Seek a new dawn, in Malkora!

Malkora

Created by

Polina "Line" Arteev
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Scope

The motivation behind building Malkora

A worldbuilding project on a massive scale is a daunting one, for sure, but it's the excitement of creation that keeps me going. Creating a world like this opens so many opportunities to learn, to engage with communities, and to create things I never dreamed of before.   Working on this world, I have already researched countless topics I may have never touched otherwise, and have even dived into the world of conlangs. I stay motivated by the prospect of always learning something new, no matter what it is I am writing.

The goal of the project

The realm of Malkora is an ongoing project of mine, with no clear end goal. Will it be a game or campaign setting? Will it be a realm in which countless stories take place? I'm not sure!   I believe its end purpose will be found as it grows closer to a cohesive and "complete" state, but for now it serves as an outlet for creativity and I take joy in the journey.

Malkora's Unique Selling point

Malkora is a world brimming with magic, but notably lacking in people who can command it. Environments see frequent change as magic surges in different regions, causing shifting landscapes, altered lifeforms, and unforeseen challenges.   The setting is as dynamic as any storyteller could will it to be, creating brand new adventures from existing geographical locations, and exploring the effects of magic throughout the world.   Thematically, this world will appeal most to those who love worlds and characters that interact with themes such as gods and faith, different forms of magic, and evolving environments.

Theme

Genre

Malkora is a high fantasy setting in which most of the magic lies in the lands and is rarely in the hands of the people. Magic comes at the whims of powerful entities, or by mutation in the wake of leyline emergence.   Stories set in Malkora may be described as sword & sorcery, though the sorcery may be far less present than the sword.

Reader Experience

The world of Malkora is an ever-changing one, as the nature of its magic is to alter the lands in which leylines emerge, from the terrain to the life within. There are lands in which these changes do not occur, or are diligently halted — but there are those in which these changes are frequent and natural — or are intentionally catalyzed.   The feel of the world is to be as dynamic as it is unstable. Though there are pockets of the world which offer reprieve from the phenomenon, the magical alteration of the world's landscapes is often unpredictable and catastrophic.   As these changes are often extremely dramatic, they offer one boon to the adventurers of the world — an ever-evolving landscape with new secrets and discoveries waiting to be made, with each turn of the leylines.

Reader Tone

Malkora is a Nobledim high fantasy setting, drenched in themes of faith, exploration, and rapid evolution.  
"Either actively recessing into an age of darkness, or on the verge of escaping one. Heroes have the power to steer the course of the future, even if doing so almost garuntees sacrificing their life in this noble pursuit."
— Nobledim, from Tone & Setting Alignment by Jakob Bolt

Recurring Themes

  1. Faith & Divinity — The Deities of Malkora are many and varied, and affect the world and its people in different ways. They are always present, for better or for worse.
  2. Exploration & Discovery — In an ever-changing magical world, there is always something new to find, even in corners of the world you've already been to.
  3. Change & Adaptation — All living things undergo changes alongside their lands, in a bid for survival. Most things in this world tend not to stay the same for too long.

Focus

Constant Need for Adaptation: Humanity Evolved
In an ever-changing magical world, humanity is forced to adapt or die. This process is aided by connections in their ancient bloodlines, as the gods and primordials strive to protect their children, and as the leylines alter the leyborne.
Destruction and Reconstruction: New Beginnings
The nature of magic in Malkora is to change the lands, to alter the geography from its very make-up and forms. In this process, humanity's great civilizations are often destroyed as their inhabitants are left either to move on or rebuild.
The Quest for Knowledge: Seeking Truth
Historians of Malkora strive to uncover the secrets behind the ancient empire which preceded the Nameless Era. There was once a Golden Age of Magic, or so the stories say. Blood has spilled, lives taken and given, and lifetimes devoted to the pursuit of answers.
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Strixxline — Polina Arteev
(They/she)
You may know me as Line, Strixxline, Polina, Polly, but you more likely know me as the worldbuilder behind Malkora! I'm an illustrator and designer on top of being a worldbuilder, so I encourage you to follow me on social media to get more updates and see my work beyond WorldAnvil!
Social Media & Links
All written content and artwork copyright ©2024 Polina Arteev (@strixxline) unless otherwise credited.
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