The Essential Worldbuilding Blueprint and Workbook (2020) (Scribe Forge)

The Essential Worldbuilding
Blueprint and Workbook

Create a compelling worldyour readers will love.
Scribe Forge
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The Essential
Worldbuilding Blueprint
and Workbook:
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Table of Contents
How to Use This Guide .................................................................... 1

Tips to Get Started .......................................................................... 2
Part 1: Info and Tips for Worldbuilding ............................................ 4
Stars and Planets ............................................................................ 5
Locations: Geography, Climate, Ecology ....................................... 16
Fictional Beings: Animals, Aliens, & Paranormals ......................... 20
Magic ............................................................................................. 29
Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance .................................... 34
Science .......................................................................................... 37
Technology .................................................................................... 40
Social Structures ........................................................................... 43
Values and Ethics .......................................................................... 55
Religion, Mythology, and Philosophy ............................................. 59
History ........................................................................................... 64
The Finer Details ........................................................................... 66
Part 2: Worksheets ........................................................................ 69
Designing Stars and Planets Worksheet ....................................... 70
Designing a Location Worksheet ................................................... 77
Creating a Fictional Being Worksheet ........................................... 85
Designing a Magic System Worksheet ........................................ 111
Designing an Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance World
Worksheet ................................................................................... 128
Science Building Worksheet ........................................................ 138
Designing Technology Worksheet ............................................... 144
Building Social Structures Worksheet .......................................... 156
Designing Values and Ethics Worksheet ..................................... 186
iii
The Essential Worldbuilding Blueprint
Creating Religions, Mythologies and Philosophies Worksheet .... 197

Creating History Worksheet ........................................................ 211
Finer Details Worksheet .............................................................. 221
Part 3: Resources and Tools ....................................................... 226
Appendix A: Resources ............................................................... 227
Appendix B: Tools ....................................................................... 233
About us ...................................................................................... 234
iv
Welcome to The Essential Worldbuilding Blueprint! This guide will

help you design and organize your fictional world so that you can
start writing your story.
Every project is different, and this guide covers topics for fantasy,
paranormal romance, and space opera books. Not every topic
covered will be relevant to your project. Feel free to skip anything
that doesn’t apply.
Part 1 provides information and guidelines about different areas of

worldbuilding. It starts with the physical world and then covers
society and culture.
Part 2 provides worksheets to help you build your fictional world. To

keep your project organized, all the worksheets are grouped together.
Use this section as your project bible that tracks the details of your
world.
1
To make your world believable, set limitations on it (this guide

will help you create some). Rules and limits create problems, and
facing problems is what stories are about!
Anchor your world in something familiar. It makes your

world more believable and accessible for your readers. One way to do
this is to use something from Earth as a basis that you change and
build upon to create something new.
Remember to consider both the good and the bad of your

world (this guide will help with that), since nothing is entirely
positive or entirely negative.
Remember that all parts of a world are interconnected. For

example, the form a civilization takes is related to its natural
environment, and that civilization will change the environment
around it. If you include magic or advanced technology, consider
how it affects society, relationships, and daily life.
Finally, make sure the characters you create are the products of
your world. Annalee Newitz provides a great example: “An
agrarian culture won't produce a computer whiz, since it will be
devoted to farming rather than information technology. A technical
whiz from an agrarian world might invent something like the cotton
gin, however.”
2
Methods of Worldbuilding
These methods are not mutually exclusive, and you can combine
them.
Start with a character: Once you have a character, create the

society they come from, keeping in mind that all people—real and
fictional—are products of their
society and culture. You can also
start with a fictional being (alien
or paranormal) and then create
the world that produced them.
Tip:
Start with an idea: For
Keep a worldbuilding
example, a society run by women.
bible—a collection of
Then, design your world around
every worldbuilding
that concept.
decision you make—
so you can ensure Top-down: Start with the big
consistency. See picture, including the planet, its
Appendix B for tools geography and climate,
that will help you technology level, and social
organize your notes. structure. Worlds created this way
tend to be consistent, but they
require a lot of planning before
you start writing the story.
Bottom-up: Design just the elements of the world you need to start
writing the story. Add more details as you need them. This method
means less up-front work, but the world may have more
inconsistencies that you have to deal with later.
3
4
Stars and Planets
This chapter discusses the very basis of your world: its planet and
the star(s) it orbits. If your project is science-fiction, this is essential.
If your story takes place on Earth, you can skip this chapter.
If your story takes place in a fantasy world, this info might be helpful,
depending on how much your world differs from Earth.
Find the Designing Stars and Planets Worksheet on

page 70.
5
Stars
The star your world orbits has wide-ranging effects. Different types
of stars radiate different
amounts and wavelengths of
light, which affect:
• The habitable zone (the Worlds

distance from the star at
In Mary Doria Russell’s
which liquid water and
novel The Sparrow, the
life as we know it can
planet Rakhat orbits
survive on the surface of a
Alpha Centauri A.
planet)
Because Alpha Centauri
• The planet’s temperature
A is part of a binary star
• Sky color
system, Rakhat has two
• Vegetation
“days.”
• How that life will see (ex.
In ultraviolet light, visible One day occurs when
light like humans, etc.) Alpha Centauri A, a
yellow star like our sun,
The star’s wavelength also
is in the sky. The
determines the color of the star.
second day occurs
The type of star and the distance
when Alpha Centauri B
at which the planet orbits
rises. It is a smaller
determine how much solar
orange star. When it is
radiation the planet receives.
the sky, Rakhat
This affects the temperature of
experiences a day that
the planet and the type of life
is like twilight here on
that will evolve.
Earth.
Unlike our sun, many stars

come in groups of two or three.
Stars in a binary or triple star
system orbit their shared center
of gravity while planets orbit
one of
6
Stars and Planets
the stars. On a planet that orbits a star in a binary or triple system,

the seasons, climate, and days will be more complicated than on a
planet in a single star system.
The table below provides an overview of the different star types.
Star
Description Habitability
Type
O Super-hot stars that are blue Type O stars are short-lived

in color and emit intense and unlikely to evolve life. It
ultraviolet light. They shine may not be possible for
with over a million times the planets to form around a
brightness of our sun. Type O star.
If one did, it would have to

orbit far from the star for any
atmosphere, water, or life to
exist without being burned
away. Even then, the planet
would be bombarded with
intense amounts of UV
radiation.
B Though they are cooler than Like Type O stars, B stars are
O stars, Type B stars are still too young and short-lived for
super-hot and emit intense complex life to evolve. Any
ultraviolet light. They are planet harboring life would
blue in color. O and B stars have to orbit very far away
tend to be found together in from the star to avoid being
regions of star formation. killed by the high-heat and
UV rays.
7
Star
Type
A Type A stars range from a If our sun were a Type A star,

third to twice as hot as our the habitable zone would be
sun. They are white or in the orbits of Mars and the
bluish-white in color. asteroid belt. Planets around
a Type A will receive more UV
radiation than we do from our
sun.
F Type F stars are slightly Earth-like life could evolve on

hotter than our sun. They a planet that orbits farther
are yellow-white in color. away from the sun than Earth
does or that has a very strong
magnetic field that protects
the world from radiation.
G Our sun is a Type G star. G stars are good candidates

They are white to yellow in for life because they are stable
color. and long-lived.
8
Stars and Planets
Star
Type
K Type K stars are cooler than The orange dwarfs are long
our sun. They are orange in lived, stable, and common,
color. They include red making them good places for
giants, red supergiants, and life to evolve.
orange dwarfs.
Red giants and supergiants
are stars near the end of their
life. When our sun becomes a
red giant, it will expand to
Earth’s orbit. Because they
are old stars, life is likely to
have evolved, but the
expanding star may kill it off.
Life on planets farther away
from the star may survive its
expansion.
M Type M stars are small, cool, M stars are long-lived, which

and dim stars that shine red. gives life a lot of time to
M stars include red giants, evolve. To receive enough
red supergiants, and the heat for life to exist, a planet
more common red dwarfs. has to orbit close to a M star,
so is likely to be tidally locked
(see page 13)
9
Star
Type
D The D stands for degenerate White dwarfs are the cores of

dwarf. Also known as white dead stars that no longer
dwarfs, Type D stars are very generate energy through
hot and shine blue or white nuclear fusion. They slowly
in color. Despite their high cool and fade as they radiate
heat, their luminosities are their remaining energy.
low—less than 1% of our
sun’s. They are extremely They are not likely to harbor
dense. life, but they might have
before dying. Any planets that
do orbit one will receive high
amounts of heat but little
light.
Neutron Neutron stars are created by Neutron stars are unlikely to

Stars the collapse of a star’s iron have life, but you can take
core in a supernova. They that as a challenge. What
have incredibly high density would it be like to live on a
and gravity. They release planet lit only by pulsars?
pulsars from their poles.
10
Stars and Planets
Planets and Moons

The first step in designing a planet is to choose the type. The table
below outlines the main types of planets and their habitability. It also
includes the habitability of moons.
Type Description Habitability
Gas Giant Except for a small rocky Earth-like life could not
core, gas giants are evolve or survive in the
comprised of dense dense and violent
atmosphere. Their atmospheres of gas giants.
atmospheres are mostly So, design some creative
hydrogen and helium. Gas alien species instead
giants form and orbit (chapter 4 will help with
farther away from their that!).
star than terrestrial planets
do.
Ice Giant Ice giants are similar to gas No life that we know of
giants, but their could live on an ice giant,
atmospheres are but you don’t have to
comprised of elements write about earth-like life.
heavier than hydrogen and
helium. Uranus and
Neptune are examples.
11
Type Description Habitability
Terrestrial Terrestrial planets are Terrestrials are more

rocky worlds, such as likely to support life than
Earth, Mars, and Venus. the other planet types.
They tend to form close to Not all terrestrials can
their parent star and support life, however. For
within the ice line. Beyond example, Venus is
the ice line, planets don’t extremely hot and has an
receive enough solar heat atmosphere that is toxic
to have liquid water on to humanoids (though you
their surface. could create a life form
that thrives in it).
Moons Moons orbit planets Some of the moons of gas

instead of stars. They are giants and ice giants may
usually rocky, with some support life. Tidal forces
moons being made of rock from the gas or ice giant
and ice. Some moons are heat a moon and prevent
geologically active, or were it from freezing solid even
in the past. when they receive little
solar radiation.
These moons are ideal

places for life to evolve
from a star.
12
Stars and Planets
Things to Consider When

Designing a Planet
Distance from star: The distance a planet orbits its parent star
determines how much solar heat and radiation it receives. For bright,
hot stars, the habitable zone is farther away than for cool, dim stars.
In a binary or triple star system, the planet will orbit one of the stars.
However, it may have seasonal variations in solar heat as the
companion star(s) move closer or farther away.
The distance from the star also determines how long it takes the
planet to orbit its star. Planets close to their star have shorter orbits,
and thus shorter years, than those farther away.
Planets that orbit close to their stars will become tidally locked—their
rotations gradually slow, their days and nights becoming longer,
until one side always faces its star. The side facing the star
experiences continuous day and becomes blisteringly hot. The side
facing away from the sun never sees sunlight and becomes freezing
cold. The extreme difference in temperature between the dayside
and the nightside causes violent weather patterns and storms.
Tidally locked planets also have a border zone between the day and
night sides. Here, it is always twilight and temperatures are more
moderate.
Rotation and day length: Massive planets have faster

rotations, and thus shorter days, than smaller planets.
In binary or triple star systems, planets might have more than one
day when different stars rise. However, in some multiple star
systems, the stars are very far apart, so the companion stars might
appear as very bright stars in the sky rather than as a second or third
sun.
13
Things like day length also

affect society and culture. For
example, think of how things
might be different if humans Worlds
colonized a world with 60 hours
of sunlight a day. Uranus has an axial tilt
of 97 degrees. This
Density and gravity: The
causes extreme
amount of surface gravity on a
seasons. The
planet is determined by the
hemisphere
planet’s mass and density. On a
experiencing winter
high-gravity world, life is more
doesn’t see the sun for
likely to be compact and low to
21 Earth years, while
the ground, while on a light-
the hemisphere
gravity world, life can be tall
experiencing summer
and spindly.
receives constant
sunlight for 21 years.
Axial tilt, seasons, and
climate zones: The Earth’s
axis is tilted by 23.5 degrees,
which creates seasons. The
hemisphere tilted closer to the
sun experiences summer while the hemisphere tilted away from the
sun experiences winter. A greater tilt would create stronger seasons,
while a lesser tilt would create weaker seasons. With no axial tilt, a
planet has no seasons.
The tilt of the axis also defines equatorial, temperate, and polar
climate zones. On Earth, equatorial climate zones fall within 23.5
degrees north and south of the equator. Temperate zones in the
northern hemisphere extend from the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees
north) to the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees north, almost 23.5 degrees
north of the Tropic of Cancer).
14
Stars and Planets
Seasons and climate zones affect the kind of life that evolves and
civilization that develops.
Moons: A planet’s moon causes tidal forces and can help stabilize a
planet with an axial tilt.
Moons are also culturally important; think of the significance the

moon has in mythology, science, and time-keeping here on Earth.
For worldbuilding, the moons—or lack of moons—in the sky is a good

detail for establishing that the story isn’t set on Earth.
If you’re ready to create your own star and planet, use

the worksheet on page 70.
15
This chapter discusses designing a world’s geography and climate. If

your story takes place in an existing environment (ex. urban fantasy),
you can skip this chapter.
Find the Designing a Location Worksheet on page 77.
16
Locations
In designing a location, consider geography and climate. One affects

the other. For example, areas on the lee sides of mountain ranges are
dry. Coastal areas are wetter and warmer than areas farther inland.
Rivers join to form larger ones and originate from higher ground,
usually mountains, to travel towards the sea.
Axial tilt, geography, winds, and currents also determine climate. For
example, Britain would be
freezing if not for ocean currents
that bring warm waters to its
shores. If you decide on an axial
Tip: tilt when designing your planet,
keep in mind the climate zones
“When you describe determined by the tilt. See page
your fantasy world, 14 for details.
it’s important to
Consider the effect of human,
describe it from the
alien, or paranormal activities on
perspective of the
geography and climate. For
characters who
example, the deserts in Iraq were
inhabit it. You should
once fertile farmlands. Over-
pay attention to their
farming turned the area to desert.
lived experience of
being in that place.” When determining your world’s
- Malinda Lo geography, it’s a good idea to
draw a map (though not everyone
does, so you can get by without
one).
17
Ecology
If your characters are travelling through a forest to research its
animals, then you need to know a
lot about your world’s ecology. If
your story takes place in a built
environment that is largely cut off
from the natural world, you don’t
Tip:
need to know as much. Keep in
mind, however, that even
“If you put massive
artificially created environments
predators in an
have ecology too, such as bugs
environment, you
and rats that hitch a ride on your
must be sure the
spaceship.
environment can
support enough other
An important thing to remember
animals to feed them
about your world’s ecology is that
(which also means
all life on a planet exists in an
plants and water).
interconnected web and evolved
from a common ancestor (unless And please, vary the
life forms. Insects,
aliens have colonized the planet
birds, fish, fowl,
or someone created life artificially
through magic or science). mammal, reptile,
amphibian: keep
Because they share a common
them all in mind.
ancestor, the life forms on a world
Even if they aren’t key
will have commonalities. For
to your plot, having
example, land animals and birds
them around helps
on Earth have four limbs (four
legs, two legs and two wings, or add richness to your
two legs and two arms). world.”
-C.L. Wilson
It’s also important to remember
that everything evolves to survive
18
Locations
in its environmental niche. Unless a sudden environmental change

has left a species ill-adapted to its new environment, each species
will have traits that help it survive in its surroundings.
Designing a Location Worksheet on page 77 will help

you design specific locations, including geography and
climate.
19
In this section, you’ll learn about creating a new life form, whether
it’s an animal, a magical creature like a werewolf, or an alien.
Find the Creating a Species Worksheet on page 85.
20
Fictional Beings
The amount of detail you need about a fictional being depends on

their role in your story. For a creature who only appears briefly, their
environment, appearance, and basic behavior are enough
information.
If you’re designing paranormal beings or aliens who will be the main

characters in your story, then you need to know a lot about them to
make them believable. You’ll need to understand their psychology
and society as well as their physical form. Consider how their
environment and physical characteristics affect their psychology and
personality.
Here are the things you should consider when creating a fictional
being.
Environment
Beings evolve to survive in their environment (unless they are
genetically engineered or artificially created through magic or
science).
When figuring out a being’s physical form and instinctive behaviors,

it’s more important to consider the environment they evolved in than
the one they currently live in. These aren’t always the same. For
example, humans didn’t evolve in cities, nor did dogs evolve on
tropical islands even though they live there now.
If the fictional being lives in a different environment than they

evolved in, consider how that affects their behavior.
21
Size
The size of a life form is related to the planet’s gravity and
atmospheric density. A denser atmosphere means a higher density of
chemicals needed for survival (ex. oxygen), which allows for more
efficient metabolism and bigger animals.
A general rule for size is that land animals are larger than flying
animals, and water animals are larger than land animals because
they don’t have to support their own weight.
If you are writing magical creatures, you can break these physical
rules if magic provides an explanation for their size.
Respiration
In nature, a variety of methods are used for breathing. Insects have a
simple network of tubes. Some fish and amphibians breathe through
their skin.
Both gills and lungs can vary in number and complexity, but keep in
mind that they require a circulatory system and some form of blood.
Also consider how often the being must breathe. For example, whales
surface for air every 15 minutes but can hold their breaths for up to
an hour. In some stories, vampires don’t need to breathe at all.
Food and Eating

What does the fictional being eat? How do they find and catch food?
They will need the necessary equipment to match, such as teeth,
beaks, claws, venom, wings, etc. Consider how they consume food.
For example, snakes swallow their prey whole while vampires might
suck blood from wounds.
22
Fictional Beings
Movement
A being’s movements determine their body shape and limbs, as well
as how they interact with the environment and obtain food. Their
main methods of movement should be suited to their environment—
unless magic is involved.
For example, a species skilled at

climbing trees would evolve in a
forested area and have limbs
capable of gripping onto bark
Worlds and branches. A magical being,
such as a ghost, might float or
Manta’s Gift by teleport instead.
Timothy Zahn features
the Qanska. This highly
intelligent species Shape
resembles giant manta-
rays. They live in The being’s shape should be
Jupiter’s atmosphere suited to their movements and
where they “swim” environment. For example,
through the swimming animals have
atmosphere’s dense streamlined bodies. Think
gases. about how your character
manipulates their environment
to determine the shape of their
body and limbs.
Body Type
Consider if the being is warm-blooded, cold-blooded, or
something else entirely. This also depends on environment.
23
Warm-blooded animals eat more often because they are more active.
They also need a way to conserve body heat, such as fur or fat.
Cold-blooded animals need an external source of heat. Because they

eat less often, they are good at surviving in harsh conditions.
Does your alien or paranormal being have fur, feathers, skin, scales,
shells, spikes, wings, or fins? Determine their markings and colors.
Are they transparent like a ghost? Pale like a vampire? Blue like an
alien?
Structural Support
The two main structural supports are exoskeletons (skeletons outside
the body) and endoskeletons (skeletons inside the body). Some
animals, such as the octopus, do not have skeletons at all. What does
your fictional being have? A magic creature, such as a ghost, might
not have any structural support at all.
Growth
Does your being grow gradually as humans do? Do they experience
metamorphosis as caterpillars or werewolves do? Do they age quickly
or slowly?
Consider their life span and life stages, such as childhood and old
age. Think about the changes they go through as they mature and
age.
24
Fictional Beings
Reproduction
Does your fictional being
Worlds reproduce asexually or
sexually? Perhaps they
The Oankali of Octavia reproduce magically, such as a
E. Butler’s Xenogenesis werewolf bite creating a new
trilogy have three sexes: werewolf.
male, female, and ooloi.
All three are needed for If they don’t reproduce
reproduction. sexually, how do they
reproduce?
Oankali children are
If they do reproduce sexually,
born sexless. To become
how many sexes are there? It
adults, they go through
can be more than two. Consider
a metamorphosis and
if they are a placental mammal,
develop into a male,
a marsupial, or an egg-layer. Do
female, or ooloi.
they use internal fertilization
(like earthly mammals) or
external fertilization (like fish)?
Decide if the fictional being has

mating seasons and mating
rituals. In humans, rituals are
decided by culture, and this is likely true of highly intelligent aliens
and paranormal beings as well. Some less intelligent animals have
complex mating rituals, however. Think of the mating dances of
birds of paradise.
Does the fictional being have any traits that exist only for sexual
selection? These are traits that are not helpful for survival, but that
increase an individual’s likelihood of reproducing. For example, a
male peacock’s bright feathers attract predators, but the female
peahens prefer males with big, bright feathers.
25
Decide how many offspring individuals typically have. Who cares for
the young, and how much care do they provide?
Senses
Sight: Consider the wavelengths of light the being can see (this will
depend on the star their world orbits as well). Think about their
night and color vision, the distance they can see, and the resolution
of their sight. You can also get creative. For example, you can give
your fictional being eyes that have telescopic zoom.
Hearing: Consider the range of frequencies they can hear. How

strong is their sense of hearing? Are they capable of echolocation or
sonar?
Taste: How sensitive is their sense of taste? What information can

they gain from taste? For example, they could determine the
chemical composition of something by tasting it.
Smell: How sensitive is their sense of smell and what information

can they gain from it? For example, vampires might be able to tell
blood type from scent alone.
Touch: Do they experience touch through skin, antennae, whiskers,

or something else? How important is touch to the fictional being?
Other senses: There are other kinds of senses you can include as
well, such as telepathy, magnetic field sense, and an electrical field
sense.
Location: Decide on the location of the fictional being’s brain,

sense organs, and nervous system.
26
Fictional Beings
Communication
How do the fictional beings communicate? Do they use speech,
chemical signals, color changes, telepathy, body language, or
something else entirely?
Social G roup
Decide if the fictional being lives alone or in groups. If they live
alone, how do they find mates? If they live in groups, consider the
size of the group, its composition, and hierarchy.
Personality and Psychology

For beings who are not central to the story, you only need a common
set of traits for the entire species.
If the fictional being is going to be a main character, remember that

individuals will have different personalities. However, some traits
might be common to the entire species. For example, humans differ
widely in personality and culture, but some emotions (anger, guilt,
shame, love) are common to most humans. Dog breeds vary widely,
but they share some common behaviors like the urge to chase and to
sniff everything.
Remember that a being’s psychology and behaviors will arise, at least

in part, from their physical form and environment. If they have
culture, that will also affect traits and behavior. Think of how
politeness varies across human societies, for example.
27
Other Behaviors
Other behaviors to consider include:
• Sleep
• Hibernation
• Shelter
• Migration
• Range and population density
Are you ready to create your own species? Check out

the worksheet on page 85.
28
Magic
Time to design your own system of magic.
Find the Building a Magic System Worksheet on page

111.
29
Soft Magic and Hard Magic (as

defined by Brandon Sanderson)
Soft magic is mysterious and has no clearly defined rules. It creates
the greatest sense of wonder because the characters and reader don’t
understand how it works or why it does what it does.
In general, soft magic should not be used to solve problems, because

it will seem like a deus ex machina. However, soft magic is perfect for
creating problems for your characters. An example of soft magic is in
The Lord of the Rings where the inner workings of magical
characters like Gandalf and Sauron remain unknown to the reader.
Hard magic has explicit rules that are shown to the reader. Because
it’s clear how it works, magic becomes a tool that can be used to solve
problems.
Many stories fall in a middle ground where the reader understands

some of the magic but not all of it’s working. Harry Potter is an
example of this.
Brandon Sanderson ’s four laws of

magic for a compelling story
Rule 1: “An author's ability to solve conflict with magic is
DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to how well the reader
understands said magic.”
If characters solve a problem with magic, the reader must

understand how that magic works beforehand (in other words, it’s a
hard magic system). Otherwise, the magic will feel like a deus ex
machina. This means you need to establish clear rules about your
magic (the worksheets will help with this).
30
Magic
Rule 2: “Limitations > Power.”
What a magic system can’t do is more interesting than what it can.

Limitations create conflict and force your characters to struggle for
their goals. It also creates tension, because it’s not obvious that
characters will win a battle or achieve a goal.
Limitations can be as simple as a character unable to do magic while

tired or more complex, such as needing to be happy to perform
magic.
Furthermore, magic must have consequences for the user. For

example, in the Wheel of Time series the users of the magic slowly
go insane.
Rule 3: “Expand on what you have already, before you add

something new.”
Sanderson writes, “A brilliant magic system for a book is less often

one with a thousand different powers and abilities – and is more
often a magic system with relatively few powers that the author has
considered in depth.”
One thing to consider is the effect of magic on society. For example,

if magic can create food, how will that change trade and politics?
Another way to expand on what you have is to make the magic

powers of a character seem like a coherent whole—that is, tie the
powers together under a theme such as healing, necromancy, etc.
Rule 4: “Err on the side of AWESOME.”
Ultimately, magic should be kick-ass and fun.
31
Sources of Magic
The following table provides common sources of magic. You can use
any of these or try to think of new sources of magic.
Source Description
Elemental Using earth, wind, fire, air, or any other

elements to perform magic.
Demon Summoning and controlling demons using a

summoning spell or by knowing their names.
Witchcraft Performing magic by using spells, potions, and

wands. Study can improve the magic-user’s
abilities.
Psy Magic through telepathy, telekinesis, and

precognition. Sometimes psy powers are
inherited or awakened after a traumatic event.
Weather Ability to control weather, wind, storms, and so

on.
Beast Communication with or control of animals. This

form of magic may include a totem animal,
shapeshifting, or warging (entering the body of
an animal).
Rock and Using crystals or rocks to perform magic.

Crystal
Metallurgical Using metal objects such as swords, shields, etc.

that have magical properties.
32
Magic
Source Description
Astrological Magic based on the alignment of planets, stars,

etc.
Blood Using blood to perform magic.
Necromancy Magic tied to ghosts, spirits, and the dead. May

involve raising the dead, communicating with
them, or controlling spirits.
Creature Using a piece of a magical creature, such as

dragon scales or a unicorn’s horn, to perform
magic.
Divine Magic given to a person by a god or goddess.
Time The ability to manipulate and control time,

including time travel.
Healing Using magic for medical purposes.
Mana Magic derived from an energy source that can be

used up, but recharged. Common in video
games.
Are you ready to create your own magic system? Check

out the worksheet on page 111.
33
The chapters on magic, fictional beings, social structure, values, and

religion are also crucial to writers of urban fantasy and paranormal
romance. But these two genres have a few unique worldbuilding
needs that we’ll cover here.
Turn to page 128 for the urban fantasy and paranormal

romance worksheet.
34
Urban Fantasy
Urban fantasy and paranormal romance take place in a version of the

real world where creatures of legend and myth, such as vampires, are
real.
This creates an extra layer of worldbuilding around what is known

about the paranormal beings and what remains hidden.
Consider if your paranormals are “out” to the human world or if they

stay hidden. If they’re out, how does this change the world? How do
humans react to them? For example, in the Kitty Norville books,
some humans see paranormal beings as inherently evil. Consider
how governments would react as well.
Think about how society views relationships between humans and

your paranormal beings. Are they banned or accepted? Are
relationships with some paranormals accepted while others aren’t?
What do the paranormal beings think about humans?
If the paranormal beings are hidden, how do they remain

undetected? Does their presence affect the world in significant ways
that humans remain ignorant of?
How do paranormal beings fit into the wider world? Do they get
jobs? What kind of job does a vampire or an angel get? How do they
change the world just by existing and living their lives?
Other things to consider are which paranormal or supernatural

beings exist in your world (the Fictional Beings worksheet can help if
you’re creating a new type), and if they’ve always been there or if
something recently created them.
If your paranormals use magic, you’ll need to build a magic system

for them. See the chapter and worksheet on magic for help with that.
35
Paranormal beings will also have their own societies and cultures,
particularly if they remain cut off from the human world. See the
chapters on social structure and values for help with these aspects.
Ready to work on your urban fantasy? Turn to page 128 for

the worksheet (and remember to check out the magic,
species, social structure, and values worksheets as well).
36
Science
If your world features highly advanced technology that you want to

seem plausible, you’ll need some science to back it up.
Find the Science Building Worksheet on page 138.
37
In Aliens and Alien Societies, Schmidt argues that science and

technology are not the same, though they are related. This workbook
takes the same approach and covers technology in the next section.
According to Schmidt, science is a way of examining and

understanding the world. It may not develop in a society at all,
though technology always will.
Science makes the development of technology easier and quicker,

however. Therefore, a society with advanced technology will
probably have science to match.
When considering science in your fictional world, remember that the

different sciences may develop at different rates in the same society.
The soft sciences may be advanced and the hard sciences relatively
simple, or vice versa.
Unless your story centers on scientists, you won’t need to know

everything about science in your world. A general idea of how
advanced, or not, science is in your world is enough.
Fictional Science Based on Real

Theories
To make advanced technology seem plausible, you need real-world
science to explain it.
To make this science convincing, it should not contradict anything

we currently know about the natural world.
38
Science
If it does, and you don’t have a

plausible way to explain it, you’re
getting into the realm of magic. This
is perfectly fine—and often accepted Worlds
in soft sci-fi—just be aware that’s
what you’re doing. According to special
relativity, nothing can
If you’re ready to design
travel faster than light.
your society’s scientific
Authors, however,
accomplishments, fill out the
exploit loopholes in the
worksheet on page 138.
theory to make faster-
than-light travel
possible. One loophole
is hyperspace, where
the intrepid crew takes
a short-cut through an
alternate dimension.
It’s been used in Star
Wars, Dune, and The
Hitchhiker’s Guide to
the Galaxy, to name a
few.
39
From swords to spaceships to nanobots, let’s design some fun

gadgets.
Even if you write fantasy, take some time to design the technology in
your world. Any tool is considered technology, after all.
Find the Designing Technology Worksheet on page

144.
40
Technology
The importance of technology in a science fiction world is obvious.

But even in a fantasy or paranormal romance world full of magic,
technology is crucial. For example, farming with a plough, battling
with swords, and building castles are all forms of technology.
The level of technology affects all aspects of society. For example,

technology determines how people travel. Has your society
developed the wheel? Does it have good roads to enable quick travel?
Or perhaps it uses flying cars or
teleportation instead.
Technology also determines how

people communicate. Has your
fictional society developed the
printing press for mass
Tip:
distribution of books? Are pens
“Remember, the level
and paper easily and cheaply
of technology needs
produced? If not, only the rich
to be commensurate
will be able to send letters. Or
with the other aspects
does everyone own a device
of your culture.
capable of instant communication
Hunter-gatherers, for
anywhere in the galaxy?
instance, would
Technology and warfare is probably not have
another big issue to think about. internal combustion
The development of technology engines. Medieval
often goes hand-in-hand with knights would not
war. Furthermore, the more have light sabers.”
advanced a society’s technology, -C.L. Wilson
the more advanced and deadly
their weapons (unless they’ve
moved beyond war).
41
Remember that magic and

technology often exist side-by-
side. If your world has magic,
Tip: consider what tasks are usually
accomplished with magic and
“Any technology or what tasks are usually
[magic] power you accomplished with technology.
introduce is going to How do the two interact to help or
have far-reaching hinder each other?
effects…Going with
When designing your world’s
the invisibility
technology, think about how it
example, you'd have
affects daily life (the worksheets
people using it to spy
will help you do this).
on each other — but
you'd also have a
Ready to design your
huge boom in heat
world’s technology? Go to
sensors. We’d start
page 144 for the
redefining the whole
worksheet.
concept of privacy…
and it might be legal
to shoot an invisible
intruder on sight (on
smell?).”
- Charlie Jane Anders
42
Social Structure
Next up, let’s talk about social structures and the hierarchy of your
civilization.
Find the Building Social Structures Worksheet on page

156.
43
Society is based on conflict and cooperation—how a group of people

ensures cooperation within the group, how it ensures cooperation
with other groups, and how it handles conflict.
When constructing a civilization, researching ethology (animal

behavior) might help. Civilizations are built, at least in part, on the
behavior of the being’s evolutionary ancestors. For example, a society
of people who evolved from herbivores that lived in large herds will
be very different from a human or werewolf society.
When designing your society, keep in mind the planet, geography,

climate, magic, science, and technology you created earlier. They will
all affect the form and structure of your society and vice versa.
Remember that all parts of a society are interconnected with each
other, as well as with the other
areas of worldbuilding covered
in this guide.
The rest of this chapter

Worlds discusses the different types of
social structures and provides
The Dispossessed by examples.
Ursula K. Le Guin
features three
contrasting societies: Love and
Anarres’s social
structure is based on Relationships
social anarchism, A-Io
Personal connection is the basis
is a capitalist economy,
of all social groups. Consider
and Thu is an
the kinds of relationships that
authoritarian
are valued in your fictional
communist system.
society (ex. is friendship
important or is the focus on
family?).
44
Social Structure
How do people form relationships, both romantic and platonic? Do

they find each other on their own? Do they have fated mates? Do
they practice arranged marriages? Consider how many romantic
partners is considered acceptable or common, as well.
Family
Reproduction and child-rearing will shape a society. For example, in
a society with a polygyny family structure, many men won’t marry
and have families (at least not in the traditional sense). What other
roles does society offer them?
Related to family structure are gender roles—the behavior that

society expects of individuals based on their sex. Gender roles apply
within the family and the wider society.
The table below provides examples of family structures.
Family Structure Description
Patriarchy Men are considered the authority within the

family and society.
Matriarchy Women are considered the authority within

the family and society.
Alloparenting Children are cared for by people other than

their biological parents, either exclusively or
in addition to care provided by biological
parents.
Fictive Kin/ Found People who are not biologically related but
Family are considered family.
45
Family Structure Description
Extended Family Multiple generations of a family living in the

(Matrilocal, same household. For example, a married
Patrilocal) couple and their children living with siblings
and parents. In a matrilocal system, a
married couple lives with the wife’s family.
In a patrilocal system, they live with the
husband’s family.
Polygamy (Polygyny, A person has multiple spouses. Polygyny

Polyandry) refers to having multiple wives, while
polyandry refers to having multiple
husbands.
Group Marriage A group of adults who are married to each

other. A group can include multiple men and
women.
Walking Marriage Sexual partners do not live in the same

household. Children are raised by their
mother and her family.
Social Stratification
Social stratification creates a hierarchy that establishes a person’s
position in society, the resources and opportunities they have access
to (such as education, money, food, and health care), and their
lifestyle.
Class, usually defined by socio-economic class, is the most widely

known form of social stratification.
46
Social Structure
The table below provides examples of social stratification.
Social Description
Stratification
Socio-economic A person’s place in society is based on the

Class amount of wealth they earn or inherit.
Slavery A system where some people are considered

property. They are bought, sold, and forced
to work.
Feudalism Social hierarchy is based on land holdings.

The king owns all the land and grants
“holdings” to nobles and knights in
exchange for military service.
Nobles and knights grant holdings to

farmers (also known as serfs) in exchange
for labor. The serfs are at the bottom of the
social hierarchy.
Caste System Social hierarchy based on inherited

membership in a caste (group). It is a fixed
system, meaning that people cannot move
between castes.
The caste defines a person’s occupation and

lifestyle. Caste systems include ideas of
purity and pollution where people of some
castes are considered “impure” in relation to
people of higher castes.
47
Social Description
Stratification
Classless Society An egalitarian society that has no social

hierarchy. Social harmony is valued above
wealth, power, and status.
Government and Politics

The type of government has a huge effect on a society and daily life.
Even a small government with few laws will impact daily life, as there
will be little law enforcement and a lack of investment in public
services and infrastructure.
When creating your fictional society’s government, keep in mind that

the form of government grows out of a society’s history.
The table below provides examples of government types.
Type of
Description
Government
Council of Elders Age is equated with wisdom, so a council of

elderly people govern the group. This type of
government is more common in tribes than
large societies.
Leadership by Right A person becomes group leader by defeating

of Combat the current leader in combat.
Theocracy The group is ruled by a religious leader who

claims to have a direct connection with one
or more deities.
48
Social Structure
Type of
Description
Government
Absolute Monarchy A monarch has absolute power that is not

limited by a constitution or by laws.
Constitutional A monarch’s power is limited by a

Monarchy constitution. Constitutional monarchies
often have elected parliaments and the
monarch’s role is ceremonial.
Social Anarchism The means of production are owned by all

(Anarcho-socialism) members of the society, and all
organizations are subject to democratic
control. This system emphasizes
cooperation.
Military Dictatorship Power rests exclusively with the military.

Like all dictatorships, it is an authoritarian
form of government where political dissent
is repressed.
Oligarchy Power rests with a small group of people,

distinguished by royalty, wealth, military
control, or corporate control.
Technocracy Power rests with the technical elite, such as

scientists and engineers. Leaders are chosen
based on skill in their field.
Direct Democracy All citizens debate and vote on legislation.

This is a slow process and it works best in
smaller groups.
49
Type of
Description
Government
Democratic Republic Citizens elect representatives, who develop

and vote on legislation on behalf of the
people.
Economy
How people obtain what they need is important in daily life and in
structuring a society. Economy includes currency, trade, farming,
manufacturing, division of labor, and black markets. In creating an
economy for your world, consider who controls the money and flow
of goods.
The table below provides examples of economic systems.
Type of Economy Description
Subsistence Economy A community produces only what they need to

survive.
Imperialist/Colonialism A system designed to funnel resources from the

colonies to the center of imperial power. It
usually leads to the exploitation of people in the
colonies in order to extract greater profit from
their labor.
Free Market Capitalism The government does not regulate business or

the economy. The economy is driven by supply
and demand. Few laws exist to protect workers
from exploitation.
50
Social Structure
Type of Economy Description
Communism All property is owned communally. Because

everyone shares everything, there are no rich or
poor. In practice, communism is difficult to
maintain, and it usually descends into an
oppressive system.
Socialism The government regulates business and the

economy. Sometimes the government controls
entire sectors of the economy with the profits
going to government coffers.
Corporatism Private corporations control governments that

they help put in power, or they completely
supplant the government. They take over
services the government used to provide, such
as education.
Legal System
The legal system is related to a society’s government and economy.
For example, a military dictatorship will have a very different legal
system than a direct democracy. The legal system in a corporatist
economy will have stronger punishments for theft than the legal
system in a socialist economy.
Societies have different ways of enforcing laws and of determining

guilt or innocence. This section provides examples of both.
The table below provides examples of legal enforcers.
51
Type of Enforcer Description
Watch People volunteer to stand watch over the

community and look out for trouble.
Secret Police An organization with the full backing and

resources of the government, but that acts
covertly and outside of the law.
Vigilante An individual or a group who carries out law

enforcement or punishment without legal
authority. Vigilantism arises when people
think the official legal system is inadequate.
Bounty Hunters People hired to pursue criminals and bring

them in for trial.
Police An organization with the backing and

resources of the government. Unlike secret
police, it is supposed to act within the law to
protect citizens.
The table below provides examples of trials.
Type of Trial Description
Trial by Jury A jury of the defendant’s peers hears

evidence and decides if the defendant is
innocent or guilty.
52
Social Structure
Type of Trial Description
Trial by Combat The defendant and their accuser engage in

single combat. If the defendant wins, they
are declared innocent. If the defendant loses,
they are declared guilty.
Trial by Ordeal The defendant is subjected to a painful ordeal,

such as walking through fire. If they survive,
they are declared innocent.
In some cases, such as the witch hunts in

Medieval Europe, if the defendant survived,
they were found guilty.
Bench Trial The trial is held before a judge who decides

on the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
Secret Trial Trials held in secret without the public

knowing about them. Oppressive regimes
often use secret trials to eliminate political
opponents.
Show Trial A highly public trial where the authorities

have already determined the guilt of the
defendant. Show trials are held for
propaganda purposes.
53
When designing your social structures, consider how elements such

as magic and technology affect them. For example, a police force
armed with nanobots will operate very differently than one armed
with pikes. A bench trial with telepathic judges is different from a
bench trial with priests as judges.
Ready to start designing your society? Check out the

54
Values and Ethics
This section discusses creating a culture for your fictional society

by focusing on values and ethics—the driving forces behind
people’s behavior.
Find the Designing Values and Ethics Worksheet on

page 186.
55
In the previous chapter, you designed your world’s society—the way

people organize themselves in groups. In this chapter, you’ll design
the society’s culture—the customs, values, and beliefs of a group.
The same culture can exist within different societies, and a society
can have more than one culture within it. Think of multicultural
societies where people from many backgrounds live together with the
same class system, government, legal system, and economy.
To complicate things, a society also has its own dominant, or

mainstream, culture and
minority subcultures.
Culture is a complex thing. To

make creating one easier, this
Worlds section focuses on values and
ethics as the defining elements
In Jacqueline Carey’s of a cultural group.
Kushiel’s Legacy series,
the core value of the
D'Angelines is “Love as Core Values
thou wilt.” Not every
group within the society Every culture has one or two
follows this value things that it values more than
perfectly, however. The anything else. In feudal Japan,
warrior-priests are it was honor. In Medieval
sworn to a lifetime of Europe, it was piety. In the
celibacy, and the United States, it’s wealth and
nobility is often personal freedom.
expected to marry for
political gain rather In deciding the core value of
than for love. your constructed culture, it’s
important to remember that
every culture and society has its
contradictions and conflicts.
56
Values and Ethics
For example, in Medieval Europe, piety was highly valued, but

corruption was rampant among the clergy and Church.
Furthermore, subgroups within a culture will interpret and express

the core values differently. For example, American liberals interpret
freedom as the government staying out of personal decisions but
regulating business and the economy. Conservatives interpret
freedom as few government regulations on business and the
economy, but more laws surrounding social matters like marriage
and reproductive health care.
Decide on the core value of your constructed culture—what most

members of the group will agree is of central importance. But
remember that no group is monolithic. Not everyone of the same
culture thinks the same. There are always contradictions and
different interpretations of the core value. The worksheets will help
you sort this out!
Keep in mind that the core value of a culture is related to social

structure. A theocracy will derive its core value from its religion; a
capitalist society is likely to value wealth.
Ethics
A culture’s ethics outlines what it considers appropriate behavior. It
addresses the big issues, such as right and wrong, and the small
issues, such as taboos and polite behavior.
A group’s ethics will be reflected in its laws, but ethics also include
the unwritten rules and moral codes that people are expected to
follow. For example, most people consider cheating on a spouse
unethical, but it’s not illegal in most Earth cultures.
57
Remember that no culture is

monolithic. Some people will
interpret the culture’s ethics
differently, and some will
Tip:
outright disagree with them.
When creating your
Think about how people react to
fictional culture’s
those who violate the group’s
ethics, “keep in mind
ethics in small ways (for
your social structure.
example, talking about sex in
In a society
polite company) and in big ways
dominated by the
(for example, abusing a child).
warrior there will
The worksheets will help you
always be a tendency
figure all this out.
toward a ‘might
makes right’ morality. To create values and
Worker societies are ethics for your fictional
more likely to be culture, see the worksheet
dominated by a on page 186.
strong work ethic.”
- Michael James
Liljenberg
58
Religion, Mythology, and Philosophy
Now, it’s time to get mystical.
Religion, mythology, and philosophy are lumped together because

they define a group or individual’s overarching worldview.
Find the Creating Religions, Mythologies, and

Philosophies Worksheet on page 197.
59
How People Make Sense of the

World
Every group has a collection of ideas and stories that they accept as
true and that they use to make sense of the world. Sometimes it’s
derived from religion or
mythology, and sometimes it is
derived from philosophy. In
many cases, it includes a bit of
all three.
Worlds
Remember that many societies
Bokononism is a have more than one religion,
fictional religion from mythology, and philosophy that
Kurt Vonnegut’s novel people believe in, even if it’s
Cat’s Cradle. just a small minority.
Bokononism states that
all its teachings are lies In choosing a religion,
(or forma—“harmless mythology, or philosophy for
untruths”). By believing your fictional society, think
in the religion’s forma, about how the society’s
you can achieve structure and values will affect
happiness and peace of their belief system and vice
mind. versa.
The table on the next page

provides examples of types of
religions.
60
Type Description
Monism There is a cosmic force that everything is one

with. It is not a god. The Force in Star Wars is
one example.
Pantheism There is a god, and everything is part of god.
Animism Everything in the world (even inanimate

objects) has a spirit. There is no hierarchy of
gods or spirits.
Polytheism Belief in many gods and goddesses, each

representing an aspect of the world that they
oversee and control.
Dualism The belief that there are two opposing forces of

light and darkness that are locked in a struggle
with each other.
Monotheism Belief in one god.
61
The following table provides a few examples of non-religious

philosophies.
Type Description
Atheism The belief that no deities exist. Some religions,

such as Buddhism, are atheist in that they do
not believe in any deities.
Agnosticism The existence or nonexistence of deities is

unknown. An agnostic neither believes nor
disbelieves in any god.
Naturalism Nothing exists beyond the physical world.
Secular The belief that people can be ethical and moral

Humanism without religion. Ideologies should be
examined rather than accepted on faith.
Epicureanism The greatest good is pleasure, which is gained

through simple living and knowledge.
62
The table below outlines the three main types of mythology.
Type Description
Aetiological (or These myths explain the reason why something

etiological) myths is the way it is. The reasons given are not the
true, scientific reasons.
For example, explaining thunder as Thor

pounding his hammer.
Historical myths These are stories about a historical event and

are similar to legends. They sacrifice accuracy
for meaning or to provide a lesson.
For example, The Iliad about the Trojan War.

While the war probably occurred, the famous
characters are likely myths.
Psychological These myths explain human emotion and

myths behavior. An emotion or action is explained as
divine intervention, such as attributing sexual
feelings to Aphrodite.
Start creating your own religion or philosophy with the

63
It’s time to become a historian. This chapter discusses creating a

history for your world. It also talks about legends and their role.
Find the Creating History Worksheet on page 211.
64
History
History makes your world feel more realistic and lived in.
Mentioning previous events gives readers the sense that there is

more to the world than what is on the page. You don’t need a long
and detailed history, but you should think about the events that
shaped the world in major
ways.
When crafting your world’s

history, remember that history
Tip: is written by the victors. Their
account of events will justify
“Your world has a
their actions while often
timeline too. The
ignoring other perspectives.
more you know about
Consider how history’s losers
it, the more fully-
also view the same historical
realized your world is
events. The truth will often be
going to be… It does
somewhere in between.
help to document a
few key ‘major’ Want to create history
events—things that for your world? Check
the people in your out the worksheet on
story will know about, page 211.
that will have had
some effect on the
events in the story.”
-C.L. Wilson
65
This blueprint focuses on the essential frameworks of your world, but

it is often the smaller details that make the world feel real to your
reader.
Go to page 221 for space to add your extra worldbuilding

details.
66
The Finer Details
Making a World
Feel Lived In
Tip:
So far, this guide has covered the
frameworks of your world. These
“The big things, the
are essential to worldbuilding
frameworks…are the
because they provide the context
bricks and mortar,
for your story and characters. A
the windows and
world’s frameworks are more
doors and load-
difficult to make up as you go
bearing walls. The
along because you run the risk
details, though, are
that major inconsistencies will
the pictures hanging
arise. For example, if your magic
on the walls…the way
system is a form of necromancy at
the corner of the sofa
the beginning of the story and
has toothmarks from
witchcraft by the end, you’ll have
a puppy that isn’t
to rework large sections of your
there anymore…The
plot.
details let you know
the house is lived in,
The details are essential to
making the world feel real and and not just a
showhome.”
lived in. They are easier to make
up as you go along. For example, -Alice Leiper
if the style of clothing changes
half-way through the story, it’s
much easier to fix.
The table on the next page

outlines some of the details to consider when creating your world.
Some of them might be essential to your plot rather than extra
details. If so, make sure to think about them before you start writing.
67
Art
Fashion
Architecture
Games and sports
Entertainment and holidays
Naming conventions and language (see page 231 for resources)
Page 221 includes space to add any further details so all

your worldbuilding notes are in one place.
68
69
Use this worksheet to create your planet and the star it orbits.
Enter the project name at the top of each page. The page numbers on
the bottom are blank so if you make photocopies, you can add your
own page numbers. For example, if you create three planets, you
might want to number the three worksheets consecutively, or you
might want to number each separately.
Find the chapter about stars and planets on page 5
70
Project Name:
Star
Star name or designation:
Star type:
Second star name or designation (if a binary system):
Star type:
Third star name or designation (if a triple star system):
Star type:
71
Project Name:
Planet
Planet name or designation:
Planet type:
Planet size and mass:
Distance from the star it orbits1:
Distance from second star (if applicable):
Distance from third star (if applicable):
1. If you don’t want to do the research and math to come

72 up with an exact number, then give a brief description.
Project Name:
Amount of light and heat the planet receives1:
73
Project Name:
Year length:
Day length:
Is the planet’s gravity:
Same as Earth’s ☐ Stronger than Earth’s ☐

Weaker than Earth’s ☐
If stronger or weaker than Earth’s gravity, by how

much:
74
Project Name:
Specify the tilt and describe the seasons (if applicable):
75
Project Name:
Describe the planet’s moons (if applicable). If your

planet is a moon, describe the planet it orbits:
76
This worksheet will help you create locations for your world.
Enter the project name at the top of each page. The page numbers on
the bottom are left blank so if you make photocopies, you can add
your own page numbers.
Find the chapter about geography and climate on page

16.
77
Project Name:
Location name:
Location type (for example, city, forest, desert, etc.)

and short description:
78
Project Name:
Where is the location geographically? For example, the

Farlan Mountains are on the western shore of the
Wayward Ocean, near the equator:
79
Project Name:
Describe the general climate and weather patterns of

the location:
80
Project Name:
Who lives in this location (people, animals, etc.)?
81
Project Name:
If this is a settlement, where do the food, water, and

electricity (if applicable) come from?
82
Project Name:
Are there other natural resources (metal, oil, stone,

gold, etc.) in the area? What effect does this have on
trade and war?
83
Project Name:
What is the location’s significance? What is its

meaning to the main character, historical significance,
or importance to the plot
84
This worksheet will help you create a fictional being, whether it be a
plant, animal, magical creature, or alien.
Depending on why you’re creating the being, you won’t need to know
all the details listed in this worksheet. For a background animal, its
appearance, environment, and basic behaviors are enough. For a
main character, you should fill in the entire worksheet.
Enter the project and fictional being's name at the top of each page.
The page numbers on the bottom are left blank so if you make
photocopies, you can add your own page numbers.
Find the chapter about species creation on page 20.
85
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Environment
Planet the being lives on:
Environment the being evolved in:
86
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Environment the fictional being currently lives in (if

different from above):
87
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Does the fictional being hibernate or migrate? Do they

have a range?
88
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
What type of shelter do they seek out or build?
89
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Respiration
Tubes ☐ Skin ☐ Gills ☐ Lungs ☐ Other ☐

If other, describe:
Number of gills or lungs (if applicable):
How often does the being breathe?
90
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Eating
What do they eat?
91
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
What eats them (if applicable)?
92
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
How does the fictional being consume their food?

For example, snakes swallow food whole, while
vampires suck blood.
93
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
How do they find and catch food? What equipment

(claws, venom, tools, etc.) do they use?
94
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
How much do they eat and how often?
95
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Body and Appearance
Warm blooded ☐ Cold blooded ☐
Exoskeleton ☐ Endoskeleton ☐ Other ☐

If other, describe:
How big are they?
96
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
How do they move (walk, crawl, slither, swim, fly,

etc.)?
97
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Describe their body shape and limbs (including

genitals, if relevant to your story):
98
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
How do they manipulate things in the environment?
99
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Describe their color and markings:
100
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Growth and Life Stages
How long do they live?
Describe their life stages. Do they grow gradually or

quickly through metamorphosis? What significant
changes do they go through? How long is their
childhood?
101
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Reproduction
How do they reproduce?
102
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
How many offspring do they typically have?
Who cares for the offspring and how much care do

they provide?
103
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Senses
Briefly describe each sense. How strong is each sense?

What kind of sense organs does the being have? Note:
They don’t have to have every sense.
Sight:
Hearing:
Taste:
104
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Smell:
Touch:
Other senses:
105
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Communication
How do they communicate?
106
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Social Group
Do they live alone or in groups?
If they live alone, how do individuals find mates (if

applicable)?
107
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
If they live in groups, describe the social group:
108
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Personality
Describe any traits and behaviors that are common to

all or most members of the species:
109
Project Name:
Fictional Being:
Other Behaviors
When do they sleep? For how long?
Are there any other details? Add them here:
110
Use this worksheet to design a magic system for your world and
determine the effects magic has on technology, society, and culture.
Enter the project name in the blank space at the top of each page.
The page numbers are left blank so if you make photocopies, you can
add your own page numbers.
Find the chapter about magic systems on page 29
111
Project Name:
The Magic System
Is this hard or soft magic? If it’s soft magic, you won’t

need as many details.
What’s the magic system’s theme? (ex. elemental,

health, etc.)
112
Project Name:
What is the source of magic?
113
Project Name:
How well do people understand magic and its source?
114
Project Name:
How is magic used?
115
Project Name:
Who can use magic, and why can they use it when
others can’t?
116
Project Name:
What can be done with magic?
117
Project Name:
What cannot be done with magic? What are its limits?
118
Project Name:
How does magic affect the user? Does it have any

negative effects? What is the cost of using magic?
119
Project Name:
Effects of Magic
How does society view magic and magic-users? Are

there laws regulating magic? Are magic users
politically powerful or are they outcasts?
120
Project Name:
What effect does magic have on technology?
121
Project Name:
What effect does magic have on science?
122
Project Name:
What effect does magic have on health care?
123
Project Name:
What effect does magic have on the legal system and

the government?
124
Project Name:
What effect does magic have on war?
125
Project Name:
What effect does magic have on the economy? Think

about how it affects food production, manufacturing,
trade, and natural resources.
126
Project Name:
What effect does magic have on art and literature?
127
Use this worksheet to outline how paranormal beings fit into your
urban fantasy world.
Find the chapter about urban fantasy and paranormal

romance on page 34.
128
Project Name:
List the paranormal beings that live in your world (ex.

werewolves, vampires, fairies, etc.):
129
Project Name:
For each type of paranormal, answer the questions

below:
Paranormal type (ex. vampire, ghost, etc.):
How do you become one of them (ex. birth, bit by a

vampire, etc.):
130
Project Name:
What abilities do they have (if they have magic, take a

look at the magic worksheet on page 111 as well):
131
Project Name:
What do humans know about them? Are they out to the

human world or hidden?
132
Project Name:
If they’re hidden, how do they remain undetected?
133
Project Name:
If they’re hidden, what unseen effects do they have on

the world?
134
Project Name:
If they’re out, how do humans react to them? How

has their presence changed the world?
135
Project Name:
How do they fit into the human world? Do they

have certain jobs? Live in certain areas?
136
Project Name:
Are human and paranormal relationships banned or

accepted? What do humans and paranormals think
about relationships between the two?
Each supernatural species will likely have its own

society and culture. Use the worksheets on pages 156
and 186 to design their social world.
137
Use this worksheet to outline what the people of your fictional world
know about science and how science and magic interact (if
applicable).
Find the chapter about science on page 37.
138
Project Name:
How much do scientists know about the laws of nature

and physics? Are some of the things they know wrong?
For example, Aristotle’s ideas about gravity were
wrong, but accepted for centuries.
139
Project Name:
Do the people of your fictional world have scientific

theories or fields that don’t exist in this world? What
are they?
140
Project Name:
If applicable, how do science and magic interact? Are

they separate? Do they overlap? For example, the
scientific study of magic.
141
Project Name:
Where is science and technology research done? Who

does it?
142
Project Name:
Is science valued or not? Are some fields valued more

than others? How does society view science and
those who use it?
143
In this worksheet, you’ll design the technology of your society. For
each area of technology provided, specify a recent important
advance. Describe how this technological advance affects daily life,
including how it interacts with magic (if applicable).
Not all these areas of technology may be relevant or applicable to

your story. Fill in only what you need.
Enter the project name in the blank space at each page. The page
numbers on the bottom are left blank so if you make photocopies,
you can add your own page numbers.
Find the chapter about technology on page 40.
144
Project Name:
Pick an era in human history that is comparable to the

technological level of your fictional society and give a
brief description of it (you’ll expand on this
description in the rest of the worksheet).
If technology in your world is far-advanced of anything

on Earth, then just write that down along with a
description.
145
Project Name:
Who has access to technology? Is it reserved for a

powerful elite? Does everyone have access? Are some
technologies reserved for the powerful while others
aren’t? What problems does this cause?
146
Project Name:
Travel
For example: teleportation, space travel, cars,

domestic animals, canoes.
Recent advance:
Effect:
147
Project Name:
Communication
For example: carrier pigeons, telegraphs, wireless,

braided ropes.
Recent advance:
Effect:
148
Project Name:
Warfare
For example: iron swords, longbows, nuclear weapons,

drones, lasers.
Recent advance:
Effect:
149
Project Name:
Farming and Food Production
For example: improved plough, genetic engineering,

lab-grown meat.
Recent advance:
Effect:
150
Project Name:
Medicine and Health Care
For example: antibiotics, vaccines, nanobots to heal

internal wounds.
Recent advance:
Effect:
151
Project Name:
Energy
For example: hydroelectricity, coal, oil, solar power,

nuclear fusion.
Recent advance:
Effect:
152
Project Name:
Computing
For example: abacus, pocket calculators, quantum

computers, AI.
Recent advance:
Effect:
153
Project Name:
Manufacturing
For example: pottery wheel, robots, 3D printers.
Recent advance:
Effect:
154
Project Name:
Other technologies
If you are using a type of technology that isn’t covered

above, add it here.
Recent advance:
Effect:
155
In this worksheet, you’ll design the large-scale structures of your
society from family to class, government, economy, and the legal
system.
The page numbers are left blank so if you make photocopies, you can
add your own page numbers.
Find the chapter about social structures on page 43.
156
Project Name:
Society or Country Name:
Society or country location:
Relationships
How many partners does someone typically have (ex.

monogamy, reverse harem, etc.)?
157
Project Name:
What does the society consider the ideal partner?
158
Project Name:
What does the society consider the ideal way to find a

partner (ex. fated mates, arranged marriage, chance
meetings, etc.)?
159
Project Name:
What is considered romantic? (ex. vampires might find

sharing blood romantic. Werewolves might use biting).
160
Project Name:
Family and Gender
Describe the ideal family structure in the society. Note:

not all families will conform to the ideal structure:
161
Project Name:
What are the advantages and disadvantages to living in

this type of family?
162
Project Name:
What other types of families exist? What are their

advantages and disadvantages? Do people discriminate
against those in non-ideal families?
163
Project Name:
Are there gender roles? What are they within the

family and outside of the family (if there is a
difference)?
164
Project Name:
Social Stratification
What is the social hierarchy or class system based on?

If there isn’t one and everyone is equal, how is that
achieved?
165
Project Name:
Who is on the bottom and who is on the top of the

social hierarchy? If you have many levels, map them
out.
166
Project Name:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being at

the top of the social hierarchy?
167
Project Name:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being at

the bottom of the hierarchy?
168
Project Name:
Is there social mobility? If so, how do you move up (or

down) the social ladder? How hard is it?
169
Project Name:
Government and Politics
What form of government does the society have?
170
Project Name:
Who are the key political players? If politics isn’t

important to your story, then just specify who holds
political power. If politics is important, go into more
detail:
171
Project Name:
What services does the government provide the

people? What services does the government not
provide? How does this affect daily life?
172
Project Name:
Does the government discriminate against a group? Is

there a group that has fewer legal rights and
protections than other groups? What effect does this
have?
173
Project Name:
Politics involves a lot of behind-the-scenes

machinations that the public never knows the full truth
about.
What does the public know about politics in this

society?
174
Project Name:
What does the public not know about politics in this

society? What is really going on? What are the
underlying power struggles? Who knows the full truth
about it? (This is not necessary to know if politics isn’t
a big part of your story):
175
Project Name:
Economy
What is the overall economic structure (communism,

capitalism, etc.)?
How do people buy and sell items and services (barter,

coins, credit, etc.):
176
Project Name:
What are the major industries in this society?
177
Project Name:
How are necessities of life (food, energy, clothes, etc.)

produced? Who produces them?
178
Project Name:
In general, what are the common ways of making a

living?
179
Project Name:
Who are the wealthy? Who controls the money? Why

do they have control over most of the money and
economy? What do they do with this power?
180
Project Name:
Legal System
Does the society have many laws (think, Nineteen

Eighty-Four) or very few laws?
What are some of the most important laws? Are there

any laws that will affect your characters or play a part
in the plot?
181
Project Name:
How are laws enforced? Who does the enforcing?
182
Project Name:
How are people convicted of a crime?
183
Project Name:
How are convicted people punished? Does it depend on

the crime?
184
Project Name:
Consider how magic and technology affect the legal

system. For example, if there are telepaths or mind-
reading devices, are they used to determine if someone
is guilty?
185
This worksheet will help you create the values and ethics of your
fictional culture.
Find the chapter about cultural values and ethics on

page 55.
186
Project Name:
Society, Country, or Group Name:
Core Value
What is the culture’s core value, the one thing it

considers most important?
187
Project Name:
What is the contradiction? What common behavior or

belief contradicts the core value? (See page 56 for a
full explanation)
188
Project Name:
How is this value expressed by the mainstream of the

culture?
189
Project Name:
How do subcultures outside the mainstream express

the value? Do they have different values altogether?
190
Project Name:
What effect does the value have on individuals and on

daily life? How does it play out in everyday life?
191
Project Name:
Ethics
How does the culture define right and wrong? What is

considered immoral or moral by most people who live
in this world?
192
Project Name:
What is taboo? What things are considered shocking in

your fictional culture? What is not talked about?
193
Project Name:
What happens if someone behaves in a taboo way or

talks about a taboo subject? How do ordinary people
react?
194
Project Name:
What does this culture consider normal and acceptable

that outsiders might find strange or unacceptable?
195
Project Name:
What does the culture consider polite behavior? What

does it consider rude?
196
In this worksheet, you’ll design a religion, mythology, or a
philosophy. If your fictional society has more than one religion,
mythology, or philosophy, fill out a worksheet for each one.
Enter the project and religion, mythology, or philosophy name at the

top of each page. The page numbers on the bottom are left blank so if
you make photocopies, you can add your own page numbers.
Find the chapter about religion, mythology and

philosophy on page 59.
197
Project Name:
Religion, Mythology, or Philosophy Name:
Type of religion, myth, or philosophy:
Describe one or two core beliefs:
198
Project Name:
How does the belief system explain the existence of

evil?
199
Project Name:
What is the religion, mythology, or philosophy’s beliefs

about life and death?
200
Project Name:
Does the religion or mythology believe in any deities,

cosmic forces, spirits, or higher powers? Describe any
supernatural beings they believe in. Do they take an
active role in the lives of mortals?
201
Project Name:
What does the average person think about the gods,

spirits, cosmic force, etc.?
202
Project Name:
Are there priests or philosophers? Who are they? How

do you become one? Is there a hierarchy among them
or an institution they belong to?
203
Project Name:
What services do the clergy or philosophers provide?
204
Project Name:
What do people think about the priests or

philosophers?
205
Project Name:
Does the religion, mythology or philosophy have

prophets, founders, or other key figures? Who are
they?
206
Project Name:
How does the religion, mythology, or philosophy fit

into society? Is it viewed positively or negatively? Is
there a state church or freedom of religion?
207
Project Name:
How is the religion, mythology, or philosophy

expressed culturally (for example, holidays, building
large temples, rituals, etc.)?
208
Project Name:
How is the religion, mythology, or philosophy

expressed personally (for example, praying, setting up
a shrine in the home, reading texts, etc.)?
209
Project Name:
What stories are important to the belief system? For

example, creation stories, parables, and thought
experiments. Even non-religious philosophies have
stories that help explain their beliefs.
210
This worksheet provides space to create a brief history for your
world.
Find the chapter about history on page 64.
211
Project Name:
History is written by the victors. Describe a historical

event from the point of view of the people who
benefited from it:
212
Project Name:
What do other groups think about this event? How do

they describe it?
213
Project Name:
How did this event change things in the world?
214
Project Name:
History is written by the victors. Describe another

historical event from the point of view of the people
who benefited from it:
215
Project Name:

they describe it?
216
Project Name:
217
Project Name:
History is written by the victors. Describe a third

historical event from the point of view of the people
who benefited from it:
218
Project Name:

they describe it?
219
Project Name:
220
Any other details you want to include in your worldbuilding? Add
them here so everything is in one organized spot.
See page 66 for explanation.
221
Project Name:
222
Project Name:
223
Project Name:
224
Project Name:
225
226
Appendix A: Resources
Included in this appendix are all the sources used to create this
guide, as well as resources that provide more information.
General Resources
Ahmed, Saladin
At Home In Fantasy’s Nerd-Built Worlds
npr.org/2013/01/06/168631403/at-home-in-fantasys-nerd-
built-worlds
Anders, Charlie Jane

7 Deadly Sins of Worldbuilding
io9.com/7-deadly-sins-of-worldbuilding-998817537
Hardy, Darrell
Five Classic World-Building Mistakes
darrellhardy.com/archives/five-classic-world-building-
mistakes
Landsborough, D. William
Hard and Soft Magic
www.dlandsborough.com/blog/2017/3/21/hard-soft-magic
Leiper, Alice
Adding Depth to a Fantasy World
mythicscribes.com/world-building/adding-depth-to-a-
fantasy-world
227
Mellenthin, Jessica and Susan O. Shapiro

Mythology Unbound: An Online Textbook for Classical
Mythology
press.rebus.community/mythologyunbound/chapter/three-
types-of-myth/
Mythic Scribes
The Mythic Scribes site includes a ton of great articles by
many different writers.
mythicscribes.com
Newitz, Annalee
The Rules of Quick and Dirty Worldbuilding
io9.com/5039477/the-rules-of-quick-and-dirty-
worldbuilding
Ochoa, George and Jeffrey Osier

The Writer’s Guide to Creating a Science Fiction Universe
Writer’s Digest Books, 1993
Roy, Georgina
A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Urban Fantasy
writingtipsoasis.com/beginners-guide-to-writing-urban-
fantasy/
Sanderson, Brandon (via The Copper Mind)

Laws of Magic
coppermind.net/wiki/Sanderson%27s_Laws_of_Magic
Silverstein, Janna
Kobold Guide to Worldbuilding
Open Design LLC, 2012
228
Wilson, C.L.
Wilson has a series of excellent blog posts about
worldbuilding, covering topics such as choosing a planet,
warfare, magic, government, and history.
clwilson.com/category/world-building-101/
The World Building School

worldbuildingschool.com
Worksheets and Checklists

Liljenberg, Michael James
Creating Fantasy and Science Fiction Worlds
Archived at:
webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150110001859/http://www.elfwoo
d.com/tutorial/c9416faa-ad87-5049-db0b-
228d6f80c922/creating-fantasy-and-science-fiction-worlds
Lisle, Holly
Create A Culture Clinic
OneMoreWord Books, 2010
Lo, Malinda
Five Foundations of World-building
www.malindalo.com/blog/2012/10/five-foundations-of-
world-building
Neitherworld Stories
Culture-making checklist
neitherworldstories.blogspot.ca/2007/02/culture-making-
checklist.html
229
Wrede, Patricia C.
Worldbuilder Questions
larseighner.com/world_builder/index.html
Maps
Cartographer’s Guild
cartographersguild.com
Fantastic Maps
This site has many wonderful tutorials on mapmaking. I’m
only including two links, but the whole site is worth checking
out.
How to design a town

fantasticmaps.com/2013/03/how-to-design-a-town
Worldbuilding By Map
fantasticmaps.com/2013/05/worldbuilding-by-map
Old Maps Online

oldmapsonline.org
230
Languages and Names

Ancient Scripts
Provides inspiration for creating a language.
ancientscripts.com
Behind the Name

An excellent resource for names from around the world.
behindthename.com
Rosenfelder, Mark
The Language Construction Kit
zompist.com/kit.html
Alien Planets and Species

Gillett, Stephen
World-Building
F+W Media, Inc, 1996
The Habitability Index

hzgallery.org/
Schmidt, Stanley
Aliens and Alien Societies
Writer's Digest Books, 1996
Revis, Beth
Three Tips For Creating a Brand New Alien Planet from
Scratch
io9.com/5976266/three-tips-for-creating-a-brand-new-alien-
planet-from-scratch
231
History
Grun, Bernard and Eva Simpson
The Timetables of History: A Horizontal Linkage of People
and Events
Touchstone, 2005
Smithsonian
Timelines of History
DK Publishing, 2011
Timeline Generator
Great starting point if you’re stuck
fantasist.net/timeline.shtml
232
Appendix B: Tools
This appendix provides useful tools for worldbuilding and writing

projects.
Writing a Novel
yWriter
Free novel-writing software for Windows.
spacejock.com/yWriter6.html
Scrivener
Novel-writing software for Windows and Macs.
literatureandlatte.com
Mapping
WonderDraft
www.wonderdraft.net/
World Anvil
www.worldanvil.com/
Inkarnate
inkarnate.com/
WorldSpinner
ui2.worldspinner.com/
233
Scribe Forge started as a group of professional authors from sci-fi,

fantasy, and paranormal romance. We soon realized that many
authors could benefit from having a simple and comprehensive
method of worldbuilding.
However, most writers are already overworked and overwhelmed --

they don't have the time and energy it takes to search for multiple
books and worksheets to find what really works.
Scribe Forge has collaborated with authors to create a set of

worldbuilding worksheets for crafting binge-worthy worlds without
wasting time on unnecessary details.
It is our hope that you will use this guide to strengthen your writing
craft, start writing faster, and delight your readers.
234

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How to Use This Guide .................................................................... 1

Creating Religions, Mythologies and Philosophies Worksheet .... 197

Welcome to The Essential Worldbuilding Blueprint! This guide will

Part 1 provides information and guidelines about different areas of

Part 2 provides worksheets to help you build your fictional world. To

To make your world believable, set limitations on it (this guide

Anchor your world in something familiar. It makes your

Remember to consider both the good and the bad of your

Remember that all parts of a world are interconnected. For

Start with a character: Once you have a character, create the

Find the Designing Stars and Planets Worksheet on

• The habitable zone (the Worlds

Unlike our sun, many stars

the stars. On a planet that orbits a star in a binary or triple system,

The table below provides an overview of the different star types.

O Super-hot stars that are blue Type O stars are short-lived

If one did, it would have to

A Type A stars range from a If our sun were a Type A star,

F Type F stars are slightly Earth-like life could evolve on

G Our sun is a Type G star. G stars are good candidates

M Type M stars are small, cool, M stars are long-lived, which

D The D stands for degenerate White dwarfs are the cores of

Neutron Neutron stars are created by Neutron stars are unlikely to

Planets and Moons

Type Description Habitability

Type Description Habitability

Terrestrial Terrestrial planets are Terrestrials are more

Moons Moons orbit planets Some of the moons of gas

These moons are ideal

Things to Consider When

Rotation and day length: Massive planets have faster

Things like day length also

Moons are also culturally important; think of the significance the

For worldbuilding, the moons—or lack of moons—in the sky is a good

If you’re ready to create your own star and planet, use

This chapter discusses designing a world’s geography and climate. If

Find the Designing a Location Worksheet on page 77.

In designing a location, consider geography and climate. One affects

in its environmental niche. Unless a sudden environmental change

Designing a Location Worksheet on page 77 will help

Find the Creating a Species Worksheet on page 85.

The amount of detail you need about a fictional being depends on

If you’re designing paranormal beings or aliens who will be the main

When figuring out a being’s physical form and instinctive behaviors,

If the fictional being lives in a different environment than they

Food and Eating

For example, a species skilled at

Cold-blooded animals need an external source of heat. Because they

Decide if the fictional being has

Hearing: Consider the range of frequencies they can hear. How

Taste: How sensitive is their sense of taste? What information can

Smell: How sensitive is their sense of smell and what information

Touch: Do they experience touch through skin, antennae, whiskers,

Location: Decide on the location of the fictional being’s brain,

Personality and Psychology