Wednesday, April 3, 2013

C Is For Creatures...

I have spoken of creatures before, when writing fantasy. This is where you want to think outside of the box, but you also don't want to confuse your readers. There are lots of cool creatures in fantasy writing. Gnolls, Goblins, Imps, you name it.

What about thinking outside of the box and coming up with new, exciting creatures.

I've talked about mine before. There is the Belching Scurvy Knave. He's a very ugly bird. Looks like an ostrich that is constantly molting. Blue feathers, probably cross-eyed if you looked him straight on. But he struts around like he's the most gorgeous thing in the world. His mating call gives him his name. It's a belch, followed by an "Oooh!".

I also have Morigwaiths. These are shadow wraiths that were created when Argisindya (the wizards city) magically destroyed itself. The blast leveled the land and when the shockwave struck people almost 500 miles away, it knocked their souls out of their bodies and into their shadows. So they drift around looking for a weary traveler to stop and doze in the shade so they can inhabit their body.

So think about things when you want to create creatures for your world. Pick a couple of animals, toss 'em together and give them a funny name. I mean, really, we have a platypus. Come on. Who thought that one up?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like trolls. Also, house elves.

Tony Laplume said...

The platypus was made up of spare parts. It's nature's joke!

Mel Chesley said...

Trolls are fun. I believe that about the platypus, Tony. It is a quite amazing, yet comical creature!

Unknown said...

I love me the creatures! Dragons and goblins and trolls...you name it! I love the ones that you have come up with and would love to go adventuring in your world.

I don't know much about the giveaway sites, but if I find out anything, I will pass it along.

S. L. Hennessy said...

Loving the creatures post. Working on a novel about creatures, and you just listed a few I don't have. Thanks!

Happy A through Z blogging!
http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Belching Scurvy Knave? That is too awesome! Seriously loling over here.

I love making things up, it's too much fun to give it up just because I'm no longer a kid.

Unknown said...

The story behind the Morigwaiths is awesome! For some reason, the Belching Scurvy Knave reminded me of Kevin from Up.

Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom
www.mithrilwisdom.com

Unknown said...

The platypus was made on Take Your Child to Work Day. It is the equivalent of the scribbled crayon art that you hang on the fridge, biologically speaking.

Vikki T said...

Just stopping by from the A-Z List to say "Hi" and good luck with the rest of the challenge!

Interesting post honey :)

xx