> [!info] How to use this template:
> - Copy the markdown code below and paste into your editor of choice, such as [Obsidian.md](https://obsidian.md/)
> - Remove the instructions/examples if you don't need them 😄
> - Prefer a Google Doc to copy? Grab one [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_jd1sC8UHH6mE7gRw77eB_S3X58iAJGfnL7m9L4tyls/edit?usp=sharing)
> - Here's the [accompanying blog post](https://tjtrewin.com/gdd-for-worldbuilding/) for this template - enjoy!
```md
# Project Name
**Setting Design Document**
**By** Your Name
# Overview
## Pitch
In 1-2 sentences, write an enticing hook as to what your setting is about. If someone puts you on the spot and asks what your project is about - this is how you'd explain it.
**Example:**
> “Fifty years ago, the world of Melior was forcefully introduced to magic during an apocalyptic invasion. Folks are questioning their old traditions and faiths as they struggle to rebuild amidst the new dangers of everyday life.”
## World Summary
In 1-2 paragraphs, describe a bit more about what's happening in the setting and who are the key factions and characters involved.
**Example:**
>"Planar rifts unleashed an apocalypse of nightmares across the globe and chaos has befallen the realm. The monstrosities that came forth brought wondrous magic to the world of Melior and all of its destructive arcane powers, too.
>Living in a life of uncertainty and doubt is hard; folks don't trust each other but they need to cooperate in order to survive, reclaim their homes, and conquer beyond the rifts.
>With the discovery of magic, everything has changed. Powers are shifting, and the clouds above are about to break."
## Genres, Mood & Tone (Setting Alignment)
**Genre(s):**
What genres define your setting?
**Mood:**
What does it feel like to live in this setting and how much impact or change can characters make in the world?
**Tone:**
What’s the vibe or general atmosphere of your setting? Does it feel hopeful and optimistic, bleak and challenging, or somewhere in between?
**Setting Alignment:**
Where does your project fall on the [setting alignment chart](https://tjtrewin.com/worldbuilding-setting-alignment-chart/)?
## Recurring Themes
What are some repeating motifs that emphasise your project’s genre, mood, and tone?
**Example:**
>“Tasty food, scary monsters, and the contrast of Old vs New.”
## Target Audience
Who is this setting for? Fans of a similar franchise? Your TTRPG group? People who enjoy certain genres?
## Reader Experience
How will people engage with the setting?
What format will it take (wiki, zine, book, game, etc)?
What is the setting for? Is it for a digital or physical game, novel, comic, animated series, film, or something else?
# Focus Area
Define the scope of your worldbuilding project based on the previous sections.
Is your setting taking place in a world, a region, a settlement, something smaller, or something much bigger?
If you have a really broad project and want to feel a sense of achievement by finishing something - break it down and make this document just about one area that you'll develop fully before moving on to the next.
# History
List 1-3 major events that define how your setting is today.
Roughly how long ago did they happen and how are those events remembered today?
(If you're stuck for ideas check out my post on [how to make a timeline](https://tjtrewin.com/worldbuilding-timeline-guide/))
# Present Day
What is the world like at present day and how does it relate to the history, genre, and tone of your setting? List 1-3 events or conflicts of varying significance that are currently ongoing.
# Narrative & Perspective
From which perspective(s) is your setting being told from? Is it an omnipresent knowledge of everything? The POV from a particular character or group?
Will it be in first person (like a journal), second person (like the GM of a TTRPG), or third person (like most novels)?
# Worldbuilding Development
How long do you want/need to be working on this setting (or this area of the setting)? Write down any defining goals that count towards reaching a finished state - even if you call it "finished for now". Set some achievable goals for yourself!
```