War

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?