Master the Art of Fantasy Map Drawing: Design Political Borders!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Fantasy Maps and Border Complaints
3. Uninspired Borders in Fantasy Maps
4. Realistic Borders in Fantasy World Building
   • 4.1 Historical Examples: Romania
   • 4.2 Colonial Legacies: France
   • 4.3 Trade Routes and Access: Namibia's Panhandle
   • 4.4 Complex Borders: Enclaves and Exclaves
   • 4.5 Simple Borders: US-Canada Border
   • 4.6 Geographical Mismatch: Point Roberts
   • 4.7 Decisions by Outsiders: Colonialism's Impact
5. Lessons for Fantasy World Building
   • 5.1 Creating Nuanced World Building
   • 5.2 Supporting the Scale of the Story
   • 5.3 Allowing Room for Diverse Borders
6. Conclusion

Realistic Borders in Fantasy World Building

When it comes to creating fantasy maps, there is often a tendency to draw the borders of nations based on simple and uninspired criteria. However, if we want to create truly immersive and realistic fantasy worlds, it's worth taking a closer look at how borders are formed in the real world. In this article, we will explore the concept of borders in fantasy world building, examine some examples from history, and discuss the lessons we can learn from them.

1. Fantasy Maps and Border Complaints

Fantasy maps have always been a popular feature of fantasy literature. From J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth to George R.R. Martin's Westeros, these maps provide readers with a visual representation of the imaginary worlds they are exploring. However, despite their popularity, fantasy maps are not immune to criticism. One aspect that often comes under scrutiny is the way coastlines and borders are drawn. While this may seem like a minor detail, it can have a significant impact on the believability and immersion of the fantasy world.

2. Uninspired Borders in Fantasy Maps

Many fantasy maps suffer from a lack of creativity when it comes to drawing borders. Often, nations are simply divided by natural landmarks such as forests, mountains, or rivers. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this approach, it can feel repetitive and unoriginal. After all, we've seen elves living in the forest and dwarves living in the mountains countless times before.

3. Realistic Borders in Fantasy World Building

To create more realistic borders in fantasy world building, we can look to history for inspiration. Real-world borders are shaped by a complex interplay of factors such as historical events, politics, wars, trade, and alliances. By considering these factors, we can add depth and nuance to our fantasy worlds.

4.1 Historical Examples: Romania

One example of how real-world borders can deviate from natural landmarks is Romania. Unlike many nations in Western Europe, Romania does not use the Carpathian Mountains as a natural border. Instead, the country exists across the mountains, with territories both south and east of the Carpathians. This unusual border formation can be attributed to the unification of Wallachia and Moldavia in the mid-19th century, as well as subsequent territorial changes after World Wars I and II.

4.2 Colonial Legacies: France

France provides another interesting example of complex borders. While the country is well-protected by natural borders such as mountains and bodies of water, it also has numerous overseas regions and territories. These territories, remnants of France's colonial past, span across multiple time zones and highlight the country's historical expansion and influence around the world.

4.3 Trade Routes and Access: Namibia's Panhandle

Namibia's Caprivi Strip is a unique example of how trade routes can influence borders. The strip was gained by Namibia during European colonization as a means to gain access to the Zambezi River and facilitate trade to the Indian Ocean. However, the presence of Victoria Falls posed a logistical challenge, limiting the strip's effectiveness as a trade route.

4.4 Complex Borders: Enclaves and Exclaves

Enclaves and exclaves, parts of a country that are geographically separated from the rest, provide further insight into complex borders. For example, along the Bangladeshi-Indian border in South Asia, numerous enclaves and exclaves caused logistical nightmares for people residing in those areas. In recent years, efforts have been made to simplify these borders and improve ease of travel.

4.5 Simple Borders: US-Canada Border

Not all borders need to be complex. The US-Canada border, following the 49th parallel North, is an example of a relatively simple and straightforward border agreement between two nations. Sometimes, simplicity can be just as effective as complexity in defining border lines.

4.6 Geographical Mismatch: Point Roberts

Occasionally, borders can even diverge from geographical realities. Point Roberts, located in Washington state, is an example of a piece of land that is part of the United States but can only be accessed by crossing through Canada. These peculiarities remind us that borders are not always determined solely by geography but can be influenced by historical, political, and cultural factors as well.

4.7 Decisions by Outsiders: Colonialism's Impact

It's also important to acknowledge that many borders around the world are a result of decisions made by colonial powers, often without considering the needs and desires of the communities and cultures residing in those areas. This reminder serves as a cautionary tale of the potential ramifications when outsiders dictate the fate of others.

5. Lessons for Fantasy World Building

By studying the formation of real-world borders, we can gain valuable insights for our fantasy world building endeavors. Here are some key lessons to consider:

• 5.1 Creating Nuanced World Building: Realistic borders contribute to the depth and nuance of a fictional world. By considering historical events, politics, and cultural factors, we can create more believable and immersive settings.
• 5.2 Supporting the Scale of the Story: For lengthy and epic series, it is essential to develop world building that can support the expansive scope of the narrative. Thoughtful consideration of borders can add richness and complexity to the story.
• 5.3 Allowing Room for Diverse Borders: Embracing diverse border formations can make fantasy worlds feel more realistic and reflect the complexities of our own world. Stepping away from cookie-cutter borders can create opportunities for unique storytelling and world building.

6. Conclusion

Creating realistic borders in fantasy world building involves going beyond the clichés and drawing inspiration from history and real-world examples. By incorporating nuanced borders that account for history, politics, and culture, we can enhance the believability and immersion of our fictional worlds. Remember, the way borders are formed shapes the very fabric of societies, and understanding this can help us build more vibrant and compelling fantasy worlds.