This article is by Eleanor Konik, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. The earliest human civilizations arose in conditions that were favorable for agriculture. Ancient river valley cultures gave rise to some of history’s longest-lasting and most powerful civilizations, including the Egyptians and the Chinese. This does not, however, mean that civilization arises exclusively in … Read more
This article is by Zaivy Luke-Aleman, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. Transportation can reveal the quality of life, stage of development, and interconnection between cultures in your setting. Like all things in worldbuilding, small details can reveal a lot of information. For something so incredibly common in everyday life, transportation has many opportunities to … Read more
This article is by Seán Gray, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. Revolutions and secret societies have long shared a connection. Whether through military action or fostering divergent thought, these organizations have played key roles in several revolutions around the world. This article aims to help you create truly interesting and compelling revolutionary groups—a valuable … Read more
This article is by B.K. Bass and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. “Certainement qui est en droit de vous rendre absurde est en droit de vous rendre injuste.” (“Certainly anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices.”) — Voltaire, Questions sur les Miracles, 1765 When … Read more
This article is by Seán Gray, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. Fiction is overflowing with kings and queens, galactic empires, and bloodlines bursting with hidden power. History, too, is replete with important lineages and conquerors who spawned mighty dynasties. This article aims to explore an often neglected succession system that helped create several such … Read more
This article is by B.K. Bass, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. When we consider the history of world religions, certain images are bound to come to mind. Imposing Greek gods and heroes wrought in marble statues. Ancient Egyptian tomb walls covered with paintings of their deities. Along with these representations are the many totems, … Read more
This article is by B.K. Bass, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. “Diplomacy without arms is like music without instruments.” —Frederick the Great, Prussian King (1712-1786) Everybody has likely heard the phrase “the world’s oldest profession” associated with prostitution. However, that phrase originates from the 1889 short story “On the City Wall” by Rudyard Kipling. … Read more
This article is by B.K. Bass, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. Often when we think of medieval history and medieval fantasy, the noble knight in shining armor is one of the central concepts that come to mind. Along with this imagery comes castles, people saying “m’lord,” and those same knights kneeling at the feet … Read more
This article is by by Tina Hunter, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. Building a world from scratch is no small feat for any worldbuilder. From culture to characters and everything in between, the geology of the planet your story lives on can sometimes feel secondary. That shouldn’t be the case, however, as your geology … Read more
This article is by by B.K. Bass, and is presented by Worldbuilding Magazine. We’ve all been there: the butterflies hit our stomach, although that’s too kind a term, as it feels more like a pack of angry badgers scratching to get out. Our heart thumps like the drums of an orcish warband. Sweat breaks out … Read more