[WORLD_TYPE] = Fantasy, sci-fi, historical, etc. [CREATIVE_PROJECT] = Novel, game, film, etc. [CENTRAL_CONFLICT] = Main tension or struggle [WORLD_SCOPE] = Planetary, regional, dimensional, etc. [KEY_THEMES] = Core ideas or motifs to explore Step 1 → Physical World & Environment Design Create the tangible setting: Geographic and topographical mapping Climate and weather system development Flora and fauna creation with ecological relationships Natural resource distribution and implications Celestial and astronomical features Physical laws and deviations from reality Seasons and time measurement systems Notable locations and landmarks with significance Step 2 → Cultural & Social Structure Development Build believable societies: Civilization distribution and interaction patterns Cultural group development with distinct characteristics Social hierarchy and class system design Political structures and governance systems Economic systems and trade networks Religious and belief systems with practices Educational and knowledge transfer approaches Art, music, and cultural expression forms Step 3 → History & Timeline Creation Establish temporal depth and context: Origin stories and creation myths Historical era definition and progression Major historical events and turning points Legendary figures and their impact Conflicts and wars with lasting consequences Technological or magical advancement timeline Rise and fall of civilizations or empires Historical documentation and knowledge preservation Step 4 → Magic/Technology Systems & Rules Develop consistent power frameworks: System foundation and basic principles Capabilities and limitations definition Acquisition and learning methodology Resource requirements and costs Societal impact and integration Power balance and checks Evolution and advancement patterns Rare or forbidden applications Step 5 → Narrative Integration & Application Connect world-building to storytelling: [CENTRAL_CONFLICT] embedding in world elements Character interaction points with world systems [KEY_THEMES] reinforcement through world design Mystery and discovery opportunities Tension and drama sources from world elements Consistency and rule enforcement approach World revelation pacing for [CREATIVE_PROJECT] Background vs. foreground element balance Pro Tip: Create a "cultural iceberg" for each major society in your fictional world by explicitly defining both visible elements (clothing, architecture, food, language) and invisible underpinnings (values, beliefs, taboos, unspoken rules). Then, develop "collision points" where cultures with conflicting invisible elements must interact, creating natural tension and storytelling opportunities. This approach generates organic conflict that feels authentic rather than forced, while ensuring your world has the depth that sophisticated readers and audiences crave.