Fantasy, RPG, and D&D writers, how do you handle words with obvious real-world origins in your secondary worlds, like Arabian horses and champagne? #fantasy #rpg #dnd #amwriting
— James J. Haeck (@jamesjhaeck) May 5, 2020
Description of the horse rather than a name, maybe saying “Similar to an Arabian horse” to get that instant touchstone.
“Sparkling wine” If it's established enough to mean anything, maybe reference where the horses are from in game: "Zakharan horses."
— Dan Dillon (@Dan_Dillon_1) May 5, 2020
We use language that uses modern terms for everything – – all language is constructed. Sad to say that we only want to use terms without real world attachments is virtually impossible. Things are named for people and locations constantly, even when we don’t recognize it. Right. Everyone draws the line between "useful for easy communication" and "breaks my suspension of disbelief" in different places.
— James J. Haeck (@jamesjhaeck) May 5, 2020
I’m reminded of the ‘xkcd’ comic strip that imagines Luke Skywalker asking Han Solo what that “falcon” thing he named his ship after is.