Relativity
- Evolution
Myths
- What if Mount Olympus is real
- Is magic used to reinforced religion and there are no gods?
Magic
- What is the system(s)
- Does it break or complement other rules?
Technology
- Is there missing or extra resources?
- How does it interact with magic?

Worldbuilding Task

Think about the rules of your world.

Real world task

Think about the rules you have created in your household?

Episode 277 Basics of fantasy culture group creation May 07, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic The long and short of creating a culture framework

Reading about cultures in national geographic was my first step into worldbuilding. The similarities and differences of cultures and how they change over time have been fascinating. Years ago I learned about the idea of language families. So I extended the idea of language families and came up with a protoculture or a fantasy culture group. The idea is that as the hunter-gatherer culture separates. Not only does the language change, but so does the way the people believe. So Join Michael and Jeffery as the look about how to create a fantasy culture group in your fictional world.

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

What is a framework?
What Elements do you need?
The long of it
What makes up a culture
- Group verses Ethnicity Verses
- Western Couture vs English
The 5 Big question
- Why do think they are related
- Shared language
- Shared religion
- Shared customs
- Shared believes and norms

Remember!!!
- The longer the shared experiences are separate 2 groups the more alien they will appear to each other. Imagine a Norseman meeting a person speaking Bengali in 1000 AD. Would the consider themselves distant cousins?
The Short of it
- Enough to know them
- No more than what you need, Wiggle Room
- Use as a base for any cultures you create

Worldbuilding Task

Create a culture group framework in your world

Real world task

Learn to say no

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Links

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https://www.gardul.com/news/episode-277-basics-of-fantasy-culture-group-creation/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

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https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

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http://gardul.com/Amazon

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https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

Episode 276 Avoiding the Chosen one Apr 29, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic No, I am not the Chosen one The chosen one is a pervasive character trope used in stories, especially fantasy stories. It a trope I am personally bored with in my fiction. However, I am not sure if it is because it is so overused or since it is merely that the formula sometimes storytellers are lazy in spicing it up.

So, Join Michael and Jeffery as they look at the chosen one character trope, and brainstorm out some ideas to modify the trope to make it a stand out a little more in a world of millions of stories.

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

What is the Chosen One and why is it so popular
- Games
- Tradition, the Rhythm of storytelling
Special Thanks to TV Tropes
Alternatives
- The Megalomaniac
- - The obsession takes them towards the villain
- The Hated one
- - They are the only one, and everyone hates them for it
- The Good, Bad, and Ugly
- - They are chosen by more than one side, sooner or later they will have to choose and pay a price(s)
- The Alliance of Heroes
- - They are important in the story, however, as the larger story they are only a piece of the puzzle
- The Character Next Door
- - The protagonist lives in the shadow of the

Worldbuilding Task

Create your variant of the Chosen one

Real world task

Create daily talking time with your loved one(s)

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Links

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-276-avoiding-the-chosen-one/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheChosenOne

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HeroTropes

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

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https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

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https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

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http://gardul.com/Amazon

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https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

Episode 275 Netflix Cowboy Bebop Review… wish list Apr 22, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic Worldbuilding in the Cowboy Bebop

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

A Netflix series is coming so we are looking back at the world Universe of Cowboy bebop- Hopefully only minor spoilers
The feel
- The Genre
- The Music as an episode session
- Cowboys
Worldbuilding notes of interest
- Choice of firearms
- Wormhole spacecraft
- East vs West moved into space
- Earth
Important Characters
- Ein – Pembroke Welsh Corgi – My guess is Gary Oldman
- Spike Spiegel – Jon Cho
- Jet Black – Mustafa Shakir
- Fay Valentine - Daniella Pineda
- Edward Wong - Alex Hassell
Wants
Fears

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Links

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-275-netflix-cowboy-bebop-review-wish-list/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

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http://gardul.com/Amazon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Jeff on Twitter )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

Episode 274 A revolting development in a fantasy nation Apr 14, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic Vive la fausse révolution

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

Popular uprising vs coup
Popular reasons
- Famine
- Drought
- Magical
- Enflamed
Coup
- To much power in the wrong hands
Story tips
- How to the characters fit in
- Who wins (Is the outcome fixes)
- - Better or worse after
- What is the cost of victory
- What is the reward

Worldbuilding Task

Start the fictional rebellion

Real world task

Send some love to those around you to prevent a household revolution

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Links

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-274-a-revolting-development-in-a-fantasy-nation/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

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https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

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http://gardul.com/Amazon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Jeff on Twitter )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

Episode 273 Brainstorming worldbuilding classes for a fantasy culture Apr 07, 2019

Show notes

So, Jeff was working on classes for his very-side-indie RPG video game and thought that brainstorming worldbuilding classes for a fantasy culture would be a great episode

We often think about fictional characters in a vacuum. However, may people who live around each other have many of the same skills. So why not use classes when you worldbuild. It will save you time creating characters in your fiction, and lots of time if you are creating new classes for your RPG world.

Join Michael and Jeff as they brainstorm character creation in a fantasy culture.

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

Classes for world building vs RPG game
What jobs are needed to be done to survive?
How do they fight?
How is magic performed?
What about holymen?
what common skill are used by the people
Dissecting a culture for classes Baurhdrakkeim bronze age

Worldbuilding Task

Create classes for your fantasy culture

Real world task

It is spring get out of your house.

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Links

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-273-brainstorming-worldbuilding-classes-for-a-fantasy-culture/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join our Facebook Group )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

((((((((((((((((((((((( Support us by using our Amazon Affiliate Link )))))))))))))))))))))

http://gardul.com/Amazon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Jeff on Twitter )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

Episode 272 4 "S"s for Creating Better Encounters plus a 5th for DMs Mar 31, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic 4 ideas to create better side scenes

As a game master, I call them random encounters. I call them a side scene in writing. They are the scenes add do not add to the plot of the story. Join Michael and Jeff as they talk about the 4 "S"s for Creating Better Encounters plus a 5th for DMs.

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

A non-essential plot scenes for the plot
- In Games
Track them

4 "S"s for Creating Better Spice - Add variety to a story

Spice
Surprises - Easter Eggs
Strengthening – Leads into side plots or red herring
Setbacks – Should set the story back
For Game Masters and Dungeon Masters
- Semi-Random encounters
- When, Where, Why

Worldbuilding Task

Start tracking your encounters

Real world task

Bank some good will. Pick one area of your home and spring clean it.

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Links

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-272-4-ss-for-creating-better-encounters-plus-a-5th-for-dms/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join our Facebook Group )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

((((((((((((((((((((((( Support us by using our Amazon Affiliate Link )))))))))))))))))))))

http://gardul.com/Amazon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Jeff on Twitter )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

Episode 271 Let's Build our Loopy Plot Mar 24, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic Building a time loop plot so I can create the story plot

So to further the upcoming time loop story we need to know what Michael's character is planning to do to assassinate the king. From there Jeff can create what he wants the initial day to look like and create the basic plot for the story.

Join Michael and Jeff in this plot building podcast episode.

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

Talk about why Michaels character is visiting the king
Walk through the plan to kill the King.
Talk about the parameters of the first day and what it will look like for Michael.

Worldbuilding Task

Create a plot to kill a fictional king

Real world task

Go outside take a walk and smell the roses

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Links

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.gardul.com/news/episode-271-lets-build-our-time-loop-plot/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join our Facebook Group )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

((((((((((((((((((((((( Support us by using our Amazon Affiliate Link )))))))))))))))))))))

http://gardul.com/Amazon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Jeff on Twitter )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

Episode 270 Let's build our loopy protagonist Mar 17, 2019

Show notes

Today's Topic Our story Hero

In this episode, Jeffery and Michael, start brainstorming the character Michael will use in our timeloop story. When we create a hero or any character, we need to consider them in the context of the story. So listen to our let's build a protagonist podcast episode.

Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast Show flow

Think about the 5 steps to great characters
Background
What motivates your character?
What does your character look like?
What is his personality
Traits
Flaws
Quirks
Name if you can

Worldbuilding Task

Create a character and get it going

Real-world task

Share your character in the Undercroft group

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Episode 48: Character Traits and Flaws

Episode 49: Who am I?

Think about the 5 steps to great characters

Links

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-270-lets-build-our-loopy-protagonist/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))

Episode 48: Character Traits and Flaws https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-48-character-traits-and-flaws/

Episode 49: Who am I? https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-49-who-am-i/

Think about the 5 steps to great characters https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-206-5-steps-great-characters/

HowToWorldbuild.com

HowToWorldbuild.com/soon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/worldbuilders-anvil/id956705643?mt=2

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join our Facebook Group )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://www.facebook.com/groups/undercroft/

((((((((((((((((((((((( Support us by using our Amazon Affiliate Link )))))))))))))))))))))

http://gardul.com/Amazon

((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Jeff on Twitter )))))))))))))))))))))))))

https://twitter.com/JefferyWIngram

1st Steps New Indie Single-Player RPG Video Game– Tuesday Tidbit for Episode 268 Mar 11, 2019

Show notes

The Tuesday Tidbit is where I talk about something I missed in the latest episode or funny moment that I had to cut when I was recording with Michael. They will premier in Facebook live videos typically Tuesday @ 1 PM unless My Baby says otherwise on our page Gardul and then moved to our YouTube channel and finally the audio will be released on Fridays @ 12 PM

1st Steps New Indie Single-Player RPG Video Game– Tuesday Tidbit for Episode 268

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This mini-episode is brought to us by my new free project How to world build

Sign up and get instant access to a course that shows how simple worldbuilding can be by creating a simple city in under 30 minutes. Sign up now at www.HowToWorldBuild.com

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This missed moment: How an amateur gets started

Get some help from people who have done this before
1. Make their ideas work for me
Core Idea ß Core Idea A hero inherits a title and land and uses them to plot his revenge on his father's murder.
Features
Story
Game Flow
Characters
1. Hero: Count Wuphumm Germbadd Heib Blaphvisseralas
Worldbuilding needs
Plan a Timeline Trello

https://www.howtoworldbuild.com/soon Main episode

https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-268-brainstorming-video-game-content/

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/

Gardul Stories Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_TMU5YjkHGeqv2CbSA38SA

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Brought to us by my new free project HowToWorldbuild.com sign up and get instant access to a course that shows how simple worldbuilding can be by creating a simple city in under 30 minutes.

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