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Index
CREATING LIFE
The Art of World Building
Volume 1
by Randy Ellefson
Table of Contents
Introduction
Where to Start
About Me
Free Book
Disclaimers
The Chapters
Chapter 1 - Why Build a World?
Chapter 2 - Creating Gods
Chapter 3 - Creating a Species
Chapter 4 - Creating World Figures
Chapter 5 - Creating Monsters
Chapter 6 - Creating Plants and Animals
Chapter 7 - Creating Undead
Templates and Newsletter
The Podcast
Creating Places (Volume Two)
Cultures and Beyond (Volume Three)
Chapter 1—Why Build A World?
Using Analogues
The Rule of Three
What’s In a Name?
How Many Worlds?
One Vs. Many
One World for One Story
One World for Many Stories
The Hybrid
How to Decide
A Caveat
A Question of Depth
The Problem of Exposition
Show vs. Tell
Other Methods
The Value of Influences
Chapter 2—Creating Gods
In Science Fiction
In Fantasy
Pantheons
Power
Relationships
Where Do They Live?
Lifespan
Vulnerability
Mythology
Creation Myths
End of World Myths
Analogues
Other Stories
Characteristics
Alignment
Identifiers
Appearance
Other Traits
Behavior
Reputation
Interaction
Creations
Where to Start
Starting with Attributes
Starting with Analogues
Chapter 3—Creating a Species
Species or Race?
The Terms
Bio-Diversity
A Hierarchy
Should We Create a Species?
In SF
In Fantasy
Creating Something Different
How Often the Setting Will Be Used
Scope
Habitat
Isolated Settlements
Joint Settlements
Terrain
Climate
Disposition
Appearance
Are They Humanoid?
Head
Body
The Uniformity Issue
Clothing
Accessories
Gods
Characteristics
World View
Society
Languages
Customs
History
Relationships
Human Commentary
Supernatural
Phenomena
Magic
Godly Power
Technology
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Combat
Where to Start
Chapter 4—Creating World Figures
Types
Fame
Dead or Alive
Possessions
Steeds and Ships
Relationships
Family
The Species
History
Origins, Demise, and in Between
Training and Skills
Deeds
Where to Start
Chapter 5—Creating Monsters
Defining Monster
Monsters vs. Species
Monsters vs. Animals
Origins
Accidental Monsters
Monsters by Design
Monsters by Evolution
Habitat
Motivation
To Be Left Alone?
To Hoard Treasure?
Food?
Security?
Revenge?
Characteristics
Physical Appearance
Skills
Where to Start
Chapter 6—Creating Plants and Animals
Should You Create Plants and Animals?
Creating Something Different
How Often the Setting Will Be Used
Time
Do Our Creations Matter?
Plants
Classification
Lifecycle
Animals
Classification
Mammals
Purpose
Plants
Animals
Where to Start
Analogues
Creating a List of Animals and Plants
Creating a Products List
Chapter 7—Creating Undead
Should We Create Undead?
The Mind
Classification
Sentient Life
Non-Sentient Life
Numbers
Prerequisites and Prevention
Time Dead
Origins
Accidental Undead
Undead By Design
Goals
Unfinished Business
Regaining Life
Finding Peace
Causing Torment
Appearance
Traits
Speech and Other Sounds
Touch
Movement
Consumption
Residence
Death
Spirits
Corporeal
Where to Start
Conclusion
About The Author
Other Randy Ellefson Books
Acknowledgments
Randy Ellefson Music
Bibliography
Appendix 1—God Template
Name
Nickname/Titles
Overview
Famous For
Domain
General Description
Personality
Residence
History and Myths
Creations
Species
Places
Items/Possessions
Relationships
Familial
Species
Patronage
Conflicts
Appendix 2—Species Template
Name
Nicknames/Titles
Famous For
General Description
Overall Appearance
The Head
The Body
Special
Gods
Characteristics
Intelligence
Wisdom
Charisma
Strength
Constitution
Agility
Dexterity
Morale
Specific Accomplishments
Wars Won and Lost
Inventions and Discoveries
World View
Culture and Customs
Society
Language
Relations with Other Species
Humans
Species 1
Species 2
The Supernatural
Magic
Habitat
Terrain
Climate
Settlements (Towns/Cities)
Homes
Combat
Ecology
Appendix 3—World Figure Template
Name
Famous For
The Facts
Traits
Characteristics
Status
Possessions
Family
Relations with Species
History
Origins, Demise, and in Between
Training and Skills
The Deeds
Appendix 4—Monster Template
Monster Name
Nicknames/Titles
Famous For
Description
Motives
Origins
Gods
Characteristics
Intelligence
Wisdom
Charisma
Strength
Constitution
Agility
Dexterity
Morale
World View
Society
Language
Customs
Relations with Species
Humans
Elves
Dwarves
Dragons
Ogres
Skills
The Supernatural
Food
Habitat
Combat
Ecology
Appendix 5—Plant Template
Plant #1 Name
Description
Uses
Reputation
Analogues
Plant #2 Name
Description
Uses
Reputation
Analogues
Appendix 6—Animal Template
Animal #1 Name
Type
Mating/Birth
Lifespan
Habitat
Climates
Places Found
Solitary or Pack?
Prey
Predators
Analogues
Animal #2 Name
Type
Mating/Birth
Lifespan
Habitat
Climates
Places Found
Solitary or Pack?
Prey
Predators
Analogues
Appendix 7—Undead Template
Undead Name
Nicknames/Titles
Description
Type
Life Cycle
Origins
Replication
Death
Habitat
Places Found
Solitary or Pack?
Behavior
Characteristics and Skills
Motives
Prey
Combat
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