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1. What is the physical geography of your world like? Are there mountains, forests, deserts, oceans, or other natural features that are particularly important?
2. What is the climate like in your world? Is it hot or cold, wet or dry? How does this affect the people who live there?
3. What kind of plants and animals are found in your world? Are there any unique creatures or species that stand out?
4. Who are the principal inhabitants of your world, and how do they interact with each other? Do they live in cities or villages, or are they spread across wide open landscapes?
5. How has technology advanced in your world over time? Are there any particular inventions or discoveries that have changed the course of history for its inhabitants?
6. What political systems exist in your world, and how do these systems shape societies and cultures? Are there any major conflicts going on right now or historical events that have left deep scars on society as a whole?
7. How does religion play a role in your world? Do different religions coexist harmoniously, or do they clash and compete for power and influence among the people living there?
8. How does trade work in your fictional world; what kinds of goods are produced and consumed, and how do these items make their way from one place to another?
9. In what ways are social attitudes shaped by culture and traditions within your fictional world? What values do people hold most dear, and how do they treat others who differ from the consensus?
10. Are there any places of historical importance in your world? What events took place there, and what kinds of legacies do these places hold for the people who live there?
11. What are your world’s governing bodies, and what challenges do these responsibilities create for the people working there?
12. What kinds of unique flora and fauna exist in your world? Are there any unusual species of plants or animals that are particularly important?
13. What weapons are used in your world, and how are they acquired by those fighting on the front lines?
14. How does your world influence the way its people think, act, and feel? What problems might arise based on these cultural norms and values?
15. Who are the main allies and enemies within your world, and how have they affected the history of your fictional realm?
16. What kinds of laws exist within your world, and how do these laws shape the behaviors of its residents? What types of punishments are doled out to those who commit crimes, and how effective are they?
17. What kinds of sports are popular in your world, and what roles do they play in its society?
18. Which forms of entertainment are most popular in your world? What kinds of activities do people enjoy for leisure, and what forms of entertainment do they find the most entertaining?
19. What kinds of music are prevalent in your world, and where do people go to listen to it?
20. Which forms of art are most popular in your world? What do people most enjoy looking at or experiencing with art?
21. In what ways do the people of your world express themselves creatively? What kinds of art are most popular, and what differences in style and form exist between various regions and cultures?
22. What kinds of sports and games are popular in your world?
23. What kinds of foods are most popular in your world?
24. What are some of the most popular drugs in your world? What are the effects of these drugs?
25. How are people educated in your world?
26. What kinds of recreational activities do people get involved in?
27. What kinds of laws exist within your world?
28. What kinds of laws, traditions, and customs are repealed or upheld in your world, and how do these laws, traditions, and customs shape the behaviors of your characters?
29. How do your characters cope with losing basic needs or disrupting their daily routines?
30. Which historical figures from your world stand out the most, and why are they significant?
31. How do your characters deal with the inevitability of death? Which rituals and traditions have they developed to comfort themselves in the face of such a blatant reminder of their mortality?
32. What are some of the most common traditions in your world, and why are they so significant to those who practice them?
33. What are some of the most elaborate festivals in your world?
34. What do your characters say when they want to express their gratitude towards someone? What sorts of gifts do they usually give, and what are their symbolic meanings?
35. What historical events do people generally not discuss, and why is it taboo to discuss?
36. Which types of people and institutions in your world are considered the most trustworthy and reliable, and why are they so loyal?
37. Which types of people and institutions in your world are the most corrupt and exposed to greed and avarice?
38. Does your world have any major traditions that hold deep religious significance?
39. Which kinds of people and institutions in your world are considered the most selfless and noble, and why are these people so opposed to greed and avarice?
40. In what ways do your characters fight against corruption and greed?
41. In what ways is your world similar to our own?
42. In what ways is your world different from our own?
43. How does the rule of law and order play a role in your world?
44. How does your world encourage people to live morally?
45. How are young people in your world encouraged to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers?
46. How do your people celebrate their values and priorities?
47. What do your characters do to stay focused and motivated to achieve their goals?
48. How do your characters deal with the interruption of their plans and goals?
49. Who are the people that your characters turn to for help?
50. In what ways do your characters struggle to reach their goals?
51. In what ways do your characters find it easy to achieve their goals?
52. What were some of the biggest milestones in the history of your world?
53. What are some of the most significant events in your world during the last 200 years?
54. How does your world deal with poverty and homelessness, and how does this affect the lifestyles of your characters?
55. What are some of the most famous superstitions in your world, and how do these affect the behaviors of your characters?
  • RudeOnTuesdays@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I think these types of basic questions work as it is often useful to start world building from a high-level perspective and tunnel down from there.

    Thanks for posting these btw. These are some great prompts.