The Million Islands
Scope
The motivation behind building The Million Islands
I want to craft a unique and immersive fantasy setting that would offers players a fresh experience, with a geography that would provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The Million Islands offers a unique metaphysical system that emphasizes the importance of belief and thought in shaping the world, with a diverse array of cultures, peoples, and creatures to encounter.
The goal of the project
My goal is to create a world that is good for highly episodic roleplaying, where the characters can encounter new and fresh environments over every horizon. Personally, I use writing as a mental health practice, and having a project to write in is key to my ongoing goals of daily writing.
Story inspirations include: Earthsea, The Odyssey, Sinbad the Sailor, Star Trek
The Million Islands's Unique Selling point
The Million Islands setting's unique selling point is how the metaphysical rules of the setting create a world where ideas and beliefs have the power to shape reality. This means that the creatures and cultures of the Million Islands are not static, but are constantly evolving based on the thoughts and beliefs of the beings that inhabit them. Additionally, the focus on island-hopping and travel between distant archipelagos creates a sense of episodic adventure and exploration that is distinct from more typical fantasy settings.
Theme
Genre
The genre of this world is episodic fantasy with elements of adventure, exploration, and mystery. The setting is characterized by a vast archipelago of islands, each with its unique culture, people, and history. The focus is on the fantastical and magical aspects of the world, where only a select few possess the ability to wield magic. The world draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including classic tales such as The Odyssey and Sinbad the Sailor, as well as more modern stories like Star Trek. With a blend of magic, mystery, and exploration, this world offers a unique experience for players looking for a break from more traditional fantasy settings.
Reader Experience
The world of Million Islands should feel exciting and full of possibilities. Players and readers should feel a sense of wonder and anticipation as they embark on journeys of exploration and adventure. There should be a constant sense of discovery and the unknown, as each island and its inhabitants present unique challenges and opportunities. The world should also have a sense of danger and risk, with the potential for deadly encounters and unexpected twists. Overall, the world should evoke a feeling of excitement and immersion, drawing players and readers into its vast and mysterious landscape.
Reader Tone
The tone of the Million Islands world is somewhere in the middle, with a tendency towards bright. While there have been dark times in the past, the future is a place full of potential and wonder. Living in this world can be both challenging and rewarding, with horrible and wondrous things happening to ordinary people. The characters will encounter danger and adversity, but they will also have the opportunity to discover ancient secrets, find hidden treasures, and make a difference in the world. While the past may have been tumultuous, the present and future hold the promise of new beginnings and exciting adventures.
Recurring Themes
The first recurring theme in the Million Islands setting is discovery. This theme reinforces the genre, tone, and feel of the world by emphasizing the endless possibilities for adventure and exploration that the islands offer. It encourages players and readers to seek out the unknown, and to expect the unexpected. Whether it's encountering new cultures, discovering magical artifacts, or encountering legendary monsters, the theme of discovery is a driving force that keeps the world fresh and exciting.
The second recurring theme is the power of nature. As a world dominated by oceans and islands, the Million Islands setting emphasizes the importance of the natural world. From the powerful storms that can batter ships to the mysterious creatures that inhabit the depths, nature is a force to be reckoned with in this world. This theme reinforces the idea that the world is full of wonder and danger, and encourages players and readers to approach it with respect and humility.
The third recurring theme is the struggle between tradition and progress. As a world with a mix of technological levels, the Million Islands setting explores the tension between holding onto the past and embracing the future. This theme reinforces the idea that change is a constant, and that characters must navigate the shifting currents of culture and society as they explore the world. It also provides an opportunity to explore complex themes of identity, loyalty, and cultural conflict.
Character Agency
In the Million Islands setting, the characters have a high level of agency. They can explore the world freely, and their actions can have a significant impact on the islands they visit. However, the impact of their actions may not be felt on a global scale, as changes tend to be localized. This means that players have the freedom to pursue their own goals and shape the world in their own way, without necessarily feeling like they are responsible for saving the entire world from some great evil.