In this episode, we dive into an introduction on creating the fictional realities we love to get lost in. From the shores of Midkemia to the neon-lit streets of homegrown tabletop RPG campaigns, I explore how our imaginations construct and inhabit these spaces. Joining the discussion are my friends and fellow tabletop DMs, Andrés Díez de Castro and Nik Paro, who share the collaborative creative processes behind their own unique worlds.
Highlights
The Foundation of Worlds: Reflections on my early introduction to fantasy through Raymond E. Feist’s Magician and then into other worlds. However, it’s not just about fantasy and science fiction
The Secret to Relatability: Andrés argues that the best world-building balances relatable cultural elements with fresh magical or technological twists so the setting doesn’t feel too mundane or too alien.
Finding the “Red Thread”: Nik emphasises the importance of having a core narrative thread that ties a fantastical world together, warning that introducing too many contrasting elements can cause a setting to clash.
Hyperphantasia vs. Aphantasia: Dups discusses the fascinating spectrum of human imagination. He contrasts his own hyperphantasia—experiencing imagination like a vivid 4K film—with aphantasia.
Finding Inspiration: The group discusses their creative influences, from the intricate, storm-ravaged ecology of Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive to the consciousness-transferring, gritty sci-fi of Altered Carbon.
Words Over Visuals: Dups shares a personal anecdote about discovering the world of Star Wars through a novelisation before ever seeing the film, illustrating the raw power of descriptive storytelling.
Books & Media Mentioned in this Episode
Magician by Raymond E. Feist
The works of J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings, Ursula K. Le Guin, Isaac Asimov, and R.A. Salvatore
Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive
Altered Carbon
Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Doctor Who
Connect with the Show
What is your favourite fictional world? Dups would love to hear from you.
Email: contact@dups.ca
Website & Archives: tales.dups.ca
