Build from the physical world and not the culture. Learn how geography influences a societyâs development. For example, deserts create a reverence for water, and migratory patterns for sustenance. Learn how to let the terrain shape your people. Panelists: Sabrina Klein, Daniel Myers, Tim Waggoner, Steven Schend, Paul Genesse
What makes society divide into caste and class? Weâll take a look at historical and present-day structures and how to use various elements to develop classes in your world. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, Richard Lee Byers, Daniel Myers, Sabrina Klein, Paul Genesse
Worldbuilding: Hired Goons, Mercenaries, and Assorted Thugs
Description:
So you need a few good men and women . . . and youâre going to get them where? Weâll cover topics such as the single assassin, gangs, bodyguards, professional mercenaries, accidental warriors, and the military, and how to fit them into your world. Panelists: John Helfers, Chris Pierson, Steven Schend, Richard Lee Byers
Avoid creating a stereotypical, generic, fantasy world. Weâll show you how to make the planet your very own . . . and make it interesting. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Anton Strout, Donald Bingle
Worldbuilding: Realistic Treatments of Sex and Racism
Description:
Smut or sexlessness, where is the middle ground? And how much is too much sexism? Unless weâre writing about a utopia, the societies in your fantasy worlds are going to have sexism. And if you include it, are you, as an author, guilty of perpetuating sexism in the real world? Panelists: Linda Baker, Patrick Rothfuss, Brad Beaulieu, Kerrie Hughes
Your setting has to make a certain amount of sense for your novel to be believable. So how do you make your fantasy ârealâ and how to you stop from making it so real it ceases to be fantasy? Panelists: Patrick Rothfuss, Paul Genesse, Anton Strout, Richard Lee Byers, Linda Baker
Some writers love to create a world from below the ground up. That can be exciting, but itâs not always necessary. Using Earthâs own rich culture and history, you can be just as creative and perhaps a bit quicker. Learn how our panelists take historical tidbits and tweak them to add authenticity to their own worlds. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, Richard Lee Byers, Paul Genesse
Magic should make more sense than science to hook your readers and enhance your fantasy world. Weâll talk about things that will enchant your writing. Panelists: Patrick Rothfuss, Linda Baker, Paul Genesse, Jennifer Brozek
Final rounds of the UFS Worlds 2008 tournament. If top 16 players agree unanimously, this event will be postponed until Sunday morning at 10am. Winner will receive fully legal character cards of themselves to distribute at their discretion.
This is what it's all about. The ultimate test of an individuals UFS tournament skills. 128 contestants enter, one leaves victorious as the UFS Worlds 2008 Champion! Winners will receive character cards of themselves that are fully legal in tournament play. Check the website to see how you can earn a seat in this tournament.