u/DGADK

I am currently in a mental rut where I'm trying hard to avoid cliches. Most -- not all! -- fantasy stories are set in worlds with swords and other melee weapons as the dominant tool.

Obviously that is fertile ground for our kinds of tales, but also familiar. Seems to allow for more wizards/dragons type stuff.

Guns provide a different feeling/vibe while also potentially limiting some of the whimsy/high fantasy stuff that many of us love. But -- I'm currently attracted to the idea of a world more resembling something like 1900-1920, especially the early first world war era.

So: Writers! How did you decide which path/era to use?