Should I Write Dwarf-Core Religious Epic or Age-of-Sail Nautical-Fantasy?
I'm kicking around ideas for what sub-genre I want to write next, and I'm torn between two very different but both very exciting directions for me.
One is an age-of-sail fantasy adventure, basically something with a Master and Commander / Patrick O'Brian kind of feel but with fantasy elements and an alchemy-like magic-system. Think 1700s-style naval warfare, political intrigue, rival nations/empires, ships of the line, officers with big hats, war, etc., but in a fully fantasy world with a magic system worked into it.
The other is a much more traditional high-fantasy adventure centered heavily around dwarves with a strong religious tradition (think ancient Byzantium meets Tolkien’s dwarves, and they’re fighting the hordes of hell). Big underground kingdoms, ancient religious and cultural traditions, war, politics, demonic-monsters, that kind of thing. Definitely some Warhammer influence in the overall feel, but with its own world and lore.
I'm curious what sounds more appealing to you as a reader/writer right now, especially those of yall writing fantasy.
Would you be more likely to pick up:
A) Age-of-sail epic fantasy with magic and naval warfare
B) Dwarf-centric epic fantasy with deep culture, religion, and classic high-fantasy adventure
Not promising I'll let democracy decide my next book, but I'm genuinely curious what people are hungry for right now.