So here's my problem. My characters go on a quest. The only problem is, they end up walking hundreds of miles on this quest through four different nations. How can I make this part seem realistic without it being 'boring'? Specific things happen at parts of the quest but there are sections where it would be several days of walking without much of anything happening...and that's just: boring.

I'm going on the estimate that a person could walk twenty miles a day with meals and some breaks (That's what the settlers did when they were moving out west). Here's the map I came up with that details their quest:


Each hash mark is one day. They're marked in alternate red and yellow for visibility. Some hash marks are larger than others to indicate where they either got help or traveled quicker because of terrain. Also the hash marks gradually increase in size after they leave the Enclave as I'd assume as they're walking for weeks they'd get in shape, etc.

Anyways. That's my problem. First of all, how could I include all of this and make it accurate in the story without it being boring? Secondly, how do they carry enough food for this? You see where they go through the Wastes of Nerandia there; that's a good ten-day trip in a desert. I just hiked up a mountain and carried only enough food for three meals (plus water) and it about knocked me out. How could they carry enough for ten days, and that's assuming they'd be able to replenish their stock right as they got to the border of Culvinis (which isn't guaranteed). Even if they were to not carry water, but only food, that would be slightly feasible, but how could they be assured of finding water in a desert?

Help, anyone? Since a quest is a fairly common element in fantasy (unfortunately)...how have you handled long journeys?

eruheran

Well, the answer to your first question is: They walked for three days until...

An airplane?

I've never actually done anything like that before.

Like Janin of Yen was saying, you can time-skip it some.

For example--give me grace, as I just whipped up this little bit. : "They traveled for eight days across the dry plains of the north, only stopping to replenish their depleting supplies..."

First, that is an awesome map! Nice work.

Second, I agree with the others. Just use narrative to skip over the unimportant parts...this is one of the times it is likely better to "tell" than "show." You can usually weave it in pretty seamlessly. I have some long journeying in the novel I'm currently editing and so far it's worked without a problem.

Third, as to your question about the food, since this is fantasy, you have opportunity to be inventive (as I know you are, having seen some of your other threads ). I'd guess foraging and hunting as they go along would be vital to them having the food/water they need for months of travel, plus replenishing in towns or settlements as they have the opportunity. Obviously, that won't work in the desert, but many deserts have oases, so if they knew of these in advance, they could navigate accordingly. Or they could have some hardy pack animal with them (like a camel...but something that fits your world) to help carry supplies. Or there's some high-nutrition light-weight food (like lembas) they can bring, which leaves them extra capacity to tote water. Just a few thoughts that you can take or leave, as you like. I think there are a lot of options you could make believable if you weave them into your world-building.

Powdered water? I actually like the idea of taking along donkeys or something. As for making it exciting, having things happen, does Srugoz know about their quest? He could have scouts etc. in qaluros, they could have trouble at the border, or fall into a trap. I myself would get tired of reading stuff like, 'what with one thing and another 4 days passed and they reached culvinis' I think you need to try and make stuff happen on at least half of the days.

@Janin of Yen/Calenmiriel: Yes, I've used that some. The key is to use that enough without using it too much.

@Varon: Sorry, strictly medieval tech. An airplane would simplify it but then there wouldn't be a plot.

@Sarah Sawyer: 1. Thanks! It's a grab from a large world map I made previously...then I just overlaid the journey on it.
2. I'm in agreement with this. The main part I'm concerned about is the trek through the desert since its fairly long and because of the food water problem. Which brings me to
3. I'm mainly concerned with the desert part. The rest of the food can be assumed to be foraged/etc. And water is readily available when you're not going through a desert. There's actually lembas-like bread in my original version (Disclaimer: I made that before I read LotR! ) but for originality maybe I'll modify it a little.

When they're going through the desert the only place I specifically say that they find water is in the city they pass through, near the end. The first black dot in the desert they get abducted by Sand Wolves, who at least feed and water them. But that doesn't give them any water to go on with. Maybe I'll have to write in an oasis there.

As to food...well, I was thinking of them maybe catching small rodents. Not the most delicious, but edible, I guess. And when they are pursued by Sand wolves some of the wolves turn on their leader (It's just their nature) and kill him because he's forcing them to chase Zac/Num. So after the other wolves leave I'm toying with having Zac/Num skin this dead wolf and take some of his meat. Kind of gross, I guess, but what are you going to do when you've been in the desert for a week and your food and water is gone?

eruheran

Or cacti. You can get water from cacti, but they probably don't exist in your world. Maybe when they leave the last city they can hear about an oasis at some part of the desert which they need to try and find.

Have them start out with a donkey to carry water. Then have them nearly die of dehydration.

Hahahahaha!

Crossing the Wastes will be very hard. They probably will ALMOST die of dehydration. Unfortunately, it is considered cruel in this nation to put a load upon any animal. So that rules that out. Usually in this nation (it's very small) transportation is men hauling wheeled-sledges of sort. This is how they transport their food. Obviously, my MCs can't do a quest with some sledges trailing behind them.

I think I've got a bit clearer idea in my head now, and my MCs are just coming up on the desert in the writing, so it will definitely be a hard, arduous trek for them. They'll nearly die.

eruheran

Almost dying is cool.

Indeedy.

eruheran

P.S. Until I added this P.S., that was probably my shortest post ever.

Yep, when dying of hunger/thirst, I think a dead wolf, rodent, or whatever is around would be consumed. As one of my books is set primarily in a desert, I've learned some about them...and there can be a surprising amount of life, especially at night (this is when many of the creatures come out). Of course, it depends on the type of desert you're talking about. I recently watched a Planet Earth documentary on deserts, and there's so much variety. In one desert, heavy fogs come in from the sea and in the early morning, drench the environment with dew and this sustains some level of plant/animal life. So you could always use something like this as an alternative to oases, if it lends itself to your story. Sorry if any of this is extraneous info. For me, sometimes random facts spark the best story ideas.

Anyway, it sounds like you're on a good track with the story. And them almost dying will certainly raise the stakes!


As long as it is in a novel!

The fog idea is really good. I might use that (BTW...I love planet Earth...we own all of them! )

I, also, like many, do not really prefer dying in real life. But then, I've never really tried it.

eruheran

I agree, Planet Earth (the BBC one, I think there might have been an earlier version that I haven't seen) is amazing. Even though it is not from a Christian perspective, I always come away awed at the majesty and intricacy of God's creation...plus it sparks fun world-building ideas.

I personally dislike shows like that myself... I sit and narrate nature shows in a weird voice the whole time.
However, now that you mention using it to get idea for world-building...

Well.....it's coming, it's coming. The quest just left the halls of the River Dwarves....next part I write is the desert. But something happens first that I have to write.

eruheran

Okay, first off, don't sweat it. Too much info will lose interest just as fast as too little. Secondly, we’re talking about a desert and an imaginary land! Have you thought of an inventive type of cactus? It can release water when cut open or only at night. When you cook the fruit from it down it seeps water from its pores. Just ideas to solve the water issue.

Ha ha! I'm not sure what they could do, but I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Or you could simply invent a plant that is their saving grace during their journey...