Fantasy Spark

Views of Windsor Castle

Here are some views of Windsor Castle from within the outer wall. Including the Dread Gazebo! ;-)

Not all castles are functional war-bases. How might such locations develop after many years of peace? How might they be re-converted back into battle-readiness should the situation arise?

Tomb at Windsor Castle chapel

Here are some more photos of my trip to Windsor castle, this time from within the chapel. Lots of historic figures buried or entombed here. The banners are the banners of the current Knights of the Garter. Each banner shows something about the family and life of the person knighted. Those without a previous noble background have a new banner and coat of arms created for the purpose according to the existing historical method.

What can bystanders tell from your characters simply by the insignia, banner and other marking they carry? When major characters die, what kind of ceremony would be appropriate? What privileges or commitments might pass to the next of kin? How will the heraldry of noble families changes as leadership passes from one generation to the next?

Exhibits from the Horniman Museum, London

Here are some of the weirder exhibits from the Horniman Museum in London. It’s a smaller museum by London standards, and a bit out of the way for those visiting central London, but definitely worth a look as I think it still has that old world “gentleman’s curious collection” feel to it. Free entry to the majority of exhibits: http://www.horniman.ac.uk/

Do any of these exhibits have a place in your fantasy world? What about the collection itself? Collections require upkeep, and of course for some the attraction is in the act of collecting itself. What characters in your world would have the resources and inclination to collect interesting specimens, and of what types?

Last year these colourful eggs were put up in random places around central London. It was quite cool suddenly discovering them in familiar places. The final pic is of an unrelated exhibit in a museum, but I thought it fits here.

In a fantasy setting what might be the cause of large unusual eggs appearing around the area? If many appear at once, how might they be linked? Could affecting one cause a corresponding effect in another?