History. Some people love it, others stare at the textbooks thicker than their necks and whimper. Me? I fall in the middle. While I certainly wouldn't spend hours pouring over said textbook, I do think having an understanding of history, if not the world's, then your story's, is super important!

    Which brings us to today's post! This is the latest installment in my "Questions to Ask When..." blog series, and you can check out my previous posts on religions, magic, and cities, if you so please.

    Today the theme of my questions revolves around developing a particular country's history, from the beginning to its current year. My aim is to give you questions to guide you or inspire you throughout the phase of your world-building, no matter what genre you write in.


    Now, onto the questions!

1) Who were the first people to claim the land? How long have they remained there? Did humanity begin on their land? Did they migrate there; for new farming ground, exploration, resources, etc.? 

2) What is the country's geography like? Has this limited communication with other people groups, or encouraged trade and exchange of ideas? Has this led to the primary culture staying the same or adapting?

3) What was the first settlement? Is that the current capital, or does it no longer exist?

4) What kinds of governments have reigned over the land; monarchies, democracies, republics, etc.? Is it the same or different from the current one? If different, what led to this shift? Was there dissatisfaction within the people, or another cause?

5) What are the community's founding principles or values? Were these grounded in religious theology, or something else?

6) Who are the legends that exist in the land's history? Are they famous warriors, kings and queens, criminals, etc.? Were they once living figures, or is it all fiction?

7) How many wars has this land been engaged in? Were they the instigators of these wars, or were they defending themselves from other powers? What were the outcome of these wars; did they win, lose, or declare a truce?

8) Have there been any civil wars? Who was the winner, and how has this affected the people on both sides?

9) Has the land's borders ever shifted? Is this a result of conflict, conquest, or both?

10) What was considered the community's "peak" period? Is it called this because of an economic boom, visionary leader, great architectural feats, military conquests, or something else? 

11) Has this community been welcoming to foreigners, do they bar them from entering, or do they isolate them within their communities? How has this affected their economy, exposure to cultures, and religious beliefs?

12) How is history passed on; is it written down in documents, or is it passed on orally? What are the problems with passing on their history this way?

13) Are there any other countries that have been long time enemies or allies with this one? What is the reason for this relationship? 

14) What are children taught about their history? Are they taught everything, an altered version, or only its glorious moments? How does this affect the child's perspective of the land?

15) What is the age of this country? Is it divided into eras; if so, what are they?

16) Are there any ruins? Were they destroyed, or abandoned, and why?

17) Has the country been hit by any epidemics or plagues? How much life was lost as a result?

18) Are there any festivals that celebrate its history, or victorious moments? Are there are times of silences or periods of remembrance to honour less victorious times?

19) Do any statues or memorials exist to honour historical figures or those killed in particular battles? How are these viewed by the community; are they cared for with respect, or neglected?

20) If you could pinpoint one particular event that shaped the country the most, what would it be, and why?

    When you think about it, religions have been shaping our world since the beginning of time. Religious beliefs turn into values, which then turn into laws, ways of living, and so on. So why wouldn't they shape your fantasy world?

 Listed below are some questions I ask myself while creating fantasy religions; hopefully they can help you out too!


1) Is there a god or higher deity? If so, how many and how are they characterized?

2) How do the devout believe the world was created?

3) What is the most important historical event to this religion?

4) Is there a place that people of this religion gather? What does it look like? Can everyone enter?

5) Do the devout worship? If so, how and how often?

6) Is there a core figure within their religion? Are they supernatural or mortal?

7) What symbols are associated with this religion?

8) Do members of this religion try to convert others to it? If so, through which means?

9) Is the religion tolerant of other religions?
    
10) Are there certain foods members of the religion are not allowed to eat, or clothing they must wear?

11) Does the religion mark a difference between good and evil? What do they define as good or evil? 

12) Is there a hierarchy of members?

13) Can anyone be a member of this religion, or must they be born into a member's family?

14) Are there particular events, celebrations, or traditions that take place? When and how often?

15) Are certain animals or plants protected by this religion? What is their view on the treatment of animals and plants?

16) Is there some form of scripture that records the religion's teachings? Is it written in a language understandable by everyone? How accessible is it?

17) If you had to boil down the religion down to a single belief, what would it be?