Historical events are an amazing way to weave the focus points of your setting directly into the fabric of your world! If you’re creating your first historical events, we have a whole lesson in our How to start worldbuilding course to help you!
The following types are all event options on World Anvil’s historical events! Each entry includes fantasy and scifi examples to inspire you, and some ways you can use them in your worldbuilding and stories. There are also suggestions for which event type to use, if two seem similar.
Celestial/cosmic
Examples: passing of comets (like Haley’s comet), shooting stars, super novas, and other planetary events.
In fantasy worlds, it might also include the creation of Angels and Gods! Celestial events are important for science fiction stories set in space, as they may have direct impact on civilizations or travelers there. But they are also often seen as omens, and may be the driving factor behind religious festivals, or even a cause of wars.
Civil Action
Examples: Protests, boycotts, civil rights movements, strikes, or marches.
Civil actions often shape the socio-political landscape of a world, leading to revolutions or reforms. In a futuristic or dystopian setting, this could involve rebellions against AI governance, space colonies demanding independence, or protests against corporate exploitation. There might also be protests against magic users or magical creatures. These events offer conflict and tension within a story, and motivation for characters. They also work well as world drama.
Construction beginning/end
Examples: The completion of a grand monument, city walls, space stations, or colossal warships.
The beginning or completion of construction projects can mark the rise or fall of empires, the beginning of new cultural eras, or the hubris of powerful factions. In worldbuilding, it can symbolize ambition, technological progress, or, on the other hand, the fall of civilizations. The construction of a Dyson Sphere might signal a faction’s dominance in a solar system, while the collapse of an iconic monument (like the Statue of Liberty in the planet of the apes) marks the end of an era.
Criminal Activity
Examples: Bank heists, assassination attempts, organized crime.
Criminal acts—like theft, espionage, or political sabotage—can be at the heart of dramatic storylines, like the rise of criminal empires or the crumbling of governments. In fantasy settings, it might involve a heist of a magical artifact, magical espionage, or the creation of illegal magical items and spells. In science fiction, it could be hacking into a computer system, smuggling illegal substances or tech, or an act of space piracy!
Diplomatic Action
Examples: Peace treaties, alliances, trade agreements, or declarations of war.
Diplomatic events shape the power dynamics between organizations in your worldbuilding—like nations and factions—sparking wars or brokering peace. Diplomatic actions provide rich opportunities for political drama and intrigue, pushing the powers into surprising alliances and betrayals. In a fantasy realm, a peace treaty between warring kingdoms might hinge on a political marriage, or a uniting symbol. In a scifi world, interplanetary trade deals could lead to economic warfare or covert espionage.
Disaster/Destruction
Examples: Cataclysms, magical catastrophes, or enemy forces blowing up planets
The sudden destruction of a city, or even an entire region, creates far-reaching chaos and drama in your world setting. In a scifi setting, this could be a weapon wiping out a star system, or a solar event that destroys the protective atmosphere of a world. These events can drastically change the course of history in your world, pushing populations into exile, sparking wars, or triggering quests for salvation or revenge.
For natural disasters you can also use the Geological/environmental event type.
Disbandment
Examples: The end of an organization, a military unit, or a guild.
Disbandments mark the fall or failure of a group. It could involve a kingdom's dissolution, the collapse of a rebellion, or the official shutdown of a spacefaring exploration fleet. These events often signal the end of an era or a change in political or social structures. The aftermath might serve as the starting point for new stories, like ex-members seeking revenge, or new factions rising to power in their wake.
Era Beginning/End
Examples: The fall of an empire, the rise of a new dynasty, or the start of a golden age of technology.
The beginning or end of an era marks significant transitions in the world. This might be in any discipline—such as socio-political, geographical, artistic, cultural, economic, etc.—or in several at once! Regardless, era changing events often ripple out through many areas of your world setting, leading to social upheavals, revolutions, or renaissances. Examples could include the sudden end of a magic-wielding aristocracy, the fall of a Dark Lord, or the dawn of a post-apocalyptic society rebuilding from scratch. In True Blood, the end of the masquerade—when vampires first allowed themselves to be publicly known—was an era changing event. These transitions offer fertile ground for character development, as individuals navigate changing worlds and redefined identities.
Expedition
Examples: a trip to uncharted territories, excavate lost ruins, underwater explorations, or space missions.
An expedition is a journey, undertaken by a group for a purpose, often exploration, research, or war. You might use the expedition event type for quests, like throwing a ring into a volcano. While the Discovery, Exploration type can be used to denote when the actual information was recorded or the discovery made, the expedition marks the whole trip, from start to finish. In fantasy, this might involve venturing into forbidden forests or ancient ruins, while in sci-fi, it could be a deep-space mission to an unexplored star system, or a parallel universe. Expeditions are a classic mainstay of adventure stories, filled with unexpected dangers, new species, or alien technology. They also offer rich opportunities for character development through trials and teamwork.
Extinction
Examples: The extinction of a species, culture, or magical order.
An extinction event might be the disappearance of a magical race, the death of the last dragon/dinosaur, or the extinction of an entire alien species. These events shape the mythology and lore of a world, serving as the basis for quests or legends. They can also present opportunities for mysteries or for characters seeking to preserve a dying legacy, race, or species.
Financial Event
Examples: Stock market crashes, economic booms, trade deals, new currencies, introduction of universal wage.
Economic events can be both good and bad. They might trigger societal upheavals, leading to wars and revolutions, or on the other hand, the rise of powerful merchant guilds or of living conditions for all parts of society. In sci-fi settings, they might involve interplanetary trade disruptions, causing famines, political tensions, smuggling and more. In fantasy worlds, the collapse of a kingdom’s economy might lead to civil unrest or external invasions, while a sudden injection of wealth (like Masa Munsa) can also be devastating. In worldbuilding and stories, financial events can be used to emphasize class struggles and ambition, to create tension and world drama, or to show how living conditions are trending better or worse over time.
Founding
Examples: The founding of a new city, nation, guild, or religious sect.
Foundings are a time of beginning, and mark the start of something significant in your world. In a sci-fi setting, it could be the establishment of a space colony or a new intergalactic security force. In fantasy, it might involve the creation of a secret magical order or a city in the clouds. Foundings often represent hope and ambition, and also the struggle to build something new that changes the world in some way.
Gathering/Conference
Examples: Diplomatic summits, scientific conventions, or religious councils.
A gathering brings together key figures to debate, plan, or celebrate. In fantasy, this could involve a council of mages discussing a looming threat, or a summit of kings deciding the fate of their kingdoms, or even an Ent Moot. In a futuristic setting, it might be a conference of galactic leaders, or a gathering of the senate, determining how to handle an alien invasion. Gatherings are excellent for political intrigue, espionage, and secret alliances, and a great way to show different factions in your world.
Geological/Environmental Event
Examples: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, climate shifts.
Environmental events—and the physical upheaval they cause—can drastically change the landscape and environment of a world. This, in turn, drives migrations and wars, but may also create new ecosystems in time. In fantasy worlds, islands may rise or sink, or parts of countries may destabilize or disappear altogether. The awakening of a dormant volcano might unleash elemental spirits, or set off violent magical storms. In sci-fi, a planet’s sudden climate shift could render it uninhabitable, triggering an evacuation. These events provide dramatic settings and challenges for characters, forcing them to adapt or perish. Disaster and survival narratives often start with a geological or environmental event.
Metaphysical/Paranormal Event
Examples: The appearance of ghosts, rifts in reality, or sudden dead-magic zones
Metaphysical events often involve forces beyond the understanding of the characters, creating awe, fear, and often, chaos. In fantasy, the appearance of an ancient god could upend the natural order, break magic, and disrupt everyday life. In sci-fi, a rift in space-time could threaten the stability of the universe—a potentially world-ending problem. These events push the boundaries of reality, offering rich potential for high-stakes plots. They may also be the final goal of a super-villain or Dark Lord (who, in that case, should have a clear gain from it!).
Military Action,
Military: Battle,
Military: Skirmish,
Military: War
Examples: Raids, invasions, or military campaigns.
Military actions can reshape entire regions or planets, and might be intended to liberate or eradicate peoples of your world. In fantasy, a kingdom’s invasion of its neighbor could trigger a long, bloody war. In sci-fi, a fleet’s surprise attack on a rival colony could shift the balance of power in the galaxy. Military actions provide epic settings for battles, strategies, and also give rise to narratives about the human (and non-human) cost of war.
Religious Event
Examples: Religious reforms, pilgrimages, the founding of new sects, the sanctification of a new saint.
Religious events may be charitable acts, or even pushes for education and humanitarian reform. But religious events also often spark controversy and even bring terror. For example, burning books, symbols, or even people-at-the-stake, and religious inquisitions, are all religious events, too. In a fantasy world, the arrival of a new prophet could spark religious upheaval, or an assertion about one religion by another can spark all-out war. In a futuristic setting, the discovery of an ancient alien artifact might lead to the birth of a totally new religion. Religious events are great to explore themes of faith, power, social pressure, and the control of organized religion over a people.
This event is used for the activities of a religion (usually an organized religion). For divine interventions, you can use the celestial/cosmic event type or the Life, Supernatural type (if it’s specifically happening to one person!).
Revolution
Examples: Rebellions, uprisings, or the overthrow of governments.
Revolutions are periods of intense change, often leading to the fall of empires, the rise of new orders… and sometimes just to confusion and more revolutions. Revolutions are often born of multiple factors, and while they may be peaceful, they’re more usually violent and bloody. In fantasy, a peasant rebellion, spurred on by food shortages and high taxes, could aim to bring down a tyrannical regime. In sci-fi, colonists might overthrow corporate overlords for control of their own destiny. They revolution may also be manipulated, or even fabricated, by a political opponent for their own gain.
Plague/Epidemic
Examples: Outbreaks of disease, magical curses that spread, or viral infections in space.
A plague can bring a society to its knees, leading to mass panic, societal collapse, or the rise of new powers. In fantasy, a magical plague might wipe out entire populations unless a cure is found. In sci-fi, an epidemic on a space station could lead to quarantine, rebellion, or medical breakthroughs. These events drive narratives of survival, ethics, and a people’s resilience, but also the vast power of nature.
Artistic creation
Examples: the creation of famous paintings (the Mona Lisa, the Sistine Chapel, The Scream), famous sculpture (like Michaelangelo’s David), textiles, architecture and more!
In a futuristic world it could also include holodeck programmes, and other forms of expression. Artistic objects can be controversial and cause social uprisings. They can inspire people, and are sometimes political in nature, conveying a deeper meaning below their surface subject. They can also be valuable items at the center of thefts or heist plots, or hoarded by monsters.
Cultural Event
Examples: Festivals, fairs, theatrical performances, religious ceremonies, national celebrations.
Cultural events are opportunities to showcase the values, history, and aesthetics of your world’s societies. In a fantasy world, this could be an annual tournament of magical duels, a festival marking the return of a mythical creature, or a celebration of a war’s end. In a sci-fi world, perhaps it’s the anniversary of humanity’s first contact with an alien race or a technological expo unveiling cutting-edge innovations. These events can serve character interaction, political intrigue, or even terrorist attacks for your story.
Sporting Event/Competition
Examples: Tournaments, races, Olympic games style events, gladiatorial games, writing competitions, nobel prizes, football leagues.
Competitions and Sporting events celebrate excellence, and can bring societies together. They can serve as a platform for a character’s achievement, or rivalries, or for team-work narratives. They may also fall prey to political intrigue, dilomatic faux pas, or even cheating. In a fantasy world, a jousting tournament might be the setting for assassination attempts or romantic entanglements, as well as a character proving themselves. In sci-fi, an intergalactic space race could showcase the best pilots in the galaxy, potentially with deadly stakes. Competitive events can provide tension, rivalry, and dramatic showcases of skill and bravery.
Linguistic Evolution
Examples: The creation or evolution of a language, dialect, or (computer) code.
Language can play a pivotal role in worldbuilding, representing cultural changes or technological advancements. In fantasy, the development of a magical language might be tied to spellcasting, or communicating with non-verbal species. In sci-fi, new languages or communication codes could evolve as humanity colonizes new planets, has to communicate under new conditions, or interacts with alien species. These events reflect the cultural identity and adaptability of a society.
Knowledge & Technology Breakthroughs
Technological Achievement
Examples: The creation of faster-than-light travel, teleportation devices, robotics, sonic screwdrivers.
Technological achievements push the boundaries of a world’s capabilities and extend the possible. They may also come with risks and dangers. In sci-fi, where these events are particularly prevalent, technological invention often sparks ethical debates or even revolutions. In fantasy, technological achievements often focus on the rivalry between, or the combination of, magic and technology.
For new discoveries of knowledge use the Discovery, Scientific event type. For science innovations other than technology, use the Scientific Achievement type.
Scientific Achievement
Examples: Creation of new medicines, new techniques for cloning, invention of new materials, agricultural advancements.
Scientific achievements can lead to societal advancement, and may have unintended consequences too. Just compare our life today to that of someone 200 years ago! In True Blood, the development of synthetic blood led to Vampires dropping the masquerade and making their presence known—with huge social impact. A breakthrough in alchemy could create a new source of power, disrupting political or magical privilege. These implementations of scientific knowledge into real, life-changing procedures and innovations can spark stories of transformation, rivalry, or ethical dilemmas.
For new discoveries of knowledge use the Discovery, Scientific event type. For new technologies, use the Technological Achievement type.
Discovery, Scientific
Examples: new understanding of the laws of the universe, the discovery of a new element/material, discovery of a new species.
Scientific discoveries can alter the course of civilizations. Classically, you might think of this as a sci-fi world event, like discovering the laws behind faster-than-light travel, or the theory of ablative energy shields. In a fantasy setting, though, it might be the rediscovery of a long-lost alchemical truth, or a deeper understanding of the laws that govern magic. Discoveries of knowledge and technology can disrupt existing power structures, and are great for plots surrounding misuse and control, as well as secret knowledge.
Use this event type for the discovery of knowledge—and the Scientific Achievement event type for the implementation of that knowledge into new methodologies and medicines, and the Technological Achievement type for new technologies.
Discovery, Exploration
Examples: The discovery of new continents, realms, or planets.
Exploration pushes the boundaries of the known, sparking new conflicts and opportunities. In fantasy, the discovery of a lost civilization could unleash ancient magic, and discovering a portal into a new realm might be wondrous or disastrous, depending on what’s on the other side. In science fiction, a new habitable planet could trigger a colonial race, or discovering a new people might lead to new technologies… and enemies! Such events drive the narrative of expansion, conflict, and cultural clashes, with the explorers often finding themselves at the heart of danger or opportunity. They’re also great for worlds with the Natural World as a focus point, like Star Trek.
Character Life Events
Life, Achievement/Win
Examples: A personal achievement, such as winning a championship, attaining a prestigious title, or completing a grand quest.
These events focus on a character’s success and often serve as turning points in their story. In fantasy, a knight could win a grand tournament, gaining fame and political influence. In a futuristic world, a pilot might break a record in a dangerous space race. Achievements provide opportunities to explore pride, jealousy, and ambition, and often lead to new challenges or rivalries. They may kick off a story, be a “false victory” along the way, or be the ultimate motivation of a character!
Life, Birth
Examples: The birth of a key figure, royal heir, or prophesied savior.
Birth events can signal the start of great destinies or political struggles. In fantasy, the birth of a child foretold in prophecy could be central to a kingdom’s future. In sci-fi, the birth of the first human-AI hybrid could spark ethical debates and civil unrest. These events often lay the groundwork for future conflicts and character arcs. Births are often a symbol of hope for the next generation in storytelling.
Life, Career
Examples: A character’s promotion, such as becoming a general, scholar, or master of an art.
Career events define the professional path of a character and can be a source of power and responsibility. In a fantasy world, a mage becoming the Archmage of a powerful order could trigger jealousy or political intrigue. In a sci-fi setting, a scientist rising to head a space station’s research team might stumble upon a dangerous discovery. Of course, career failures can also be notable for storytelling!
Life, Crime
Examples: A character’s involvement in a major crime, such as an assassination, heist, or corruption scandal.
Crimes can be turning points for a character, and often represent a change in their circumstances or morals. They are often moments of desperation, and later, the character may be forced to confront the victims or impact of their crime. They can also be great for kicking off stories. In a fantasy setting, an assassin hired to kill a noble may become entangled in a larger conspiracy. In sci-fi, a hacker breaking into a megacorporation’s database might uncover hidden plots that threaten the galaxy, and end up hunted themselves. Criminal acts drive stories of morality, justice, and rebellion, as well as exploring a character’s internal boundaries and which line they will or won’t cross.
This event type is intended more for character involvement. You can use the Criminal activity event type to describe the grand nature of the crime or scheme.
Life, Death
Examples: The death of a ruler, or your main character
Death shapes a world’s history and influences the motivations of characters. In fantasy, the death of an important leader can plunge a realm into a war of succession, and the death of an important mage might represent a critical loss of knowledge. In a futuristic setting, the sudden death of a galactic leader might trigger a power struggle among planetary factions, or the assassination of a diplomatic figure might lead to rebellion or hostility. On a personal level, the death of a close mentor, ally, rival, or even enemy, can serve as a critical emotional turning point in a story.
For the death of people close to your character, you can also use the Life, Trauma/Loss event type
Life, Education
Examples: Attending a magical academy, completing military training, or mastering a skill.
From training montages, to refining new skills, to researching hidden knowledge, education stretches our characters and helps them grow. This might be a young mage attending an academy to master their powers, or spaceflight training, or an advanced science degree. But learning skills is crucial for a character’s future adventures. Educational events are excellent for character development, and the discovery of new talents or powers. Institutions of education are also great places to explore friendships, rivalries, discipline and fun.
Life, Failure/Mishap
Examples: Failing a crucial test, a botched mission, crashing a space ship, or a magical experiment gone wrong.
Failures and mishaps might be small, like failing a test, or large, like crashing a spaceship into the sun. Either way, they explore themes of shame and guilt, but also of redemption and growth. A knight who loses a duel might question their abilities, leading them to train harder. A failed space mission could result in the loss of crucial resources, or even the death of crew members. A failed diplomatic mission could have critical political consequences. These moments of failure challenge characters and push them to rise above adversity.
Life, Identity
Examples: Discovering one's true heritage, changing gender or appearance, or revealing a secret identity.
Identity is core to how a character perceives themself within the world. When an identity changes it can be liberating or debilitating. In a fantasy world, a character discovering they are the heir to a lost throne could change their destiny. It could also paint a target on their back. In sci-fi, a clone realizing they are not the original organism, or a human learning they are part alien, might lead to an existential crisis. These events can be low or high points, but are often inciting incidents for stories. They can allow for deep exploration of personal identity, purpose, and transformation within stories and character arcs.
Marriage
Examples: Political marriages, secret weddings, or the union of star-crossed lovers.
Marriages can unite or divide families, houses, or even nations. In a fantasy world, the marriage between two rival royal families might end a centuries-long war, but it could also reignite old feuds and grudges. In a scifi world, marriage between different species or planetary colonies might spark new alliances or scandals. Marriages often serve as the backdrop for personal and political drama, and are great ways to explore themes of love and duty.
Life, Milestone
Examples: Coming of age, a significant birthday (111), or completing a personal goal.
Milestones mark the progression of a character's life—and different cultures and species will have their own milestones. In a fantasy setting, a character’s coming-of-age ceremony might grant them access to new societal roles, magical abilities, or responsibilities (or wings, horns and other physical changes!). In a futuristic world, reaching adulthood could mean becoming eligible for dangerous space missions or receiving genetic enhancements. These events often mark the boundaries of life, like rites of passage. They can also bring about changes in goals, motivations and mentalities.
Life, Organisation Association
Examples: Joining a guild, university, secret society, or a rebel group
Organizations are powerful, and they can change a character's fate. In fantasy, joining a powerful guild of assassins might grant a character prestige, but involve them in deadly political games. In sci-fi, becoming part of an intergalactic military or resistance group could put them in the crosshairs of powerful enemies, or in dangerous situations. Many organizations demand loyalty, and some may ask their members to do questionable things, either to join, or to advance through the ranks.
Life, Publicity
Examples: Becoming famous, gaining a public office, or being the center of a scandal.
Perfect for when your your character becomes famous… or infamous! In fantasy, a hero who slays a dragon might become a household name, attracting admirers and enemies alike. Many fantasy stories involve “saving the town” or even “saving the world”. Consider how wide-spread this fame is! In sci-fi, a scientist who makes a groundbreaking discovery might find themselves in the spotlight, with corporations or governments vying for control of their work, or even winning nobel prizes for their research. Publicity events can bring attention and fortune, but also pressure, forcing characters to navigate the consequences. And if a character has a “most wanted” poster up for them… well, that’s going to change their life in myriad ways.
Life, Relationship Change
Examples: Divorces, friendships and alliances forming/breaking, parental disownment.
Relationship changes impact the personal lives of characters, but they can also shift political dynamics. In fantasy, a friendship between two heirs of rival houses might unite a kingdom. In a sci-fi world, the breakup of a powerful friendship between two tech moguls could lead to corporate warfare. These events can be used to explore themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and connection. Other kinds of relationships represented here could include god-father/mother, blood-brother, parental or siblings. For marriages, use the Marriage event type.
Life, Relocation
Examples: Fleeing from war, moving to a new city, joining a nomadic tribe, or settling on a new planet
Whether fleeing from something, or running towards something new, relocation events represent endings and new beginnings for characters. In a fantasy world, a family might be forced to abandon their homeland due to a natural disaster, settling in a distant city with unfamiliar customs and dangers. Or they might move for business opportunities. Either way, characters must adapt to new political landscapes, forge new alliances, and possibly confront their past during relocation. In a sci-fi setting, a colonist might relocate to a distant planet or space station, facing environmental challenges, alien species, or even corporate exploitation. The sense of isolation in a new place can breed tension, and reveal how characters react when their identity or past life no longer holds sway.
Relocation can offer characters a chance for reinvention, but also brings them face-to-face with the challenges of surviving in a brand new environment.
Life, Supernatural
Examples: A character receiving a magical gift, curse, divine mission, or being bitten by a vampire.
Supernatural life events transform characters’ lives and abilities. They might grant them powers or place heavy burdens on them, but either way, nothing will ever be the same. They may feel compelled to use their gifts for good, or like the universe has bestowed them with a destiny. In fantasy, a person cursed with immortality might spend centuries seeking redemption, or their own death. In sci-fi, a character enhanced with alien technology may struggle with their new identity, or even put others at risk with their new-found powers. These events often drive characters toward greatness or tragedy.
Life, Trauma/Loss
Examples: Losing a loved one, surviving a disaster, or suffering a personal tragedy.
Trauma and loss shape characters’ emotional journeys as much (or sometimes more) than their triumphs. In fantasy, a warrior who loses their entire family to an invading army might seek revenge or redemption. A character who loses their mentor might strive to change the world in their honor. In a sci-fi context, a scientist who survives the destruction of their research station might grapple with survivor’s guilt. These events deepen character motivation and allow for complex emotional arcs involving grief, resilience, and healing narratives.
Life, Wealth
Examples: Inheriting a fortune, striking gold, losing everything in a financial collapse.
Wealth can bring power, should bring responsibility, and may bring corruption. In a fantasy world, it’s common for adventurers to get rich during their travels. But characters who discover hidden treasure, or valuable artifacts, might become a target for thieves. In sci-fi, gaining access to advanced technology or rare resources could shift the balance of power of a character. Moments of wealth loss and gain can be used to explore themes of materiality, greed, generosity, and the moral choices that come with newfound riches.
