Conhistory
From KneeQuickie
| Aspects of Conworlding |
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The term "conhistory" usually refers to the internal history of a conworld (how events within occured) as opposed to its real life history (how the creator made and revised the world as an artistic work).
Focal point
As a general convention, a conhistory spans any number of years (hundreds or thousands usually) but reaches an end around a specific point that people within the world regard as the present day. This point usually coincides with the time when stories set in the conworld tend to take place, as well as the departure point for the (generally undefined) future. Naturally, the point that the conworld "ends" at has a large influence on how history before it might have played out. Common focal points include:
- Ancient/Classical
- Mediæval
- Renaissance
- Futuristic
Of these, the Mediæval period has proven the most popular and perhaps even iconic of the art of conworlding due to the influence of Tolkien. Long romanticized by wistful conservatives, the Middle Ages have proven a smash hit with conworlders as well. Most worlds in this period incorporate not only the cultural and technological elements of the Middle Ages but also supernatural and magical aspects, making them settings for fantasy. Non-fantasy Mediæval worlds are conspicuously rare, though not unheard of among more sophisticated conworlders. Despite its pronounced popularity among writers and conworlders, the Mediæval period remains widely misunderstood and overly romanticized. Those interested in using it are advised to research carefully so they may avoid errors and clichés like the mechanical horse.
The renaissance or post-mediæval period has appeared somewhat less frequently (perhaps since it lacks the romantic connotations of its predescessor). Worlds in this period may feature themes of recovery from centuries of darkness and decline, or else technologies and events reminiscent of the era. Mark Rosenfelder's Almea provides a well-known example, which also borrows the fantastic elements associated with more Mediæval worlds.
Futuristic worlds generally represent the science fictional side of conworlding, much as Mediæval ones embody the fantastic. As such these usually feature advanced technologies and an emphasis on scientific knowledge rather than myth. They may also have more enlightened and social systems where problems such as racism, poverty, and crime have been overcome. On the other hand, many futuristic worlds take quite the opposite approach and portray dystopias that take full advantage of the terrifying possibilities of high technology.
Models of history
Those interested in creating a conhistory need to understand how real-life history has played out, as well as what factors drive history.
- Economic determinism
- Great Man theory
- Divine providence (religious views of history)
