When it comes to world building, it’s important to consider the culture of your fictional universe. Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors of a group of people. It can influence everything from the clothing people wear to the food they eat, the language they speak, and the art they create. By considering the culture of your world, you can create a more immersive and believable setting for your story.
When thinking about the culture of your world, consider the following elements:
Social Structures – Think about the social structures in your world. How are different social classes or groups treated? Who has the most power and influence? Are there any social taboos or norms that your characters must abide by?
Examples:
Fantasy: The Kingdom of Keldorath is a feudal society where power is concentrated in the hands of the ruling nobility. The kingdom is divided into several fiefdoms, each controlled by a lord who owes allegiance to the king. Serfs and peasants work the land, and are tied to their lord’s domain by law and tradition. Magic users, known as sorcerers, are an important part of society and are trained in special academies. However, they are also viewed with suspicion and fear by the common people, who believe that they can wield dark powers.
Modern: The City-State of New Hope is a highly stratified society where social status is determined by a person’s level of education and employment. The most privileged class is made up of highly educated professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers, who work in prestigious corporations or government agencies. They enjoy access to the best education, healthcare, and living standards. The working class, on the other hand, are low-skilled laborers who perform menial jobs in factories and service industries. They have limited access to education and healthcare, and often live in poverty. There is also a growing underclass of people who are unemployed or underemployed and struggle to survive.
Futuristic: The United Solar Alliance is a society where people are classified into different castes based on their genetic makeup. Gene editing and genetic engineering are highly advanced, and parents can choose the traits and abilities they want their children to have. The most privileged caste, the “Pures,” are genetically perfect humans who have superior intelligence, strength, and beauty. They hold all the positions of power in government and industry. The lower castes, known as “Genmods,” have been genetically modified to perform specific tasks or occupations, such as soldiers or laborers. They have limited social mobility and are often exploited by the Pures. The lowest caste, known as “Untouchables,” are people who have not undergone any genetic modification and are seen as inferior and unproductive. They are relegated to menial jobs and live in squalor.
Religion and Beliefs – Religion and belief systems can be a significant aspect of culture. Consider the religious beliefs of your world and how they impact the daily lives of your characters. Do they have a pantheon of gods or a single deity? Are there any religious practices or rituals that your characters must participate in?
Examples:
Fantasy: The Church of the Four Elements is a polytheistic religion that believes in the worship of four elemental deities: earth, air, fire, and water. The church teaches that everything in the world is made up of these four elements, and that the balance of the elements is essential for a harmonious existence. Priests of the church are trained in the manipulation of the elements and use their powers to heal the sick, create magical effects, and defend against dark forces. The church also has a militant order of paladins who are sworn to protect the faithful and uphold the tenets of the faith.
Modern: The Church of Transcendence is a new religious movement that has gained a large following in recent years. The church teaches that humans have the potential to evolve into a higher state of consciousness through spiritual practice and self-discovery. Followers of the church engage in meditation, yoga, and other practices to achieve a state of transcendence, where they can connect with the divine and experience a sense of oneness with the universe. The church also promotes social and environmental activism, and sees these as essential aspects of spiritual growth.
Futuristic: The Church of the Singularity is a religion that emerged in the wake of the technological singularity. The church teaches that artificial intelligence will eventually surpass human intelligence and become the dominant force in the universe. Followers of the church believe that by merging with AI, humans can achieve immortality and transcendence. The church promotes the development of advanced AI technologies, and sees them as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. The church also has a militant faction that seeks to eliminate any threats to the development of AI, including humans who oppose the singularity.
Language and Communication – Language is another important aspect of culture. Consider the languages spoken in your world and how they differ from one another. Are there any unique dialects or accents? How do characters communicate with one another?
Examples:
Fantasy: The language of the elves is a musical language that is spoken in a melodic tone. It is based on the use of tonal variations and pitch changes to convey meaning, and is often accompanied by music or singing. The language is very difficult for non-elves to learn, as it requires a great deal of musical talent and sensitivity to nuances in sound. The elves also have a telepathic ability that allows them to communicate silently with each other, without the need for spoken language.
Modern: The language of the internet is a constantly evolving form of communication that is characterized by the use of slang, acronyms, and memes. It is a global language that is used by people from all over the world, and is constantly changing as new words and phrases are created and adopted. The language of the internet is often criticized for being too informal and lacking in proper grammar and spelling, but it is also celebrated for its ability to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Futuristic: The language of the space-faring civilizations is a complex form of communication that is based on the use of advanced technology. It allows for instant translation of any language, and also includes the ability to transmit thoughts and emotions directly between individuals. The language is used by space explorers, traders, and diplomats to communicate with other species and civilizations. It is also used by advanced AI systems, which are able to communicate with each other and with humans using a variety of different languages and communication methods.
Art and Entertainment – Art and entertainment can give insight into the culture of your world. Think about the art forms that exist in your world and what they represent. Are there any traditional forms of entertainment or storytelling that your characters participate in?
Examples:
Fantasy: Shadow puppetry is a popular form of entertainment in many fantasy worlds. It involves creating intricate puppets out of paper or leather and then projecting them onto a screen using a light source. The puppets are often based on characters from local folklore and myths, and the stories they act out are usually accompanied by music and narration. Shadow puppetry is considered a high art form in many fantasy cultures, and skilled puppeteers are highly respected.
Modern: Augmented reality (AR) gaming is a form of entertainment that has become increasingly popular in modern society. AR games use technology to create an immersive gaming experience that blends the real world with virtual elements. Players use their smartphones or other devices to interact with the game world, which can be overlaid onto the real world using AR technology. AR gaming is popular among all age groups, and has become a major industry with its own esports tournaments and championships.
Futuristic: Neural art is a new form of art that has emerged in the future. It involves using advanced neural networks and machine learning algorithms to create works of art that are both beautiful and complex. Neural artists use software to train their neural networks to create specific types of art, such as portraits, landscapes, or abstract designs. The resulting art can be stunningly beautiful and intricate, and is often used for digital installations and public displays. Neural art is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the art world in the future.
History and Mythology – The history and mythology of your world can also impact its culture. Consider the myths and legends that exist in your world and how they shape the beliefs and values of your characters. Are there any significant historical events that have shaped the world your characters live in?
Examples:
The world of the sea people: In this world, the oceans are the primary means of transportation and communication, and the sea people are the dominant culture. The mythology of the sea people centers around the story of the great sea serpent, a creature said to have once ruled the oceans. According to legend, the sea serpent was eventually defeated by a powerful sorcerer, who used his magic to imprison the creature deep beneath the ocean. The sea people still honor the memory of the sea serpent in their art and architecture, and many believe that the creature will one day be freed and rise again to reclaim its rightful place as ruler of the oceans.
The world of the sun people: In this world, the sun is worshiped as a god, and the sun people are the dominant culture. According to their mythology, the sun is a benevolent deity who provides warmth, light, and life to all living things. However, there are also darker legends about the sun, such as the story of the sun-eater, a creature said to dwell in the heart of the sun and consume the souls of the unworthy. The sun people perform elaborate rituals to appease the sun and ensure its continued favor, and they believe that only the purest and most virtuous among them will be spared the sun-eater’s wrath.
The world of the sky people: In this world, the sky is the primary element of life, and the sky people are the dominant culture. According to their mythology, the sky is a vast and infinite realm filled with countless wonders and dangers. The sky people believe that their ancestors once lived among the clouds, but were banished to the earth for their pride and arrogance. However, they also believe that the sky is a place of ultimate salvation, and that those who prove themselves worthy will one day ascend to the heavens and dwell among the gods. The sky people perform elaborate rites and ceremonies to honor the sky and its denizens, and they are known for their intricate sky-themed art and architecture.
By considering the culture of your world, you can create a more immersive and authentic setting for your story. It can also help to create more complex and nuanced characters that are shaped by the world they inhabit. Remember to avoid stereotypes and cliches, and create a culture that is unique and compelling in its own right.
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