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Resources for Worldbuilding

Badlands Elements

Badlands Elements

ElementIconDesignationSimplifyDescriptionSub-Elements
Abandoned TownBuilding2 IconbWhy was it abandoned?Explore
ArchArch2 IconaSimplifiedA rock formation in the shape of an arch
ArroyoArroyo IconaSimplifiedA dry streambed that will fill during rains or floods
BadlandsBadlands IconaSimplifiedAn area of dry eroded land with little vegetation
BoulderBoulder IconaA large rock
Box CanyonCanyon IconaA short, narrow canyon enclosed on three sides
BridgeBridge2 IconbWhat does it bridge?
ButteButte IconaAn isolated hill with steep sides, usually smaller than a mesaExplore
CactusCactus Icona, sSimplifiedA single cacti, a patch, or a forest?
CanyonCanyon IconaSimplifiedA deep gorge between cliffsExplore
CaveCave2 IconaSimplifiedHow extensive are the caverns?Explore
CliffCliff IconaSimplifiedA steep rock faceExplore
DesertDesert IconaSimplifiedA sea of sandsExplore
Dust DevilDust Devil IconeA small vortex of dust
Dust StormDust Storm IconeSimplifiedHow intense is the storm?Explore
EscarpmentCliff IconaA steep slope between two flat areas at different elevations
FossilFossil IconsSimplifiedFrom some long dead beastExplore
Flash FloodWave IconeSimplifiedA flood that arises unusually quickly
FrostSnowflake IconeA light coating of ice on the rocks
GorgeGorge IconaSimplifiedA narrow chasm with steep walls, smaller than a canyon
HillHills IconaWhat is on the other side?
HoodooHoodoo IconaSimplifiedA thin spire of rock rising vertically from the landscape and capped by a hard stone to resemble a slender mushroom
MesaButte IconaSimplifiedAn isolated flat topped hill with steep sides, larger than a butte but smaller than a plateauExplore
Mesa TownMesa-Towna, bA town built within or atop a mesaExplore
MineMine-IconbSimplifiedIs it still in operation?Explore
Missile SiloRocket-IconbAbandoned or still in use?Explore
MountainMountain IconaSimplifiedA large rocky outcropping protruding from the earthExplore
Mountain RangeMountainaA chain of mountainsExplore
Mountain StreamMountain River Stream IconaFed by snow or by spring
MudslideMudslide IconeHas it been raining recently?
NeedleNeedle Mountain 2 IconaSimplifiedA tall, thin, spire of rock
Oil WellOil Rig IconbIs it producing?
PlateauMesa IconaSimplifiedAn large, flat, elevated region of land
RavineRavine IconaA gorge between cliffs similar to a canyon but smaller
Ravine LabyrinthMaze-IconaA tangle of ravines, gullies, and canyonsExplore
ReservoirReservoir Iconb, aA natural or constructed lake used for storing waterExplore
RiverRiver IconaSimplifiedAre there rapids?
RockBoulder IconsA lone rock
Rock FormationRock Formation IconaHow high does it reach?
RockslideRockslide IconeWatch out below
SagebrushSagebrush Bush IconsHardy bush
ScarpCliff IconaA steep cliff or slopeExplore
ScreeRockslide Icona, sSimplifiedA collection of loose rock that collects at the base of a cliff
Snake NestRattle IconaWatch your step
SnowSnowflake IconeHow deep does it fall?
StampedeHorns IconeSimplifiedMooove
TownBuilding2 IconbHow large?Explore
TrailPath Icons, bWhere does it lead?
Train TracksTrain-Track-IconbWhere do they lead?Explore
TumbleweedTumbleweed IconsSimplifiedBreaks off from the roots and rolls in the wind
TunnelUnderground IconbHow long? Is it safe?Explore
Underground BunkerBunker-IconbWho built it and why?Explore
WagonWagon Iconb, sWhere did the passengers go?
ValleyValley IconaA low area between hills or mountainsExplore
Water TowerWatertower Iconb, sSimplifiedIs it full or empty?
Wild FlowersFlower IconsWhat color?

A Primer

  • Getting Started
  • World Archetypes
  • Regions & Biomes
  • Historical Events
  • Worldbuilding Terminology
  • Naming Places in Fictional Worlds

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