147 world building questions

World building can be a challenging and daunting task. It usually starts with a kernel of an idea you build out from, but it can sometimes be hard to know what bit to flesh out next. We’ve compiled 147 questions to help inspire you.

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Written by: Mark Williams-Cook

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Unfurled on a wooden table is an intricately detailed fantasy map, styled in a manner reminiscent of old cartographic designs. The parchment features stylized drawings of mountain ranges, landmasses, and ornate embellishments around the edges, with a prominent compass rose glowing luminously. The map is surrounded by what appears to be the dark wood grain of a tabletop and the handles of tools or weapons, suggesting a planning or strategy session for an adventure. The lighting is moody, highlighting the map's details and the golden hues of the paper.

 

General

  1. What is the overall history of the world? How did it come to be?
  2. What are the different regions and locations in the world?
  3. What is the current state of the world? Is it in a time of peace or turmoil?
  4. What are the major religions and belief systems in the world?
  5. Are there any magical or supernatural elements in the world?
  6. What are the major conflicts in the world?
  7. What is the political structure of the world?
  8. What is the population of the world?
  9. What are the different ethnicities and cultures in the world?
  10. What is the age and gender distribution of the population?
  11. Where do most people live?
  12. Are the populated areas urban, rural, above ground, below ground?

Environment & Climate

  1. What is the overall state of the environment and ecology in the world?
  2. What are the different types of terrain and ecosystems in the world?
  3. Are there any particularly dangerous or unique geographical features?
  4. Are there any endangered or unique species in the world?
  5. What is the climate like in different regions?
  6. What are the different laws and regulations related to the environment and ecology?
  7. Are there any natural resources that are particularly valuable or scarce?
  8. What does the sky look like?
  9. How long are the days and nights?
  10. How much does the temperature change during the days and seasons?
  11. How many suns and moons are there?
  12. Is the climate stable or changeable?
  13. What are the seasons and how many are there?

Flora and Fauna

  1. Is there wildlife?
  2. Is any of the wildlife dangerous?
  3. Has any of the wildlife been domesticated?

Government & Politics

  1. What is the form of government in the world?
  2. What are the different branches and levels of government?
  3. Who are the major political players in the world?
  4. Are there any ongoing political issues or conflicts?
  5. Do people live in order, chaos, happiness or fear?

Laws & Customs

  1. What are the different laws and customs in different regions?
  2. What are the different cultures and societies in the world?
  3. What are the different laws and legal systems in the world?
  4. What is the law enforcement structure in the world?
  5. What are the different criminal organisations in the world?
  6. Are there any unique or notable prison or punishment systems?
  7. Are there any particular things that are legal or illegal?
  8. What are funerals like?
  9. What are weddings (or equivalent) like?

People & Culture

  1. What are the different languages spoken in the world?
  2. What are the different races or species in the world?
  3. What are the different social hierarchies in the world?
  4. What are the major cultural groups in the world?
  5. What are the major holidays and celebrations in the world?
  6. What are the different customs and traditions in different regions?
  7. Is it a matriarchy, patriarchy, or something else?
  8. What is social mobility like?
  9. Is there a class system?
  10. Is there slavery?
  11. What is a gesture or respect?
  12. What is considered rude?
  13. How do they swear or curse?
  14. What is taboo to discuss?

Religion

  1. Is there a God or Gods?
  2. Is there more than one religion?
  3. How do people practise their relgion?
  4. Do people make sacrifices to Gods or for their religion?
  5. Is religion accessible to all?
  6. What are common superstitions?

Work & Entertainment

  1. What are the different classes or professions in the world?
  2. Are there any laws or customs related to entertainment?
  3. What are the major forms of entertainment in the world?
  4. Are there any unique or traditional forms of entertainment in different regions?
  5. Are there any notable performers or entertainers in the world?

Science & Technology

  1. What is the level of technology in the world?
  2. Are there any particularly advanced or unique technologies?
  3. Are there any limitations on the use of technology?
  4. How does technology impact the way people live and work?
  5. What are the major fields of science and technology in the world?
  6. What are the different laws and regulations related to science and technology?
  7. Are there any notable scientists or inventors in the world?
  8. How does science and technology impact society?

Agriculture

  1. What are the major crops and livestock in the world?
  2. What are the different farming techniques and methods in the world?
  3. Are there any notable farmers or agricultural organisations in the world?
  4. What are the different laws and regulations related to agriculture?

Economy

  1. What is the overall state of the economy in the world?
  2. What are the major industries in the world?
  3. What is the currency and trade system in the world?
  4. Are there any issues or conflicts related to the economy?
  5. What are highly paid jobs?
  6. What are lowly paid jobs?
  7. What are the most common jobs?
  8. How much unemployment is there?

Military

  1. What is the military structure of the world?
  2. Who are the major military powers in the world?
  3. Are there any ongoing military conflicts or issues?
  4. What are the different laws and customs related to war and combat?

Health

  1. What is the state of healthcare in the world?
  2. Are there any common diseases or health issues in the world?
  3. What are the different beliefs and practices related to health and medicine?
  4. Are there any unique or advanced medical treatments?

Food & Drink

  1. What are the staple foods and drinks in the world?
  2. Are there any unique or traditional dishes in different regions?
  3. What are the different dietary restrictions or beliefs in the world?
  4. Are there any notable chefs or food connoisseurs in the world?
  5. What tools and utensils do people use to it?
  6. Where do they get food and drink from?
  7. Is water generally easily avaialble to everyone?
  8. What are celebratory foods?
  9. What foods are usually gifted?
  10. What food is cheap?
  11. What food is luxurious and expensive?

History

  1. What are the major historical events in the world?
  2. Who are the major historical figures in the world?
  3. Are there any notable historical sites or landmarks?
  4. What are the different historical periods in the world?

Magic

  1. What is the source of magic in the world?
  2. What are the different types of magic in the world?
  3. How is magic perceived by society?
  4. Are there any laws or restrictions related to magic?
  5. How does using magic affect the wielder?
  6. Is magic learned and practised or natural and innate?
  7. Do you need to use any tools or technology to wield magic?
  8. What does magic allow people to do?

Transportation

  1. What are the major forms of transportation in the world?
  2. Are there any unique or advanced forms of transportation?
  3. What are the different laws and regulations related to transportation?
  4. How does transportation impact the economy and society?

Education

  1. What is the state of education in the world?
  2. Is there a written language?
  3. What are the different types of schools and educational systems in the world?
  4. Are there any notable universities or educational institutions in the world?
  5. What are the different laws and regulations related to education?

Art and Literature

  1. What are the major forms of art and literature in the world?
  2. Are there any unique or traditional forms of art and literature in different regions?
  3. Who are the notable artists and writers in the world?
  4. What are the different laws and customs related to art and literature?
  5. What do people consider fashion and fashionable?

Architecture

  1. What are the different architectural styles in the world?
  2. Are there any notable buildings or architectural landmarks in the world?
  3. Where do cities exist?
  4. How do buildings interact with the environment? Underwater, underground, flying?

Commerce & Trade

  1. What are the major industries and trade in the world?
  2. Are there any notable merchants or trade organisations in the world?
  3. What are the different laws and regulations related to commerce and trade?
  4. How does commerce and trade impact the economy and society?
  5. Is there a currency or barter system?
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About Mark Williams-Cook

First introduced to D&D by the cRPG Baldur's Gate after borrowing it from a friend in 1998, Mark is currently experiencing repeated bouts of unconsciousness trying to take his melee Wizard through a 5e campaign.

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