Happy WBW! What Does Your World Sound Like? If I Closed My Eyes, What Would I Hear?

Happy WBW! What does your world sound like? If I closed my eyes, what would I hear?

Happy Worldbuilding Wednesday! Thank you for the Ask @writernopal!

This is such a delightfully beautiful question! It's something very interesting to consider!

I would say it would vary a lot depending on where you were in the continent of Agrannor. I will try to show the full picture of what it would sound like in some specific important places of the story.

In the Kingdom of Kestrall - you would hear the winter wind whooshing through the mighty mountaintops around you, carrying delicate freckles of snow and ice that ring like delicate little bells against the glass windows of the stone buildings. You would hear distant flapping of wings, and maybe even the melodic shriek of a passing dragon far away in the sky above, and you'd hear your steps as you walk forward in the rough cobblestone streets. Somewhere you hear the rhythmic clanking and ringing of hammer against anvil echoing from a nearby forge, and you swear you can hear the sizzling as molten metal is dipped into freezing water to solidify. There are people talking faintly in the street, murmurs you can't quite make out but seem vivid, there are children laughing somewhere near the market, where vendors call out their wares, and you hear the distinct and determined sound of an armored soldier of the City Watch walking past you.

In the Forests of the Riven Pass - you'd hear the eerie whistling of dead leaves on petrified branches surrounding you, the strange nothingness of it all setting a frozen chill down your spine. In the distance, you hear strange, unnatural sounds - some sound like someone weeping, others like a deep bellowing roar, and others like the moans of the undead - which make your skin crawl. The mists around you fizzle against the dryness of the ground and the trees seem to creak on the wind. The shrill cry of a distant owl makes you jump and promptly open your eyes. You know you can't stay in this forest for long.

In a rebel tavern - There is the sound of lively conversation surrounding you rather loudly, different tones and accents mixing joyously as people gather around wooden oak tables or next to scattered fireplaces that crackle with warmth. You hear someone cheering on a table to your left and the sound of a drink being poured for someone next to you. A vibrant song begins as a bard climbs atop a nearby chair, their proud lyrics speaking of freedom and falling empires. You hear a group gathered around a drinking game, and boisterous laughter as the rounds continue. Someone sits down on the chair across from you and you hear the clinking of coins as they pay for their meal. You hear cups and plates being set on the tables. The music grows a bit, and you hear the distinct notes from the lute. You hear makeshift armor clinking against the wood as people move around.

In the Hall of Lore, inside the Liranthian Academies - You hear your footsteps on the pressed wood floor, stopping by a table overflowing with books. There is a pleasing sense of quiet that seems to permeate every inch around you as you breathe in the minty morning air, flowing into the tall room through the many open windows. As you pick up a book from a nearby shelf and begin to flip through it, you can distinctly hear every sound the pages make as the coarse paper moves from one side to another. Somewhere near you, you hear the telltale scratching of someone scribbling notes with a feathered quill and ink. A morning bird flutes by one of the open windows before flying back down onto the trees below the tower. As you walk to the center of the room, where the scholar's tables are gathered, you hear the sizzling of new potions that bubble within their crystal containers with a hiss and the insistent sound of someone anxiously tapping their foot on the floor as they focus on their confusing studies.

In the aftermath of the Fall of Eldon - You hear flames crackling brutally around you, burning down remains of what used to be beautiful buildings. Ash flows in the cold wind with a huff, and the distinct smell of blood hits your nose as you step on a fallen blade. Horses whiny in the distance, along with their riders bellowing out orders to the victorious army. You swiftly step to the side as a riderless horse races past you and into the burnt woods ahead. The distinct and chilling sound of metal against bone echoes behind you as a soldier decapitates a prisoner. You head to the woods and leave the remains of the battlefield behind.

In the royal court of the Morosyn Empire during a banquet - There is stern instrumental music being played faintly in the background to the rhythm of the royal hymns but slower, and you hear a servant walk past you carrying a tray of desserts to the royal table. Somewhere next to you, you hear hushed whispers of nobles trading secrets in their seats, tense, as if the Emperor could hear whatever it is they're talking about, despite the man's attention being drawn to the person next to him, an advisor discussing battle plans. In one of the seats, a clueless duke asks a question to his courtesan - about a gossip going on in court - and they answer him. The sounds of a normal banquet continued normally around you until you suddenly hear the crowd go utterly silent as the Emperor stands up to make an announcement.

In the seaside marketplace of Vellamere - You hear the ocean gently lapping against the small colorful stone walls that separate the city from the beach, and all around you hear different vendors calling out the prices of their wares, as new shipments arrive swiftly from the harbor below, where a ship has been moored to the pier. A woman with a heavy accent describes the quality of her silken headpieces, while a man with a shrill voice talks about the fine pearl necklaces that have just arrived in stock from the Storm Archipelago. Nearby, a food salesman fries huge chunks of large Kraken tentacles in sticks, in an almost overflowing pot, and children run by you with laughter as they see the snacks being prepared. You hear two ladies talking to each other with sweet voices, their newly fashioned dresses flowing gently in the ocean breeze. You hear wooden crates being unloaded from lavish ships, and sailors calling out to one another as they maneuver the shipment. Beneath the bridges up ahead and the ships just around the pier beside you, you hear a splash as a giant grouper-like fish pokes its vast head out of the water, before submerging down the murky blue sea.

Happy WBW! Have you ever invented a language for a world? Would you like to?

Happy Worldbuilding Wednesday! Thanks for the Ask @stesierra!

Yes, I have! (I mean, not completely but you get what I mean). In The Last Wrath there are some important fictional languages created by me for this WIP, namely:

Ancient Ildarith (the traditional language of the elves in Agrannor), Magespeak (the runic language mages use to cast their spells, prophecies, runes, and curses), Old Allyrin (the actual day-to-day language of the mages, derived from Magespeak, and mostly used by the warriors from the secret Order of Knights) and many Faeborn Dialects (which are the language of the Fae/Fairies and impossible to be spoken by humans or elves) and Merfolk Tongues (the language of the merpeople and sirens in the seas of Agrannor, equally impossible to be spoken by humans and elves). It is said that dragons have a specific language to communicate between themselves, but it is remarkably difficult to understand from a human perspective (usually sounds like just lizard hisses and chirps) unless you're it's bonded friend or rider.

Ancient Ildarith, Magespeak, and Old Allyrin can be spoken by anyone with enough practice in the continent of Agrannor, though Ildarith is remarkably difficult and has varied dialects. The reason the Faeborn Dialects and Merfolk Tongues can't be spoken by anyone that isn't (respectively) Fae or Merperson is that the sounds of the language require specific physical adaptations that only Fae or Merpeople (respectively) have.

I haven't developed the entire languages, but I have an idea of how they sound and how specific phrases or words would be written in those languages (though they usually appear "translated" in italics in my works) and how they work. I'd like to one day have the time to create these languages in full form!

I don't know about happily trading places with my OCs because BOI do they lead troubling lives and I quite like my own. But if it was temporary, then maybe Seira Nivaine from The Last Wrath, Valentine Concordium from Enchanted Illusions, Pax from Supernova Initiative, and either Olivia or Jacob from Open Secret Files?

Next Question: Which OC would you like to have as your lifelong best friend and why?

OKAY!

WRITEBLRS if you're seeing this, you're legally obligated to reblog with an answer, and then a new question for the next person!

Here's the start:

Which of your OCs is most likely to punch somebody in the face?

Happy STS! 💜💌 What role does symbolism play in your WIPs, if any? What symbols relate to certain characters, events, or emotions? How do you decide what symbols to use, or what these symbols mean? Are they intentional, or do you notice them after they've appeared in the story? :) - @liv-is

Happy Storyteller Saturday! Thank you for the lovely Ask, @girlfriend-champion!

Questions - What role does symbolism play in your WIPs, if any? What symbols relate to certain characters, events, or emotions? How do you decide what symbols to use, or what these symbols mean? Are they intentional, or do you notice them after they've appeared in the story?

What role does symbolism play in your WIPs, if any?

I guess that symbolism does play a large role in quite a lot when it comes to The Last Wrath. It is rather important to the story, I would say, and it usually helps establish a sense of what certain groups of characters represent and why, while avoiding too much exposition where it is not needed. It also happens to be something very cool to write!

2. What symbols relate to certain characters, events, or emotions?

FOR CHARACTERS:

If I were to give a clear example of the use of symbols in my work, there are the Gilded Vipers, who basically are Ellinor's closest friends and an elite team of assassins. I choose the symbolism of "Vipers" for their moniker because they slowly became known throughout the Morosyn Empire for their meticulous and incredibly swift attacks, with a tendency to be deadly and unpredictable - much like a viper's strike. They also are known for "slithering away unseen" into the shadows once the damage is done.

Animal symbology is quite present in The Last Wrath - for a variety of reasons.

Another example of this would be the "White Raven", a nickname that was given to Cassander Fynn by his peers due to his secretive and mysterious nature, as well as for his vengeful tendencies (Ravens are often associated with mystery and secrecy on their own, and the White Ravens are much more elusive. Plus, ravens are also known to hold grudges for what can be a lifetime, hence vengeful). Ansell Kallik - Princess Ellinor's bodyguard and second in command of the Gilded Vipers - is associated with the symbols of an Owl. Also, he is often associated with the figure of a "wraith" or a haunting, by his enemies, for his deadly reputation in battle. Peregrine has the symbol of a fox etched onto the chest plate of his armor.

Myrah is often associated with the image of wild, untamed, feral nature, namely plants, vines, and moss.

More thematic/subtle symbolism is also present often in my works.

For example, Nethen Fahris is usually associated with tarnished gold - which serves to foreshadow the fact that, while he pretends to be on the side of the Empire, his intentions are not quite what they seem, hence the tarnishing/mockery of the Imperial color gold. The Secret Court is often represented by a sharp and cold winter wind, a harbinger of a storm or blizzard yet to come. Their emblematic colors are often blood red, sheer white, and iron gray, the red being the main color while the others compliment it - especially in the Fortress of Vadronia. The Secret Court is also associated with ash and embers, a reference to the fact that their form of magic consumes everything in its wake - especially since corrupted magic often presents itself in the story as something that looks a lot like dark ash and sizzling embers - which is made very clear by the fact that their current leader is known as the Ash Queen. The Guild of Assassins is almost always associated with very intricate masks (often literal and figurative, as people's masks are not limited to physical ones, but mental/emotional ones as well in Agrannor)

Celestial bodies (and moments) are usually associated with some of the characters. Julyan is strongly associated with the symbol of the sun. Raelen is vaguely associated with the symbol of dawn. Vallerius is associated with the night and moon. Elyren is literally referred to as "The Shooting Star of Zynlataell". Darian Caelestis' surname directly translates into the word celestial and is directly associated with the figure of the Sky.

For examples of events associated with symbolism:

Raelen's memories of an event in her early past are once described as "a comforting firelight's warmth being overtaken by a biting winter chill, and hopelessness that was only held back by the smallest of flames". (It refers to the moment when she and her older brother had lost their parents and were forced to flee from everything they'd ever known to survive the assassins sent for them.)

Oryon associates the betrayal he suffered in his past with drowning in an endless murky sea and wishing for it to finish him off - which while it is actually a very clear representation of what happened to him too, as after he was betrayed he was thrown overboard from his ship and left to drown, it also serves as a metaphor for his feelings, and how a part of him died (drowned) that day and he became a new person still haunted by it. The color blue and light grey are also often associated with this character, for this very reason.

It is offhandedly implied that the last time Tanwin and Darian had peacefully seen each other, before the invasion of Ergyre by the Morosyn Empire, they were talking under a tree that could very well be the Agrannorian version of a Weeping Willow. Those trees are almost always associated with grief and loss in some sort, and in this context, it is tied to the fact that they would never see each other for years after the next day, and when they meet again, they are not the same people they used to be (it is not an outright death, but it is still a loss. A loss of their friendship, and of the people they used to be). Willows are also associated with a new life, and that has multiple meanings in this scenario.

As Seira travels to a place with great importance to her past - which she had completely forgotten - the place is said to almost "rise from the early morning mist" (Which implies the fact that she now sees the truth). She also sees herself reflected in the broken shield of an important statue of an ancient figure in Agrannor (which I can't tell you now without spoiling the reveal in the book), a foreshadowing of her true origins as the shield is dull to her companion, and yet to her it reflects her image.

(I won't elaborate much on what this means for spoiler reasons but) Nyx never writes the ending to any of his songs, and usually leaves it unfinished - his friends usually try to write it, but it never comes out right. A neverending song, or a song whose story was cut short, fits his arc quite well.

Some of the villains are direct counterpoints to the good character's journeys and personalities, being a haunting reminder of what they could become under the wrong circumstances.

Morwan has twin battle axes with delicate pink roses carved and painted onto the blades. She is now a feared mercenary, but she never let's go nor forgets the lady she wished she could have been (and that she was) before she was scorned, and keeps her alive in those details in her current warrior's life.

How do you decide what symbols to use, or what these symbols mean? Are they intentional, or do you notice them after they've appeared in the story?

While most of it was intentional, some just simply come to me while developing the characters and their plots. In these cases, a vibe or aesthetic will come to mind, and I will trim down the options until I achieve the symbolism I want.

Happy WBW! What kind of makeup/cosmetics are popular or in fashion in the world of your WIP?

Happy Worldbuilding Wednesday! Thank you for the Ask, @writernopal!

What kind of makeup/cosmetics are popular or in fashion in the world of your WIP?

Agrannor has a large variety of cosmetics, which vary accordingly to the different cultures of each kingdom as well as the materials available in each region.

People bathe regularly (and daily if they have enough time or money), so there is a variety of different soaps available, with different smells and textures. They are usually made out of flower extracts and essential oils, as well as a different mix of scented ash, and can be either liquid or solid, though solid soap is more commonly sold. The most popular smells are wild mountain rose, lavender ash, and marble-thorn blooms. Soaps scented with sweet vanilla are surprisingly popular in the kingdoms of Ergyre, Adrellios, and Faravvia.

On the same note - regarding bath cosmetics and personal hygiene - a rustic version of shampoo (actually a flowery potion/concoction created by alchemists) can easily be found at almost any market or bazaar in the continent, though the cheaper ones are more akin to liquid soap, and can also be found in a variety of - usually flowery - smells. Potions that serve as conditioners and other hair products are more difficult to find (a.k.a they are more expensive) but the pricier shops almost always have a full stock of those. There are traditional alternatives (more commonly used) to both of these and those alternatives are homemade. Scented water, lotions, and oils are also openly used, especially on special occasions and events. There is a potion that serves as an archaic version of what could be considered "deodorant", it is widespread and usually odorless (though lightly scented variants have become especially favored).

Hair dye (of almost every color available) is extremely popular in Agrannor, with some of the human kingdoms being known for their tradition of dyeing their hair unnatural colors (the most notable of those being Ergyre - where the favorite colors are purple or gold - and Adrellios). Those dyes are usually made by alchemists with magical mineral or herbal materials, and their duration in the hair varies according to the strength of the materials used (some can be borderline permanent for a couple of years before starting to fade, but most can be washed off within the week).

Makeup is very popular in Agrannor - for both men and women alike. It can be made from a wide range of materials - from natural materials such as ash and powdered sea monster shells or flowers to magical materials that provide more vibrant and varied colors. And their patterns, colors, and uses (Is it used daily? Is it for traditional events? Is it saved for people of a certain social class?) depend on the kingdom and its traditions. Etaruze has a vibrant culture and people almost always wear equally vibrant makeup in their daily lives - unless they're a member of the military, where those things are kept to a minimum. Kestrall uses face painting (as in, actual paint) for rituals and traditional events, and the members of the high-ranking military and nobility have makeup patterns according to their status, but most people rarely wear makeup outside of the traditional events. People in Ergyre have a preference for bold colors and glittery makeup, and their servants usually have to wear makeup colors and patterns that represent the House they work for. And so on.

Perfume is also used, and is usually made from natural oils extracted and distilled from rare flowers - it is much more expensive than just buying the actual oils and lotions in bulk and is usually only used by more wealthy people or saved for special occasions.

Also, nail polish is a common cosmetic practice - for men and women - in some kingdoms of Agrannor, namely Etaruze, Faravvia, Ergyre, Adrellios, and the Morosyn Empire. The color varies, and metallic hues are especially favored in the Empire while the Free Realms prefer more colorful or natural hues.

Everyone brushes their teeth (a loose term, though toothbrushes are available, some people use cloth - sometimes with a bit of sand), with a potion that mimics what we would consider today as toothpaste, though more sour. Some people make a cheaper mouthwash using a mixture made usually with crushed-up mint leaves, alcohol (of some kind, usually the drinkable one), or charcoal with water, and some alchemical elixir of their choosing.

It is worth noting about different Agrannorian cultures:

When it comes to cosmetics and especially when it comes to personal hygiene, the elves are by far the cleanest and most meticulous of all sentient species of Agrannor (while Mageborn, Merfolk, and Humans are very clean, elves take that matter to a very high level of expectations). They take special care of their hair, which is something of deep cultural importance to them (having long, healthy hair is a sign of status and honor for anyone in the elven community, something they take a lot of pride in).

Mageborn have traditional makeup for their rituals and events, though they usually make those at home when they need to, and they tend to use the same cosmetics as regular humans in their daily lives. DESPITE THIS: It is worth making the distinction that the Mageborn's markings (usually in their arms, collarbone, or more rarely face) are not artificial tattoos nor makeup, and are naturally occurring due to the Mageborn's magical affinity and the growth of their powers.

Merfolk due to their time spent in the water, rarely have to use cosmetics, but they do use a concoction made of sea-monster shells, sand, and a type of deep-water seaweed that they use to clean themselves underwater.

Poll for my WIP Enchanted Illusions

Okay, so, I am developing one of my minor WIPs, my Victorian gothic fantasy, Enchanted Illusions. It takes place in a vaguely Victorian (as the genre suggests) inspired world where magic, monsters, and myths come to life amidst all the humans. I already know that it has Vampires, Dhampirs (half-human, half-vampires), Wizards/Sorcerers, and some form of ghostly hauntings, BUT... I need help to figure out what other creatures I should add to this period. (As in, actively create an MC that is a mythological creature). Keep in mind that the vibe of this story is heavily inspired by classic gothic literature, and so the creature this character will be should fit this vibe.

So, I made this poll to find out!

Taglist (to answer this poll) @moonandris @lassiesandiego @lyutenw @conkers-theficwriter @elshells @jasperygrace @clairelsonao3 @repressed-and-depressed @macabremoons @rickie-the-storyteller @jay-avian @unstablewifiaccess @aziz-reads