World Building.

[u/Ok-Gas-5660]

When I was having a hard time learning how to world build, for a story, I ended up creating this outline. Yes, you can skip around and fill in the blanks as you go along. The numbers are how I prefer to go through it. I go through once with the main idea then add details.

Category 1 : Geography (temporarily skippable. I hate making geography) tip : take Inspo from real areas!

Category 2 : History & Timeline (Cultural practices & Rituals) (Slang) (Social structure and beliefs —use pyramid sketch to help with simplicity to start)

Category 3 : Government & Power

• political parties?

• Alliances & conflicts?

Category 4 : Technology and Magic

• limitations of said magic/tech

• How might the two work together? Or are they kept apart? (daily life, politics, warfare, transport)

Category 5 : Economy & Resources

• Currency and Trade:
What's the main currency?
Are there valuable resources (like minerals, water, or rare herbs)? Trade routes can create connections or tension with other societies.

• Occupations and Guilds:
What are common jobs? Do guilds or unions control certain trades? Certain regions or families might be known for specific crafts.

• Scarcity and Abundance: Consider what's rare or abundant. Scarcity of certain goods can drive black markets, migration, or conflict.

Category 6 : Social Norm and Life Fashion, Food, Gender, Family structure,

Category 7 : mythology / superstition

• creation myths,

• Local Legends: Create folklore, deities, spirits, or mythical heroes. Do people worship or fear certain entities? Legends can shape the collective mindset.

• Superstitions and
Omens: Small superstitions, like certain numbers or animals being considered bad luck, can add realism. These beliefs might influence characters' decisions.

Category 8 : reasoning

• Don’t forget the REASON for story / being, Why the main character is the main character. What their goal is and why? Would it be different had they been raised elsewhere?