Let’s honestly admit something that has been left unsaid for too long: glossaries are put there for idiots.
At least that what it seems like. Does any book really need an explanation of the words and acronyms at the end of the book?
Wait, some actually do?
There are two types of appendixes that come to mind.
The first kind is fairly useless and harmless, a vestigial remnant that is still there but not necessary. However, if it gets swollen it can kill.
The second kind is a body part.
Yes, Sci-fi and Fantasy lovers, I am talking about your gross, weird body.
Seriously, fantasy writers and video game designers… just stop. Really. Stop. Think about what you’re doing before proceeding.
You know that one book where society has crumbled into nothingness, dark forces rule the world in a totalitarian mess where people are almost universally oppressed, and it’s up to the very, very few special people to change the world into something better?
That ONE book?
What’s the title again?
Please note: this is, like everything else, a series of opinions – both informed and not at all so. So the feeling that I am full of crap and have no idea what I am talking about is ALWAYS a viable feeling about this article.
I think Fantasy writers have an easier time of things. First of all, any unexplained phenomena can be explained with two words: it’s magic.
Second of all, magic can do anything. Whatever the author requires, magic can fill in.
Third of all, when in doubt, emulate Tolkien.
This is, of course, to reduce a difficult genre into ridiculous simplicity.
