forum 🌍World Builders, I would really like your help! I need to create an authentic universe based around Element Bending and real world cultures

Started November 14, 2019 by @SpaceCadet_Bongo

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Hi There, Thanks for checking out this discussion :D

I'm planning to write a book series called "Boundless" and I really require your help to make it become a reality.

Long Ago, a company by the name of "Myriad" was one of the most successful manufacturers in the world, specialising in powerful war-machine robots, advanced practical technology and D.N.A hard wiring. Unfortunately, a "peacekeeper protocol" was initiated somehow, nearly destroying the earth when the robots (That were meant to protect society) went completely rampant, evolving to be able to effectively breed and consume biomass. They almost stripped Earth of all life. Project "Halo", a top secret project spearheaded by Dr. Fontainge, was a plan to seal a large number survivors into a Cryostasis chamber, so that when they woke, the robots would have died out, and they could rebuild the damage done.

However, the plan failed….

The survivors woke up to not only still see an earth teeming with robots (Albeit with replenished rich wildlife), but also a complete wiping of memory, forgetting everything about humanity's history. Now left to fend for themselves, the survivors wandered the earth, in search for answers for what they call "The Old World". One day, our survivors found out that some of them had the D.N.A engineered ability to telepathically move matter to their will. With this discovery, the survivors deiced to segregate themselves based on what elemental ability they possessed, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. With this, the different parties went on to create their own various tribes and cultures based on their element. Now, 1500 years have passed, and the key to unlocking the secrets of the world, lay in the hands of a novice water bender boy.

NOW TO MAKE THE ACTUAL TRIBES THEMSELVES!

So far, our main character is a Water bending boy by the name of Suriyan, from the P̄hèā n̂ả tribe. The tribe is based heavily around Thai culture, particularly under the influence of Songkran, the Thai water festival.

NOW I NEED UR HELP!

I need tribes and civilisations that would fit with their gifted element, bearing in mind that their are also multiple sub tribes as well.

So far I have an Idea for a African based Earth Bending Tribe, a Aztec Based Fire Bending civilisation and a European styled Air bending city.

However, I want to hear YOUR take on what would be cool for a tribe design. Is it a mix of cultures or is it one? How is their political system governed? What do their traditional clothes look like? Are they pacifists or are they fuelled on war? Do they get along with other civilisations? Are they prospering or are they suffering?

What do YOU, yes YOU believe would be great to see! :)

Thank you so much, I would love to hear from you guys. <3

As someone who's also using Bending in his story, I say that there should be a lot more variety in Bending techniques. Earthbenders and Airbenders should be able to create lighting from air molecules and dust clouds, along with thunderous booms! I also remember watching a documentary on Yosemite National Park and why wildfires are so beneficial for forest health. Maybe have a Firebender armed with pinecones that explode like popcorn when dried out and lit ablaze, more as a distraction tool than a combat technique?
For tribes, I would assume that every nation is governed in power structures similar to their real-world counterparts. When it comes to fighting, I'd try to mix culturally-significant war tactics (like Shaka Zulu's Bull Horns or the British phalanx) with Bending techniques and martial arts that come from the show. Maybe put in some BS reason how they know al of this or how it was assimilated into their cultures.

So a water tribe should probably be seaside, or somewhere near water. This would mean vikings could be a good thing to base it off of.

(Feel free to ignore this suggestion).

I have a story that uses bending as well, and to make the names, I looked up words that were associated with that element. Whether from different cultures or whatever and based the names of the tribes around that.

So a water tribe should probably be seaside, or somewhere near water. This would mean vikings could be a good thing to base it off of.

(Feel free to ignore this suggestion).

No no, I agree with your Idea! Out of the water based tribes, the main one (The Thai based one) is situated by a river that streams down to a beach. The surrounding area looks similar to that of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

In terms of viking water benders, their is one that has a mix of both Inuit and Nordic Cultural influences. I don't know what their name should be (If u have a suggestion, feel free to offer one :D ), but I do know that they are reclusive and territorial, and the only known water bending tribe that can teach ice bending.

(I'm just now starting to realize what a cultural zeitgeist The Last Airbender was)

Lmao same XD

What about having a waterbender tribe based on Moken people? They live off the coast of Thailand and spend nearly all of their time underwater, and apparently have INCREDIBLE underwater vision and can hold their breath for far longer than normal people.

OOH! What about an earthbender tribe based on the Maori, and they Bend with a modified version of the Haka?! You could also do that with the firebenders!

@Yamatsu Both of those sound really cool (⊙ᗜ⊙) ! The Water bending tribe IS in fact based off the Moken people (With the water breathing and underwater vision) but with a different dress style. The dress styles vary with a blend of south-east asian cultures with linkings from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Lao. They also vary depending on which part of the tribe their in, including their wealth and social status.

For Example, high ranking water benders might wear clothing similar to that of the Cambodian style of dress like this one

Whereas lower ranking water benders might wear clothing that appers to look like Lao's Akha Lom Ethnic group,
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcTcMXLQrm1fwpzsUfTwEPcn40UFOml_E3HvH4wwLp5xGwqzsqnW

In this instance, this is what out main character wears.

Back to you point on Maori Earthbenders, I would love to have a discussion with you over what would work better. New Zealand Maori or Australian Aboriginal. Whilst I can see how Maori earth benders could fit, (Given the Haka stances and Rock-like physic, like you said), I cant help but think that Aboriginal Culture seems like a more appropriate fit (Albiet this is a fictional universe so none of what I am about to say should matter :P ). My argument for this is that Maori culture is much more centred around the ocean and the sea, whereas Aboriginal culture is about the earth from which we were born from. In the dream time (The Aboriginal religion) It is believed that the earth is the most sacred being, and what ever action we take will affect it. However, whilst the same can be applied to Maori culture (as they too have spiritual connections with the earth), in Aboriginal culture it is much more prevelent.

Keep the ideas coming though, I love hearing from you all! (◕ᴗ◕✿)

Oh also, does anyone have ideas for Air benders cuz I have like, no idea what do with them?

I think the aboriginal idea is great since they live in harmony with the earth and have a very deep respect for it

When thinking about air and cultures ancient Mesopotamia comes to mind. They don't have too much to do with air necessarily but for the most part, their primary deity was the god of the sky or air I think. It's been a while since I've researched it

I think a major part of airbender culture would be hanging gardens if we're going with Mesopotamian cultures.

Yeah and also, in Mesopotamia, the world was made up of individual city-states 'ruled' by a god through a priest-king and later just a king. Maybe that can be changed into something a little more appropriate for your story?
If you want more info I have an amount of knowledge on it