First, come up with a unique concept for your kingdom. It could be based on a certain historical period, a fantasy race, or a specific geographical setting. For example, a kingdom of elves in a magical forest. Then, create interesting characters like a wise king, brave knights, and cunning advisors. Next, plan out the political system, economy, and social structure of the kingdom. This will give depth to your fanfic.
For 'Game of Thrones' kingdom building in a fanfic, a great strategy is to invest in knowledge and culture. Build libraries, support scholars, and promote the arts. This not only enriches the lives of your people but can also attract talented individuals from other regions. Additionally, espionage and intelligence - gathering are important. Knowing what your enemies are planning and what's going on in other kingdoms gives you an edge. And always be prepared for the unexpected, like a long winter or a sudden invasion.
Power struggle is a very common theme. Different factions within the kingdom vie for control, whether it's the nobles against the monarchy or the clergy against the secular rulers. Another theme is growth and expansion. The kingdom might be trying to conquer new lands or develop new technologies. And of course, there's the theme of loyalty. Characters have to decide who they are loyal to, the king, their family, or their ideals.
Base them on real - life archetypes. For example, you could create a character who is like a shrewd businessperson, always looking for ways to make a profit in the kingdom building process. Another way is to give them unique backstories. Maybe a character grew up in poverty but now has a chance to rise in the new kingdom. Also, give them flaws. A character who is too proud might make mistakes in dealing with other kingdoms.
Gandalf also frequently appears. His wisdom and knowledge can be very useful in guiding the kingdom - building process. He can offer advice on everything from diplomatic relations to magical defenses.
Another concept is the reconstruction of ruined kingdoms. Fanfic authors might explore how to rebuild places like Minas Tirith in new and innovative ways, perhaps with different architectural styles or governance systems. This can add a fresh perspective to the well - known locations in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
'A Song of Ice and Fire' is also great. There are multiple kingdoms vying for power. Westeros is filled with complex political intrigue among the Seven Kingdoms. Each kingdom has different ruling families, climates, and resources, which all play into the power struggles and the building (and often destruction) of these kingdoms.
One idea could be starting from a small, war - torn village. The protagonist, using their wits and some help from Dragon Age companions, begins to rebuild it. They focus on building defenses first, like a wooden palisade and a watchtower. Another plot could involve uniting different factions within the kingdom through diplomatic means. For example, convincing the mages and templars to work together for the greater good of the kingdom.
To create believable characters, give them flaws. A mage character might be powerful but also arrogant due to their magical abilities. This arrogance could cause problems when trying to work with other non - magical characters in the kingdom. Also, consider their goals. A character who wants to build a utopian kingdom might be very idealistic, but this could lead to clashes with more practical - minded characters. Their relationships with other characters are also important. A character who has a long - standing feud with another race will act differently when dealing with members of that race during kingdom building.
One popular kingdom building novel is 'The Lord of the Rings'. It involves the building of kingdoms in Middle - earth, with different races like Men, Elves, and Dwarves having their own territories and forms of governance. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. There are various kingdoms vying for power, and characters constantly strive to build, defend, or take over these kingdoms. 'The Wheel of Time' also has elements of kingdom building as different nations and regions develop their own political and social structures.