Chasms
Chasms are deep trenches within the earth. They are a similar element to canyons but may be formed by other means besides river erosion. Fictional chasms are frequently stretch to unfathomable depths and may form impassable or nearly impassable barriers with only a few key traversable locations. They are commonly found within fictional underground cave systems.
| Synonyms: trenches, rifts, abysses, clefts, fissures |
| Example Mythonyms: the Great Rift, the lower chasm, the Maw of the Earth |
Designing Fictional Chasms
Archetypes
Overview
When designing fictional chasms, the obvious first things to address are how deep is the drop and how wide are the sides apart. Fictional chasms are often used as terrain obstacles, and narratives may center on finding places in which crossing the chasm is possible (although perhaps still dangerous). These crossing locations may be perilous bridges or routes down the sides of the chasm and back up again.
Massive fictional chasms often scar the landscape of fictional worlds. These may stretch for miles, separating large swaths of land. In these cases chasms may act as natural border sites, and any crossing areas may be guarded or defended.
