VOL.

2 / ISSUE 1 / FEBRUARY 2018

THE NITTY - GRITTY

DETAILS

World Showcase
MaartenBlom20's Kazandinium by Adam Bassett

Festivals
Constructing Celebrations by Hexarch

Fictional Colors
& Colors in Fiction by WithBestIntentions

a community publication.
 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR CONTENTS
Dear readers,

Hello again! I am so happy to share with you our eighth issue of our
magazine! Inside you will find all kinds of articles with a focus on the
nitty-gritty detail of your worlds.
4 WORLD SHOWCASE: MAARTEN’S KAZANDINIUM
& THE GREATER WORLD
Adam Bassett

There are a couple different things you might notice looking at this issue. First is the
fact that we have officially rebranded to become Worldbuilding Magazine, as we no longer
publish on a monthly basis. Those of you following along likely have already noticed this
change, which was made in an effort to produce better content (and give the staff some
10 FESTIVALS
Hexarch

12
reprieve from the monthly schedule). We decided the start of a new year was the perfect
time to make the official switch to Worldbuilding Magazine, and adopt the new logo you
see on the cover.
PROMPTS: WORLDBUILDING & WRITING
Second, we have begun volume two. Since this is the first issue of 2018, we have
completed volume one of Worldbuilding Magazine and have started volume two! We will

13 FEATURED SHORT FICTION: EYE OF THE FISHERMAN

continue to provide you, our readers, with quality articles, stories, interviews, and other
material to help you be inspired to worldbuild.

If you missed any issues from volume 1 (2017) you can check them out on our website! Dave_X - Community Submission

14
Our next issue will be focused on everything food related. If you are interested in
sending in an article, do not hesitate to contact us! We accept articles, short stories, art, FEATURED SHORT FICTION: AN EXCHANGE OF GIFTS
and other types of worldbuilding from around the community.
StronglyOPlatypus
We are always happy to meet new creators who are part of this community; if you are

22
interested in worldbuilding, or want to help out in any way, contact us on reddit or at
contact@worldbuildingmonthly.com! FICTIONAL COLORS & COLORS IN FICTION
WithBestIntentions
Cheers,

u/UNoahGuy

Cover and Logo: Tristen Fekete

2 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 3

 WORLD SHOWCASE: MAARTEN’S KAZANDINIUM
so I always create my own mythology slightly out the Inithil which wiped their memory. See the
based and inspired by some of our own world's. Void knows no time nor events, thus for anyone
there it is like nothing ever happened.

& THE GREATER WORLD

When it comes to other media, The Elder Scrolls,
Warhammer, and the Witcher have been pretty big They then created a being known as Theren-
inspirations for me. dor. Therendor had plans for something greater,
a world where life unlike they had seen before
Adam Bassett You mention mythology as a large component could exist, one without the cold darkness of the
of this. Would you care to discuss a bit about the void. But he could not achieve such a goal on his

M aarten (also: MaartenBlom20) and I spoke mythology you created for the Kazandinium, own. Thus he created 9 other deitic beings, "The
about the book he is writing, the Kazand- as well as giving us a taste of one major part of Ulmadar".
inium, as well as the mythologies and world it that mythology?
depicts -- The Greater World, a medieval Euro- While Therendor and the Ulmadar created the
pean-inspired setting with a grimdark theme. Of course. Basically, the basis of everything is world, the Inithil where planning to join them in
Maarten has been creating an extensive mythol- nothing. The world is but a shapeless plane inside their plane of "Helios". But first, they created the
ogy, with numerous deities that play a role in nothingness, so before there was the world, there last of the Aknur, known as "Elneris". Elneris was
creating and shaping the world since 2009. The was just the Void. And from this void came beings weak, alone, and without guidance. He was con-
Kazandinum, written by the eldest Numar, is the of unseen power, "The Inithil". The Inithil created fused about his whole existence, and the darkness
tome that details the history and mythology that three beings collectively known as the Aknur. The of the Void slowly drained his very being. To safe
he’s been creating. first was Yugandas, who became a realm of its own the last bit of himself to continue with whatever
made out of darkness itself, and eventually forced he was meant to do, he created deitic beings of his
This month’s world showcase will look deeper own, much like Therendor did. These would be the
Pixabay (free use) "Phetar". And they would play a
into Maarten’s dark world. Here’s what he had
to say about it. big roll in the would that was yet to
be made. After that Elneris disap-
it, which kept me motivated. This summer I started
So what is the Kazandinium? It is the name for peared, fleeing into the dark void.
working on a new chapter for the series, but when
the in-world book I’m currently writing, which is I looked back at all of it I realized that I just didn't
also the current name of the project. This is only one out of many
like it anymore. I wanted something more profes-
[The world is called] “The Greater World” to myths found in the Kazandinium.
sional, something that felt real. So I started writing
Men, “Nazulbar” in the language of the Korrigan, But this marked the beginning of
the in-world lore book written and told by Octa-
and “Tillin Dor” in the Elner tongue. It is a world of the world where these tales would
viar, the loremaster of Tiri-Andor. I am working on
eternal peril, darkness, and terror. From the great take place.
Chapter Two at the moment. Will I release this?
void comes a darkness, a darkness that can’t be No. I will have it for myself (I'm planning on even
stopped. One that is named “Yugandas” by many. Let's move on to the common
getting a physical version), and I will share it in the
It is bound to eat the world and purge all mortal man. How do people without any
community, totally free of charge, just to share my
life, and no one can stop it. Basically the world is divinity in The Greater World
work with fellow worldbuilders. I’m sure when it
doomed, there is no happy ending. perceive all of this? Is it believed,
will be finished, but I have a feeling 2018 will be a
devalued, or something else?
great year.
The Kazandinium is a collection of stories and
lore taking place throughout the world’s history, These tales are believed by the
What was your goal with this project?
and the recent years of the coming apocalypse. The majority of Mankind, and they are
realms of mankind are too busy fighting amongst very religious. The people of Ardon
To take how people saw life and the unknown
themselves to do anything about the Dance of live by these stories, these gods,
in medieval times (or how they would see it), and
Death coming from the east, vile creatures ter- and their will. For example, in the
make it a reality. It is a world where myths and
rorize daily life, and a curse called “magic” slowly holy imperium of Kazandor, the
fairytales are real, but are far from the same as in
infects and eats the world. greatest nation of Mankind, a here-
our own.
tic is the worst thing a man can be.
What inspired you? Clearly Medieval history, but
Could you go into a bit more detail on the book, was there anything else?
The Kazandinium? But, the world is home to many
species, cultures, and civilizations.
Like you said, Medieval history is a huge inspira-
Sure. Well, when I started to do worldbuilding Men are descendants from a people
tion, but ancient and medieval mythology are likely
more actively in early 2017 I created some Google known as the Ratfolk, humanoid
my second biggest inspirations. I like to take actual
Docs and shared them on r/worldbuilding. These rats that walked the world as one
and fictional history and mix them together. I per-
got pretty popular and people really seemed to like of the first two mortal species. The
sonally dislike just taking the exact same concepts,
Depicts Therendor, Second of the Askar
Artist: Rebecca Hummel (@HummelArt on Twitter)

4 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 5

 Could you explain the Helios a bit more? slaves to the dance; "The Dance of Death," which is
the name of their invasion into other parts of the
When Therendor created the Ulmadar, he could Greater World.
not keep them in the Void. Thus he shaped another
realm within the void habitable for the gods. This The Dance of Death arrived at every great city.
realm was "Helios", or "high plane" in the language It was a truly horrifying sight. First, winged hour-
of the Ratfolk. Helios is home to the realms of the glasses would descend upon the city, showing the
Ansadar, known as the stars, and the realm of the citizens and their leaders that the time has come.
Ulmadar, known as the sun. Within Helios Ther- When it landed, time had run out. The next thing
endor created the mortal realm of "Elios", or "low they hear will be the bells of Aaru, echoing through
plane" in the Rat's tongue. In this realm the Greater the streets. In the blink of an eye, the legions of the
World and the twin moons reside. dance would have arrived and like uncontrollable
waves, they swept through the streets, swallowing
And if a god wasn't worshiped he wouldn't all in its path.
leave, he would disappear. It has always been this
way. If a god is worshipped enough, he becomes
a reality. If people lose faith in an already existing
god, it will disappear.

So at the beginning of this you mentioned an

approaching doom. Care to go into a bit more
detail on that?

Absolutely, it is one of the most important

aspects of this world. Earlier i talked about Yugan-
das and how he was the first being created by the
Map of the Greater World Inithil. When he drove away the Inithil, it was as
Artist: MaartenBlom20 if he never existed to them, and they still aren't
aware of his existence. But Yugandas is one the
Ratfolk were birthed by the Ulmadar; the Ratfolk their own versions of how the world was created move. Slowly but surely, he is making his way
saw their creators with their own eyes. The other and who made them. This comes in the form of towards the worlds of Therendor. But few know
species did not see their creators like this. whichever Ansadar they worship. Of course they that in a way, Yugandas is already there.
will always be wrong on how the world was truly
Faith was important to survive in this hostile made, but whoever they worship, is real. I previously mentioned that Therendor created
world, and worshiping fake gods, meant your 9 Ulmadar. Well this is false. He created 8. One of
doom. So Therendor created the “Ansadar”. End- When it comes to the Ratfolk and Man, it's them, is not made by him. He just doesn't realize it.
less realms within Helios housing literally endless important to note that Mankind is the ratfolk. This is Eledor. Eledor is a piece of Yugandas in dis-
amounts of possibilities in gods. These realms Humanity evolved from them, and the Ratfolk guise, portraying himself as god of darkness for the
became the stars. All gods that were worshiped are no more. Does this mean that mankind can't people of the Greater world. In the meantime he is
would stay and watch over their children. All those worship different gods? No. Because they do. Only terrorizing the world, and is now finally bringing
that were not would disappear into the void. the man of Ardon and Paradon worship(ed) the the apocalypse.
Ulmadar (Paradon being no more). Other sons of
Mankind believes they exist thanks to the Ulma- the Ratmen have not held on to these believes. In When Therendor realized who Eledor truly was,
dar (and they are 100% correct). So, their church the eastern Empire of Judai, men worship Luxo a war erupted. This was a 200 year conflict known
says you owe it to them to fight on their behalf, or and Basing. In the cold north are the Hellig, who as the Titanomachy. Eledor had almost lost the war,
burn in their fires. This belief is pretty common worship Varus and his servants. And even in Ardon but had a final trick up his sleeve. He cursed and
across all of the Men of Ardon, but the Imperium there are many minor gods of smaller aspects such destroyed the holy kingdom of Paradon, binding
takes it to the extreme. The other nations are a lit- as honor and woodwork, who are all just as real as its men to his will and turning them into legions
tle lighter on all this. the Ulmadar. of skeletal beings. The people of Paradon are now

When it comes to the other species, they have

not had direct contact with Therendor or the Ulma-
A Numar
dar, thus they have no reason to believe they exist.
Artist: u/84zx
Like civilizations in our world, they will create

6 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 7

 This is the impending doom none can ever Could they interrupt the cycle? Elneris: The third Aknur. He was fearful and con- Ratfolk: The ancestors to Humans—now extinct.
escape from, for it is part of destiny. It happens fused, and created the Phetar and disappeared into They reside on the Low Plane.
over and over again. No. It is impossible to ever break the cycle. Only the Void.
the Inithil could do such a thing. But how can they Korrigan: Created by one of the Phetar and reside
So this is like a cycle? All is destroyed, then re- when they themselves are stuck inside it? Unaware Helios: Also called the High Plane, it is the home of on the Low Plane.
peated? of what is going on. The Phetar and the Elner are Therendor and the Ulmadar, who could not live in
just as helpless as the the Ulmadar, they just don't the Void. Numar: Created by one of the Ulmadar, and reside
Yes. Earlier i mentioned how when Yugandas realize it. on the Low Plane. They were tasked with becom-
forced the Inithil out of his realm, they forgot Eilos: Also called the Low Plane, it is the realm of ing guides to the early mortals. The author of the
everything thanks to the timeless void. Well, when Alright, one last question. What's your end- the Greater World and where Men reside. Kazandinium is the first Numar.
Yugandas ate all realms of existence, they were game? At what point do you think you'll look at
forced out once again. Which means they again all of this and say to yourself "I've done what I Ansadar: One of many endless realms within The Dance of Death: The Dance of Death is the
forgot everything. They created Therendor like set out to achieve." Helios housing literally endless amounts of possi- name given to the apocalypse brought forth by the
nothing ever happened, Therendor creates the bilities in gods. These realms became the stars. skeletal cursed men of Paradon, who serve Yugandas.
Ulmadar, they create the world, Yugandas comes To be honest, i'm not entirely sure. When I look
and consumes it all, and so on. Millions of times at my idols, people such as Tolkien or Michael Kirk-
over. It is an unbreakable loop, and it can never be bride, i always think to myself and what they have
stopped by mortal, or divine intervention. created and think "I want to be just like that". I
That's unfortunate. want to go on the internet and find people discuss-
ing theories about my world, find a wiki, youtube
Such a period of time between the dawn and videos, or subreddits about people interested in
destruction of the world is known as "The Sutra." my lore. I want to see other writers showing inter-
est in my stuff. I want to see fans create fanfiction
The world runs its own course during this time, or fanart. It will most likely be through a novel, but
its species unaware of how they are a mere speck I'm not entirely sure for what kind of medium I will
inside something way larger. Pretty much any sin- write. I just hope to one day see how people love it
gle event in history is insignificant. Just a tiny drop just as much as I do myself. At that point I can look
inside one of millions of Sutra. Many thousands of back at the 10 year old daydreamer in the back of

First time here?

years pass before Yugandas arrives again. the classroom, and laugh at how unaware I was at
the time. How I hadn't realized my passion back
Is there anything else you would like to share? then, and how far I have come. Let's hope I will
Catch up on previous issues.
Click Here.
someday get to that point.
Remember Elneris? The fool of a child the Inithil
created, and the Phetar that came from him before
he fled into the Void? The Phetar couldn’t stay
inside this darkness, and thus they ripped hole Definitions:
inside Helios to join the stars. Here they saw the
world that Therendor and the Ulmadar had built. Kazandinium: The book, written from the per-
But where the Ulmadar saw greatness and beauty, spective of an in-world character, which details the
the Phetar saw filth and disgrace. The Phetar have history and mythology of The Greater World.
the true and pure form of what any being is sup-
posed to look like, the skeleton. And in this world The Void: Nothingness, and the home of the Inithil.
they saw being that were far from pure. This they
send their servants, the Araguaz, to the world. To The Inithil: Beings who dwell in the Void. They
the Araguaz, flesh is a mere side effect of mortality, created the deities Yugundas, Therendor, and
as the skeleton is the true form. So when they came Elneris (the three Aknur).
to this world, gray flesh started to grow. They were
put on this world to purge it of all that is impure. Yugundas: The first Aknur. It was left, ignored, and
But they have yet to succeed. These days many later inevitably is destined to consume everything
claim they have lost this purpose to time, as they until nothing remains but the Void.
fight amongst themselves on the western continent
of Amelias. Their first invasion of the east failed Therendor: The second Aknur. He created the
after leaving its mark for eternity, but a second Ulmadar, who helped him bring life into the world.
invasion one day is very likely.

8 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 9

 FESTIVALS
Hexarch

H olidays, festivals, and celebrations are events

we all look forward to as the year rolls along.
The inhabitants of your world will anticipate
persecuted by the government the holiday will be
celebrated in secret.

them with the same enthusiasm, and adding a Finally, we come to the third category, natural
few intriguing events to your custom-built calen- holidays. These festivals celebrate some event
dar will give your world some unique flavor. The rooted in nature rather than history. Every culture
sheer variety of holidays around the world make it has some form of New Year festival, and many cel-
impossible to draw clear lines between categories, ebrate the changing of the seasons. These can be
so we will be leaving some things out, but I will try quite local, celebrating the opening of the fishing
to cover the broadest, most universal categories I season or the return of the sun in the polar regions.
could come up with. What ties all holidays together
is that they are meant to bring a group of people While this does cover a lot of holidays, there
together to celebrate their identity, whether that are many that defy these categories. In the United
identity is national, ethnic, or religious. To con- States we have a holiday called Halloween where
struct a holiday, you must determine three things: children dress up in costumes and walk around
what it is about, how old it is, and how fun it is. their neighborhood to ask for candy. It began as a
harvest festival, but evolved to a point that it does
The first thing to do is determine just what is not easily fit into any of these three categories.
being celebrated. There are three major types of
celebration: civic holidays, religious holidays and When designing a festival, a good question to
natural holidays. A civic holiday is a celebration ask is how old it is. While this is useful information Artist: Adam Basset
relating primarily to the government and is cele- from a worldbuilding perspective, it will also help
brated where that government holds sway. A civic you determine just how the festival is celebrated. brought inside, and decorated with ornaments and remembrance of some sacrifice or represent a
holiday may celebrate the government itself, an Younger holidays are often simpler, and their lights - but it is mentioned nowhere in the Bible. form of self-denial. Fasting seems the most com-
individual either living or dead associated with the aspects can be directly linked to what is being cel- The Bible also offers no specific date for the birth mon way to do this; Muslims do not eat when the
government, or an event closely tied to the founda- ebrated. For example, National Day in China is cel- of Jesus. Thanks to Christianity’s contact with sun is up for the holy month of Ramadan. So, put a
tion or success of the government. A good example ebrated with flag ceremonies and military parades other cultures, it adopted the date from a Roman few solemn holidays on your calendar, but remem-
is Bastille Day in France. Bastille Day literally commemorating the founding of the People’s holiday and adopted the tree from Germanic tra- ber that most will be fun. Exactly what form that
celebrates an angry mob attacking a government Republic of China. While this is a civic holiday, any ditions. The older and more widespread a holiday, fun takes is up to you. Food and drink will almost
prison and figuratively celebrates the beginning of newer festival will be similarly direct. Celebrants the more disparate elements it will accumulate. always feature prominently, but other than that, go
modern French history, as the storming of the Bas- can draw a one-to-one connection between what wild. Maybe it’s a day full of athletic events where
tille was the start of the French Revolution. they’re doing and what they’re celebrating. The Our final category concerns the solemn-fun axis. communities compete against one another, maybe
older a holiday is, the more likely the festivities are Is this celebration meant to be a serious occasion, everyone puts on their best clothes or intentionally
While the civic holidays we know are a largely to seem slightly obscure for several reasons. One intended to reminded its celebrants of duty and dresses terribly.
modern invention, representing and celebrating reason is that the rituals and actions made sense higher purpose, or is it an excuse for people to get
a break with the past, religious holidays are often in the distant past, but their meaning has been lost together and have a good time? Given the serious Holidays are an important part of any culture’s
the opposite, celebrating continuity with the over the years. nature of the events civic and religious holidays calendar, and they will be an important part of
distant past. What events these holidays can cele- celebrate, it is not unreasonable to think that it your world. On a smaller scale, holidays will be
brate are as varied as religion itself. They could be Another reason why celebrations may seem odd would be weighted towards the solemn side. But important to the people that live in your world
celebrating the penning of a holy text, the birth of is that another culture has adopted the holiday I find that holidays and festivals of all kinds tend as well. On a personal scale holiday traditions
a prophet, or even the creation of the world itself. or added its own flair to it. The way Christmas is more towards fun. I think this because religions bind people together. A festival might mark the
While civic holidays are always celebrated in the celebrated in the U.S. is a good example. Christmas and governments expect their adherents to be only time an extended family gets together all
open, just how a religious holiday is celebrated celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central fig- solemn for the whole year, and holidays are an year, marking the festival with personal as well
often depends on that religion’s relationship ure in the Christian religion. Many people attend enjoyable break from that, while still technically as cultural importance. As said at the beginning,
with the government and society at large. If it is a church services on this day and retell the story of venerating something serious. Another possi- the ways and means of celebration vary so much
majority religion it will be a public holiday, if not it Christ’s birth: a nice one-to-one connection. How- ble reason is that people just like fun, ergo fun across the world it’s hard to pin them all down.
might pass with little fanfare outside the group ever, other aspects of the holiday don’t quite match holidays will last longer simply because people Don’t be afraid to do some research and take
celebrating it. If the religion in question is up. The ubiquitous Christmas decoration is the enjoy them more. Solemn holidays often involve inspiration from from real-world festivals, there is
Christmas tree - an evergreen tree that is cut down, nothing new under the sun.

10 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 11

 EYE OF THE FISHERMEN
Dave_X - Community Submission

PROMPTS A t the edge of the shore he signed off on a What would happen—what could possibly
package marked only with a purple eye—no happen—if he were to simply put the package in
address or name was necessary. He waited for the his pocket?
courier to disappear from view, then turned and
tossed it into the sea. He didn't bother to watch as Nobody was watching—he would know if some-
it sank below the waves, ink slowly beginning to one was—so he felt no fear as tore the top of the

I t's easy to get stuck, hit writer's block, or overlook small

details. We would like to try and combat these troubles by
asking questions about your world that you may not have
smudge and run. It would get where it needed to
go. It always did.
package open. There sat a brilliant gem, a shining
star nestled within sea-spray-stained butcher
paper. It was light in his hand, but he felt the
thought of, as well as by offering writing prompts. If you would As he began to make the long walk back to the weight of the wealth it would bring him as if the
like to write a short story based on one of the writing prompts, warmth of his hearth he marveled at how mun- gold was stacked in his hand a thousand coins high.
or have a prompt you would like to share with us, please submit dane such a thing had become; just a few years ago It would be such a waste to allow as flawless a gem
it to us at contact@worldbuildingmonthly.com or social media. he would have had endless questions: Why an eye? as this to be lost to the silt and salt, he reasoned, to
Submitted stories must be based on the following prompts in Why was it purple? How did they find the package? be danced upon by crabs and ignored by fickle fish.
order to be eligible for reproduction in the next issue. Who are the Fishermen?
With a smile he folded the paper so that the eye
File Requirements: He knew the stories as well as any other: smug- could no longer be seen, tossing it into the water.
glers and pirates, willing to carry any cargo for the Now, all that remained was to collect his pay. Best
• The file must be no longer than 5,000 words right price. They’d earned the favor of many of the to play the part to the end.
• The file must include title and author(s) underworld’s elite—his being here was proof of
that. But this—this symbol, this “delivery”—was
Worldbuilding Prompts: far outside any stories he’d heard before.
The blade at his throat was a rude awakening.
• Other than mercinaries and contract killers, what other sorts But the Black Dragon preferred quick minds Could they not have done him the courtesy of
of professions in your world involve contract work? with silent lips. He’d been with them long enough killing him in his sleep? Of course not. The Black
• Detail the lineage of a prominent family. to know better than to ask. Now, he no longer Dragon does not forgive.
• Describe the art of one of your cultures, and how it is cared. This had been a thoroughly simple affair—
influenced by that society. a careless noble, an unguarded pocket, a quick-fin- “How did you know?”
gered thief, a swift escape, and a simple delivery.
Writing Prompts: All that remained was to collect his pay. How con- The hooded figure gave no reply, but moved a
fident they must be, he pondered, to pay for a job hand to their belt, pulling forth a small hand-mir-
• All that was left of the city was a smoldering pile of ashes and when all evidence of such was lost to the sea. ror. They held it aloft, angling it so the moonlight
a single, blue stone. could illuminate his face. As he gazed at himself in
• ”It’s not the beasts you gotta fear. It’s the trees.” He knew these thoughts to be troublesome, the mirror he breathed a sigh of resignation. How
• "Might be if you weren't sending us into the Depths I wouldn't however, so he banished them from his mind and had he not noticed? There, emblazoned upon his
ask for all the money up front." walked on. forehead, was a purple eye.

But as that final breath left him one last thought

burned in the back of his mind:
Would they really ever know, he mused. Here
he was once more, a package with a purple eye in Who are the Fishermen?
hand and waves lapping at his ankles. It was clear
to him now that this “delivery” was nothing more
than a roundabout disposal, merely presented in
such a way as to scare him into completion. He
doubted the Fishermen even played a part at all.

12 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 13

 AN EXCHANGE OF GIFTS
the proper course of action towards the entity “The delegates should consider the strong pos-
which stands before you today. This being will be sibility that this is the work of the United States—”
henceforth known as the ‘Moscow Entity’ or ‘Mosc. the being looked around “—who, as I would like to
E’ for short. We will begin with a short briefing on remind those present—” its face fixed on the dele-
StronglyOPlatypus the details of this situation. gation from America “—is the only member state
to have her representatives wear recording devices
The Moscow Entity appeared roughly where it in order to monitor United Nations sessions from

T he air of Moscow was white, swirling with

frozen fractals. Tiny flakes melted on faces,
embedding themselves in hair, resting on leaves
The being’s face—if it was a face—was perfectly
smooth, round, and emanated a white glow. On
it there were three equally-sized holes, arranged
is right now six days ago, on December the seven-
teenth. To the best of our knowledge, no one saw
Washington D.C.”

it enter, and the security tapes have yielded little The thing began walking—no, shuffling—
and blanketing the frozen ground. Windows were almost like those of a bowling ball, and between information. Approximately one hour after its towards the delegates. A police officer let his hand
frosted over by winter’s sudden touch; the UN them the material of the “face” rose to a rounded appearance, against what all meteorological data drift to his gun but the being didn’t pay any atten-
headquarters was no exception. hump. It looked to Andrew like a mask with a nose, suggested should happen, it began snowing and tion to that. Almost the entire room, including the
but the longer he gazed at it the more problems he has not yet ceased doing so. This constitutes the Finnish woman who was speaking, focused on the
Snow. Andrew smiled. Snow was a rare, wel- saw with that assumption. He didn’t think it was largest snowstorm in the region since 2032.” entity. The American delegate himself, too busy
come sight. It fell on his face, tickling him, yet made of an organic substance; the object looked typing away furiously on a small laptop, did not
he couldn’t quite bring himself to wipe it off. He hard to the touch, like a thick circle of plastic, but The thing, still pointing its glowing face towards notice. The sound of fingers hitting keys and muf-
hadn’t seen any in a decade, to be honest, and short of pressing his finger against the thing, he the Secretary General, began making a nodding fled shambling were the only things audible in the
neither had Moscow for that matter, at least not in couldn’t be sure. And if it was some imitation of a motion. In doing so it revealed more of the nuances General Assembly. The Moscow Entity made no more
any large amount. It began falling when the being face, why was the mask so simple? It would be of its form, made clearer as the sheet shifted posi- motion or sound when it had arrived at the man’s
first appeared and hadn’t stopped since. Andrew difficult for a human to wear. tions. A few more bumps, a joint or two, a protru- desk, or at least Andrew couldn’t hear or see any.
took a look at his briefing while walking to the sion looking a little like a limb. It all made it even

{
headquarters. The creature was short, clothed in a black sheet harder to guess what could possibly be under that Clearly something did happen, because the
that covered every part of it except for the “mask.” cloak. American delegate nearly jumped out of his chair.
Appeared December 17, large snowstorm The material, heavily creased and folded, shim- The woman at the podium quietly resumed her
hit shortly after appearance, ambulated mered in the artificial light. It suggested the outline “Whenever the snowstorm is mentioned, it speech, taking a seat when seeing that she no lon-
slowly towards the UN, resisted all of some body underneath, but Andrew hoped moves,” Hakim explained. “We believe the two are ger held anyone’s attention. The proceedings con-
attempts to arrest or question. Named that was just an illusion. He wasn’t sure where he in some way connected. Some suggest it may be tinued, with the entity gradually making its way
вещь (veshch) by local authorities. would even begin trying to decipher what shape an act of environmental terrorism. The theory cur- around the room, stopping at each country. When
the thing could be: A hunched-over person? A giant rently endorsed by the building security and local it approached Andrew he eagerly bent down to get
spider? A dog? All seemed equally likely. law enforcement is that it is some sort of robot, a look at it.
Veshch. The word, if his Russian was correct,
installed by an unknown group. Sergei Golovanov
just meant “thing.” Amused, he let out a puff of air The thing’s eye-holes were focused on the door, of the Moscow Police will be summarizing the vari- It was at about chest-height for the 1.8 meter
and brushed the snow off the briefing envelope, watching the delegates pour into the assembly. ous measures already taken.” man, as smooth up close as it looked from afar.
tucking it inside his coat. Based on what he’d read, When a larger group would walk in it would shift The glow was brighter too. A less intrigued person
“thing” was a pretty apt description for it. slightly, but aside from that it was perfectly still. A bald man in uniform addressed the delegates might have averted their eyes.
A couple of people were off to the side, filming and and proceeded to explain, in a long-winded fash-
He had arrived at his destination. The head- sketching and debating what it could be. Those ion, how they had utterly failed to discern any “Hello,” said Andrew slowly. “Can you hear me?
quarters were hardly five years old, designed by a artists couldn’t have asked for a better model. If it
modern architect, and it showed. Sweeping curves, more information than what was already said. The Do you understand?”
weren’t for the minor movements every ten min- Moscow Entity had looked towards them when
steel pillars, and bends where corners should have utes or so Andrew would’ve taken the thing to be they tried to speak to it, giving no response. They To his surprise, the thing replied, after turning
been gave it the look of a fresh new center, one a particularly creative statue. had attempted to move it, but that had accom- to look at his plaque.
that had never undergone a major renovation or
plished nothing except for informing them that
needed much maintenance. The one at Geneva was When the Secretary-General, Aisha Hakim, it was very heavy. There were both UN security “Caaaah… Ci… Ceh... “
practically falling apart; the paint was barely dry in and her entourage arrived, the thing’s gaze fol- forces and Moscow police present in case the
Moscow. This was the building’s first big snow. lowed them. Aisha took her seat in the front of the entity proved dangerous. Andrew sighed with “Cakike?” Andrew whispered. It was gibberish,
Assembly. She seemed put off at the first sight of it. relief when the speech was finally over, gladly vot- sure, but the thing was talking, communicating!
Andrew shivered. At least the older buildings Andrew didn’t blame her, but the Secretary- ing in favor of the motion to begin discussion.
were prepared for the cold. He flung open the door, General regained her composure. The being was a “Caah… Ceh neh… Ceh ned…”
his wet shoes squeaking against the tile floor. A bit creepy, having it stare directly at her couldn’t Delegates began standing to speak. The entity
security guard directed him towards the General have helped. watched them intently. Andrew kept his eyes on “Canada? Are you trying to read? Canada.”
Assembly where he took his seat next to the plaque
the thing, rather than whoever was talking at the
that read “Canada.” In the center of the room, “Good morning, delegates. I welcome you all to time. It was much more interesting. “Canadi…” The thing’s voice was a low drone.
directly in front of the podium, was the thing. this emergency session of the General Assembly, It approximated the sounds fairly accurately, but
held on the twenty third of December, to determine

14 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 15

 “I take it you don’t agree with the theory?” “Wait for it to kill us, more like. If you wanna
“Fellow delegates, I am Andrew Andrew inquired. take that risk, be my guest.”
Fraser of Canada. Based on the
evidence provided here by the tes- “No! I didn’t at first, but you convinced me after When the assembly resumed Andrew was left
timony of Mr. Golovanov, the Secre- all. Moscy walked right up to me and started saying with a sour taste in his mouth and a gnawing feel-
tary General, and the actions of the ‘ooooooooh, oooooooh, oooooook.’ He can talk.” ing in his stomach. Perhaps he should have eaten
Moscow Entity, I think it is extremely Brown gave an impression of the entity’s droning. after all. The American delegate was first to speak,
possible that we are dealing with and sure enough he was up there calling for the
a life form with human-like intelli- “Moscy?” Moscow Entity to be held at gunpoint. There was
gence: one that is not a member of a significant amount of agreement, to Andrew’s
our species. The correct course of “Moscow Entity. Mosc. E. Moscy. That’s what Her disgust.
action would therefore be to bring Excellency said we should call it, no?”
in scientific experts and attempt to “Look, what these people are advocating for is
communicate with it.” Every dele- “Hm. Feels weird to give it a name.” unequivocal murder! How can we justify this to the
gate in the room looked at Andrew. public? To ourselves?”
Andrew glanced at the chair. He had “You’re the one going on about how it’s an intel-
half-expected to be interrupted and ligent creature, aren’t you?” the American delegate “These appeals to emotion are just wasting
ruled dilatory, but the chair was just butted in. time and energy; we don’t have another option.
as interested to see what he had to The entity’s existence is causing Moscow to grind
say as anyone else. “It was a suggestion. I’m not sure yet. Is the to a halt; there are reports that some people are
White House telling you to argue with me, or are without Internet in parts of the city, they’ve been
“Given the fact that it wields you going rogue? What’s Mission Control saying to unable to get food for themselves, and cars are
apparent control over the weather, you back in the States?” being buried in the snow! We do not have a choice
and the fact that extraterrestrial other than to kill the being.”
microbes were recently discovered “We’re angling to have it put under American
on Europa, we should not rule out custody,” he replied. “Either that or shooting it.” “We have plenty of choices, most of which are
the possibility that this is a bona fide Andrew and Nigel’s eyebrows shot up in unison. more ethical than shooting something we don’t
alien attempting to make first con- understand. It’s moving and talking now. We can
tact with humanity. I urge everyone “Shooting at it?!” If Andrew had been eating, he move it away from the city if need be.”
here to exercise caution, and make would have spit out his food. “What the hell kind
your decisions with this possibility of a suggestion is that? We think it could be intelli- In the end the vote was 130 to 64 in favor of
in mind.” gent life and you want to shoot at it?” shooting the Moscow Entity. Andrew and some
of the other “No” voters gathered into a group
Murmurs filled the air. Andrew “What are you talking about, shooting it?” Nigel to watch. The execution, due to the difficulty in
wiped his brow and sat back down. added. “What good is that supposed to do?” moving the being, was being held where it stood.
There was nodding, accompanied Immediately. Some averted their eyes; Andrew
by frantic whispers and shaking of “Maybe it’ll end this snowstorm. How long till widened his, plugging his ears. He was no stranger
heads. The Moscow Entity contin- people start dropping dead? Moscow hasn’t dealt to gunshots, and this was going to be loud.
ued on its path. The delegate it was with this kind of a snow in decades, and who’s to
Artist: Tristen Fekete currently nearest to was utterly say other cities and other storms won’t follow? Secretary General Hakim clearly didn’t support
speechless. Who’s to say it isn’t here to blow up the whole UN, the decision, but it was binding. She read the
something was off. Andrew didn’t think a human
that it’s not just waiting for a good chance? And directive one final time, every word dripping with
mouth could produce what this being had, at least
A gavel banged and informed them that it was we can still research it if it’s dead. Plus, that way it shame, dread, and contempt.
not without great effort. It wasn’t mechanical
now, despite the recent developments, time for won’t obstruct us from doing so. No one wants to
either, just different in some way that he could not
lunch. At least the session still had the trappings kill the thing, but it might be the best option we’ve “The Members of the United Nations call for
place. It made a few undecipherable sounds and
of normality. If it all got any weirder, Andrew got. Besides, if it can think like a human, we should a multinational team of scientists to conduct
then continued along its path. Andrew contem-
might have broken down laughing. An alien! In a treat it like a human. If some random bum just research as to the nature of the Moscow Entity and
plated, then rose his hand. He wasn’t sure if he was
mask and cloak! He wasn’t hungry, and it didn’t walked in here and sat down in front of the Secre- the accompanying snowstorm.”
right, or whether he wanted to be.
seem like many others were either. Hardly anyone tary General, they’d be thrown out or riddled full of
was eating, their mouths were all occupied with holes already.” A group of police surrounded the entity.
“Yes, the delegate from Canada?”
conversation.
“Maybe, but shouldn’t we just wait to see? If it
Andrew stood and approached the podium. He
“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Alien! This has gotta be the was going to blow up, it could have done that a
held each side of the stained oak structure and
oddest session in my whole career, and I was there while ago,” Nigel countered.
mentally prepared himself.
for the Jerusalem Accords! Nigel Brown, from the UK.”

16 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 17

 “The Moscow Entity is to be considered a poten- to their phones, blowing up social media with emergency is over. We will break for a meal now. The Golden Hologram, much like its
tially hostile threat to the safety and prosperity of speculation. The creature quickly stole the top of Please use the time as if it were a caucus. Time is
predecessor the Golden Record, contains
the city of Moscow.” the Trending list on nearly every major app and valuable.”
website. The American delegate was the only one a selection of audio and visual stimuli
A clip was loaded into a gun. who seemed sure of what to do, but that was prob- Andrew let his mouth bend into a smile. He had curated by the Joint International Space
ably him just following orders. A few suggestions forgotten his hunger in the excitement. His col- Exploration Organization. This is intended
“In order to preserve the wellbeing of the of how to proceed were voiced, but a combination leagues all rose, and he joined the nearly 400 other
to give an intelligent extraterrestrial who
Members and the citizens of Moscow, the Moscow of shock and bewilderment prevented a consensus tired legs to get food. He, Brown, and the Filipino
Entity will be shot. One...two...three...” Hakim’s face from being reached. delegate Maria Santos talked as they waited for finds the Oculus Probe information about
bore a look of grief and regret, even before she said pastrami on rye. the human species, and extend an offer of
the final word. Andrew took a deep breath. Andrew had spent most of the time staring at first contact towards it. The hologram
the creature, hoping that it would somehow reveal “This is too bloody weird,” Brown said. “We
displays the following over the course of
“Fire.” its mysterious will to him. Alas, the Moscow Entity shoot it and it gives us a damn Christmas present?”
seemed just as confused as the rest of them, as if The three took their sandwiches. about 2 and a half hours.
A bullet exploded out of the chamber, burying behind that glowing mask was a small, puzzled
itself deep below the cloak of the entity. The being face, just wondering what was going on. Andrew “It’s toying with us,” Santos muttered. “It knows • A diagram of the human body (male and
emitted a high-pitched drone, though the ringing knew the feeling; he barely understood it all, and we can’t do anything to it so it’s playing dumb
female)
in Andrew’s ears from the shot nearly drowned he was a thirteen-year veteran of this organization. and seeing how we react. The thing makes snow-
it out. The Moscow Entity still stood, or slouched, Outside, the snow was somehow piling up even storms! Probably could have dodged those bullets,
or whatever it did. Another shot was fired. Then higher. A quick peek through a window revealed too. I think it let itself get shot, just to confuse us.” • A globular map of Earth, with weather
another. And another. what was almost a blizzard. Miraculously, the head- • patterns and data (as of 2027)
quarters still had Internet. According to the dele- “Wait,” said Andrew. “What was on the Oculus
Reddish fluid splattered around it. Blood? The gate from the Philippines, who was monitoring the probe? If it’s an alien then maybe it’s the thing that
cloak and mask were unscathed, as appeared to be news, snowstorms had appeared over the globe: intercepted it. It might be trying to play with our • A star map indicating the position of the
the creature within. The gunman looked around, in Colorado, Hong Kong, Timbuktu, Johannesburg, minds, but what if it’s just strong enough that bul- Solar System
unsure of what to do. and Buenos Aires. Sea levels had started to lower lets don’t kill it? Maybe it just doesn’t understand
as well. Images flooded the web of beaches in Flor- us, maybe it thinks we’re still just being benevolent
• A diagram of the Solar System
Then, three thin protrusions emerged from ida stretching for what seemed like miles. Wrecked towards it.” Santos opened her laptop, typing with
the cloak. They seemed almost like fingers, or buildings and long-submerged vehicles had begun one hand and eating with the other.
spider legs. They held a small, round object in to resurface, waterlogged and covered in seaweed. • Messages in various languages from the
front of the mask, as the creature moved towards After some deliberation, and quite a bit of arguing, “Did you see it? It bled. It cried, or screamed, President of the United States, the
the gunman. He walked backwards but somehow the Secretary General made another statement to made some kind of sound. We hurt it and it’s
Kremlin, and representatives from the
the slow, methodical movements of the Moscow the delegates. supposed to think we’re being nice to it?” Brown
Entity allowed it to catch up. It placed the object on shook his head. People’s Republic of China, Ethiopia, the
the floor before the man with a solid clink, as the “The Moscow Entity wasn’t harmed by the bul- League of Arab States, India, Germany,
Assembly silently watched and waited for a sound. lets. The object it gave to us seems to be a small “Well... we thought it was here to kill us at first. France, and Brazil
model of the Oculus space probe made entirely out What if it thought that the bullets were presents
“Maaaaaah… Miiiiiiih…” The Assembly was of bullet lead. Based on this and the accompanying and just reciprocated? It’s trying to communicate
silent, save for the creaking of chairs as delegates phrase ‘Merry Christmas,’ we believe it has a much with us in our language, with our traditions.” • A selection of cultural, traditional, artistic,
leaned forward to listen. greater understanding of human society than and popular music
previously thought. We are operating under the “Then what’s the endgame?” asked Brown.
“Meerrrrrrrih Chrihstmuuus,” the creature said. assumption that it is creating these snowstorms “What is it doing?”
• Various clips from culturally and
somehow, and that the additional intensity was a
What ensued could only be described as a very direct result of being shot. This lends credibility “Does it have to have one? Do we even know historically significant radio, television,
orderly chaos. Most of the delegates were under- to the theory that it is indeed an extraterrestrial what ours is?” cinema, and holographic programs
standably distraught. The Secretary General was being.
given the object after it was confirmed not to be “Look here,” Santos said. She had pulled up a
In addition to these, the entirety of
dangerous. News broke to the general public, and While we were initially planning to suspend JISEO statement from decades prior that listed
within hours the President, Pope, and various this emergency session until tomorrow at 22:00, the contents of the Oculus probe. Obviously there Wikipedia at the time of download was sent
Prime Ministers had commented on the UN’s this has been made impossible by recent devel- was the data collection equipment on board: tele- aboard the probe, downloaded onto hard-
decision and the actions of the creature. Armchair opments. For our own safety no one is allowed to scopes, gyroscopes, radiation measures, and so ware. (Details can be seen in attached files
biologists and philosophers the world over took leave the building until the crisis is resolved. The on. They had to scroll down through a description
below)
session will continue through the night, and will of the flybys and gravity slingshots the probe had
not end until a resolution has been reached and the taken before they finally found what they were
looking for.

18 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 19

 “Well, that explains how it knows about Their resolution passed by a slim margin, once “A relief effort to minimize the damage of the
Christmas,” said Andrew. “It must have seen the they had explained the situation and their theory. Moscow Entity’s actions will be launched, coop-
Wikipedia article and assumed it would be a good The Secretary General read a summary aloud, her erating with local organizations and existing
decision to make first contact using one of our tired but powerful voice rising above the back- volunteer groups. The delegates of the United
traditions.” ground noise of wind and rescue vehicles. By this Nations are to be evacuated and returned to their
point security guards and police were no longer home countries as soon as possible. Furthermore,
“And the snowstorms?” standing watch, instead just trying to plug up attempts will be made to negotiate with the Entity
the leaks. Melting snow fell like rain in the main to stop its weather interference.”
“Ah!” said Brown. “Look, the weather data! Back hallway. Some were outside shoveling a path for
in 2027 it snowed almost every winter. If that’s all vehicles; a Sisyphean task in the unnaturally strong As if on cue the wind picked up, lights flickered.
it knows of Earth then it must have come here and blizzard. They had been doing that for a while now, on and
seen the seasons are out of whack! Where’s the off again, Andrew realized. Before now he had been
white Christmas? So, what does it do then? Fix it “The Members of the United Nations have too engrossed in his work to notice. The sounds
with space magic, I suppose.” decided to adjourn the emergency session with outside grew louder.
the passage of the First Contact Resolution drafted
“Space magic?” by Andrew Fraser of Canada, Nigel Brown of the “A press release by the Secretary General will be
United Kingdom, and Maria Santos of the Phil- made to inform the public that first contact with a
“Ah, technology, magic, I don’t know. But then ippines.” Hakim rubbed her eyes. The American sentient extraterrestrial has indeed been made, as
it sees the landforms are misshapen, so it does a delegate was whispering, not very subtly at that, well as of the decisions that we’ve come to during
bit of thinking and lowers the sea levels. It’s all a into a device hidden in his palm. Before the Secre- this emergency session. I thank you all, and to all a
big show of goodwill, I guess. Clearly something’s tary General resumed the American’s arm was held safe trip.”
gone wrong, so why not give us a little Christmas high in the air.
present? Reversed bloody climate change for us! Russian police led the baggy-eyed diplomats
Remoistens the atmosphere to pre-2043 levels so “United States?” the chair called. in a single file line to the doors. Andrew stole a
snow can fall again! Then we shoot it.” final glance at the strange and unearthly thing as
“Motion to vote again, with the inclusion of a he walked towards his transport vehicle. He could
“We give it a bunch of little, round, metal different proposal drafted by-” hear Nigel’s voice on the wind as both of them set
presents.” out on their different paths. The words bounced
The chair banged his gavel and told the delegate around in his head for a little while, as he kept his
“Yes! So, clearly we like what it’s doing. Might to sit down. eyes ever so slightly open, staring at the furious
as well double down. South America and Africa get dance of the windshield wipers until the sweet
snow too!” “The Members,” Hakim continued, “in lieu of an grasp of sleep claimed Andrew’s mind and body.
“Wait,” said Santos. “How did it even read the official state to admit, allow the Moscow Entity to
articles in the first place? I don’t see a dictionary forego the traditional process of admission and “Goodbye, Moscy. Merry Christmas.”
on that list.” become a voting delegate in the General Assembly.
This is to happen as soon as it can be educated
“Must have figured it out by itself.” Andrew about the nature of the organization, the respon-
scarfed down the last bites of his meal. “It learned sibilities it entails, and about human society. It
to talk in a day, didn’t it?” is assumed that the entity speaks for its entire
species, and that all actions made by it are official
A breaking news alert popped up on the screen. actions of that species. In three years’ time the
The death toll of the Moscow Entity’s “gifts” was Members will vote again to make a final decision
approaching one hundred worldwide. Emergency with respect to the entity.
relief efforts were taking place, most prominently
in Moscow. The Moscow Entity, at this point, learned to
recognize the name it was given. When Hakim
“Well,” remarked Brown. “I think we can do was reading it had looked up at her, its expression
without these presents. I don’t suppose Moscy and inner thoughts still unknowable. It may have
included a receipt?” been Andrew projecting himself upon the cloaked
masked figure, but it seemed to him to be almost
“I say we should give our friend one more gift,” hopeful. Afraid for both the other party and its own
Andrew suggested. safety, but hopeful nonetheless.

20 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 21

 FICTIONAL COLORS & COLORS IN FICTION
WithBestIntentions

M any worlds have their own custom colors;

they can be wholly fictional, visible by a single
species, or even a single character, and can play
world, a change of the eye structure or introducing
another organ adds another layer of “otherness” to
these characters. In our own world some species
large roles or only exist as small details. Colors, fic- can perceive electromagnetic wavelengths beyond
tional or otherwise, have various uses in narrative the visible light spectrum. Though these colors are
fiction as well. not necessarily fictional they do not exist as visible
colors to humans. Why shouldn’t one’s aliens be
These are real colors. Fictional colors very much able to do the same? In the Star Wars universe the
exist in the context of the fictional world, and can Kaminoans, aliens renowned for their cloning tech- Photo by Michael Hacker on Unsplash
be used both as a literal phenomenon and literary nology, are able to see in the ultraviolet range. This
device; for the purposes of the piece they are real may have come about due to the deep sea environ-
colors. In Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell the Gen- ment of their evolution. is often separated into azzurro (a light sky-blue) ruling class that during a rebellion in Constanti-
tleman with Thistle-Down Hair refers to “the color and blu (a dark blue). Do these colors exist in our nople Empress Theodora convinced her husband,
of heartache”. The assumption is that the color Among our own species, there’s enough world? Yes, but English does not have such a spe- Emperor Justinian I, to fight by reminding him that
exists: this is a world where heartache truly has its genetic variation for humans to have all kinds of cific or common name for light blue. “It is impossible for a person, having been born
own color. Having such a color combines external color-blindness, from multiple sources. There into this world, not to die; but for one who has
descriptions with the character’s internal disposi- is even a rare form called tetrachromacy, where Colors have always been an important part reigned it is intolerable to be a fugitive. [...] As for
tion, allowing for quick and clear descriptions of some women born with double of a certain gene of society, but sometimes the language to “accu- me, I agree with the adage that the royal purple is
a character’s emotion. This combines the fictional attached to the X-chromosome are able to see a rately” describe them was not always present. the noblest shroud.”.
color with a comment on the character’s disposi- wider range of color due to a physical difference in In Old English the color orange is simply called
tion. The use of this color also points out the inhu- their eyes. Like the Kaminoans, some insects and yellow-red, or geoluread. Some orange-colored In his series, George R.R. Martin adds these
man aspects of the Gentleman with Thistle-Down birds can see into the ultraviolet spectrum. objects were originally called red, like a red fox. distinctions to his fictional cultures. In A Feast for
The modern word orange comes from the Old Crows Samwell Tarly remarks on the differences

{
Hair- a being who can see the color of heartache in
a world where normal people cannot. Scientists today commonly create radiation French word for the orange fruit, pomme d'orange, between how two cultures display their rank
outside visible wavelengths. In a futuristic society, which can itself be traced back further east to the through fabric:
Color can also be used to enhance the lore of a perhaps we augment their bodies to widen their Sanskrit naranga. Even today we still call orange
world’s setting. On the desert planet of Arrakis, in visual range as a response. They could enhance hair ‘red’. Similarly, Homer’s Ancient Greece may In the Seven Kingdoms nobles draped
Frank Herbert’s Dune, exposure to a drug native to themselves with physical technology, becoming a not have had a word for blue, instead describing a themselves in velvets, silks, and samites
the planet, known as spice, causes locals to have cyborg, or alter their genetics. “wine-dark” sea. of a hundred hues whilst peasants and
blue eyes. Additionally, colors can signify the thin smallfolk wore raw wool and dull brown
line between a custom world and our own. In The By adding a new color to a language, or even Fictional colors can also be used to enhance roughspun. In Braavos it was otherwise.
Wizard of Oz (1939) the filmmakers marked the taking away a color common to us today, you can local customs and religious traditions. In the The bravos waggered about like pea-
stark difference between Kansas and Oz by filming make a statement about the linguistic develop- modern world we assign specific meanings and cocks, fingering their swords, whilst the
the fantasy world in technicolor and keeping to ment, cultural history, or natural significance of associates to colors. Most cultures compare colors mighty dressed in charcoal grey and pur-
the color-themed places and objects of the source colors in the fictional world. to emotions or personality traits—one wears black ples, blues that were almost black and
material—the Emerald City, silver slippers, and clothes for mourning, sings the blues, and turns blacks as dark as a moonless night.
yellow-brick road. Throughout history the sources of colors have green with envy. Among the Christian rites differ- - AFFC, Samwell III
been the animals, plants, and minerals that color ent sections of the liturgical year have different
What would a new color mean for your world? our world: woad blue, ochre yellow, kermes red, colors, represented by vestments and decorations.
Deep saffron dye is traditionally used to color the A fictional color can have many purposes in
Colors beyond human comprehension often emerald green. A custom world could easily have
robes of Buddhist monks in the Theravada tradi- a fictional world. Throughout history, we have
become an identifier of magic. If a new color can its own natural resources, each with its own corre-
tion of southeast Asia. used colors to signify importance. We create dyes
only be seen by aliens, it can signify the remote- sponding color. to divide social strata and compare colors to our
ness of their alien origin.
Societies throughout history have also assigned emotions. We have found new words for colors,
Colors influence our language, they have been
colors to different social ranks. The imperial purple and later found that some colors can only be seen
The most straightforward way to include a named and developed differently in cultures
dye of Byzantine royalty, for example, is nothing by some people due to genetic differences. The
new color into your world is to alter the physical from all over the Earth. Some parts of the world
more than the processed secretion of a Mediter- addition of fictional colors in a world adds an extra
structure of your races. In a science fiction world have a different amount of basic colors than in
ranean sea snail but had a serious position as a layer of specialization, and is an indispensable tool
containing extraterrestrials, or in a superhero English-speaking ones. In Italian, for example, blue
signifier of wealth. The dye was so important to the for any worldbuilder.

22 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 23

 ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS JOIN OUR TEAM

Administrators:

UNoahGuy — Editor-in-Chief
LordHenry — Vice Editor-in-Chief

Adam Bassett — Writing Department Chair

Hexarch — Writing Department Deputy Chair

Artists
Ike Riva — Editorial Department Chair
Strongly_O_Platypus — Editorial Department Deputy Chair
Brotatofarm — Editorial Department Deputy Chair Have a hand in the
Wynter — Art Department Chair
WithBestIntentions — Art Department Deputy Chair
cover and content art.

Writers
Debug200 — Meta Department Chair
GangsterDuck — Meta Department Deputy Chair Contribute your creative,
Contributors: technical, persuasive, or
Alex L. — Editor expository work.
Asanouta — Editor

Editors
Arxis — Editor
Batrouse — Artist/Writer Be the watchful eye
BH Pierce — Writer
Bokai — Editor which assures quality
Campforlife — Writer
Dheolos — Writer/Editor
content in each issue.
Dimitrije Stankovic — Editor
Hexarch — Writer Contact us at www.worldbuildingmonthly.com or any of our
hodmandod — Editor/Writer
Ixtl — Editor social media pages to inquire about joining the team.
Jason DiBlasi — Writer
Jayzonny — Writer
Liam Flew — Editor
MaartenBlom20 — Writer
Mick Gadaleta — Editor
MNBrian — Editor
Niklaus Andromedius — Writer
Phillip Kroh — Editor
Spartango — Editor
Tristen Fekete — Artist/Cover

24 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 25