World-Building: Behind the Magic of Valine in Embers of Fate
Building the World of Embers of Fate: The Magic Behind Valine
Welcome friends, to the mystical lands of Valine! As you embark on this journey through Embers of Fate, I thought it might be fun to share a little behind-the-scenes peek into how the world of Valine came to be. So, grab your favorite cup of tea (or maybe something a bit stronger—no judgment here!), and let's dive into the enchanting process of world-building.
The Continent of Valine: A Royal Beginning
Valine, the continent where our story unfolds, was founded by nine royal families. Each family brought its own unique strengths and flaws to the table, shaping the world we now explore. Among these founding families is the illustrious Thorncrest family, the rulers of Tavia. Our heroine, Gwendolyn Thorncrest, starts her journey as the princess and heir of this proud and ancient country. The Thorncrests have held the throne since the very beginning, with their influence woven deeply into the fabric of Tavian life.
Flags, Faith, and Fortune: Symbols of Legacy in Valine
Creating the flags for Valine was one of my favorite parts of world-building. Each flag not only represents its country but also tells the story of its people and their history.
For Tavia, the flag is a half-crimson, half-gold design, with the crimson boldly displayed on top. This represents the enduring strength and prosperity of the kingdom. Each royal family in Valine also has its own flag, featuring a unique crest. For the Thorncrests, this is a golden rose on a pristine white background—symbolizing their purity of rule and their golden touch in leadership.
And then there’s the continent-wide flag of Valine, a green field adorned with nine interlocking white circles, representing the unity and shared history of the founding families. It’s a powerful symbol of the bonds that tie the continent together—even as time tests those connections.
No kingdom is complete without its gods and gold, right? In Tavia, the people place their faith in a pantheon of gods, each watching over different aspects of life. The Divine Arbiters, as the priests are called, serve as the bridge between the mortal realm and the divine, guiding the faithful and ensuring that the will of the gods is carried out. The Tavian afterlife, known as the Everafter, is the ultimate destination for the souls of the departed—where they find eternal peace with their loved ones. There is no concept of “hell” in Tavia, just that you can be locked out of the Everafter if the Gods will it so.
On the more earthly side of things, Valine currency is as unique as each country within it. In Tavia, silver sickles, which function much like dollars, are the everyday currency, used for most transactions. For larger purchases or displays of wealth, gold pieces are the coin of choice. All coins, regardless of value, are stamped with the Thorncrest rose.
I hope this little glimpse into the world-building process behind Embers of Fate has you even more excited to dive into Gwen’s story. There’s so much more to discover, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
So, until next time—Stay Enchanted.
-Dani