Table of Contents

Introduction
  1. Introduction
  2. Where to Start
  3. About Me
  4. Free Book
  5. Disclaimers
  6. The Chapters
  7. Templates and Newsletter
Chapter 1 - Why Build a World?
  1. Why Build a World?
  2. Using Analogues
  3. How Many Worlds?
    1. One vs. Many
    2. How to Decide
  4. A Caveat
  5. A Question of Depth
  6. The Problem of Exposition
    1. Show vs. Tell
    2. Other Methods
  7. The Value of Influences
Chapter 2 - Creating Gods
  1. Creating Gods
  2. In Science Fiction
  3. In Fantasy
  4. Pantheons
    1. Power
    2. Relationships
    3. Where Do They Live?
    4. Lifespan
    5. Vulnerability
  5. Mythology
    1. Creation Myths
    2. End of World Myths
    3. Other Stories
  6. Characteristics
    1. Alignment
    2. Identifiers
      1. Titles
      2. Patronage
      3. Symbols
    3. Appearance
    4. Other Traits
  7. Behavior
    1. Reputation
    2. Interaction
    3. Creations
      1. Places
  8. Where to Start
    1. Starting with Attributes
      1. Classifying Attributes
      2. The Power of Lists
    2. Starting with Earth Gods
Chapter 3 - Creating a Species
  1. Creating a Species
  2. Species or Race?
    1. The Terms
    2. Bio-Diversity
    3. A Hierarchy
  3. Should You Create Your Own Species?
    1. In Science Fiction
    2. In Fantasy
    3. Creating Something Different
    4. How Often You’ll Use the Setting
    5. Scope
  4. Habitat
    1. Isolated Settlements
    2. Joint Settlements
    3. Terrain
    4. Climate
  5. Disposition
  6. Appearance
    1. Are They Humanoid
    2. Head
      1. Humanoids
      2. Non-Humanoids
    3. Body
      1. Humanoids
      2. Non-Humanoids
    4. The Uniformity Issue
    5. Clothing
    6. Accessories
  7. Gods
  8. Characteristics
  9. Worldview
    1. Society
    2. Languages
    3. Customs
    4. History
  10. Relationships
    1. Human Relations
  11. Supernatural
    1. Phenomena
    2. Magic
    3. Godly Power
  12. Technology
    1. Fantasy
    2. Sci-Fi
  13. Combat
  14. The Value of Influences
  15. Where to Start
Chapter 4 - Creating World Figures
  1. Types
  2. Fame
  3. Dead or Alive
  4. Possessions
  5. Steeds and Ships
  6. Relationships
    1. Family
    2. The Species
  7. History
    1. Origins, Demise, and in Between
    2. Training and Skills
    3. Deeds
  8. Where to Start
Chapter 5 - Creating Monsters
  1. Creating Monsters
  2. Defining Monster
    1. Monster vs. Species
    2. Monster vs. Animals
  3. Origins
    1. Accidental Monsters
      1. Who Caused It?
    2. Monsters By Design
      1. Who Caused It?
    3. Monsters by Evolution
  4. Habitat
  5. Motivation
  6. Characteristics
    1. Physical Appearance
    2. Skills
  7. Where to Start

 

Chapter 6 - Creating Plants and Animals
  1. Should You Create Plants and Animals?
    1. Creating a Different Feel
    2. How Often the Setting Will Be Used
    3. Time
    4. Do Our Creations Matter?
  2. Plants
    1. Classification
    2. Lifecycle
  3. Animals
    1. Classification
      1. Amphibians
      2. Birds
      3. Fish and Other Aquatic Life
      4. Mammals
      5. Reptiles
  4. Purpose
    1. Plants
      1. Decoration
      2. Food
      3. Medicinal
    2. Animals
      1. Domestication
      2. Entertainment/Sport
      3. Food
      4. Guards
      5. Materials
      6. Pets
      7. Transportation
  5. Where to Start
    1. Analogues
    2. Creating a List of Plants and Animals
    3. Creating a Products List
Chapter 7 - Creating Undead
  1. Creating Undead
  2. Should You Create Undead?
  3. The Mind
  4. Classification
    1. Sentient Life
    2. Non-Sentient Life
  5. Numbers
  6. Prerequisites and Prevention
  7. Time Dead
  8. Origins
    1. Accidental Undead
    2. Undead by Design
  9. Goals
    1. Unfinished Business
    2. Regaining Life
      1. Body Restoration
      2. Body Possession
      3. If Successful
    3. Finding Peace
    4. Causing Torment
  10. Appearance
  11. Traits
    1. Speech and Other Sounds
    2. Touch
    3. Movement
    4. Consumption
    5. Residence
  12. Death
    1. Spirits
    2. Corporeal
  13. Where to Start
Appendices - The Templates
  1. God
  2. Species
  3. World Figures
  4. Monster
  5. Plants
  6. Animals
  7. Undead