A Whole New World practice 2016

Month One

Setting
Due: July 31st at 11:59 p.m. WDC time.
Submitted: August 1st at 8:35 p.m. WDC time.

Is this sci-fi or fantasy or something else entirely (maybe a combination)?
Fantasy, but primarily in the genre of Allegory, possibly Satire, much like Swift's Gulliver's Travels or Orwell's Animal Farm. Having come up with the title, Lumen Kind, the opportunity to be humorous is almost required. I will have to consider if it will ultimately fit a designation of Sci-Fi, as it will likely take place in an Earth timeline future, and includes the science of an Earthman exploring an alien oceanic world.

What is the general landscape like? (e.g.: post-apocalyptic, fairy city, or what describes your landscape)
The environment and landscape inhabited by the entities of Lumen will be kept very indistinct to the reader a majority of the time. Only their own lumenessence lights any scene. Where large groups are gathered -- more is visible. So, Dark Waters almost exclusively. There will be a few scenes that take place in shallower depths, and select characters will eventually encounter surface / gaseous atmosphere, but this will only be at pivotal/ crisis moments.

If you were in this world, what would you see?
There will be two ways of seeing -- that is to say, the human explorer will see things differently than the homeworld inhabitants will see. These liquid atmosphere-dependent luminous beings with telepathic communication and water existence have a type of society that is quite opposite from human norms. Few have individual capabilities to influence / mold their environment - no digits / opposable thumbs to build / handle, yet groups manage complex functions within the society. Natural formations are the places for congregating -- need for architecture and possessions, transportation and physical athleticism are not really exhibited/idolized by the Lumen.

Describe physical characteristics such as mountain ranges and rivers.
Mountain ranges and crevices/caverns do exist much like an oceanographer on Earth would encounter. The currents in the liquid the Lumens inhabit are referred to by them as "Atmosphere rivers."

What are the plants like?
This is one area where I hope to make the fantasy elements pop up, so not just earth-like coral, or photo-reactive grasses, but also gem producing succulents and ESP-enhancing forests of crystalline rods.

What are the animals like? Are there domestic animals?
One of the big points is pivoting on how people treat each other. In this all-inclusive society, no slave basis exists. Anything resembling domesticity is actually a co-operative agreement.

What do the buildings look like?
I cannot really confirm or deny the existence of buildings. That remains a mystery for 2/3rds of story.

Does the main part of your story take place in the city or rural areas? (Describe both aspects if relevant)
All "country" is the open water. The journey of The Outside Visitor Entering Lumen takes place mostly in the open. A City will become important for the completion of the story.


Draw a map.

IMAGE

Early Map  (E) Lumen surface; non-technical map #2092042 by Walkinbird 3 Jan 1892

Other drawings are encouraged (such as animals or plants or whatever else you need to visualize), but are not required. Even if you don’t share them with me, they are still a good idea.

** Image ID #2056809 Unavailable **