A Brief Vision of Verdigar

Verdigar, the world of Sentinel of Mirrors, contains quite a few geographic locations. I was a bit giddy today and wanted to share slice of my vision of Verdi, so I found some images around the web that somewhat resemble what I have in mind:

Verdigar, an archipelago, is composed of eight “main” islands, a cluster, and reef/sandbar sprinkles of islands, sort of like the Caribbean below.

Caribbean Map, geology.com

The eight main islands were formed from a hot spot known as “Deep Forge”, a volcanic region. Deep Forge is also considered “Hell” in Verdi folklore.

Underwater Volcano, dsc.discovery.com

Most islands contain lush beaches and mountains.

Island, le-caribbean-islands.com

The largest island contains both a swamp and a mountainous desert.

Swamp, Texas Parks and Wildlife

Mojave Desert, californianature.net

Other locations:

Grasslands, travelbyphotos.com

Rainforest, Illinois State School of Biological Sciences

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These aren’t geographic, but I also wanted to share the idea I had for the rival States, inspired by Rome and Venice.

Rome, internationalliving.com

Venice, travelworldmap.com

Dude. Where’s the Map?

A few days ago, I continued reading a book I hadn’t touched in a few months. I remembered crucial plot points in this book, but forgot locations where these points took place. And so, I flipped to the front for a fast, memory-jogger and some insight into the Otherworld’s design (you know, since I’m a worldbuilding freak).

Oh. I see. Ok. Yeah …

No map.

I’m not melting (melting!!) from the lack of a map … but I was rather disappointed. A few authors (including a recent favorite of mine) have decided not to include maps in their fantasy novels. To be honest, I can’t figure out why (well, I think I remember some saying that it makes the plot more predictable, and some writers tend to make characters visit every location on their world’s map. Diana Wynne Jones picks at them in The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, hehe), but that’s their choice. It doesn’t really subtract much from the work.

First Page Maps are warm, fuzzy privileges I do enjoy. I think the inclusion of maps is an asset to fantasy novels since they give the reader a general design (geographic details and whatnot) of the Otherworld. Personally, maps connect me to that world on a slightly deeper level. That’s probably not the same for everyone. I guess my love for physical geography is a heavy factor.

I’ve already designed a rough-sketch of Verdigar, the world (well, “mainworld”) of Sentinel of Mirrors. As old-fashioned as this is, it’s been a minor aid in plot so far, and it helps me remember geographic details (one influencing how Verdi even came to exist), and why certain peoples live and certain industries thrive in those regions (weather, agriculture, and religion are also taken into account). The map is done by island, so cities and villages aren’t outlined.

I heart maps, hehe.