Today I decided to try and create a map of the Northeastern Territories.
It was something I’ve wanted to do for a bit now. I find myself drawn to include maps in works of fiction, out of sentimentality for an old school fantasy convention. Since I had the day off, I figured I’d try my hand at a little visual world-building.
I’ve always had a mental picture of Nowell and the surrounding territories but I wanted something I could look at and reference back to.
I had no idea how grueling the process would be.
Partially, the tedium is a result of creative decisions I’ve made in regards to the world of The Witch-Doctor. I am wary of giving too much info away. I suppose I should insert a possible spoiler warning here, at least for those who are not caught up to the story.
(Warning! Potential spoilers ahead!)
As you probably have noticed, I’ve dropped a few hints that suggest a post-collapse world. Examples include in-fiction references to “what remains of Boston” and the psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Each breadcrumb points toward a near-future speculative world.
It wasn’t until The Witch-Doctor was posted on Fallencycle.com that I came out and admitted it.
“The collapse of the American Empire is now long-past, a new Dominion has risen, ruled with an iron-fist by the theocratic Party of Devout Fellowship.”
Yadda, yadda.
While talking W.D. plot with James (author of Party At The World’s End and Tales From When I Had a Face) he pointed out something of note; I had forgotten to take into account that sea levels and coastlines change.
I’m certainly no expert, so I spent an inordinate amount of time researching the subject.
I immediately fell in love with the idea of carving my own geographical boundaries out with an imaginative chisel. I won’t go into how exactly it has altered the world of The Witch-Doctor. Frankly, I’ve already said more than I feel comfortable with.
You all know how much I love to keep you in suspense.
Anyway, I had to factor this into today’s project. I had no idea what I was doing.
I ended up creating a very crude map that will serve perfectly fine for reference, but is incomplete, ugly, and amateurish. I will keep it to myself, I think, out of a personal sense of shame.
(Joking… sort of)
You’ll get to view some maps of the Dominion one day, its just a matter of time.
For now, text will have to suffice.
Equanimous Rex 