And the outlining your novel series marches on. Welcome back to those who are keeping up, and for those who are joining for the first time, welcome abroad. Feel free to read this series in order, starting with systems you can use to outline and how to create a lifestyle for your culture.
I have found creating a belief system to be an integral part of creating a culture, one of the foundations. Our beliefs shape what we do, how we think. This will also help you get a good starting point for your government - what kind of things are and are not allowed.
Today, we move forward in fleshing out our cultures even more. After working on a culture's lifestyle, I get started on their belief system. Let's break down the subcategories, research resources, and questions I use.
The three subcategories
In Milanote, I create a sub-board for each of these categories. That helps keep things neat & organized.
Outlook
Ideals
Philosophy
What is our culture's outlook on...
For this section, I answer five out of all of the questions of my choice. These ask what is their outlook on...
Class \ race - How do they view other races and classes? How do they justify those beliefs?
Nature - Do they revere it? Fear it?
King & country - Are they fiercely patriotic? Apathetic? On the brink of rebellion?
Magic - Are magic-users seen as normal? Evil & dangerous? Highly respected?
Adventure - Do they normally lead quiet lives or ones full of adventure?
Gender roles - Are men and women seen as equal? What is considered the male vs. female domain?
LGBTQ + - Do they have equal rights? Same-sex marriage? Trans rights?
Superstitions - Do they have a lot of them or do they view them as silly?
Sex - Is it allowed outside of marriage? Are they pro or anti-abortion and birth control?
Education - Does everyone have access to it? Is it valued? Are they highly academic?
Technology - Do they revere it? Fear it? See it as a necessary evil?
Mental health - Do they understand mental illness? Are there systems set in place for the mentally ill?
Generational - Do they respect their elders? Do they see them as nothing more than a burden?
What are your culture's ideals?
Here, I also answer five questions. These questions focus on cultural values.
The most important things are... How that is a good thing and how does it help them? What's the dark side to it & how does it hold them back.
What kind of knowledge does it value most (math, social skills, arts, etc. )?
What are their most valuable possessions (A idol of their favorite goddess, a sought out piece of tech)?
What do they value more, progress, or the good old fashioned ways?
What's considered an inherent right ( freedom from slavery, the ability to obtain wealth)?
Do they value competitiveness or conformity? How does this play out in their lives?
What's considered morally abhorrent (lying, cheating, adultery)? What are the consequences if someone crosses the line?
What traits do they look for in a leader? Do they look for someone wise & humble? Someone who leads by brute strength?
What things are considered normal and acceptable in this society that would not be considered normal or acceptable in yours or another culture you know (stealing, polygamy, child labor)?
What does your species consider to be a ‘Good’ life? Is wealth their main marker of this, family, values, or something else?
Defining their philosophy.
We did it! We got to the very last category! Here, I answer four questions.
What is it taboo to talk about? Is it just frowned upon or punishable by the law?
What kind of behavior is taboo (throwing our crumbs, refusing food offered by a host)? What happens if that line is crossed?
Are they laid back people, taking the time to stop and smell in roses? Or are they most serious, considering the little things undeserving of their attention? Do they live in constant fear?
What are the most hot button issues people debate (healthcare, revolution, education, working conditions)?
Do they value strength or compassion more? How does this play out?
Do they place the needs of the collective or the individual first?
Do they place courage (jumping into situations headfirst) or wisdom (taking a more measured approach, first?
What kinds of people are the rebels and outcasts of this society? What are the consequences these people have to endure? Are they shunned? Made fun of? Abused?
What is the most honorable and dishonorable thing you can do in this culture? Dying for freedom? Suicide over being taken alive?
Do people handle things privately, behind closed doors? Or are they handled very publicly, like in front of all the elders or a panel?
Research resources
The resources for all the different categories are kind of mushed together on this list. #sorrynotsorry. There are also more general resources to use to start with.
http://www.betternovelproject.com/blog/world-building-societies/amp/
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Honour
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Sociology_of_culture
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Women_in_Amish_society
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Chivalry
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Syncretism?wprov=sfla1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Contents/Religion_and_belief_systems
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Dharma
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Jainism
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Bushido
https://theconversation.com/amp/imperial-japan-saw-itself-as-a-warrior-nation-and-the-idea-lingers-today-87289
https://historicengland.org.uk/research/inclusive-heritage/disability-history/1660-1832/the-lives-of-people-with-disabilities/
https://huntertangdynasty.weebly.com/morals-and-social-structure.html
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/12/15/thought-ancient-greece-was-a-gay-utopia-think-again/
https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/09/being-gay-african-history-homosexuality-christianity
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/history/alternative-sexuality-in-ancient-egypt-follow-the-lgbt-trail-at-the-petrie-museum-1907247.html?amp
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/a-history-of-homosexuality-in-china/
https://www.ancient.eu/amp/2-1251/
https://owlcation.com/humanities/medieval-women
https://kiralynblue.wordpress.com/2014/01/08/debate-with-the-squirrels-sexism-in-fantasy/
https://www.ancient.eu/article/1212/women-in-the-byzantine-empire/
Your homework for the week? Get started on creating an interesting belief system for your fantasy culture. Answer a few questions a day and you'll have a belief system in no time. If you're playing along, I would love to see what you created. Tell me all your culture's beliefs in the comments.
Next week, we continue on our quest to create a culture & a whole fantasy world. We'll embark on the marvelous adventure of sorting out what the culture's relationships are all about. Expect a lot more questions & resources. Don't forget to subscribe below to get a little reminder in your inbox when the series continues.
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