I like the idea you have had which involves original races, this sets YOUR story apart from other fantasy games because most of them contain the generic Dwarf, Elf, Ork and Human races. After awhile, for me, its gets a bit boring and predictable having the same races.
However if your going to add original races, you need more than one so this would require you to create more species which would be awesome.
I like the idea of a map, but I think in time if you make the map appear more rustic and more detailed then this would be an amazing add on. As well maybe consider adding different region on the world map so the reader/player gets a good feel for the universe. One of my favourite series (The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness), does this well and its extremely effective. The map in that could be something you could get inspiration from.
Save system and unique stats look is a must for me, as sometimes, especially if it is a long book, a save system is a must to continue game play. A unique stats look sets it apart from the rest.
I like the idea of only being a human as sometimes all the writing for other races can make the storyline feel a bit iffy and flat. You can always add other races in once you have finished your book/game!
Potentially make it that you can start your journey in the different regions for example;
West - Agriculture
North - Mining
South - Shipyards/docks?
East - Trade?
Just so it adds more replay ability and gives the reader/player a choice.
I already have 4 in the making the example was just one of them. I am thinking about possibly making more however.
Keep in mind this map is just a natural map (no cities, names, roads or boundaries). If you meant something other than that by “details” please specify or give an example as I’m not sure what you are talking about (first map ever). Also, after talking with @ParrotWatcher I will be changing the map, between all the choices I think I will widen the river to make it more of a straight making the freshwater lake into a saltwater bay/sea.
[EDIT] - Keep in mind this map is supposed to have the landmass equal to that of Europe, so putting down individual trees sounds a little unrealistic (unless a tree means a forest or something which might be a good idea but I already have dark green areas for that). I have also thought about creating zoomed in maps for the 5 regions.
The way I have the book planned there is a certain city you must start in (Hollowborough) but after the first couple of chapters I might be able to add in the ability to choose where you go.
West - desert, salt, gold, trade, bandit hideouts (especially southern regions)
North - Mining, Forestry, hunting
East - Nomads, herding
South - Farmlands
Big Island - Sea commerce, Fishing, small farming, semi-industrial, processed goods (craftsmen)
All Coasts - fishing
Too wide? Too narrow? Anything else? Once I start adding cities and names etc. it will become a HUGE pain to change these parts so I am trying to get them right the first time.
@Harley_Robin_Evans No, everything I did have now has to be rewritten and I had finals all this week so I haven’t done anything for over a week. Finals are over now and I will be getting back into working on it tomorrow if not tonight but I cannot even give you and estimate as to when I will be done. I have to change my planning sheet before I can even continue to start writing again. Sry
