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World Anvil Worldbuilding

@worldanvil.com
2.1K followers 67 following 573 posts

Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love & passion, supported by the friendliest community on the internet 🥰🥳 Learn more at www.worldanvil.com

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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 20h
Without sapient species and cultures, your setting isn't a place where stories can actually happen. Here's how to start populating your world.
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Populating Your World: Sapient Species, Cultures & Commerce
Without people - sapient species & cultures - your setting isn't a place where stories can happen. Here's how to start populating your world.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 28/09/2026
Snow Globe worldbuilding is what happens when your setting only exists to serve your main character. It's also called Mary-Sue worldbuilding, and here's how to spot and fix it.
academy.worldanvil.com
Avoiding Snow Globe Worldbuilding
Snow Globe worldbuilding is when your setting feels like it only exists to serve your main characters. It's also called Mary-Sue worldbuilding. Here's how to spot - and fix - it.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 27/09/2026
Coming up with a satisfying novel structure is less mysterious than it feels. Here's how the Hero's Journey can shape your plot.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Plot a Novel
How can you come up with a satisfying structure for your novel? Let's take a look at the Hero's Journey.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 26/09/2026
A castle is more than arrow slits and a throne room. Here's how to worldbuild one with real story possibilities built in.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Worldbuild a Fantasy Castle
Learn how to create castles that make sense, and have more story possibilities than arrow slits!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 25/09/2026
Are you a knowledgeable World Anvil user? Eager to help others? We are hiring a Community Liaison! 🙌 This is a 20 hrs/week role to help with tutorials, documentation, webinars & more. 100% remote position with flexible hours & an amazing team. APPLY HERE ➡️ forms.gle/z4fkgSYBupGH...
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 25/09/2026
Running a one-shot gives you all the payoff of a campaign with none of the long-term commitment. Here's how to write one that actually works.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Write an Engaging One-Shot
Running a one-shot is a great way to play without the commitment of a long campaign. Here's how to write one.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 24/09/2026
Is your worldbuilding actually balanced, or does one system quietly overpower everything else? Here's the Triangle of Power, a technique for magic, powers, and scifi tech alike.
academy.worldanvil.com
Is Your Worldbuilding Balanced? The Triangle of Power
Is your worldbuilding balanced? Check with the Triangle of Power! This helpful worldbuilding technique is great for magic, powers & scifi tech. Use it for ultimate worldbuilding balance, and to prevent OP stuff in your world!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 23/09/2026
Travel eats up a huge chunk of most DnD campaigns, and it's usually the most boring part. Here are 5 tips (and a bonus video) to fix that.
academy.worldanvil.com
5 Tips for Making DnD Travel Interesting
Travel is a part of most D&D campaigns. Here are 5 tips (and bonus video) for making the journey more fun!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 22/09/2026
There's a name for the tendency to get so consumed by worldbuilding details that the actual story or game grinds to a halt. Here's how to avoid Worldbuilder's Disease.
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What is Worldbuilder's Disease?
Worldbuilder's disease is the tendency to become so consumed by the details of worldbuilding that it derails the actual story or gameplay. Here's how to avoid it.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 22/09/2026
Power dynamics create some of the most authentic conflict in fiction, and they can be pulled straight from current events. Here's how worldbuilding power actually works.
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Power in Worldbuilding: Need, Agency, and Action
Worldbuilding power dynamics creates authentic, interesting settings for novels & campaigns, plus creates story hooks from current affairs.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 21/09/2026
Motivation is the biggest stumbling block in worldbuilding, not skill. Here's a powerful way to hold on to your inspiration long term.
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Why Worldbuild? The Secret to Staying Inspired
Maintaining your motivation is a major worldbuilding stumbling block. Here's a powerful weapon to help you hold on to your inspiration.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 20/09/2026
You can't flesh out everything in your world, and trying to is the fastest way to burn out. Here's how focus areas create real depth instead.
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Writing Lore: Create Depth with Focus Areas
You can’t do everything. Focus is the name of the game early on. Be deliberate about which areas of your world you flesh out with deep lore.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 18/09/2026
When you're stuck, structured chaos beats staring at a blank page. Here are 5 brainstorming techniques built specifically for worldbuilders and RPG creators.
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5 Creative Brainstorming Techniques for Worldbuilders, Authors and RPG gamers
5 tried and tested techniques for creative brainstorming, helping you solve problems and come up with ideas in a hurry!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 17/09/2026
History, religion, and myth don't just decorate a fictional world, they give it a misty, believable past. Here's how to build that depth.
academy.worldanvil.com
Worldbuilding Religion, Mythology, and History
History, religion, myths and legends all add depth to your fictional world. So let’s get into how to create a mysterious, misty past for your fresh new world.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 16/09/2026
Story hooks are where conflict, drama, and antagonists actually enter your worldbuilding. Here's how to set them properly.
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Story Hooks: Adding Drama, Conflict & Antagonist Characters
When it’s time to set the story hooks for your next campaign or novel, it's time to add conflict, drama and antagonists to your worldbuilding!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 16/09/2026
A short story isn't a small novel. It has its own rules entirely. Here's where to start.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Write a Short Story
Writing a short story is different from writing a novel, in more ways than simply word count. Here is some advice for how to start.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 15/09/2026
Setting the scene for an adventure can make or break the first five minutes at the table. Here's a cheat sheet with 9 ideas for your next one-shot.
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RPG & DnD Scene-Setting: Ideas for One-Shots
Setting the scene for any adventure is critical. Here's a cheat sheet with 9 exciting setting ideas for your next one-shot.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 14/09/2026
Middle Earth. Discworld. The Dresden Files. These aren't just settings. They're story machines that kept readers coming back. Learn why the writers with lasting careers treat worldbuilding as an investment, not procrastination. #worldbuilding #WorldAnvil #fantasywriting #amwriting
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 13/09/2026
A forgettable boss fight is almost always a design problem, not a difficulty problem. Here's a tested method for building an epic final encounter.
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Rewarding Your Players with an Epic Final Boss Fight
How do you come up with boss fight ideas that feel fresh, interesting and fun? Here’s a tried and tested method for coming up with an epic final boss fight!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 12/09/2026
A one-shot encounter has to challenge your players and hold their attention in a single session. Here's how to design one that does both.
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Encounter Ideas for your DnD or RPG One-Shot
Advice and ideas for creating one-shot encounters to challenge your players and keep them engaged for the whole session.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 12/09/2026
Hard and soft worldbuilding aren't a hierarchy, they're a choice, and most writers never realize they're picking one. Here's the difference.
academy.worldanvil.com
Hard and soft worldbuilding: know the difference!
Hard and soft worldbuilding describe the approach you use when creating a setting. The best one is whichever one works for you!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 10/09/2026
Worldbuilding isn't just a hobby for your novel or campaign. Experts say it can genuinely boost your happiness and social life, and it might make or break your published work.
academy.worldanvil.com
Surprising Benefits of Worldbuilding, for your brain and your pocket!
Experts agree—Worldbuilding can enhance your happiness, social life, and if you’re hoping to publish, it can make-or-break your product, too!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 09/09/2026
Ancient relics do more narrative work than most writers realize. Here are five reasons to worldbuild history, and how to bring it into your present.
academy.worldanvil.com
The Power of Relics: Using history in your worldbuilding
Five reasons to worldbuild history for your setting... and how to use ancient relics in the present!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 09/09/2026
A basic setting doesn't require months of prep. Here's a worldbuilding checklist that gets you playing, or writing, in just 10 steps.
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Worldbuilding Checklist: 10 Easy Steps to Get Started
A worldbuilding checklist can help you create a basic setting, to start playing (or writing) faster. And you can get there in just 10 steps!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 08/09/2026
Terrain, climate, and maps are the concrete foundation your entire setting stands on. Here's how to lay the groundwork properly.
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Laying the Groundwork: Worldbuilding Terrain, Climate & Maps
Let’s take a look at the concrete foundations of your setting: worldbuilding terrain, climate and maps!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 06/09/2026
Filter words are a hidden saboteur quietly weakening your prose. Here's how to find and cut them to sharpen your writing and your worldbuilding.
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Immediacy in Worldbuilding: Removing Filter words from your prose
Filter words are a hidden saboteur of your writing. How to find and cut them to transform your writing, worldbuilding, and RPG games!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 05/09/2026
Upmarket fiction shows up constantly in manuscript wish lists, but almost nobody defines it clearly. Here's what it actually means, and whether chasing it is even a good idea.
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What is Upmarket Fiction?
It’s often mentioned in manuscript wish lists, but what does it mean? What can you do to make your work feel more “upmarket” – and is that even a good idea?
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 04/09/2026
Whether you're a first-time writer or a veteran, there are specific habits that make a fantasy book land with readers. Here they are.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Write a Fantasy Book
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just getting started, embracing these tips can make it easier to write a fantasy book that readers will love.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 03/09/2026
Writing with themes isn't an academic exercise, it's how your story ends up saying something. Here's how to actually use them. academy.worldanvil.c...
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 02/09/2026
A monster lair is more than a room with a boss in it. Here's how to design one that challenges players and deepens the story.
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How Do I Design A Good Monster Lair?
Design a well-crafted lair that challenges players and enhances the storytelling and immersion of your campaign.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 02/09/2026
Planning an RPG campaign can feel overwhelming until you know exactly which essentials to outline first. Here they are.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Plan An RPG Campaign?
It can be overwhelming, but here are the essentials you'll need to outline up front to plan a D&D campaign (or other tabletop RPG adventure).
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 31/08/2026
A homebrew setting is your chance to build a world that's entirely yours. Here's how to actually get started instead of staring at a blank page.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Create a Homebrew D&D Setting
A homebrew setting provides the opportunity to flex your creativity and truly craft a world of your own. Here's how to get started!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 31/08/2026
Choosing a DnD setting isn't just about which world sounds coolest. Here's how to pick, or build, the right one for your actual party.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Choose a D&D Setting for Your Campaign
Let's explore some of the most popular and interesting options, how to choose the right one for your party, and tips for creating your own homebrew setting.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 29/08/2026
Stepping behind the DM screen for the first time, or coming back after a long break, is more approachable than it feels. Here's where to start.
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How to Start Dungeon Mastering
Whether you're stepping into this role for the first time or looking to refresh your skills after a long break, you'll find practical advice and resources to help you succeed.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 29/08/2026
Keeping players coming back has less to do with the story you write and more to do with how you plan the session around it.
academy.worldanvil.com
How to Plan a D&D Session
Tips for how to plan an engaging RPG session that will keep your players coming back for more—and things to avoid!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 27/08/2026
Are you attending Los Angeles Worldcon ? Look for Janet & Kat to snag an ✨️exclusive✨️ World Anvil ribbon for your badge! #laworldcon #laconv
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 27/08/2026
The people and monsters your players meet either stick with them for years or vanish from memory by next session. Here's how to make them stick.
academy.worldanvil.com
Create Better NPCs and Monsters
Let's dive into the different kinds of people and monsters your players might encounter—and how to make them memorable.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 26/08/2026
Great DnD campaign ideas don't strike out of nowhere. Here's a process for generating, tailoring, and selecting the ones worth building.
academy.worldanvil.com
Brainstorm Better D&D Campaign Ideas
A process for generating, tailoring, and selecting the best DnD campaign ideas to ensure an exciting and immersive experience for your group.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 25/08/2026
Mood in worldbuilding is easy to feel and hard to define. Here's how gamemasters and authors actually create it on purpose.
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Mood & Tone in Worldbuilding
What exactly is mood when we’re talking about worldbuilding? And how do you create it as a gamemaster or author?
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 25/08/2026
Deep worldbuilding isn't about fleshing out every detail. Spotlighting is the method that tells you what actually matters.
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Spotlighting to Avoid Shallow Worldbuilding
Creating a sense of deep worldbuilding isn't fleshing out every detail. Spotlighting is a method that helps you focus on what matters most.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 23/08/2026
There are only 4 types of fantasy worlds, and most beginners make the same mistakes building any of them. Here's the step-by-step fix.
academy.worldanvil.com
Worldbuilding Guide: Create A Fantasy Setting
This worldbuilding guide explains the 4 types of worlds, common beginner mistakes, and a step-by-step approach to create a setting for your game, campaign, or novel.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 22/08/2026
A fantasy job can reveal how your entire world works, literally and figuratively, if you build it with intention. Here's the guide.
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A Guide to Fantasy Jobs & Occupations
Used well, fantasy jobs and occupations convey a wealth of information about how your world works - literally and figuratively.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 21/08/2026
Enchanted ecosystems aren't just backdrops. Here are the major considerations most fantasy worldbuilders skip when crafting their biomes.
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Guide to Biomes in Fantasy Worldbuilding
Let's talk about the major considerations when crafting enchanted ecosystems for your fantasy game or novel setting!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 21/08/2026
Religion can drive motivation, magic, and conflict in your world, or it can sit there doing nothing. Here's how to make it do the former.
academy.worldanvil.com
Worldbuilders Guide to Fantasy Religions
Religion can be a source of motivation, magic & conflict for the characters in your game or novel setting. Here are some resources for worldbuilding one!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 19/08/2026
Ruins, lost history, and compelling secrets don't come from nowhere. Here's how to worldbuild the disaster that created them.
academy.worldanvil.com
Worldbuilding an Apocalypse, Cataclysm or Disaster
From epic disasters to mysterious collapses, cataclysms can layer your fantasy or sci-fi setting with legendary ruins, lost history, and compelling secrets.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 18/08/2026
A MacGuffin without meaning is just a plot device. Here's how to create relics and artifacts worth an entire quest.
academy.worldanvil.com
Worldbuilding Treasure: Creating a MacGuffin, Artifact or Relic
MacGuffins, or quest items, are objects that propel your adventure plot. Here's how to create interesting, powerful relics and artifacts worth hunting!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 17/08/2026
In this week's podcast episode, Janet talks with R.C. Helix (@chrismoujaes) of Flux Destiny about what makes anime such a powerful storytelling medium and how its worldbuilding lessons translate across novels, games, and beyond. Catch it here! pod.link/1457068992/...
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 17/08/2026
Portal fantasy is the genre of escape, and it has rules most writers ignore until their wardrobe stops making sense. Here's the guide.
academy.worldanvil.com
Worldbuilding Guide to Portal Fantasy
Sick of the real world? Want to escape to a place of wonder and danger? Then climb into this wardrobe as we explore PORTAL FANTASY!
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 16/08/2026
Grab your trench coat and mirrorshades. Here's how to hack into a neon-drenched cyberpunk setting that actually holds together.
academy.worldanvil.com
Neon & Noir: Cyberpunk Worldbuilding for RPGs & Fiction
Enjoy tales of hackers fighting to take down corrupt corporations? Then grab your trench coat and mirrorshades as we hack into the slick, neon-drenched world of cyberpunk.
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World Anvil Worldbuilding @worldanvil.com · 15/08/2026
Science fantasy blurs the line between futuristic technology and ancient magic, and most writers pick a side instead of blending them. Here's how.
academy.worldanvil.com
Worldbuilders Guide to Science Fantasy
Science fantasy blends futuristic technology with ancient magic, blurring the lines between these two popular speculative genres.
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