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Other Atlas

An Island of Your Own II

An Island of Your Own II

Now that you have a rough idea of what your island looks like, let’s add some more biome and terrain elements to flush out the interior landscape. If you haven’t already been thinking of it, consider what the main climate of your island is like. Is this a tropical paradise, a cold and barren strip of land, or something in-between?

Below is another table that will provide you some ideas for elements to include. Begin by using the table Element Type dropdown menu to select Areas. Mark on your island where a few of these locations may be. Obviously these are only a tiny fraction of the elements you could include in your fictional island, so don’t feel restricted. These are just to give you some ideas. If you need to alter your coastline, that’s entirely fine. Worldbuilding is a dynamic process and often elements change drastically over time.

ElementDescription/PromptType
AirstripA short runway for small aircraftBuildings
BridgeSpanning what areas?Buildings
CastleWho lives here?Buildings
CliffsHow high are these bluffs?Areas
CryptWho is buried here?Buildings
DocksAn area for boats to moorBuildings
JungleDense vegetationAreas
PrisonWho is imprisoned?Buildings
ResortHow popular is this place?Buildings
RiverWhere does it originate?Areas
RuinsOf what kind of structure and why is it in this state?Buildings
Sand BeachWhat color is the sand?Areas
Sea CavesHow extensive are the caverns?Areas
TempleTo what religion or creed?Buildings
TownHow many people live here?Buildings
VolcanoDormant, extinct, or active?Areas
WaterfallHow large?Areas
WoodsAn area of many treesAreas

Other Atlas has a variety of tables (much more exhaustive than what is listed above) that will help you discover or think of new ideas to add to your world. You will find these throughout the website. However, it is up to you as a worldbuilder to decide what belongs in your world and what does not.

Geological features are not the only elements you may wish to include on your island. Afterall, your island may not be uninhabited. On the above table now select Buildings. The table will now list a small number of buildings you may wish to include. For the purposes of this tutorial the number of options has been kept low. If you think of something not listed and want to include it, do so!

Again, you may wish to change the appearance of your island as a clearer picture of it manifests.

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Onwards!

A Primer

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