Eras
Eras are periods of time defined by a common set of characteristics. Fictional eras [ancient eras; dark ages] are often used by worldbuilders to help create a fictional history or timeline. Some fictional worlds possess a set world era that can help define a genre such as near future eras for cyberpunk worlds or interwar eras for dieselpunk worlds. Eras are often characterized by a revolutionary new technology, the reign of an important leader or empire, or a rapid expansion of territory, thought, or discovery.
| Synonyms: time periods |
| Example Mythonyms: the Reign of Iron, the Twilight Age, the Era of Expansion |
Designing Fictional Eras
Archetypes
Overview
The central considerations of any fictional era are the characteristics that unify this time period (the reign of a ruler, a period of hostilities, a new technology, etc.), the length of time the era persists, the name of the era, and the events (if any) mark the eras beginning and end. Developing a fictional history or world timeline can be helpful in the design of eras and eras, in turn, help the design of fictional histories and timelines.
Common eras used by worldbuilders include dark ages (periods of stagnant cultural and technological development), ancient eras (eras from which ruins, ancient technologies, and ancient magics are found), and eras of war (periods marked by extreme warfare).
