/r/worldbuilding
For artists, writers, gamemasters, musicians, programmers, philosophers and scientists alike! The creation of new worlds and new universes has long been a key element of speculative fiction, from the fantasy works of Tolkien and Le Guin, to the science-fiction universes of Delany and Asimov, to the tabletop realm of Gygax and Barker, and beyond.
This subreddit is about sharing your worlds, discovering the creations of others, and discussing the many aspects of creating new universes.
For artists, writers, gamemasters, musicians, programmers, philosophers and scientists alike! The creation of new worlds and new universes has long been a key element of speculative fiction, from the fantasy works of Tolkien, Le Guin and Howard, to the science-fiction universes of Burroughs, Delany and Asimov, and to the tabletop realm of Gygax, Barker and Greenwood, and beyond.
This subreddit is about sharing your worlds, discovering the creations of others, and discussing the many aspects of creating new universes.
Please read our full rules. We have high standards for on-topicness, respect of other people and respect for creative effort.
Every post needs context! Consider using our context template to get started. Unsure why context is important? Consider reading our Why Context? essay.
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Remember to check out the wiki for lots of resources and tips on starting out!
There is also a curated list of resources compiled via Discord.
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/r/worldbuilding
Sci-fi battles are usually portrayed in media in a hilariously underwhelming way, with ground troops firing guns or blaster weapons at close range and in space just people shooting lasers at each other from maybe a few hundred meters away or something. Often it comes across as less impressive than what the real-world military has to offer.
In reality, it seems likely that a highly advanced civilization would have AIs fighting each other at speeds faster than a human could think, swarms of autonomous weapons, and incredibly long range. Spaceships could engage at millions of kilometers apart with smart missiles and might be surrounded by concentric shells of point-defense systems and interceptor weaponry all networked and controlled by a superintelligence. On the ground, some dude just standing there with a blaster would get vaporized by a drone from 50 km up. As far as weapons of mass destruction, you have Relativistic Kinetic Kill Missiles and Nicoll-Dyson beams (channeling the energy of a star into a giant Death Star blast, essentially).
To me, this is way cooler and more interesting than the standard sci-fi battle. I get deviating from realism when it makes a story better, but deviating when it makes the story worse seems pointless and frustrating. If I had to guess why, it would be a) sci-fi writers not considering these possibilities and b) so the story can focus on human combatants. The second could be a legitimate reason but we've already seen that many times before, plus you could still work in that type of action, for example in a stealth/spec ops setting where heavy weapons aren't being used.
The only sci-fi series I've encountered that does this well (I'm sure there are others) is the Culture by Iain M. Banks (amazing by the way, I'd highly recommend it). I loved the descriptions of ship-to-ship combat in those books and I wish it would become more of a trend in sci-fi to explore the warfare of an advanced interstellar civilization in a more realistic way.
This video shows how you can establish your world in a single paragraph.
Ita short and easy to understand.
Imagine in your world, the gods were once active, guiding, blessing, and occasionally smiting from above. But one day, they go silent. No prayers answered, no miracles, no signs. Societies that depended on divine insight for crops, health, and protection are suddenly cut off. Clerics and priests are left powerless, with temples and shrines empty.
How would your cultures and kingdoms react to the divine silence? Would faith grow stronger, with prophets insisting the gods will return, or would skepticism and new belief systems take hold?
This is just writing/brainstorming prompt. I hope it inspires you to think creatively about your world!
I'm trying to create an space opera universe. I already decided some things i want it to have: transhumanism, unique non-humanoid aliens, music-based magic and mechas; but i'm still having difficulty in making this universe.
I don't know how to design good alien designs. I want they to be different and have a lot of weird customs, but every design i try to make feels generic or just not realistic enough.
I have a problem also in deciding what will make my universe unique. I have an idea about what my story will be about, but i don't know what my universe will have that set it apart from other space operas.
I'd appreciate it if y'all shared some good spots in your world for a date.
I have a Discord Rp I run for like, 30+ of my friends. It's an Original World that takes place in 1455, and everyone is split up into 4 distinct Guilds, and are free to rp with each other from there, and I run story events, make missions, play NPC's, etc. It takes heavy inspiration from Deepwoken, and Fairytail
Recently, i closed the server after the current arc ended, to re-haul everything. Explain some things, make it look clean and elaborate on some stuff. I looked at my power system channel, and I'm beginning to think. Is it TOO much?
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Innate are Magic that's unique to each and every Oc. It's tied to your soul, and can define you as a person/monster
Learned are Elemental magic, that EVERYONE can learn, with enough time.
Chants are a Power Boost that awakens after a near death experience
Familiar Manifestation is... well... you manifest a familiar from your soul.
Semblance is where someone combines thier Learned Magic with thier physical body, literally BECOMING said element.
Pledges are a type of Vow you make with a specific EarthBound Entity. you gain a new perk, like an ability, in exchange for a new, corresponding weakness. And then there's a Higher set of Pledges, that you get by pleasing a God.
The image my not LOOK like alot, but there's like, 10+ different learned, and 10+ different pledges.
I feel like, if you weren't here from the beginning like everyone in the server is, it feels like too much. Too much stuff for it to realistically be balanced. Ik the whole point for RP is to have fun, but it still kinda irks me in the back of my mind.
Steel City is one of the many locations in my extended superhero universe that I created with friends; called “HFront Comics”. It is the home town of my superhero “Prodigy”.
Overview: Steel City is a gritty, industrial metropolis known for its rich manufacturing history. The city features a mix of urban decay and pockets of innovation, symbolizing both its past glory and current struggles.
Old Mill District: A once-thriving area filled with abandoned factories and warehouses, now home to underground operations and hidden criminal activities.
Arcadia Heights: The more affluent neighborhood where Prodigy attends college. It has modern architecture, parks, and a vibrant arts scene but is also plagued by corruption and hidden dangers.
Ravenswood: Known for its dark alleyways and high crime rate, this neighborhood is where many of Steel City’s gang-related activities take place.
Midland: A central hub for trade and commerce, featuring a mix of small businesses and corporate offices. It's often the battleground for turf wars between rival gangs.
Lakeridge: A residential area along the waterfront, attracting families seeking a quieter life but still facing threats from the city's crime wave.
Steel Harbor: An industrial port area with heavy shipping traffic, providing the city with resources but also serving as a smuggling point for illicit activities.
Steel River: This area features a series of canals and rivers, often associated with pollution and environmental issues, making it a focal point for eco-terrorism.
-Other Neighborhoods: Kings Row, Southpoint, Mechanics Square, Drexler Park, Harland Heights, Riverview Terrace, Glass District, The Shallows, Grove Hill, Penn Quarter, Chinatown, Westwood Bluff, Baybridge,
Prodigy has a deep, complex relationship with Steel City. To him, it's home—a place filled with memories, connections, and the ghosts of his past. Growing up in Steel City, he's seen its dual nature: the warmth and resilience of its people, as well as the dark, often corrupt underbelly that holds it back. The city’s crime, government overreach, and corporate exploitation are constant reminders of what he’s up against, but they also fuel his determination to make a real difference.
The city’s south side, where James grew up, holds a special place in his heart. It's where he learned about resilience and community, where he first felt the need to stand up for others. He sees Steel City as a battleground for larger societal issues, viewing each small victory as a step toward something greater. The city’s scars and imperfections keep him grounded; they’re reminders of why he took up the Prodigy mantle and why he refuses to give up.
Ultimately, Steel City is his responsibility. He feels an almost personal connection to its well-being, as though protecting it is his duty and burden, especially given his father’s past sacrifices. Though he’s been tempted by the idea of leaving it all behind, he knows that as long as there’s work to be done in Steel City, he’ll be there—driven by both a fierce loyalty to his home and a desire to shape its future.
So I’m making a universe with different elements as species; Light, Shadow, (plant) Life, Earth/rock, Water, Magic, Air, and Fire. Each species has different political views. For context, the Shadow species basically rules everything, the light people are neutral and prefer not to fight, the life species just advocates nature and does not fight, the water people help the shadow people who in turn pay them (water people are poor), and fire and air are kinda limited to in the sky and in volcanos so they really are not in the story a whole lot. Also, there is a human species, which kinda just is there with random settlements all throughout. my question is, where do you think this rock species would fall? I feel like rocks are rigid, but I do not feel like they would naturally side with the shadow people. Can anyone help me? I think I would like them to be opposed to the shadow people, but any insight would be helpful, thanks!
For example, infant mortality is so common in my world because parents will lay eggs, and forget where they put them, only finding them behind a couch or something while cleaning, several days later,, obviously very moldy and disgusting, and the chance of it hatching is absolute zero
Another problem is accidentally sitting or stepping on eggs, or a jealous sibling eating them
Context: This is a science-fantasy world with intelligent non-anthro animals living in harmony. Think Zootopia but with regular animal shaped animals that are also quite a bit more technologically advanced. One of their main forms of transportation is the hovercraft; which is used both for local urban transportation, hopping from point to point within their lush forest cities; as well as long haul and intercity transport. These hovercrafts employ a high degree of automation, and air traffic control is generally done not with radio calls back and fourth between the pilot and controller like in our aviation network, but by having the hovercraft connect directly to a dispatch server to receive instructions, which are then displayed to the pilot. This makes the aviation network more efficient as a central air traffic control node can precisely coordinate hovercraft movements to make the most use out of the infrastructure. However, due to their reliance on the computerized system, a security vulnerability in said system would be disastrous.
The following is an article from the Feline Ministry of Security, detailing a recently patched 0-day vulnerability found in an air traffic control protocol used the Feline hovercraft network. Imagine a bunch of developers who are literal cats scrambling to fix this issue the instant it was discovered before someone hacks their hovercraft network and starts remotely taking control of their hovercrafts to crash into trees that have buildings in them, crash into flocks of birds, and other woodland creature acts of terrorism.
This article pertains to the public disclosure of a now patched security vulrnability in the aircraft-side implementation of Flight Dispatch and Traffic Management System (FDTMS) developed by the Feline Ministry of Transportation (FMT). This vulnerability affected all hovercrafts operated by the Feline Ministry of Transportation, and resulted in arbitrary code execution in the primary flight computers of FMT hovercrafts.
The Flight Dispatch and Traffic Management System is an air traffic control protocol that allows advanced coordination of hovercraft operations within Feline Territory. The codebase for the system is extensive, but for the purposes of this article, we will only focus on the problem component: the buildDispatchTable function which is responsible for parsing a digital flight plan into a table of procedures that the onboard computer will follow during the flight.
When a flight plan is transmitted to the hovercraft, buildDispatchTable is invoked. As its name suggests, it parses the flight plan data to construct an Dispatch Table in the onboard computer's memory, which contains navigation information that is to be followed during the flight. A typical dispatch table is shown below for a flight between Moonpeak Airport (MPK) in Feline Territory to Central Valley Airport (CVY) in the Unified Territories. The fact that this fight crosses a territorial boundary is relevant to the vulrnability.
EntryID | EntryType | Name | SetAttributes | Location | EstimatedTime |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | DispatchStart | FMT1002 | flightID=FMT1002; radioID=FMT1002; origin=MPK; originLandingPadID=2; dest=CVY; startingTerritory=FelineTerritory; startingRegion=MoonDistrict; atcServerURL=fdtms://transportation.feline.gov/atc/MoonDistrict; serviceType=Commuter | (-130.993234, -47.997826) | 12:00:00 |
1 | FlightStart | MPKL2 | departureCorridorID=39; speed=100 | (-130.993234, -47.997826) | 12:00:00 |
2 | WayPoint/DepartureCorridorExitPoint | MPK927 | heading=305.1; speed=300; alt=1000 | (-131.017368, -47.997826) | 12:02:00 |
3 | RegionChange | AlderDistrict | atcServerURL=fdtms://transportation.feline.gov/atc/AlderDistrict | (-130.994368, -47.997826) | 12:19:13 |
4 | WayPoint | ALD103 | heading=305.1; speed=1000; alt=1700 | (-129.083812, -47.997826) | 12:21:02 |
5 | TerritoryChange | UnifiedTerritories/FeatherDistrict | atcServerURL=fdtms://transportation.ut.gov/atc/alternateProtocols/Feline/FDTMS/region/FeatherDistrict | (-131.001929, -48.725192) | 12:45:51 |
6 | WayPoint | FET972 | heading=307.9; speed=1000; alt=1700 | (124.138493, -47.997826) | 13:00:05 |
7 | RegionChange | CommonDistrict | atcServerURL=fdtms://transportation.ut.gov/atc/alternateProtocols/Feline/FDTMS/region/CommonDistrict | (-122.904928, -46.203840) | 13:37:19 |
8 | Waypoint/ApproachCorridorEntryPoint | CVY671 | approachTo=CVY; requestApproachCorridorID=81; requestLandingPadID=9; defaultAction=HoverInPlace/Wait; triggerNextEntry=OnAtcAuthorization | (-122.301937, -44.927394) | 13:41:32 |
9 | ApproachStart | CVYL9 | approachCorridor=81; targetLandingPad=9 | (-122.904928, -46.203840) | 13:45:00 |
10 | ApproachEnd | CVYL9 | (-122.804221, -46.103840) | 13:50:00 | |
11 | FlightEnd | FMT1002 | (-122.804221, -46.103840) | 13:50:00 | |
11 | DispatchEnd | FMT1002 | clear all | (-122.804221, -46.103840) | 13:50:00 |
As shown in the table, when the hovercraft crosses an internal boundary within a given territory, a RegionChange entry is used. However, when the hovercraft crosses a territorial region, which also necessitates a region change, the standard perscribes that only the TerritoryChange entry is needed, and the region name included within it. However, it is also possible to omit the region name in the TerritoryChange entry, and separately issue a RegionChange.
The buildDispatchTable function did not take into account the possibility of a region change being separately supplied in the case of a territory change in the way it calculated the table size and therefore how much memory to allocate for the construction of the table. Therefore, a malicious dispatch message could be crafted to overflow the table and inject machine code into memory. An outside actor spoofing radio signals on government frequencies can send a malicious dispatch message to any hovercraft in range, and because the dispatch table is constructed before the cryptographic keys of the dispatch message is checked, remote code execution can be achieved by anyone, as the exploit is accessible before the authenticity of the message is verified. A pilot would only see a "Dispatch rejected due to key error" message, at which point the exploit has already gone through. Additionally, the onboard computer will simply discard the malicious dispatch table and reload the previous valid dispatch table upon failing to verify its authenticity, effectively deleting evidence of the exploit's entry point.
The implications of this vulrnability is severe, as an attacker can gain remote control of the hovercraft and its flight control systems, and can issue malicious commands with fatal results. Moreover, the possibility of a Feline hovercraft being used to commit acts of terrorism in another territory significantly raises the urgency of this issue.
All hovercrafts operated by the Feline Ministry of Transportation was grounded until their flight computer software was updated to fix the vulrnability. Hovercrafts already in flight were ordered to land immediately on the nearest available pad. The vulrnability has now been patched for the entire FMT fleet.
Like what info do you think is important to clarify and have it on thought in those things in order to have it as a framework for the rest of your world.
I have as a category the introduction itself, which in of it self without the fluff is very short, the moods and themes clarified and the universal concepts that rule the world are a separate from them as their own category in the same way as organizations and races.
I have seen a couple of videos where it said that you must have the pillars of your work figured out another one mentioned a bible and i honestly do not understand what any of that means so i wanted to ask for help since i am new to this and fear that i unavertable f it up big time
Recently, I became obsessed with worldbuilding modern militaries and so i started making some modern worlds. One is an Alternate History with Snake people, the other is a fantasy world with modern technology. Idk why but I just suddenly became obsessed with them. Is anyone else doing this? Worldbuilding a fictional world with modern-day technology? Like, not necessarily sci-fi but modern-day. Where the technology you see most of the time is equal to the tech we have in modern day, maybe with a few high-tech superweapons or something.
Is anyone else doing stuff like this? If so, comment about them.
What's the difference between hard systems and soft systems? I just need the base information and guidance to create my own, but any examples of your own would help.
In your world when people stare up at night what do they see?
Stars, moons, and planets? Constellations and the milky way?
Angry eldritch gods staring back at them?
A flickering hologram projecting an image where the sky should be?
Glittering gems and dripping stalactites?
Space fleets engaged in battle?
Do they know the truth of what's up there or do they just let their imaginations take them?
That jungle paradise that I'm creating for my story YTV: Legend Of The Jungle seems to be like a mixture of a danger-free Grace Field House and a wondrous jungle paradise full of nature where its inhabitants can roam free. Would you mind helping me expand my world for the story - a peaceful paradise where nothing dangerous can come upon you? Make it as luxurious, natural and wonderful as possible.
I was working on the ships that the navies of my 3 main factions use and decided to look at what life support looked like. For humans, life support obviously meant oxygen and air pressure, it was a system that made sure ships could support life. Very nice.
For my Psi Race, since their technology is far more advanced than humans, I thought their Life Support systems should be redundant, built into the hull or something. Basically they don't need a dedicated system to maintain air pressure and oxygen.
And then my Warrior Race... these guys are interesting because in many ways they are more advanced than the Psi Race and in many ways they are less advanced. To showcase this, I decided to have air pressure and oxygen be a redundant function all their ships have. HOWEVER! They still need life support. Why? Well, this is where the unique cosmology and physics of my world comes into play. Basically, life support keeps radiation levels on the ships manageable.
#In Universe Context
My warrior race comes from a dimension known as the void. It is an awful and hostile place, the monsters that live there are super dangerous. My warrior race isn't native to the void but thanks to precursor technology and divine magic, they have adapted to the point that void radiation doesn't kill them.
Oh yeah, void radiation. If a human or Psi Race steps into the void, they just die. Their bodies will wither away into nothingness and be destroyed. Only the Warrior Race can tolerate what I am calling void radiation. The problem is, if you are a physics major, this isn't radiation. Radiation is a lot different. If you are not a physics major, it behaves a lot like radiation. The problem is this Void Radiation erodes metals and materials found in realspace so for a human to survive in the void, they need a pressurized suit and magic energy to cancel out the void energies that are degrading and destroying real space material.
It is really annoying me because I can't think of another name to call this. Void radiation hits the mark closest and conveys a solid idea of what it is but the autism in me knows that radiation does not do the same things this void radiation does
#Life Support
Anyway, on the ships my warrior race uses, because their energy source is void energy, the idea is that radiation levels will get so bad on their ships even they cannot survive. And they love to keep slaves that cannot survive any amount of radiation so their slaves depend on life support.
I want to rename this "Void radiation" or rework it entirely, unfortunately nothing I can think of communicates the idea I have better than void radiation.
Like, in my mythology, Bron the Warrior is often particularly feared for hunting down anyone who harms innocent people who can't fight back for no good reason. His attitude is basically, "Pick on someone your own size."
Legacy (stylized as LΞG∆CY) is a science-fiction universe centered around advanced technology and its impact on society. Its story is set in a distant future where humanity has spread across multiple planets and star systems. In LΞG∆CY, Cybernetic Energy Reactors (CER0s) have become widespread. CER0s were invented over three hundred years ago by the Exile on her home planet, Akrul, and harness and manipulate an enigmatic form of energy called another. These devices allow control over natural and scientific elements, with each CER0 capable of manipulating two elemental powers - one natural (fire, water, earth, or air) and one scientific (nuclear, gravity, time, or kinesis). Various factions vie for control over this remarkable technology, such as the Akrulan Legion, which seeks CER0 technology to expand its influence across star systems.
Some seek the betterment of society using CER0s while others exploit them for personal gain. No matter the motivation, the legacy of the Exile and her invention has altered the course of human history forever. The rapid shift of CER0 technology has led to unprecedented advancements in energy production, space travel, environmental control, and more. However, it has also sparked conflicts and power struggles across the galaxy, as different factions and individuals seek to learn the full potential of these remarkable devices.
In this expansive science fiction setting, various intelligent species coexist, each with unique characteristics, cultures, and roles within the galactic community. From the shape-shifting Aanuh Ka'ri to the rock-skinned Hyot'tohr, the LΞG∆CY universe is home to a rich tapestry of alien life. You can view here for more information: https://www.reddit.com/r/Legacy_OU/
Humans are one of the dominant species in the universe, having spread across multiple planets and star systems. Their adaptability and ingenuity have allowed them to thrive in various environments, from the terraformed landscapes of Mars to the harsh, volcanic lands of Vulcan.
Humans in this era have benefited from advanced medical technologies and genetic enhancements. Many sport cybernetic implants or modifications that improve their natural abilities or grant them new ones. These can range from neural interfaces for seamless interaction with technology to physical augmentations for increased strength or durability. They can easily shift physical traits such as hair color, eye color, and skin tone. Despite their technological progress, humans still grapple with age-old issues of politics, power, and identity. The different factions within human society, such as VISION, Mirage, and QuoTek, represent varying approaches to CER0 use and the future of humanity in the galaxy.
The Azal'qa are a race of humanoids with long, forked tails, long ears, and sharp claws. They have either raven or ashen skin with unique markings across their bodies, usually opposite to their skin color. Their eyes can be either magenta, yellow, or cyan depending on what tribe they originate from (Al’qoqin, Dha'faras, and O’qazeni, respectively). Their patterns can glow to match their respective eye colors. All Azal'qa have dark, flowing hair and unique pads on their fingertips that allow them to read memories.
The Azal'qa believe they descended from Aza O'noi, a goddess who descended from the heavens. Before returning to the skies, she had borne and raised three sons, Al’qoqin, Dha'faras, and O’qazeni. The Tat'qa Ra'bai, or Three Tribes, were named after these ancestors. Wanting to reconnect with their divinity and reach the heavenly plane, the sons sought enlightenment, but each had differing beliefs on achieving their goal. Al’qoqin believed that enlightenment could be achieved through honor and glory in battle. As such, his tribe grew to become fearsome warriors and leaders. Dha'faras pursued knowledge and wealth as the key, and his people became wise and plentiful. O'qazeni sought to detach himself from worldly pleasures. His people became monastics who lived off the land. Their differing beliefs often put the three tribes at odds.
The Azal'qa of Tempus live well among humans and other races. They are considered a neutral state, meaning they hold no ties to the Intergalactic Alliance and are not a threat to its unity. Their decision to remain neutral is rooted in their beliefs. The Azal'qa generally do not concern themselves with external conflicts, often viewing them as distractions from their spiritual journey. However, there is room for individual agency as some members may choose to join factions such as VISION.
The Ohrinthi are reptilians, having scaled skin that transitions into feathers. They have feathered crests on their heads, feathered tails, and wings that sprout from their lower backs, melding seamlessly with their form. The Orinthi have sharp teeth and claws with four digits. They are lean and muscular, making them swift and agile on land and in the air. Their vibrant, iridescent plumage can range from deep blues and greens to fiery reds and golds. Their scales, which cover most of their body, have a sheen that complements their feathers. This race is known for its keen eyesight and flight ability.
Ohrinthine society highly values freedom and exploration. Driven by a deep curiosity about their environment, they appreciate the interconnectedness of all things. The Ohrinthi have “sky clans”, each led by a respected elder who has demonstrated wisdom both in flight and on the ground. Their cities are built vertically, with networks of platforms and bridges connecting towering structures. The most notable example of this architectural style is Ilipth in Tempus, which has soaring spires and intricate aerial pathways.
The Ornithi are members of the Intergalactic Alliance. While some members have joined VISION, Orinthi can be found in many different factions, making exceptional scouts and aerial combatants. One such member is ‘Peregrine’, a FALCON-class wielder from VISION who got her nickname due to her hunting prowess. They live on various planets within the Intergalactic Alliance, namely Tempus.
Hyot'tohr are humanoids with a tough, rock-like exterior. Their rock-like skin protects them against volcanic activity and corrosive gases in their home, Vulcan. Despite their resilience, the Hyot’tohr population remains small and isolated, primarily inhabiting underground caverns and geothermal vents. They feed on bacteria and microorganisms found in the mineral-rich volcanic soil and hot springs. Small openings in their exterior provide direct access to their internal structures to absorb nutrients and expel waste efficiently.
Their skin often resembles the volcanic landscapes of their home planet. Red, brown, and black are common hues. Their skin texture can be either smooth and polished or rough and craggy. Despite their formidable appearance, the Hyot'tohr live very slow-paced, contemplative lives. They have slow metabolisms and long lifespans, and due to their hard, heavy skin, they cannot move quickly on their own. The Hyot'tohr communicate through subtle vibrations in their rocky exterior with minimal hand and body gestures.
Despite their isolated nature, some Hyot'tohr have ventured off-world, joining other factions as valued geologists and terraformers. They are patient, strong, and highly durable.
The Hyot'tohr have developed a unique style of attire that reflects their culture and environment. They don simple, draping garments, often in earthy tones that complement their natural coloration. These clothes are commonly sleeveless and knee-length for ease of movement and to showcase their distinct texture. Accessories play a significant role, as well. The Hyoh’tohr wear necklaces, bracelets, and rings crafted from precious metals and gemstones found in their volcanic homes. Some have elaborate stone pendants that tell stories of their clan or personal achievements.
The Aanuh Ka'ri is a bioengineered race created by the Exile designed to survive in various environments and perform complex tasks. Their creation was part of the Exile's broader research into manipulating matter and energy, which led to the development of Cybernetic Energy Reactors (CER0s). These beings can freely manipulate their size, shape, and density. Their bodies are composed of a highly adaptable substance that can mimic various materials and textures. This race also has specialized sound-generating and sound-sensing organs, allowing them to produce and manipulate varying frequencies.
The Aanuh Ka'ri typically have sleek, humanoid forms with smooth, jet-black skin and a distinct metallic sheen. The glossy exterior of their skin is iridescent, reflecting light in subtle patterns across the surface. Often, they have small contours hinting at their ability to reshape themselves. Aanuh Ka'rian attire is both regal and functional. Members of the race wear form-fitting bodysuits that accentuate their fluid shapes, adorned with intricate golden patterns reminiscent of hieroglyphs. They grace their necks with ornate collars embedded with pulsating energy lines. Headdresses are common and often incorporate advanced sensory arrays, enhancing their impressive perceptive abilities. Wristbands and anklets, crafted from polished electrum, complete their ensemble. The Aanuh Ka'ri will carry portable containment units to retreat when their form becomes unstable or they need to recharge.
The Aanuh Ka'ri can manipulate sound waves, which they use for communication and defense. With sonic manipulation, they can create barriers, disrupt electronic systems, or even induce temporary paralysis in targets.
Despite their artificial origins, the Aanuh Ka'ri have developed a culture, home, and society. They primarily inhabit Neophis, an engineered planet-like structure that adapts to their unique needs. Aanuh Ka'ri require specialized living spaces to undergo regular maintenance and sustain optimal form. They do not have rooms in the traditional sense. Rather, they occupy small, compact containment chambers with energy modulators and stabilizers. They can safely "power down" within these chambers and perform necessary maintenance cycles, similar to how humans or other races sleep.
While their forms are generally stable, destabilization could potentially occur if one experiences extreme stress, trauma, or exposure to powerful energy fields that interfere with their ability to maintain cohesion. The consequences of such destabilization can range from minor shape inconsistencies to complete loss of physical integrity. These instances are rare and not well-documented, but they must return to their chambers for intensive recalibration. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity of the destabilization. In extreme cases, technicians may be required to assist in the recovery process.
Many Aanuh Ka'ri dedicate their lives to furthering the Exile's vision of peace and mutual prosperity through the responsible use of technology. They value adaptability, creativity, and continuous self-improvement. Many have integrated into various factions across the galaxy, including VISION, where their unique abilities are highly prized.
The Akrulans are a humanoid species native to the planet Akrul. Akrulans tower over the average human, reaching heights of up to seven feet. Their naturally strong, stocky bodies boast four arms and tough, gray hide-like skin that shields them from harsh environments. Akrulans have long skulls and sport prominent horns, varying in size and shape from individual to individual. They have four eyes: two primary and two smaller, secondary ones. While they have a limited field of vision, their eyes provide excellent depth perception and the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously. Their eyes are adapted to see in low-light conditions, a trait that evolved from their planet's dimly lit environment.
This race exhibits unparalleled physical strength, surpassing all other known species. They can perform powerful charging attacks, using their horn and body mass to overrun opponents. They are highly capable with their four arms, wielding multiple tools or weapons simultaneously. Their dexterity offers a significant edge in industrial and combat scenarios. The Akrulans' innate resilience and adaptability have cemented their reputation as formidable warriors and skilled laborers throughout the galaxy.
Akrulan society is highly stratified, with a strong emphasis on technological advancement and military might. The Akrulan Legion, led by Krul Sa'vaj, represents the dominant political and military force. The planet's diminishing resources have driven their relentless pursuit of power and control.
While the majority support the Legion's goals, a small but growing minority seeks peaceful coexistence with other species. This group, often persecuted on their homeworld, sometimes seeks refuge with other factions like VISION.
Okay, wasn’t sure whether this fit better as “question” or “discussion”, so let me know if I assumed wrong and I’ll change the tag.
So, I’m a big fan of Tabletop-RPGs, but I’ve learned the hard way that I hate GMing (not that I’m bad at it, which can be improved by building skills over time, but that it stresses me out severely to the point where it becomes un-fun). I also don’t get too much enjoyment out of writing novels—something I’ve tried to do numerous times.
However, despite all of that, I LOVE worldbuilding. I’ve recently fleshed out my first cohesive culture that wasn’t, like, “single stereotyped real-world culture but with magic”, and the pride and excitement I’m feeling right now is amazing! I’m wanting to do more—both developing this culture further (maybe with a conlang) as well as their neighbors, but I can’t help but wonder…
What happens when I’m done?
You see, my main motivation for doing creative things is to share them with the world—I don’t care about fame or fortune, and I actually prefer to post my stuff with a layer of anonymity, but the thing that inspires me to create more than anything is the idea that someone somewhere will see my work and find joy in it.
Unfortunately, as mentioned in the starting paragraph, I seem to be more exhausted than anything by the primary methods people seem to use for getting their worlds “out there”. And, as much as I love my friends and family, no one I know seems interested in reading pages upon pages of world details unless it’s “going somewhere” (which, to be honest, my world currently isn’t).
So I guess my questions are twofold
1.) Is anyone else here dealing with this? If so, how do you deal with it?
2.) What are some lesser-known methods of publishing your world (keep in mind that this can be for free) that y’all use that aren’t based around writing a novel?
Thank y’all so much for your time.
I am currently working on a sci fi story in which humanity is long gone. (Due to currently unknown reasons, as I haven't found a suitable explanation yet.) One core beat of the story right now though is around an alien robot exploring an old O'Neil Cylinder. In my mind, it is worn and rickety on the outside, but full of life inside. Animals roam around, and human made robots perform simple menial tasks between them.
Unfortunately, I cannot figure out how to justify the still surviving ecology of the cylinder, given the assumed time that has passed in the story. Food supply, oxygen production, water: these are the things I'm trying to justify.
How would you go about explaining this in a convincing way?
It could be a place, a belief, an object… just whatever you love about your world! I’ll start:
My favorite part is all the interconnecting conspiracies. There are several conspiracy theories in this world, each very similar to many conspiracies in our reality. For right now, I only have theories that are true, but I plan on adding some that aren’t.
One example is Big Soy, claiming that the proliferation of soy products in western culture is due to the Seven Suns pushing it on people to weaken them. This is done to allow for a quicker approach to the apocalypse, and so that members of the Seven Suns can extract a Useless Eater’s soul. Extraction is done so that the soul can be consumed, and increase the Divinity of the consumer.
For those who are both worldbuilders and storytellers, I was wondering how you effectively keep track of your worldbuilding and lore as it evolves throughout the plot’s timeline.
This could include elements such as locations, characters, or systems that undergo tangible changes, as well as informational gaps or false truths that are revealed later in the story, among other things.
Do you record all changes within the individual articles for these entities and concepts chronologically? Or do you document only the baseline world and lore as it exists at the start of your story, keeping the storyline outlined separately? Or do you use other methods?
Just curious!
I'm currently developing the setting for my Epic Fantasy series. I'm thinking that I might be over doing it a little. Is nine super continents, 50 kingdoms and 12 major villains to much?