Below is the template I use when creating a fantasy city during world building. Feel free to adapt it your purposes. You can read Part 1 here.
Download the PDF or Word template.
Independent city or part of a kingdom? Allies?
Symbol and Banner:
City Colors:
Slogans:
What comes to mind when people think of this place?
What continent? Nearby land features? How accessible?
Terrain? Forests, mountainous, desert, plain, sea/river port?
Is there a distinctive land feature? City layout?
Is there a wall around it? How many gates? Well guarded? Ever breached?
Where is it and what condition is it in? Ruined or intact? What’s it made of? How many towers? Mote? Ever been destroyed?
Any legends or mysteries about the place?
This depends on geography. Very useful when writing stories as you can refer to wine, for example, from a certain city or region.
Year Founded:
What events are important in the formation of this settlement?
Outcome? Who attacked them? Or did they attack?
Attitude toward magic? Gods? Supernatural? Races? Strangers?
What sort of government is there and who is currently running it?
Is some organization really in control of the city?
The overall population count and which races live here. How do they get along? Are they segregated? What are they afraid/proud of?
What religions are taught/tolerated/shunned here?
Is there an army? Garrison? Just local guards? Militia? Knights?
How many? Well trained? Well equipped? Who’s in charge?
Are they in town or nearby in a tower? Is magic tolerated? Feared? Can wizards cast spells in public or only in secret? Are they a rare/common sight?
Good or bad? How many of what kind? What is the effect on the inhabitants and fortifications?
Are there any? Curfews? Are they friendly/hostile to strangers?
What kinds of items are available for purchase or trade here? Is this place famous for making anything? Two-handed swords? Full plate armor? Silk tunics? Strong ropes?
Are there are any secrets about this place, whether known to a few or not?
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