Worldbuilding Stack Exchange
Worldbuilding Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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14 answers

How to replace a fictional element to the periodic table?

From what I know about the periodic table, in order to add a new element it would have to be above the current highest element. And up there this new element would be unstable. But could I just replace an already existing element on the table, such…
Shyassasain
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Creating a realistic world map - Erosion

This Query is part of the Worldbuilding Resources Article. Once geological processes have created a landscape a number of factors come into play in order to reshape it. This includes weather and climate effects such as wind, rain and ice reshaping…
Tim B
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How could mankind of ancient times cause significant climate change?

They don't posses any advanced knowledge, their knowledge is in fact irrelevant, just their possible actions (it doesn't matter how irrational those actions might be) that would cause significant environmental changes. Any kind of climate change.…
user1878648
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Is there a theoretical maximum size for rocky planets?

As title suggests, what is the size limit by volume for a rocky planet, if any? Some ideas are discussed here, but I'm wondering if there is more concrete, expert evidence to point either way. If possible, it should be at least large enough to host…
mjr
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Can a rational creature have a series of small brains instead of a large one?

My question is not human-specific. I found this question that mentions that a brain have more neuronal complexity; I deduce it is more efficient (in terms of neural communication and energy use) to put all the higher complex mental functions in one…
Broken_Window
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Sure-fire way to identify an heir in a world without genetic testing

My question is about unusual hereditary traits in humans. I'm new here and this is my first question - apologies in advance if I've accidentally messed this up or covered existing ground. I'm writing a post-apocalyptic story in which the protagonist…
Tania Walker
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How to evolve/justify pescatarian elves?

My world - basically Earth all along, unless told otherwise - is populated by humans and few fantasy-based "races" (actually, species - any interbreed offspring, if possible, is infertile): elves, dwarves, etc. Despite the fact that setting is to…
Ijon
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Long-lasting self-sustainable presence indicator beacon

This morning when I woke up, I found nobody. Literally... All houses and cars where abandoned, as if everybody was gone in a hurry leaving everything. I took a car and drove around: nothing... My first thought was "hey I'm finally able to finish my…
Goufalite
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Can a nonspherical planet exist and can it be habitable?

In both fiction and non-fiction worlds, that attempt to keep a sense of realism, planets are spherical. Is it possible for a planet to not be shaped like a sphere? If such a planet is possible could it sustain life? For example, having a proper…
The Man
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Is there a reason why a country would only use open negotiations?

For plot reasons I need a country that will always negotiate with foreign delegations using open door policy. The media can watch and record the negotiations but they can't participate. Is there a plausible way to explain this besides something like…
Dajanon
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Would a civilization simplify their languages (eg:English) in order to let their citizens learn more easily?

I know language is not easy to learn, so I have a little bit strange idea: would a civilization simpify their language just because it is too difficult to learn? For example, to simplify English: Disable some words with same meaning, eg:disclose,…
Gstestso
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Initial conditions for a fluorine hellscape

I'm curious what it would take to get a planet with so much free fluorine that you can have an atmosphere of predominantly or purely fluorine. I realize how improbable a planet like this is, so I'm looking for the long set of perhaps contradictory…
Green
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Would life on the edge of the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy see the whole Milky Way in the night sky?

Here's an intriguing thought - I think so anyway. Let's suppose for a minute that there's an Earth-like planet with sentient life orbiting a star near the edge of the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy. Specifically, it would need to be on the side…
danl
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Is it possible to make spaceship very difficult to reverse engineer if you can't oversee its usage?

I have a situation where planet A (democracy with a rule of law) has an alliance of convenience with planet B (dictatorship with disregard for a law). In order for B to effectively fight a common enemy A has to sell them their cutting edge…
Saren
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How do I create an office-friendly silence grenade?

Our intrepid hero works in an open office, within a short stone's throw of the IT Support Desk. They fool around every Friday (and most days between Friday and the following Thursday). The inane chatter and laughter is annoying and disruptive. How…
user10945
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