The Sci-Fi Starter Kit

What is the Inciting Incident?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

What are the stakes?

What does the protagonist stand to lose or gain?

How does it disrupt the status quo?

Write the worst-case scenario of what would take place if your protagonist does nothing.

How does your protagonist react?

Compare and contrast their reactions after 5 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 week.

What dramatic question does this incident raise?

Complete this sentence: "Will [protagonist] be able to [central goal] before [stakes/consequence]?"

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is Plot Point One?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

Who is involved?

Consider antagonists, allies, mentors, and bystanders.

What is the state of the central conflict right now?

Consider your protagonist's inner "Should I go or should I not go?" debate in particular. How does it play out?

How do the stakes rise?

What new obstacles or threats might this plot point introduce?

Why is this moment inevitable?

Trace the line backwards from this moment to the very first page of your novel.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

Who are the key players in this stage?

Write a brief status report on each key character at the start of this stage — where they stand, what they want, and what they're not saying.

What is the central conflict of this stage?

What goal is your protagonist pursuing now, and what is standing in their way?

How do the complications escalate?

What does your protagonist try, and what do they get wrong? List them in order.

How does your protagonist change in this stage?

Write a conversation between your protagonist at the start of this stage and your protagonist at the end of it.

What is the state of play by the end of this stage?

Write a newspaper headline and opening paragraph reporting on the situation.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is the Midpoint?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

How does the story shift from this moment on?

Consider plot, tone, relationships, and momentum. What has the Midpoint rearranged, and what can no longer be the same?

How does your protagonist change?

What does your protagonist now understand that they didn't before, and what are they still getting wrong?

How is your protagonist doing mentally?

Perform a mental health check-in for your protagonist at this exact moment. Bonus: write it as a doctor's note.

How does the Midpoint escalate the central conflict?

Write the worst-case scenario that is now possible because of the Midpoint.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is the All is Lost moment?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

Who or what is responsible?

Write the scene from another character's point of view.

How did your protagonist get from the Midpoint to here?

List the dominoes in order.

What are the consequences?

Think immediate consequences, but also ripple effects in a year, two years, a decade.

Why does this moment break your protagonist?

And what does it force your protagonist to confront?

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is your protagonist's Dark Night of the Soul?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

Who is your protagonist at this moment?

How different is this person from the protagonist we met in the Exposition?

What is closing in if your protagonist doesn't act?

Write the worst-case scenario if your protagonist stays where they are.

What does your protagonist believe now?

Write a letter your protagonist would write to their earlier self.

What does your protagonist decide at the end of this beat?

How did they arrive at that decision?

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What is the Climax?

Describe it in one sentence, as if writing a telegram.

What are the stakes?

Think personal, relational, and thematic.

Who are the key players?

Write another brief status report on them now — where they stand, what they want, and what they're willing to do to get it.

Who does your protagonist become in this moment?

Consider a single action, word, or gesture in the Climax that only your protagonist in their present version could carry out.

How is the dramatic question answered?

Hint: Go back to what you wrote for "What dramatic question does this incident raise?" in your Inciting Incident template.

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does this beat open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors does it close for good?

What does the world resemble post-Climax?

Consider the physical, social, and psychological landscape.

What still needs to be resolved?

Write a list of every promise your novel has made to the reader, and check them off. Which ones are still outstanding?

What is your protagonist's new normal?

Consider their daily life, relationships, and sense of self.

How is the theme resolved or restated?

Think about the central argument your novel has been making from the first page.

What is the final image or impression you leave the reader with?

Is there one that portrays the story's entire journey?

What is now possible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors remain open?

What is now impossible?

Consider the plot, characters, relationships, etc. What doors remain closed?

The story is complete!

Go back to the very first beat and read it alongside your Denouement. Does your ending deliver what your opening promised?

What do they look like?

Describe them as seen by a stranger in one quick glance.

What do they sound like?

Describe them as heard by a stranger in one quick glance.

What first impression does their appearance give?

Is it correct or not?

What is their signature or preferred outfit?

How does it reflect their personality? Think colors, cuts, fabrics, etc.?

What are their signature accesories?

Think glasses, canes, pipes, necklaces, etc.? How do their accessories reveal taste, personality, or status?

What is their typical speaking style?

E.g., crisp and formal, fast and excitable, slow with deliberate pauses, etc.?

What gestures or habits reveal who they are?

What mannerisms might signal their role as a mentor, rival, comic relief, etc. to the reader?

What is their favorite...

Curse word? Catchphrase? Quote?

What is their sense of humor like?

Write out a joke they would tell or a situation they'd find funny.

What are their defining personality traits?

How does it compare and contrast with the protagonist?

What is their biggest goal or ambition?

How does it relate to the protagonist's journey or growth?

What drives them?

And what belief guides their choices? What personal stake keeps them connected to the plot?

What are their strengths?

And what does it bring to the story or the protagonist? How might it affect the course of the story?

What are their weaknesses?

How does it complicate the storyline, if at all? Think friction, plot twists, etc.?

What skills, talents, or powers do they possess?

How does it impact the protagonist or the story?

How would the story change significantly if they were removed?

Would it create any plotholes?

What early experience most defines who they are now?

Why is that?

Who are the people who matter most to them?

And does that impact their relationship to the protagonist at all?

What is their relationship to the protagonist?

How do they support or challenge the protagonist, particularly when it comes to their growth?

What do they value most in a friendship?

And what do they bring to a friendship?

What role do they play within their family or closest circle?

And is it the same role they play within the story itself?

Put it all together now.

Given everything that you've developed about their life, relationships, and goals, write a summary of the supporting character's journey: their impact on the protagonist's arc and their own before-and-after in the story.

What is the general shape and size of the continent?

Compare it to the others in your world.

What major landforms define its landscape?

Think mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, plains, plateaus, canyons, etc.

How does the north, south, east, and west differ?

Consider climate zones, vegetation, resources, etc.

What natural divisions break the land into regions?

Describe a traveler’s journal comparing two very different regions of the continent.

Which regions are most fertile or habitable?

What makes them valuable or contested?

What places remain unexplored or unmapped?

Why?

How has topography shaped migration and settlement?

Which areas are easiest or hardest to reach?

What is the continent's general climate like?

How would outsiders stereotype its overall climate?

What climate zones span the continent?

Consider how heat, rainfall, or altitude shape different regions.

What are the continent’s seasons like?

And does it differ across the continent?

What major weather systems define the continent?

Consider monsoons, hurricanes, dry and wet seasons, etc.

How do myths or religions explain the weather?

For instance, do people see storms as omens?

How does the climate interact with its people?

Consider whether it creates migrations, wars, collapses of empires, etc.

What types of ecosystems exist across the continent?

Are any famous or iconic?

How diverse is the continent’s plant and animal life?

Which regions teem with life, and which are barren or dangerous?

What keystone species define each biome?

Think of creatures or plants that balance or dominate the food chain.

What natural resources are most abundant on this continent?

Conversely, which are scarce or highly valued?

What environmental conflicts exist?

Think overhunting, pollution, resource wars, etc.?

How fragile is the balance between civilization and wilderness?

E.g., is nature retreating, reclaiming, or coexisting?

How do its people describe themselves in relation to the natural world?

E.g., stewards, conquerors, etc.?

How old is the continent?

And how far back does recorded history go?

Who were the earliest known civilizations?

How did they emerge? What traces remain of them?

What are the key events that shaped the continent?

Think wars, conquests, plagues, major societal shifts, etc.

How did borders and nations form over time?

How did they change?

How did the population grow over time?

Consider what impacted it, e.g. famine, war, migration, exploration, climate change, etc.

What periods are considered "golden ages" of prosperity, enlightenment, or peace?

What paved the road to their downfall? How are these eras remembered now?

What is the current state of peace or conflict?

Are there ongoing wars or tensions?

Who inhabits this continent today?

How are its people distributed?

What range of civilizations or nations exist on the continent?

Consider what form they take in each region, e.g. city-states, nomadic tribes, federations, etc.

What are the dominant...

Languages? Religions? Traditions?

What shared cultural traits or common values exist across the continent?

Conversely, what divides them?

How do its people see one another?

How strong or fragile are these relationships across regions?

How do people see themselves in relation to their continent?

What continental identity, pride, etc. exist?

How are outsiders or foreigners treated?

And how is this continent stereotyped elseewhere in turn?

How is political power distributed across the continent?

Consider empires, federations, independent states, or alliances. Has the balance of power shifted in recent centuries?

How do nations maintain or challenge balance of power?

E.g., through war, diplomacy, marriage, trade, manipulation, etc.?

How do nations or city-states interact with one another?

Consider alliances, rivalries, colonization, isolation, etc.

How is the continent politically divided?

Describe the continent's political map.

Who are the traditional allies of this continent?

Why? Consider trade, religion, defense, family ties, etc.

Who are its enemies?

Why?

What trade systems are used in this continent?

Write a scene from a marketplace where two merchants struggle to agree on terms of exchange.

What role has this continent played in global history?

How might other continents see it differently?

What famous figures are tied to its identity?

Do they represent the continent’s ideals or its tragedies?

What ideas or discoveries from this continent changed the world forever?

Consider magic, philosophies, inventions, etc.

How do stereotypes about its people shape its reputation?

How grounded is the stereotype in reality?

How do myths and legends interpret the continent as a whole?

For instance, is it said to be the center of the universe?

What role does the continent currently play in shaping global balance?

For instance, is it a dominant power, struggling underdog, cultural beacon, neutral mediator, etc.?

How is the continent spoken of today?

Do insiders’ views clash with outsiders’ impressions?

What natural borders separate the nation from its neighbors?

How effective are they?

What are the most significant mountains, valleys, or plains?

What roles do they play?

What are the major cities in this country?

What unique character or specialty does each city have?

Which regions are most heavily populated, and why have they developed there?

Conversely, which parts of the country are hardest to govern or control due to geography?

What remote or uninhabited areas exist?

What keeps people away?

How does the terrain inform the country's policy-making?

For instance, does it impact methods of transportation, communication, military strategies, etc?

How does the terrain shape regional identities within the nation?

How do mountains, coasts, or deserts create distinct cultures? How do people describe themselves by region?

In what ways would outsiders describe or stereotype the country's landscape?

How does the country’s own self-image differ from outside views?

What is the general climate like?

How does it vary across regions?

How are the seasons defined?

Write a local's journal noting seasonal changes.

What weather patterns or cycles are seen throughout the year?

Think monsoons, droughts, frequent storms, etc.?

How does weather dictate daily life?

For instance, does it impact travel, warfare, migration, farming, rituals, etc.?

What superstitions or religious beliefs connect to the weather?

How do these beliefs affect everyday decisions?

How do travelers from other regions perceive and adapt to the climate here?

How do merchants or pilgrims prepare before arriving?

What ecosystems define the country?

Think forests, deserts, tundra, reefs, etc.?

Which natural resources sustain the economy?

When are they scarce, and what are the consequences?

Which animals are most iconic or culturally significant in this country?

What is the food chain like, e.g. apex predators, keystone species, scavengers, etc.?

What types of plants grow here?

Are there crops unique to the country that support civilizations?

How do flora and fauna interact with society?

Think cuisine, medicine, trade goods, etc. How do seasonal changes impact availability?

How fragile is the balance of nature in this country?

Could one invasive species or climate shift collapse it?

What origin myths or founding stories define the nation’s identity?

How do regional versions of the myth differ?

Which historical events are widely known as turning points in the country's timeline?

Think dynasties or rulers that have risen and fallen, wars that carved the nation's current borders, revolutions that reshaped society, etc.

Which figures are national heroes?

Which are vilified?

How do different regions interpret the nation's history differently?

And how do citizens learn about their history?

Which "golden ages" or high points exist in the country's history?

And which “dark ages” or collapses nearly destroyed the country?

What is the current state of peace or conflict?

Are there ongoing wars or tensions?

How do foreigners remember or misremember the nation’s past?

Why?

What are the major ethnic, cultural, or social groups within the country?

How do they interact?

Which languages are spoken?

And what role do dialects play?

What are the primary social classes?

How rigid or flexible is social mobility?

What are common occupations?

And how do people typically make a living?

What values or virtues are seen as most admirable?

And which insults, gestures, or breaches of etiquette most offend?

What counts as entertainment and art?

How do music, theater, or games reveal cultural values?

What sows division in this country?

Conversely, what unifies?

How do people see themselves in relation to their country?

What national identity, pride, or divisions exist?

What form of government rules the country?

How does it approach crime, justice, and punishment? Is there a formal constitution, set of laws, or is it all custom and precedent?

What political factions compete for power?

Has the balance of power shifted in recent centuries? Who holds it now?

How does the country's political landscape affect the common people?

Show a street-level perspective of a major political event.

What is this country's role in the overall politics of the continent?

How do other countries perceive it? How do alliances or rivalries define foreign policy?

How strong is its position internationally?

Think allies, enemies, etc.?

What are the major industries in this country?

E.g., agriculture, mining, manufacturing, etc.?

What is the currency?

Describe the look and feel of the nation’s coins or notes.

Which are its major imports and exports?

How does trade shape relations with neighboring nations?

Where is the city located?

In terms of continent? Country? Region?

What kind of climate does the city experience?

How consistent is it throughout the year?

What surrounding natural features define it?

Think rivers, coastlines, mountains, plains, etc.

Why was this site originally chosen for settlement?

Consider access to water, trade, defense, faith, etc.

How does the city connect to the outside world?

Think main roads, waterways, ports, etc.

How does its geography influence its layout?

For instance, do roads follow elevation, waterways, or trade routes?

What lies beyond its borders?

Are surrounding lands friendly, wild, or dangerous?

What is the city's general layout?

Consider if the city is mapped using grids, winding alleys, etc.

How is the city organized or divided?

For instance, are they separated by districts, sectors, neighborhoods, etc.?

How do the areas of the city differ?

Consider architecture, upkeep, social status, class, ethnicity, etc. of each.

How extensive is the city's infrastructure?

For instance, how is the city supplied with water, sanitation, and waste removal?

What landmarks define the city?

Write a guidebook entry describing it to visitors.

How do people navigate the city?

E.g., by wards, numbered districts, etc.?

How would outsiders describe the city's "look and feel" at first sight?

Consider the scents, sounds, and textures they'd remark upon immediately.

What form of government runs the city?

Think democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, council, etc.?

Who holds the most power?

How did they get it?

How are laws made and enforced?

Describe a petty crime and its consequences vs. that of a serious crime.

What are the major political divides in the city?

Think wealth vs. poverty, traditionalists vs. reformers, magic vs. technology, etc.?

What is this city's role in the overall politics of the country?

How does the city wield influence economically, culturally, militarily, etc.?

How do citizens view their government?

How has it changed, if at all?

How does the city interact with...

Nearby states? Empires? Rival cities?

What is a typical day like for an ordinary citizen?

Narrate a “day in the life” from dawn to nightfall.

What languages or dialects are spoken?

Create a glossary of unique city idioms.

What social classes or castes exist?

How rigid are they, and where they live in the city?

What are the city’s core values or taboos?

What are they rooted in?

What do people eat, wear, and do for leisure?

How does this differ depending on class?

What prejudices or divisions exist within the populace?

Consider what the tensions are based on.

How do its citizens view outsiders?

Conversely, how are they viewed or stereotyped?

What resources or industries sustain the city?

Think farming, mining, fishing, manufacturing, magic, etc.?

What is the city's main source of income?

Think trade, technology, tourism, crime, etc.?

Who are the city's trading partners?

What is exchanged with them? What are the major trade routes?

How are wealth and poverty distributed?

Describe a walk from the richest to poorest district.

What kinds of jobs or trades are most common?

Why?

What currencies or barter systems are used?

Is it local or regional?

What black markets or underground economies exist?

Draft a secret police memo mapping the underground economy.

Who founded the city?

What existed here before the city was built?

How has the city's population changed over time?

Think census records, etc.? How do migrations affect its demographics?

What major events shaped its identity?

How do opposing groups tell the story differently?

What famous historical figures are tied to the city?

How are they rememvered today?

What inventions, ideas, or works of art originated here?

How are these ideas preserved, spread, or stolen?

How does the city’s past affect its present identity?

How do citizens in particular relate to its past?

What is something about the city that only long-time residents or insiders know?

Write it out here.

Where is it located?

How accessible is it?

What does this biome look like?

Describe it as if you were a traveler who just came across it.

What does it sound like?

Describe the biome using only sounds.

What does it smell like?

Write a scene where someone smells the biome before seeing it.

What distinctive landmarks or landforms define the identity of this biome?

How might they shape the stories told about this region?

How does the biome connect to other regions?

Through trade routes, natural barriers, etc.?

What is the climate like?

And how extreme does it get?

What is the seasonal cycle of the biome?

How predictable is it?

What natural resources are available?

How do these resources fuel prosperity, conflict, or dependency?

What weather patterns are common?

Think monsoons, storms, droughts, snowfall, etc.?

How does the climate affect plant and animal behavior?

Think migrations, hibernation, etc.?

What myths or beliefs might have arisen to explain the climate?

For instance, do gods, spirits, or omens get blamed for weather?

What ecosystems form the heart of this biome?

E.g., is it dominated by forests, grasslands, tundras, or hybrid zones?

Which species are most characteristic of this biome?

Consider keystone animals, famously endangered species, etc.

How is the food chain structured?

Who are the apex predators, grazers, and scavengers? How might disrupting one level destabilize the whole?

What types of plants grow here?

How are they adapted to its terrain, in terms of altitude, latitude, proximity to water, etc.?

How does biodiversity compare to other regions?

Write a naturalist’s field note comparing this biome to another.

What hidden dangers exist in the terrain?

Write a survival manual for someone who's just stumbled into this biome.

Who were the earliest peoples to settle here, if any?

What drew them?

Who inhabits the biome now?

How have they adapted to survive in it?

How do they interact with the biome?

For instance, is the relationship harmonious, or do they exploit it? What tensions exist between people and the environment?

How does the environment influence their sense of identity and belonging?

If their homeland could speak, what would it say about the people who live there?

How does biome shape daily life in terms of...

Food? Shelter? Clothing?

How did the biome form?

Think tectonic activity, supernatural events, etc.? Write out its creation myth.

How has the biome changed over time?

Write an excerpt from the first and latest recorded travelogue about the biome.

What historical or cultural significance does this biome have?

E.g., was it the site of a disaster, has a war started over its resources, etc.?

What legendary figures are tied to this place?

How are they remembered today?

How have maps of this biome changed?

Did borders shrink, expand, or vanish?

How is the biome spoken about today?

And why?

Where is it located?

How accessible is it?

What does this landform look like?

Describe it as if you were a traveler who just came across it.

What does it sound like?

Describe the landform using only sounds.

What does it smell like?

Write a scene where someone smells the landform before seeing it.

What is the "signature" feature of this landform?

In other words, what would everyone immediately recognize about this landform?

How does it connect or separate regions?

How does it guide trade, travel, or migration?

What kind of climate does it experience?

How extreme does it get?

What weather patterns or cycles are seen throughout the year?

What about one-off natural disasters, e.g. avalanches, droughts, etc.?

How do seasons affect it?

Describe its appearance in one season vs. another.

What natural resources are found here?

Are they renewable or finite?

What plants thrive on or around it?

How have they adapted to the environment?

What animals inhabit it?

In particular, what species are unique or symbolic of this landform?

How does the food web function here?

Who are the keystone species, and how do they shape survival?

How have people altered its ecology?

Consider if farming, logging, mining, etc. has changed its ecosystem.

How is the landform’s ecosystem distinct from its neighbors’?

In other words, what grows or lives here that doesn’t survive elsewhere?

What civilizations claim it?

How do people's identities reflect it, e.g. "people of the mountain," "children of the river," etc.?

What famous figures are tied to it?

Consider people who conquered, discovered, died upon it, etc.

How does it shape political or social organization in society?

For instance, do clans form around valleys, or leaders control passes?

What taboos or superstitions are associated with it?

And what were their origins?

How do outsiders view it?

Write the diary entry of a foreigner visiting the landform for the first time.

How was this landform created?

How might locals mythologize its origins differently than science would?

When was this landform...

Created? Discovered? Mapped?

How has it changed over time?

Write an excerpt from the first and latest recorded travelogue about the landform.

What role has this landform played in history?

If this landform could talk, what stories or secrets would it tell?

What role does the landform play in the larger world now?

How do people currently approach it?

How is it remembered in society today?

Conversely, how is it forgotten?

What is the location’s primary function or role?

Think residence, business, sanctuary, crime hub, military stronghold, etc.? In what ways might this purpose shift if the world around it changes?

What makes this location distinct from all others?

Think scale, symbolic meaning, etc.?

What do locals say about the place?

How might their opinion differ from outsiders’ impressions?

What unspoken rules govern behavior here?

Consider customs, taboos, laws, etc. How do those rules shift depending on who is present?

What role does it play in the larger world?

How might losing this place change the balance of power?

What does the location look like?

What is the first thing visitors notice when entering the location?

What is the general layout?

Is it linear, circular, sprawling, vertical, etc.?

What are the key areas or zones within the location?

In terms of districts, rooms, sectors, etc.?

What sensory details define it?

What do people hear, smell, touch, or taste here?

How do travelers typically navigate the area?

Think maps, guides, landmarks, etc.?

Where is the landmark located?

How do people reach it, and how difficult is the journey?

How does the location interact with or rely on its natural surroundings?

What are its boundaries?

What is the climate of the location?

Consider temperature, rainfall, seasonal changes, etc.

What secrets are hidden within it?

E.g., underground caverns, rare or valuable resources, etc.?

Who inhabits this place, either temporarily or permanently?

How do their lives reflect the location’s function?

Who holds official power here?

How stable or contested is their authority?

Who holds unofficial power here?

How might their influence rival or undermine official rule?

Who benefits most from this place’s existence?

And who suffers because of it?

What unifies people here?

Conversely, what divides them?

When and why did this location come into being?

How might its origin affect how it is used now?

What famous historical figures are associated with it?

Why? And what happened to them?

What major historical events are tied to it?

How do different groups or eras tell the story differently?

How has its reputation changed over time?

And how might different eras use it for different purposes?

How is its story preserved?

Consider legends, rumors, mysteries, folklore, etc. How might conflicting versions of its past shape its identity?

Who are this religion's gods and deities?

What are they like? How are they perceived?

What does this religion teach about the origin of the world?

Write a version of the creation myth in this religion.

What does it teach about death?

How does this belief in the afterlife affect how followers live their lives?

How does the religion define good and evil?

What actions or qualities are considered virtuous or sinful?

What conflicting beliefs or schools of thought within the religion exist?

Where are the divisons? How do these differing beliefs impact the unity of the followers?

What is the ultimate goal or purpose of the religion?

For instance, does the religion focus on spiritual fulfillment, collective well-being, cosmic balance, etc.?

What are the core beliefs of this religion?

How do these beliefs shape the lives and decisions of its followers?

What virtues does it emphasize?

What behaviors are considered virtuous?

What sins does it warn against?

What kind of behaviors are considered sinful?

What rules or commandments does this religion preach?

List them out here.

How is dissent or heresy handled within the faith?

What are the consequences, if any?

How do believers generally view and interact with non-believers?

E.g., are they treated as enemies, outsiders, potential converts, etc.?

What are the key rituals of this religion?

E.g. seasonal ceremonies, life-stage events, etc.? Write a scene where a character participates in it.

What are the key practices of this religion?

E.g., diet, fasting, cleansing, etc.?

What are the most common places of worship?

For instance, temples, nature, private spaces, etc.?

What role do religious leaders play in worship?

E.g. how does the divine communicate with followers? Are there intermediaries like priests or messengers?

What specific days or time periods hold special significance, if any?

If so, what's the story behind them and how are they celebrated?

What specific pilgrimage sites or sacred journeys might be required for followers?

How are these sites connected to key religious events or divine manifestations?

What is the structure of the religious hierarchy?

Are there clear divisions between different levels of authority?

Who are the religious leaders?

How are they chosen or appointed, and what powers do they have?

What are different sects or denominations within the religion?

What distinguishes them?

What are the consequences for leaving this religion?

Write out a scene where this happens.

What is the origin story of this religion?

E.g., is there a founding figure or event that marks the birth of the faith?

How has this religion evolved over time?

Have there been any schisms, reformations, or major shifts in doctrine?

How has the religion interacted with society?

E.g., did it shape philosophical thought, scientific advancements, cultural norms, etc.?

Who are its key figures throughout time?

Why are they important?

What is its status in society today?

Is this the dominant religion in your world?

How is time tracked in this world?

How does the counting method shape everyday routines?

What devices or methods are used to track time?

How do these methods influence culture, science, or art?

What natural phenomena are linked to time measurement?

Think sunrises, tides, moon phases, seasons, etc.?

How does time affect aging?

What age is considered "old" in your world?

How accurate is time measurement?

What are the consequences of inaccuracy?

How does the movement of celestial bodies affect timekeeping?

Consider the role of planets, stars, and other astronomical phenomena. How might your world’s inhabitants interpret or predict time based on these movements?

How do lunar cycles affect timekeeping?

How are lunar phases used to track, predict, or interpret time in your society?

How do solar cycles affect timekeeping?

Write a day-in-the-life description highlighting how the sun’s path dictates tasks and activities.

How do seasons affect timekeeping?

Write a seasonal guide for farmers, hunters, or travelers.

How do tides and oceanic cycles affect timekeeping?

Write a fisher’s log showing tide-dependent routines.

What does a calendar in this world look like?

Design a seasonal calendar showing which months are associated with which activities or events.

What is the starting point of your calendar?

What event or point marks year zero in the calendar?

How do calendars differ across species or cultures?

How do these differences affect trade, diplomacy, cultural exchange, etc.?

What time-related festivals are celebrated annually?

Think New Year's, solstice celebrations, etc.?

How did the concept of time originate in this world?

Consider early observations of nature, celestial bodies, or natural cycles.

How have civilizations tracked time throughout history?

Think sundials, water clocks, magical instruments, etc.? Are there any lost or ancient timekeeping systems that have been replaced?

How is history remembered and recorded across generations?

Create a family chronicle spanning several generations, emphasizing changing calendars.

Is timekeeping a political or religious tool?

E.g., can a ruler declares a “new age” at will?

Can time be paused, rewound, or manipulated by magic or technology?

How so?

Is time measured differently in space, underwater, or magical dimensions?

How?

Are there places where time behaves unpredictably?

E.g., time loops, frozen zones, etc.?

Are there forbidden practices related to time?

For instance, time magic, reversing death, time-based crimes, etc.?

Does time travel exist?

How does it work?

Are there parallel timelines?

And can they interact with each other?

What prophecies or beliefs exist about the end of time, if any?

Can they be escaped or changed?

What kind of governments exist in your world?

And who holds the ultimate authority in it?

What are the branches of government?

How are power and responsibilities divided?

How is power distributed?

How does it impact checks and balances?

Who is the current leader?

How long have they been in power?

How is does someone ascend to power?

Is it peaceful?

What are the political factions or parties?

How are these groups formed or organized?

What are the goals and agendas of each faction?

Consider short-term vs long-term objectives. How do these goals conflict or align with others?

Who are the leaders of each faction?

What personal traits make them effective?

Who are their supporters?

Think noble families, covert organizations, etc.?

How do factions interact with one another?

E.g., are there alliances, rivalries, betrayals, secret agreements, etc.?

Who is considered a citizen?

Why?

What fundamental rights do citizens have?

How does it vary with non-citizens?

Who creates the laws?

Who drafts laws, and who approves them?

How are laws enforced?

Think consistency, corruption, regional differences, etc.? Where do the loyalties of those who enforce the law lie?

Who's exempt from the law?

And why?

How are disputes settled?

E.g., courts, duels, payoffs, etc.?

How do citizens participate in government?

How accessible is participation for ordinary people?

How does the government interact with social institutions?

Think religion, education, media, guilds, etc.? How do these institutions influence policy?

What are the biggest political controversies right now in your world?

How is your government handling them?

What is the government's scope?

E.g., does the government provide social programs like education, healthcare, housing, etc.?

Who benefits most from the current political order?

Who suffers the most?

How does the public feel about the government and the people who lead it?

Consider polls, protests, public celebrations, rumors, or underground movements that indicate approval or discontent.

Who are this government's allies abroad?

Who are its enemies?

How do both allies and rivals view this government?

How do cultural differences, military strength, or economic power shape foreign perceptions?

How does your government interact with other nations in general?

How do past conflicts influence the government's current relationships with other countries?

How large is the military?

And who has the authority to declare war?

How do international conflicts or collaborations affect domestic politics?

Draft an internal memo analyzing it.

How does international law affect government decisions?

How do rules imposed by global institutions influence national sovereignty?

How and when was this government formed?

How did societal needs, external threats, or influential leaders shape its formation?

What key events have shaped the government's development?

Look at wars, reforms, scandals, revolutions, leadership changes, etc.

How has the government’s ideology evolved over time?

How did internal debates or external pressures influence these changes?

Who have been the key individuals instrumental in shaping the government into what it is today?

How did their decisions and personalities leave lasting impacts?

How has the government changed in structure over time?

E.g., think about shifts from monarchy to republic, federation to unitary state, bureaucracy expansion, etc.?

How do historians today view the government’s past?

Consider differing interpretations, biases, access to records, etc.

Who is this person?

And what is their primary role in history?

What are their most recognizable physical traits or distinctive features?

Describe their appearance from the perspective of a portrait painter.

What are their defining personality traits?

Did they have any notable flaws or weaknesses?

What personal values or beliefs guided their actions?

Think principles, morals, philosophies, etc.?

What deeds are they known for?

List political, military, artistic, cultural achievements, etc.

How are they remembered today?

How did viewpoints on this person change through time? Are there debates or differing interpretations of their actions?

Where and when was this figure born?

How did their place of birth shape their worldview or opportunities?

Who were their parents or guardians?

How did their upbringing shape the figure’s character, goals, or ambitions?

What early experiences shaped their personality or talents?

Think of childhood events, education, adventures, etc.?

What obstacles or challenges did they face in childhood?

Think of poverty, illness, prejudice, political/social constraints, etc.?

What cultural or societal norms influenced their upbringing?

Think religion, traditions, gender expectations, social status, class norms, etc.?

What are the major achievements or contributions of this figure?

Were they universally acclaimed or the opposite?

How did they grow their abilities?

Think training, natural aptitude, divine intervention, etc.?

What major internal conflicts did they face?

How did these conflicts affect their public actions or choices?

What were their greatest mistakes or failures?

How did they react to it?

What drove their actions?

Think ambition, revenge, love, a sense of duty, etc.? Did this evolve over time?

Who were their...

Closest friends? Allies? Rivals? Enemies?

What was their reputation among their...

Peers? Enemies? The general populace?

How did they die?

Write a diary entry from the figure reflecting on their final days.

What defined their later years?

Think last-minute projects, successes, setbacks, controversies, personal failures, etc.

How did their allies and enemies react to their death?

How did these reactions differ across social classes, regions, or factions?

What was the immediate public reaction to their death?

Write an obituary for this figure.

Why is this person important in your world today?

Think of the cultural, political, societal impact, etc. Then draft a newspaper or bulletin commemorating their influence.

What lasting contributions are attributed to them?

Recount an achievement through the eyes of someone who opposed them.

What was the state of the world or their region before, during, and after their lifetime?

What challenges or opportunities defined their era?

What is dedicated to them today?

Think place names, monuments, holidays, etc.?

What stories and legends are associated with them?

How accurate are they compared to historical records?

What controversies surround their life and death?

Draft a fictional commentary in a modern newspaper, decades or centuries later.

What is the overall structure of the economy in your world?

E.g., is it centralized, decentralized, etc.? How do political systems, geography, or social hierarchies influence it?

What are the primary industries or sources of wealth?

Write a short market report highlighting the key industries and how they are performing.

Who controls wealth and resources?

How does this control influence politics, social order, rebellion, etc.?

How are wealth and power distributed?

Think social classes, magical privilege, caste systems, etc.? How does it affect conflict and opportunity?

How do everyday people experience the economy?

Think wages, market access, cost of living, social mobility, etc.?

What major obstacles does the economy face right now?

What about in the past?

How is currency defined and standardized in your world?

Who decides its value? How stable is it?

What alternative forms of payment might exist?

E.g., bartering, favor exchanges, magical binding vows, etc.?

What forms of banking or financial institutions exist?

How do these institutions store wealth, provide loans, or facilitate trade?

How does banking or currency interact with politics and power?

In terms of taxes, corruption, etc.?

How do everyday people experience money and banking?

In terms of access, convenience, trust, etc.?

What types of businesses and trades exist in your world?

How do these businesses shape society, culture, and the economy?

What industries are considered lucrative or prestigious?

And which are looked down upon?

How is labor organized in your economy?

Think guilds, unions, serfdom, etc.? How does labor influence social mobility, status, wealth distribution, etc.?

What rights and protections do workers have?

Are rights universal, restricted, earned, etc.?

What are typical working conditions in this economy?

Write a "day in the life" of a worker here.

How do divisions amongst the people manifest in the labor force?

Are certain industries dominated by specific groups?

What kinds of illegal or underground goods and services exist?

E.g., smuggling, black-market magic, assassins-for-hire, etc.?

Who participates in underground economies?

E.g., is it organized into syndicates or guilds? Who has knowledge of it? Who controls it?

How is illegal trade conducted?

Think secret routes, coded messages, lawless zones, etc.? Describe a marketplace where illegal goods are secretly traded.

What risks and consequences exist for participants?

How do participants weigh risk vs. reward?

What informal or underground labor systems exist?

How do these systems interact with formal labor structures?

How do authorities respond to the unseen economy?

Consider law enforcement, magical policing, bounty hunters, corruption, etc.

Who created the technology, and why?

What problem were they solving — or what were they chasing?

What problem or need does it address in your world?

What does it make possible that nothing else can?

How available is it?

Is it bleeding-edge and rare, mass-market, black-market, tightly controlled, etc.?

What does it require to exist and run?

Think materials, energy, infrastructure, data, rare inputs.

How is it accessed, distributed, or owned?

Who can get it, who controls it, and how does it reach the people who use it?

What does the technology look like?

Write a character seeing it for the first time, before they know what it does.

How is it built or manufactured?

Consider the expertise, process, and infrastructure behind making one.

How is it customized?

Can it be jailbroken, modded, repurposed against its makers' wishes, etc.?

What makes it recognizable?

Think a signature design language, a tell, a brand, etc.

What is the user experience like?

Consider the interface and the feel. Is it seamless, clunky, invasive, addictive, etc.?

How does the technology work in practice?

Walk through one use, step by step, the way you'd explain it to someone about to try it.

Who can operate it?

Can anyone handle it, or does it take clearance, a license, an implant, etc.?

What is it best at?

Why reach for this over the alternatives?

What can it not do?

Write the warning label the makers had to add after someone tried.

How difficult is it to use?

In terms of skill level, training, physical ability required, etc.

What does it cost to run?

And what happens if resources expire?

How effective is the technology?

Think reliability, speed, capacity, etc.

Where does it excel?

Consider the conditions and use cases for good performance.

Where does it fall short?

Think scale, sabotage, wear, etc.

What happens when it goes wrong?

Write a safety manual describing its failure modes and what to do in worst-case scenarios.

What makes it stand out?

Describe the moment this technology does something nothing else could.

What is its origin story?

Where is the inventor now?

How did it change the world?

Write a slice-of-life before vs. after its invention.

What did no one see coming?

Think side effects, unforeseen consequences, etc.

How does the world regard it?

Write about it from the perspectives of an evangelist, a critic, and a cynic.

What moments defined its reputation?

Consider the major turning points that this technology might've played a role in.

Where might it go next?

And what could it become if left unchecked?

Should this technology exist?

Write the strongest case for it, then the strongest case against.

Who benefits, and who bears the consequences?

How big is the gap?

What is at stake for the people who use it?

Think autonomy, privacy, humanity, connection, etc.

What is the physical appearance of the species?

Think size, shape, color, and defining features?

What is their anatomy and physiology?

Think number of limbs, sensory organs, skeletal structure, etc.?

What do they sound like?

Think voices, calls, ambient noises, etc.?

What do they smell like?

Think natural odors, pheromones, etc.?

How do they move?

Think walking, flying, swimming, burrowing, etc.?

How does their appearance influence their behavior in their environment?

Write about a species member using their unique physical build to their advantage, whether in a hunt, conflict, or social interaction.

How do they behave in their daily lives?

Think sleep patterns, hunting methods, etc.? Write an account of a typical day in the life of this species.

What are their strengths or evolutionary advantages?

And do they have magical or supernatural traits, e.g. strength, speed, camouflage, regeneration, telepathy, etc.?

What are their weaknesses or vulnerabilities?

Write about it in a naturalist's diary entry after a first encounter with this species in the wild.

What is their diet?

How do they obtain food?

How do they reproduce?

And what is their life cycle?

How do they communicate with each other?

How does their communication method influence their social structure and relationships?

Where does the species live?

Describe the ecosystem here, focusing on how the species is adapted to it.

What role does the species play in the food chain or ecosystem?

And who are their predators, prey, or competitors? Describe a predator-prey interaction.

What challenges does the species face in its environment?

How does the species overcome these challenges through adaptation, cooperation, or other means?

How do they interact with the flora and fauna in their habitat?

How do these interactions influence the species' role in the ecosystem?

What natural resources does the species use from its environment?

How do these resources affect the species' daily life, trade, or cultural practices?

What are their social structures?

And what is it based on, e.g., strength, wisdom, age, etc.?

What are the key values or beliefs that shape the species' culture?

Think loyalty, honor, etc.? How do these values influence their actions, social practices, and societal rules?

What are their traditions and norms?

E.g., specific customs related to birth, adulthood, death, etc.?

What forms of government or leadership do they have?

Who leads the species? Are they elected, chosen by merit, born into power, etc.?

What kinds of art, music, or literature do they create?

How are these cultural expressions used to communicate history, values, and beliefs?

What are the species' attitudes toward outsiders and other species?

How do these attitudes influence their interactions with other species, whether through trade, diplomacy, or conflict?

What is the central conflict that the species faces?

How does this conflict shape the species’ priorities, actions, and behavior?

What internal conflicts exist within the species?

Think civil wars, rival factions, etc.? How does it play out?

What types of external threats do they face?

Think extinction, habitat loss, predators, etc.?

How do past conflicts influence current ones?

And are any still ongoing?

How is conflict usually addressed?

And what is the preferred method of conflict resolution within the species?

What is the species' origin story?

Write about the founding or creation of the species.

What major events have shaped their history?

How do these events continue to influence the species' culture, politics, and relationships with other species?

What famous individuals have emerged from this species?

What did they do? How is their legacy remembered?

How has the species' relationship with other species evolved over time?

And what is the status of the relationship today?

What legends, myths, or stories are important to their culture?

Write one of them out here.

How does the species view their history?

What role does memory play in their culture?

What triggered this event?

Identify the catalyst that set everything in motion.

What historical tensions or conflicts underlie the event?

Think rivalries, oppression, resource scarcity, ideological clashes, etc.? How did they build over time to create a critical point?

How did current conditions contribute to the event?

E.g., consider the political, social, environmental, or magical context. How did they make the event either inevitable or a surprise?

How did early opponents or allies respond to the event?

How did these responses shape the event’s trajectory?

How did ordinary people experience the onset of the event?

Think about commoners, workers, students, or residents in affected areas?

What competing narratives or false accounts about why it started might exist?

Retell the origin story of the event as a legend told centuries later.

Who were the key individuals or groups involved?

What were their motivations?

How did different factions experience the event differently?

E.g., consider perspectives of rebels, rulers, ordinary citizens, marginalized communities, etc.

How did power dynamics amongst the key players influence the event?

Write out a timeline showing the shifting alliances during the event.

How did foreign or external entities respond to the event?

How did their interventions, opinions, or absences alter the event’s course or aftermath?

How did key players influence public opinion or morale?

Think speeches, propaganda, symbolic actions, etc.?

What were the major phases or key turning points of the event?

Break the event into distinct moments that significantly shifted its direction or stakes.

How long did it take to unfold?

Think days, years, or even generations?

How did attitudes towards the event shift throughout?

Why? What was the impact?

What patterns or cycles can be observed in the progression of the event?

How did these patterns influence the strategies of key players?

What caused the greatest public reaction or societal impact?

Think demonstrations, uprisings, celebrations, public mourning, etc.?

What climactic events decided the outcome?

How did it shift the balance?

Were there critical moments where the event could have ended differently?

How would different choices have impacted the timeline? Rewrite one of these moments as an alternate history scenario.

Who were the victors?

How did they frame or control the narrative afterward?

Who were the losers?

Think about not just those who were defeated outright, but those who lost influence, resources, social standing, etc.?

How did the general populace experience the aftermath?

How did the aftermath shape public opinion or societal behavior?

What unexpected consequences occurred that neither side anticipated?

Look for ripple effects that weren't part of the original plan.

What were the immediate repercussions?

In terms of the economic, social, cultural, political, etc.?

How did the event shape the trajectory of the world in subsequent decades or centuries?

Draft a fictional encyclopedia entry summarizing the event’s long-term impact.

How is this event remembered in your world today?

How do different groups interpret or narrate the event differently?

How did the event's retelling change over time?

What triggered the change in interpretation?

What conspiracy theories or alternate accounts exist about the event?

Who perpetuates them, and why?

What symbols or icons emerged from this event?

Think flags, emblems, relics, songs, memorials, etc.?

How is it taught in schools or to younger generations?

How do lessons from the event vary by region, culture, or political leaning?

Was the event’s true impact greater or smaller than initially perceived?

Why?

What triggered the war?

Identify the catalyst that set everything in motion.

What historical tensions or conflicts underlie the event?

Think rivalries, oppression, resource scarcity, ideological clashes, etc.? How did they build over time to create a critical point?

How did current conditions contribute to the event?

Consider the political, social, environmental, or magical context. How did they make the event either inevitable or a surprise?

What was at stake?

Look for stakes beyond territory, such as resources, ideals, etc.

What propaganda or messaging shaped early perceptions of the war?

E.g., posters, speeches, rumors, misinformation, etc.?

Why did each side think the war was necessary?

Write it out from the perspective of one of them.

What were the key differences between the warring sides when it came to...

Ideology? Resources? Military strength? Strategy?

Who were the major factions involved in the war?

And what alliances or betrayals tied them together?

Who were the neutral parties?

Why were they neutral? Consider trade, diplomacy, espionage, etc.

Who were the main leaders on each side?

What about generals, strategists, etc.? Why were they important?

Who were the allies and supporters behind the key players?

Consider family, advisors, loyal soldiers, and political factions.

Who were the key villains or notorious figures?

And how might different factions label someone a villain?

How were non-combatants involved in shaping the war's outcome?

E.g., civilians, scholars, religious leaders, etc.?

When did the war begin?

What specific event triggered it?

What were the major battles?

Think last stands, sieges, ambushes, etc.? How did geography, timing, or strategy determine the outcome of each battle?

When did key turning points occur?

Look for events outside of battles that shifted momentum between factions.

What alliances formed or broke?

Think treaties, betrayals, contracts, etc.?

What internal revolts or rebellions took place?

Think uprisings, civil unrest, mutinies, etc.?

How and when did changes in public opinion occur?

Write a newspaper column reflecting public sentiment after a key event.

When did peace talks or negotiations occur?

What was the outcome?

Who were the victors?

What about the losers?

What were the immediate consequences of the war?

Consider territorial changes, population shifts, economic collapses, toppling of political systems and laws, etc.

What future conflicts were born from this war?

E.g., how did unresolved grievances or power vacuums create opportunities for future wars?

How did the winning side tell the story of the war?

And what version of events did the victors promote?

How did infrastructure and cities recover?

Include rebuilding, fortifications, trade networks, transportation, etc.

How did civilians cope with the aftermath?

How did the reactions vary across social classes, different regions, etc.?

What were the long-term consequences?

In five years? A decade? A century?

How will the war be remembered in the future?

E.g.c, did the war lead to a golden age, a period of decline, ongoing instability, etc.?

Which individuals became famous because of the war?

How are they spoken about today?

How do different groups of people remember the war?

Who do they glorify, and who do they demonize?

How did the war redefine national identity?

For both the short- and the long-term?

How did the war influence art, literature, or culture?

How did they interpret the war's events? How do the legends, songs, and poems compare to the actual events?

What lessons were learned from the war?

Both informally and formally?

What is the central conflict of the story?

Write it in 1-2 sentences, as if pitching it to a producer or editor.

What would happen to the character(s) if the conflict isn't resolved?

And what does the protagonist stand to gain or lose?

What is the origin or trigger of the central conflict?

Describe the event or catalyst that starts the conflict.

Who are the central players in this conflict?

How might their motivations also conflict?

What incites the conflict in the story?

Think of the conflict’s root cause. How do the protagonist and other characters initially respond?

What is the first obstacle the protagonist faces related to the conflict?

How does this obstacle push the protagonist to take action?

How do the characters’ relationships evolve due to the conflict in Act 1?

E.g. are alliances formed, broken, tested, etc.by the rising tension?

Are there any early consequences for engaging (or avoiding) the conflict?

Write out the scenario as it would've played out in an alternate universe.

What is the protagonist's mindset at this stage?

How do they perceive the conflict?

How does the conflict escalate in Act 2?

How does the protagonist adapt, struggle, or resist during this phase?

Which key scenes drive the conflict forward in this stage?

What new obstacles, twists, or revelations must the character overcome because of the conflict?

How does the protagonist’s approach to the conflict change?

E.g. do they adapt, struggle, or resist during this stage?

What are the stakes now compared to Act 1?

How did they change?

What is the protagonist’s “All Is Lost” moment?

How does it relate back to this conflict?

How does the conflict reach its peak in Act 3?

What's the sequence of events that builds up to the final confrontation or climax of the conflict?

How is the conflict resolved?

What is the key moment when everything is at stake?

What personal growth or change occurs as a result?

What lessons has the protagonist learned?

What lasting consequences does the conflict have on the world and characters?

How does the conflict’s resolution shape the future?

How does the resolution reinforce or challenge the story’s theme?

And what message about the theme does it convey to the audience?

What are the central stakes of the story?

How does this tie into the main conflict or central goal of the protagonist?

What does the protagonist stand to lose if they fail to overcome the conflict?

Write a short passage about it from the protagonist's POV.

What do they stand to gain if they succeed?

Write a short passage about it from the protagonist's POV.

How might other characters or the wider world be altered by the outcome of the conflict?

How does this increase or complicate the stakes for the protagonist?

How are the stakes introduced in Act 1?

What is at risk at this point if the protagonist fails?

What early consequences of engaging (or avoiding) the conflict emerge?

And how do the consequences of failure first become apparent in Act 1?

How do the stakes influence the protagonist’s motivations and choices?

Write a moment where the protagonist's internal conflict (fear, doubt, etc.) might complicate their approach to the stakes.

How do the protagonist and other characters respond?

E.g., do they realize yet what’s at risk if they fail to act?

How do the stakes escalate in Act 2?

What is at risk at this point if the protagonist fails?

How do the consequences of failure become clearer or more imminent in Act 2?

What potential revelations might make them worse?

What personal decisions does the protagonist make that increase the stakes in Act 2?

How does this choice push the protagonist closer to the potential consequences?

What else might also increase the stakes in Act 2?

Consider the antagonist, the supporting cast, external events, etc. that increase the personal, emotional, or societal stakes for the protagonist.

How do the stakes reach their highest point in Act 3?

What is at risk at this point if the protagonist fails?

How are the stakes resolved by the end of the story?

What happens to the protagonist’s goal and the threat they faced?

What are the consequences of resolving the conflict?

Is there a cost or sacrifice involved?

How does the resolution of the stakes impact the characters?

How does the resolution of the stakes reflect the characters’ growth?