16 Domains of Worldbuilding

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History

Epochs

Distinctive periods that define the major phases of world history.

Empire

The rise and fall of dominant political entities, their influence, and the movement of wealth.

Discovery

Key events that led to significant changes or advancements in society.

Lore

The foundational myths, legends, and recorded history that shape cultural identities.

Cosmology

Origin

The creation story or scientific explanation for the existence of the universe.

Deities

The gods, goddesses, or cosmic forces active in the universe.

Reality

The nature and rules of the universe, including dimensions and the supernatural.

Afterlife

Beliefs regarding what happens after death, varying among cultures.

Topography

Climate

The overall weather patterns and their effects on the world.

Biomes

The distinct ecological communities determined by climate, flora, and fauna.

Landmarks

Exceptionally recognizable natural or man-made features.

Terrain

The variety of landscapes, from mountains and deserts to forests and plains.

Religion

Worship

The practices and places devoted to honoring deities or cosmic forces.

Texts

Sacred writings that dictate the beliefs, laws, and histories of faiths.

Ritual

Ceremonies, superstitions, and rites performed to honor, appease, or communicate with the supernatural.

Heresy

How alternate beliefs are handled by the dominant religious power structure.

Mechanics

Magic

The rules and application of supernatural forces or abilities.

Metaphysics

Philosophical theories about the nature of reality and existence.

Technology

The level of technological advancement and its impact on society.

Natural Laws

The fundamental physical laws that govern the universe.

Ecology

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of life forms within ecosystems.

Habitats

The environments where different species live and interact.

Sentience

The presence and levels of consciousness among creatures.

Adaptation

How organisms change over time to survive in their environments.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Systems and methods for moving people and goods.

Communication

How information is conveyed across distances.

Public Services

Systems in place for the welfare and convenience of the public.

Industry

The primary means of production and economic activity.

Resources

Artificial Goods

Products manufactured or created by human endeavor.

Natural Goods

Materials and resources obtained directly from the natural environment.

Energy

Sources and forms of power used for work, heat, and electricity.

Scarcity

The limited availability and strategic location of resources and its implications.

Settlements

Borders

Geographical or political boundaries defining territories.

Trade

The exchange of goods and services between societies.

Founding

Origins and reasons behind the establishment of communities.

Assets

Resources, landmarks, or strategic advantages of a settlement.

Politics

Power

The structures and individuals that hold authority and influence.

Process

How decisions are made and executed within governmental systems.

Secrets

Information withheld from the public or rivals for strategic purposes.

Diplomacy

The management of relations and negotiations between different entities.

Economics

Commerce

The buying, selling, and trading systems within and between societies.

Wealth

The distribution and accumulation of resources and capital.

Currency

The medium of exchange for goods and services.

Professions

The variety of occupations available to individuals based on the society's economy.

Art

Form

The various ways in which art is expressed and experienced.

Acclaim

The recognition and praise given to artists and their works.

Purpose

The intent behind the creation of art, from expression to propaganda.

Themes

Recurring subjects or motifs explored through artistic endeavors.

Class

Stratification

The division of society into different social classes.

Status

The social standing or prestige of an individual or group. Factors include lineage, health, age, sex, race, wealth, technology, magic, etc.

Mobility

The ability to move between different social strata.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment based on class, race, gender, etc.

Affiliation

Conflict

The interaction between adjacent forces and ideologies: hostility, contempt, neutrality, cooperation, friendship, etc.

Factions

Groups within larger communities with specific agendas or interests: government, business, community, religious, political, criminal, etc.

Influence

The ability of entities to sway the opinions, emotions, or actions of others: police, military, espionage, bureaucracy, etc.

Identity

The sense of self and belonging among individuals or groups.

Values

Legacies

What societies aspire to be remembered for by future generations, and what is most remembered about those who came before.

Ethics

The moral principles that guide behaviors and decisions.

Priorities

What societies deem most important and worthy of attention or resources: arts, sciences, myths, health, work, freedom, etc.

Information

The value placed on knowledge, truth, and misinformation, and what shapes public opinion.

Customs

Tradition

The inherited, established, or customary patterns of thought, action, and behavior: recreation, sport, holidays, observances, etc.

Language

The system of communication used by a particular community or country.

Education

The methods and institutions for teaching and learning.

Taboo

Prohibitions or restrictions on certain actions, behaviors, or discussions within a society, and the consequences for deviancy.