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worldbuilding

npx machina-cli add skill danjdewhurst/story-skills/worldbuilding --openclaw
Files (1)
SKILL.md
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Worldbuilding

Overview

Create and manage world elements for a story project. Locations and systems (magic, politics, technology, etc.) are stored as markdown files in the worldbuilding/ directory with YAML frontmatter. All elements cross-reference characters and other story elements.

Prerequisites

A story project must already exist (created via the story-init skill). Verify by checking for story.md in the project root.

Creating a Location

  1. Read story.md for genre, era, and tone context
  2. Read worldbuilding/_index.md for existing locations and systems
  3. Ask for the location's name and type (city, fortress, wilderness, etc.)
  4. Build the location through conversation, covering:
    • Physical description and atmosphere
    • History relevant to the story
    • Culture and customs of inhabitants
    • Notable features characters will interact with
    • Current state at story's timeline
  5. Write the file using references/location-template.md
  6. Save to worldbuilding/locations/{name-kebab}.md
  7. Update worldbuilding/_index.md locations table
  8. If notable characters are listed, verify those character files exist and add location references to them

Creating a System

  1. Read story.md for genre and themes context
  2. Read worldbuilding/_index.md for existing systems
  3. Identify the system type and consult references/world-element-types.md for the relevant prompts
  4. Build the system through conversation, addressing the key questions for that type
  5. Write the file using references/system-template.md
  6. Save to worldbuilding/systems/{name-kebab}.md
  7. Update worldbuilding/_index.md systems table
  8. Cross-reference with characters who interact with the system (e.g., magic-users for a magic system)

Updating World Elements

  1. Read the existing file
  2. Make the requested changes
  3. If cross-references changed, update the linked files
  4. Update worldbuilding/_index.md if name, type, or status changed

Cross-Referencing

  • Locations reference characters via notable-characters in frontmatter
  • Systems reference practitioners via character tags
  • When a location is used in a chapter, the chapter's frontmatter locations field links back
  • Keep the worldbuilding/_index.md world overview section current as elements are added

Reference Files

  • references/location-template.md - Template for location files
  • references/system-template.md - Template for system files
  • references/world-element-types.md - Detailed prompts for each system type (magic, political, technology, religion, economic, military, social)

Source

git clone https://github.com/danjdewhurst/story-skills/blob/main/skills/worldbuilding/SKILL.mdView on GitHub

Overview

Worldbuilding helps you create and manage all story world elements, from locations to magic, politics, and technology. Elements are stored as markdown files in worldbuilding/, using YAML frontmatter, and they cross-reference characters and other story elements to stay cohesive.

How This Skill Works

Start by ensuring a story project exists (look for story.md). Review existing elements in worldbuilding/_index.md, decide whether you’re creating a location or a system, then build it through guided prompts. Write the new element with the appropriate template (location-template or system-template), save it under worldbuilding/locations/ or worldbuilding/systems/, and update the _index.md. Cross-reference characters and other elements so links stay consistent.

When to Use It

  • Create a new location (city, fortress, wilderness, etc.) for a story
  • Add culture, customs, or notable features to a region
  • Develop a magic, political, technology, religious, or economic system
  • Outline world history or the broader world context for the narrative
  • Cross-reference elements with characters and update the world index

Quick Start

  1. Step 1: Ensure a story project exists (look for story.md in the root)
  2. Step 2: Decide whether you’re adding a location or a system and gather inputs
  3. Step 3: Write the element using the appropriate template and save under worldbuilding/locations/ or worldbuilding/systems/; then update worldbuilding/_index.md

Best Practices

  • Check story.md to align genre, era, and tone before building elements
  • Consult worldbuilding/_index.md to understand existing locations and systems
  • Use the designated templates (location-template.md or system-template.md) when writing files
  • Cross-reference practitioners or notable characters where applicable
  • Keep worldbuilding/_index.md current to reflect new or updated elements

Example Use Cases

  • Create a coastal city with a layered culture, trade networks, and a harbor politics scheme
  • Design a magic system with schools, costs, and rituals that influence daily life
  • Build a technology system tied to a scarce resource and a corporate governance layer
  • Develop an ancient history that shapes current factions and myths
  • Establish a religion with rituals, holy sites, and its impact on laws and economy

Frequently Asked Questions

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