Species

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?