In 2024, we are returning to the fascinating world of worldbuilding, where creators breathe life into fictional realms! Today, let’s delve into one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of worldbuilding: building an economy. An economy is more than just currency and trade; it’s the heartbeat of a society, influencing everything from daily life to grand political narratives.
Understanding the Basics of Economy in Fiction
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s essential to understand what an economy entails. An economy in a fictional world encompasses the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It’s shaped by various factors, including geography, resources, technology, and cultural values.
The Role of Resources and Geography
Start by mapping out your world’s geography. Mountains, rivers, forests, and oceans aren’t just scenic backdrops; they’re pivotal in determining your world’s resources. These resources, in turn, influence what your societies value, trade, and fight over. A desert kingdom might prize water and oasis locations, while an island nation could be a hub for maritime trade.
In my series The Serpentine Throne, Mairynne transverses mountains, grasslands, cities, islands, the jungle, and the tundra in her quest to restore her father to the throne. I’m presently writing a spin-off short story entitled The Blue Dragon’s Quest that will appear in the Enchanted Skies anthology releasing later this year. In this short, we travel the desert to a city built into cliffs in the heart of the Great Sands. The resource most prized there is water, and there are a group of nomads called the Moritoi who have magic that can draw water from the depths of the earth. Most of my magic ends up being tied to elements in some way, shape, or form, and this one is no different. Perhaps one day I will experiment with another concept, but I always find a connection to things like the wind or water a ton of fun to write about.
Culture and Technology: The Drivers of Economic Systems
Your world’s cultural attitudes towards wealth, trade, and technology will shape its economic system. Is wealth seen as a path to power, or is communal living the norm? How does technology — or magic, if you’re in a fantastical setting — affect production and labor? These cultural nuances add depth and realism to your world.
Types of Economic Systems in Fiction
Barter Systems: Trade Without Currency
In a world without established currency, barter systems can thrive. Goods and services are directly exchanged, which can lead to interesting social dynamics and plot points. How do characters determine value? What happens when there’s disagreement?
Currency-Based Economies: The Rise of Trade
Introducing currency adds a layer of complexity. Decide on the form of currency (coins, paper, digital, magical elements?) and its distribution. Who controls the money supply? Banks, governments, guilds? This leads to intriguing political power plays.
Mixed Economies: Magic and Technology
In fantasy and sci-fi settings, economies can be a mix of traditional systems with magical or technological elements. How does a teleportation spell affect transportation and trade? What’s the economic impact of a machine that can produce unlimited food?
In my forthcoming Seeker of the Arcane series, we’re pitting magic against technology. It’s still forming, but I’ll definitely share more as I dabble with that dichotomy.
Crafting Economic Conflict and Resolution
Conflict is the lifeblood of storytelling, and economic conflict can be a goldmine. Trade disputes, resource scarcity, and class struggles can drive your plot. But also think about resolution: treaties, innovations, or revolutions. These conflicts and resolutions drive character development and plot progression.
In the short story I’m including in Third Name’s A Charm, entitled A Gambit of Threes, as well as Book 1 in the Seeker of the Arcane series, we’re dealing with magical artifacts in trade as well as the forgery of those objects. I’m loving the heist aspect of how this story is turning out.
The Ripple Effect of Economies in Worldbuilding
Remember, an economy isn’t an isolated system. It affects and is affected by politics, culture, religion, and more. A change in the economy can lead to a cultural shift or political upheaval, providing fertile ground for storytelling.
Building an economy in your fictional world is a complex but rewarding endeavor. It adds depth, realism, and endless possibilities for conflict and plot development. As you craft your world’s economy, remember to weave it seamlessly with other aspects of your world, creating a rich tapestry that readers or viewers can immerse themselves in.
Happy worldbuilding! 🌍💫
Subscribe to my newsletter for monthly inbox updates
