This is the guide I use for my stories. It's very simple and it helps give a general idea.
There are far better guides, I will link back to them.
I'd be great if you gave some critique on it, so it can improve. Thanks!
1. WHERE is it?
- General situation. You can get as wide as you want. If your story includes several planets through out a solar system or a galaxy, you should know how distant, how long does it cost to more around, etc.
If your story is situated in a fantasy city, you might as well know which countries are around it.
If the story begins on a busy neighbourhood, you should know how big is that city, which other districts are around it and which is the relation to them.
2. HOW is it?
- Geographical: Describe as you where flying in a plane and you where to make a map. In fact, making a map is pretty useful.
Is it a submarine world next to a geological fault? Is it a mountainous region? Is it below or above sea level?
- Climate: Is it a similar world to ours? Poles are colder, ecuator line is hotter? How do seasons work there? The situation of the civilization in that climate map, will determine a lot of things we'll see later.
- For how long has the civilization been there? Which age are they in? Make the real story of that nation.
- Magic. If there is, what conditions are for it to happen. Is it very hard or very easy to make it work? Can only certain species/ people use it? Is it well considered or feared?
3. WHAT is in it?
- Wildlife. I've made three groups depending on the inspiration. It's not a list of animals more like a general classification.
- Realistic: Animals that exist on this planet. Ex. Camels or penguins.
- Semi-realistic: Made-up species, taking a realistic base. I'm including in the extinct animals (not that they didn't exist). Ex. A gigantic kind of snail that lives in the rainforests; or a dinosaur.
- Fantastic: Dragons, Unicorns, Fire-throwing birds...
- Civilizations.
I've put Culture as a subgroup of Society. Societies often have several cultures in them. Even if it is an all-controling dystopia, there are always different ways of life. It is very important you don't have a monolithic society. There are few exceptions, like a completely isolated civilization, but still.
- Society (People living together under conmon rules. They may share the same culture or not.)
a) Hierarchy. Social classes.
b) Politic system. Who rules?
c) Defense. Who fights?
d) Education system. Goverment's issue or not?
e) Territories administration. Large? Are there different regions?
f) Currency/ Economy. The principal source of income.
g) Technology. Advances.
i) Architecture. Depends on climate. Practical or opulent? Coherent or diverse? Structure of towns.
- Culture. (Atributes the character inherits from his surroundings. They will bring those along the way and it may change with time)
a) Idiom. (Make a glossary if you're going to invent words)
b) Religion/Beliefs. (Is there a leader or it is personal? How much it influences other atributes?)
c) Gastronomy. (Depends on geography and climate.)
d) Clothing. ( Depends on climate, social class... Is there a formal wear?)
e) Festivities. ( Origin of these - celebrate a leader's birth; the harvest; religious-. For everyone or for a few?)
f) Norms and Traditions. ( Greet in a certain way, taboo words, superstitions...)
g) What do they think of their historic past? (Proud? Forgotten? Legendary?)
h) Views on Magic. (If it exists)
i) Arts. (Elitistic? Nonexistant? How are artists viewed?)
Hope you've liked it and it will be useful! Thanks for reading folks!
Other links to guides:
Create a New World < My personal fave.
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