altworlds

altworlds refers to a broad category of fictional settings and narratives that present an alternative to established history, reality, or known science fiction tropes. These worlds diverge from our own timeline or physical laws at a specific point, leading to a cascade of different developments and outcomes.

Common elements within altworlds include divergent historical events, such as a different outcome of a major war, the survival of a lost civilization, or the early discovery of key technologies. They can also explore speculative futures that are dramatically different from current projections, or entirely fantastical realms with unique magic systems and creatures. The core concept is the "what if" scenario, exploring the consequences of a single or multiple changes to established reality.

The genre often intersects with science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction, offering a platform for exploring philosophical themes, societal structures, and the nature of progress. The appeal of altworlds lies in their ability to provoke thought about our own world by presenting a contrast, and to offer imaginative escapes into possibilities that never were, or might yet be. They allow authors and readers to question causality and the forces that shape existence.