The Scriptorium - World Building Basic Worksheet - Fantasy

Fundamentals
Story Title:
World Name:
Is it:
Earth (Past Present Future )
Earth, alternate history
Earthlike
Not Earthlike

How is it the same as/different from Earth?
Physical (size, gravity, weather, moon, sun, constellations, etc.)



Historical (wars, myths, legends, political events, etc.)



People
What races inhabit the world? In what ratios?



What is the population of:
the world ________ the country ________ cities ________ towns ________ villages ________

What languages are spoken?


Do the races have specific cultural and customary rituals? How important are they? What else is notable about the races?



What other creatures inhabit the world? Any intelligent ones?



Magic
Is there magic in this world? More than one type?



How does magic work?



What are the limits of magic? What magic taboos exist?



Geographical
What are the major geographical features?



What natural resources exist? How are they utilized?



What are the seasons?



What are the most common forms of transportation?



Geopolitical
Is world history important to the story? In what ways?



What is the political system (or systems) of the various or relevant countries?



How are relations between countries? Are any currently at war?



Society
What level of technology exists? Does it vary in different parts of the world? What about weaponry?



What level of medicine exists? Who does the healing? Is there magical healing?



What level of law enforcement exists? Is there a structured legal system?



How is local trade carried out (money or barter)? What about trade between countries? What monetary systems exist?



What range of education is available? What is the average level? What specialized education?



What, if any, is the cultural significance of:
Arts


Entertainment


Leisure activity


Architecture


Fashion/Dress


What forms do they take?



Religion
How does religion exist in this world?



Do different races have their own gods? What are they?



Do magic and religion co-exist peacefully, or are they in conflict?



Time
What calendar or other methods of measuring time are used?



What are the major festivals or holidays?



Comments/Notes/Story Relevance


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