World Overview: Terra Cognita
The purpose of a World Overview Document is to provide a structured foundation for a fictional world, capturing its core themes, unique elements, and essential locations. This document serves as a creative guide and reference point for the Game Masters and AI alike.
This document will grow as you work your way through the world building process.
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Index
Section 1: Building Blocks
Art Styles
Section 2: Terra Cognita
Biomes, Geology, Environments and Resources
Map Making
Cosmology, Magic, and Religion
Technology, Economy, Politics and Organizations
Section 3: The Origins and Tales of Old
History and Mythology
Races and Cultures
Section 4: Story Arcs, Plotlines and Players
Current State of the World
Campaign, Story Arcs, Acts and Encounters
Integrating Players into the World​​
Biomes, Geology, Environments, and Resources
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Primary Biome: Steppe
Secondary Biome: Montane and Alpine
Geology: Steep island cliffs built on top of igneous and volcanic rocks.
Environments: Forest, Marsh, Coastal, and Islands
Resources: Wood, Seafood, Pearls, Wool, Meat
Map Making
I followed this process to create my starting map.
Here is a rough map that I started with. This map gives you an idea of the size. Each hex is 24 miles or one day travel. The map is 920 miles wide by 720 miles tall. I have defined my biomes and begun to label environments. For me having my location of Sable Harbour on a map helps me to begin to create my world.
Prompt: Flora and Fauna:
Persona: Imagine you are a Game Master creating a unique fantasy location in a world called [insert world name]. This location is set within a [biome] known for its [unique feature (geological, weather, etc.)]. Your goal is to develop distinct flora and fauna to enrich the setting and provide players with immersive, interactive encounters.
Context: "The [region name] in this world is defined by [specific biome details, like high-altitude freezing temperatures, underground lava flows, or dense, fog-covered marshlands]. Life here has adapted to [feature], creating strange and wonderful flora and fauna that thrive in these challenging conditions."
Task: "Suggest 5 common and rare flora and fauna found in this [biome], giving each a name, short description, and explaining the role it plays in the ecosystem. Include cultural or societal impacts if applicable."
Example: "In [insert world name], flora and fauna reflect the core themes of [mystical adaptation, survival against odds, and interaction with magical forces]."
Tone: "Each plant and animal should feel native to this [biome], embodying the resilience or mystery of life in a setting where adaptation is key. Keep descriptions rich yet grounded to allow GMs to expand these ideas, connecting them to the ecosystem and local culture."
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Prompt: Interesting Locations
Persona: Imagine you are a Game Master building a new world called [insert world name]. We are now going to create different locations in the world for the GM to use in their campaign.
Context: "The [Northern Kingdom] relies on the [Ironclaw Pass] to maintain its trade routes, while the [Nomad Tribes] want unrestricted access to the mountains for their seasonal migrations."
Task: "Generate 5 unique ideas for interesting locations that should be developed."
Example: "When creating locations in [insert world name], consider the following core themes: [fading empires, mystical decay, and whispering shadows]. "
Tone: "Each location should reflect a [society in decline, where remnants of the past cling to relevance]. These ideas will help expand the world by offering small but rich settings that shape the larger conflict and emotional tone of the world."