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Worldember entry #5

And that takes me over the 50% mark. This one is built from an entry for the Halloween contest and it is definitely something I can build from in the New Year.
Green Rot
Condition | Dec 10, 2024
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Spooktober #5

On a roll it seems. Best I make the most of it.
The Winter King
Generic article | Oct 21, 2024
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Valiant: July Roundup

Hallo all! Hope Summer Camp's was as productive as they hoped and wished for! Over here at the Neko Cafe, we're back with the Valiant roundup for July. Life has demanded a lot from the red panda in the last month, but he's remained hard at work, making sure to get out a little bit of writing every day, even if it's only a few paragraphs. We've listed last month's releases below - hope you enjoy them!   Dreaming Draught #4: Nostalgia
A draught that can be enjoyed on its own, or used as an element in other draughts.   Dreaming Draught #5: Spitfire
A draught that'll put some pep in your step and fire in your saliva.   Dreaming Draught #6: Candor (Syntaritov Variant)
A favored choice for spies and interrogators the galaxy over.   Covenant #35: The Invitation
After returning from the Old City, Jayta and Raikaron settle back into life in Sjelefengsel.     And if you'd like to start from the beginning, the link to Valiant: Season 2 is below!  

Valiant: Season 2

  Stay frosty,
-Syntaritov
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River Rush - Summer Camp Update #5

There are only a few days left for Summer Camp this year and I am super proud of what I have accomplished. While I was trying for that Feral 40, I did complete Diamond with articles I'm proud of and that feels like a better accomplishment. I still have a few articles in the works, but I may or may not get them published before Summer Camp officially ends.
  I've been keeping track of all of my completed Summer Camp articles here:
Summer Camp 2024
Generic article | Jun 23, 2024

RiverFang's Summer Camp 2024 journey!


  Since hitting Diamond, I have started back into a few other projects that needed some work. I am completely rebuilding the spreadsheet I use to track the now 1900 articles that Isekai has. That alone should take a couple of weeks.
  I'm also delving back into my second world of Seireitei and doing some updates as that world has not been touched since 2022. Not sure how far I will get with it but for anyone that enjoys the Bleach manga and anime, the world might be worth checking out.
  I hope everyone had a wonderful Summer Camp! And whether you reached your goals or not, every word and article you wrote this month is one more than you had before.
  #RiverRush #IsekaiNews #SummerCamp #SeireiteiNews
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And that makes Summer Camp Entry #5

Took an idea from a while back and expanded on it. Pretty pleased with it. I recall I had an idea about the various kinds of Bigfoot and using them as Giants instead of the usual fantasy sort. This is definitely an I idea I am expanding upon.
  The more I do these Summer Camp articles the more the world is getting fine tuned. I'm getting a better idea of it and some of the concepts and how the story can take place in it. I may started working on another world taking all these ideas and building from them.
 
Gwyllt
Geographic Location | Jul 15, 2024

  #SummerCamp #SummerCamp2024
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World-Building Thoughts #5 - The Beauty of Ruins: Building Worlds from Calamity

Hello again to all my fellow world-builders! It's been some time since I last shared my thoughts here, largely because I've been deeply engrossed in one particular aspect of my lore—which included making some maps and creating artworks. Sometimes a single idea captivates all my attention for an extended period. I imagine I'm not alone with this, right?   In this way, my focus was focused on a particular idea of world-building: civilizations in the aftermath of calamity or tragedy. It's a timely topic, especially with today's release of new DLC for Elden Ring, a game that, like its predecessors in the Dark Souls series, explores worlds shaped profoundly by downfall and decay. But while these games present the aftermath and end stages of civilizations, what I find interesting for stories is also the next phase—the reconstruction, the rebirth, the painful but hopeful process of rebuilding after the ruins.   The idea of a society rising from its ashes is not just a narrative device but a profound exploration of change and resilience. Consider settings like Eberron in D&D, where the backdrop of a catastrophic war shapes every facet of the world from political alliances to cultural identities. A major event—be it war, disaster, or divine intervention—disrupts the known order, uproots communities, and lays the groundwork for ongoing and historical conflicts.   Here’s why you should try exploring that idea in your own world:  
  • Complexity and Conflict: Disasters force populations to migrate, creating diasporas that integrate into different societies. How do these societies react to refugees? What conflicts might come from these new dynamics?
  • Diverse Perspectives: Different cultures might view the disaster through various lenses—some might see it as divine punishment, others as a result of elitist hubris or even just a cruel twist of fate. This different interpretations surely will cause friction between the people of your world.
  • Rebuilding and Rediscovery: Post-calamity rebuilding is not just about physical reconstruction but also about the reformation of identity and society. What has been lost culturally, spiritually, or historically? How is it regained? How has it changed to the new circumstances?
  • Lingering Effects and Future Threats: The aftermath of a disaster can linger for generations, shaping the future in unforeseen ways. Is there a risk of the disaster recurring, or has it triggered other potential threats?
  •   Adding a calamitous event to your world isn't just about plotting a disaster; it's about examining its ripple effects across time and space. How do people adapt to the changes? What is lost, and what, if anything, is gained? How do such events reshape societal structures, beliefs, and daily life? And crucially, what new dangers might arise from the ashes of the old?   For example: In my own work, I explore these themes through the lens of a curse inadvertently unleashed by a realm's own state religion in their quest to restore the immortality of mankind. This curse, born from the religious elite's experiments on their own faithful, transforms a sought-after blessing into a horrific form of immortality - living forever, but in an ever changing, ever growing body. The Curse of the Beast.   As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and or hearing your examples, how you made the life of the people in your setting so much worse, for more drama and conflict.   You can read more about my take on this ideaand its impact on a realm's society and faith under this link:
    The Cursed Kingdom of Demenore
    Organization | Feb 8, 2025

    Demenore, once a proud human kingdom, fell into ruin after the Church of the Eternal Flesh unleashed a curse that turned its people into monstrous varul. Now led by Kral Vruoch the kingdom seeks redemption and a return to its former glory.

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    Caturday Reads #5


      Happy Caturday!
      Hope you all are doing fine and get to experience some nice spring weather. Here it's been pendulating between rain and sunshine, and the wind still carries a bit of that north to northwest bite. But I actually don't mind it so much. I'm enjoying the brighter days, and appreciate the cool temperatures lingering a little. I'm just not made for those toasty summers.
      Unfortunately, I haven't managed to get any reading done these last two weeks due to health issues, but had an idea for something I could share with you all. I've got quite a collection of fantastic guides written by fellow Anvilites here in my pockets.
      As it seems to become a habit, let's start with one from a #Traveller friend: Mochi. Want to expand on the natural world, it's ecosystems and the lifeforms that bind them all together? Mochimanoban released their first part of a planned series to help you do just that.
     
    Worldbuilding Ecosystems Vol. 1
    Generic article | May 16, 2024

    Part 1 of a guide on worldbuilding ecosystems.


      I don't know how many times I have linked this on the discord, but, it deserves to be mentioned again. Rachel Bentz's guide on writing settlements is truly in-depth and the three parts are really well paced, starting with the big questions and then diving into increasing detail in part two and three.
     
    Settling the Issue of Settlements
    Generic article | Jan 7, 2025

    The First of Three Parts of a series discussing the building of believable and Grounded Settlements in a World.


      In a similar vein, Qurilion wrote an excellent article on caste systems, that explains the concepts, provides examples, and what its place could be within worldbuilding.
     
    Caste Systems in Worldbuilding: Crafting Compelling Social Structures
    Generic article | Mar 13, 2024

    What are Castes Systems and how can they enhance our worldbuilding?


      And for the last entry for this time, Morgan Biscup offers some excellent insights and tips on how to write technology that feels believeable from the lens of your world's inhabitants.
     
    How I Write Believable Technology
    Generic article | Mar 23, 2023

    Thoughts on integrating technology for deeper worldbuilding, based upon my own methods.


      Enjoy, and see you all next time!
      #CaturdayReads #ShareTheLove #ReadingJournal #ReadingList
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    Spooktober and NaNoWriMo Plans

    I'm doing NaNo this year!
      I'll be working on my vampire dystopia novel this NaNo, and since the WorldAnvil Spooktober challenge's prompts happen fit the theme of this setting really well, I decided to put Medunian on hold until December and get back to it in time for WorldEmber.
      My NaNo novel's world is currently in private mode, since I want to complete the Meta before it goes public. I'm 26% through, almost finished with the Theme section. I think it should complete it before the week ends, so wish me luck!
      In other news, I'm still going through Sanderson's writing course. I'm currently on Lecture #5, learning about magic systems and other worldbuilding elements. This class continues to be very insightful for me, and I'm already beginning to apply some of the ideas he introduces in it. Taking my time with these lectures is paying off, for sure. Learning always gets me hyped up!
      Now, back to NaNo, I've been thinking a lot about what could have gone better in my previous attempts at the 50k challenge. In this process, I came to a few realizations.
      For one, my writing speed is really slow. At my minimum, I'm at about 150 words per every 15 minutes (I did some sprinting today to get that number), which means I'd have to write for nearly three hours a day to get to that 50k word end goal in 30 days. I want to reduce that time to two hours at most, and plan to work in chunks throughout my day instead of trying to get it all out in one sitting.
      Which leads to my second realization: I need to work in small chunks to prevent burnout. I'm currently doing 15 minute sprints. That might increase to the standard 25 minute sprints by November, or not. Only time will tell. For now, during October, I want to build up that writing / sprinting stamina as much as possible.
      In third, I also noticed that it takes me at least two 15 minute sprints before I start producing writing that I consider acceptable. When does the quality begin to decrease again? I have yet to figure that out. Whatever it is, knowing will help me plan for a realistic writing schedule and to ground my expectations. Ideally, I think I should write the bulk of it early in the day, when my mind is still fresh. I work as a software engineer, so it's common for me to be braindead at the end of a typical day.
      And finally, this is not so much a realization, but an acknowledgement in writing: I'm not a consistent writer. I can go days and even months without writing, and that's probably why my output is so low. As such, one of my main goals this month is to set a daily word count goal that I can beat and be excited about. I'm starting at 500 words / day, which should take me less than 90 minutes to achieve at my current pace. If I can crank up that daily word count goal to 1,000 by November, or at least beat the 500 word goal each day without fail, I'll be more than satisfied. It'll be my first time in years writing so consistently.
      To summarize:
      • Medunian development is on hold until December.
      • I'm using Spooktober's prompts to flesh out my NaNoWriMo novel's world.
      • I'm aiming to write 500 words a day during October.
      • I'm aiming to increase my writing speed / stamina in preparation for NaNoWriMo a month from now.
      • I'll make my novel's world public here on WA by the end of the week, after I complete its World Meta and make it somewhat presentable.

      What are your plans this month? And are you doing NaNo next month? Do you worldbuild for your NaNo novel here on WA as a part of your NaNo Prep? If so, I'd love to see what you got and cheer you up!
      Thanks for reading, and I'll see you again very soon. :)
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    In Threads—flash fiction zine Issue #5 Release Day!

    Get your copy of the free flash-fiction #zine "In Threads" with the best vssCollab prompt based stories from the WorldAnvil and VSS communities. Releases today! https://vsscollab.amywintersvoss.com/in-threads + Read aloud at 7PM CDT on http://twitch.tv/shyredfox
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    Vreathe Worldbuilding Update #5...

    I have two articles plus a chronicle to show today. The First article is about the Kingdoms of Cassel, one of the main settings in the story I'm writing. I'm going to be working on this country specifically for the rest of the year. The article is not quite done yet, but at 3000 words I figured I would show it now before everyone gets bored trying to read it later::

    Kingdoms of Cassel
    Organization | Apr 19, 2025

    One of the larger, more powerful nations of Eastern Vreathe, Cassel is made up of several smaller kingdoms...



    The second article is my entry from the ongoing writing challenge "On the Shoulder of Giants". The article was completed last week and is quite different from when I linked it in a journal entry two weeks ago. Minor edits were done today to fix spelling errors so it should be fully presentable (I say as I probably misspelled a dozen words still...):
    Olimians
    Ethnicity | Oct 26, 2023

    The Olimians were the second race of Man that walked out of the World Tree. They built a mighty civilization and were responsible for their own downfall...



    The Chronicle is also in a completely different state than when I last made a journal entry it two weeks ago. It now has three maps, and various map-images showing all of the kings and queens of the Silver Age as well as several major events (plus a secret in one of the author's notes on the bottom track.) Here it is: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/vreathe-chrispy0/chronicle/chronicle-of-the-silver-age-chronicle

    -----------------------------------

    I have a few other things planned for this year, but as I said a few months ago, I am spending an entire extra month gathering images and preparing for World Ember this year, so not a lot of actual worldbuilding will get done. My goal is still 250,000 words of new worldbuilding in December. I am still bitter about how the situation went down involving the most words written earlier this year. If you know you know but it isn't worth talking about here. Hope you guys have a nice week and don't let anything I say get you down!
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    August Reading with Lavani #6 and #5

    "I will remember this story and warning. I have faced foes capable of infusing temptation and curses on items like the Pebble of Luck. I weep for Jale." -Lavani

    Lavani is a collector of stories. She would love to read about your world. You can submit Summer Camp articles for her to read by leaving a comment on her Reading List here on World Anvil.


    Somehow I missed posting about Hunter Matinaepod's from Desdemonarose!

    "The Talithans have taken such care with their new world! Keeping a pack ambush hunter like the Matinaepod at a distance but allowing it to flourish shows their commitment." -Lavani

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    Leno's Worldbuilding Week Report #5

    This week went rather well I think. I will also give some rambled thoughts at the bottom.
      I finally did my article about Nexus Realities, which have been in the works for years. Glad to finally have it done.
    Nexus Reality
    Physical / Metaphysical Law | Apr 13, 2022

    Nexus Realities are in essence existential focal points within Nanmir'Ath


      Beyond that I also wrote my article regarding Alternate Realities. One also long in the making.
    Alternate Realities
    Physical / Metaphysical Law | Apr 14, 2022

    Alternate Realities are Echoes of Nexus Realities. Ones created by choices you did not make.


      This one might still need some additional work. Feel like it is slightly too short, but maybe that is just me. Its about a subject that has been brewing quite long, and one I have touched slightly in other articles.
    Alteration Field
    Physical / Metaphysical Law | Apr 13, 2022

    That which separates Namir'Ath from Alézun'Teran.


      In a similar vein I went ahead and wrote an article about those who study these alternate realities. Was supposed to be a short article, but ended up with some additional material.
    Alterologists
    Profession | Jan 27, 2023

    Those who study Alternate Realities


      I also did some Setting Introduction Articles. One for a mere intermediate setting that has no real presence: Nanmir'Ath.
    Nanmir'Ath Setting Introduction
    Generic article | Apr 13, 2022

    A short introduction to the existential region that contains all Nexus Realities.


      The other is actually one of my first Alternate Reality settings for Mésvéstell. One that I quite like and which has grown only slightly since its inception: Omekra.
    Omekra Setting Introduction
    Generic article | Jan 27, 2023

    A fantastical and magical Mésvéstell Alteration


     

    Some thoughts.

    Cannabilizing Saong Meararch.

    I have wondered about perhaps cannibalizing one of my middle-range Settings known as Saong Mearach. Primary giving its material to either Omekra, Miand or maybe even Alézun'Teran. There is not much on it, with my "Neko" race of Sankine holding most worth to me.
     

    Thoughts on which race to which setting.

    The Sankine are actually part of some indecision for me. As I am unsure if they truly fit the landscape of Miand. The same goes for another race whose origin I am unsure of: the Goblins. I had them first appear in Varldstan Cericor, but then also wrote of them being from Miand. I could put them in Miand as well, though I feel I would give that setting too many races.
      Why this is not a problem in Alézun'Teran setting with up to around a dozen races, is because I can handwave the prospect of space for them to live on and the nigh-infinite amount of food and water that can be given them. Miand, being a finite planet hovering in the empty void, does not have such luxury.
      I will see what I do. Maybe I place both Goblins and Sankines in Alézun'Teran, That place would maybe need some mortal races, since all other native races there are either immortal or semi-immortal beings. Or I just erase the Goblins and the Nekos and place them in pandemonium/the shelf for the time being.
      Anyway, if you read all my rambled thoughts, thank you. And I hope you have a good day/night.
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    Nadir #5 of 7 - Pride

    5th Nadir down, 2 to go! My eigth creation for WE '21 is another one of the 7 Nadirs of Sin - Pride.
    Sloth, Wrath, Lust and Gluttony came before and now i'm really excited to reveal this one to you. Only 2 more left!   Please check it out and let me know your thoughts or ask some questions!
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    Monday update #5

    Woop! Finally finished a challenge entry for the Custome Challenge. I entered the Idyll one because I haven't had the time to make one for Breck's Haven yet.
     
    Adventurer's threads
    Item | May 27, 2021

      ...and I have a third world. XD;; It's two really old worlds merged into one. It's got floating islands and dragon riders. I haven't decided on a name yet but I'm contemplating Skylark or Welkinwell. Which one do you prefer? ...I might settle on something completely different though. I won't be working any on it until next year anyway.
      This year I will be finishing Surviving Idyll, and next year I will be working on some webcomics. :D ...Three of them. One for each world. ...and they will all have the same plot. They will be remakes of Cinderella. XD ...I'll be using the exact same plot for all three of them to be practicing both on drawing comics and on worldbuilding. :) (More on that in today's Patreon Post)
      I have also submitted the project for Quest 2 of the CYOA zine series to Kickstarter. They should have it reviewed sometime this week. I will make an extra post here when I have the link to the prerelease page. :)
      I'm also going to be streaming again. :) I will be drawing for an hour and a half on Wednesday mornings and worldbuilding on Friday mornings. You can find my schedule on the ASC page. https://www.worldanvil.com/w/anvilite-streamers-corps This week I will be drawing and worldbuilding for the CYOA series. :3
      I'll also be working more on the plot for the Quest 2 issue. :)
      <3
     
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    World Ember Showcase #5

    *laughs* Get my notifications down to the 40s and take a break, come back and it's almost up to 100 again. Everyone is making such amazing progress during World Ember!
     
    Golden malaise
    Condition | Aug 30, 2021

    No one knows what causes some people to slowly turn into gold statues...


     
    Crown of Thorns
    Item | Jun 1, 2023

    Written for Prompt 7 (2020 Advent Calendar) - An Artefact of Light From Before Time Began


     
    Scarlet Wasp
    Species | Dec 20, 2020

    A rare wasp species with a special Tarot-venom


     
    Arcane Speech
    Language | Oct 30, 2024

    The tongue that allows those with the blood of magic to perform their spells, all they have to is say the right words or suffer the consequences


     
    Timekeeping
    Generic article | Dec 22, 2020

    Time is the basis of motion, bringing life to space; within the relativity of Aesontis, here you may learn of Timekeeping.


     
    Emerald Rebellion
    Military Conflict | Jun 18, 2023

    An invasion by Munchkins and Gillikins threatens one of the Free Cities of Nunya.


     
    Dire
    Condition | Mar 14, 2021

    And there stood its towering form; Saliva, and foam dripping from its spiked maw. Bony protrusions escaping at its shoulders, joints, and spine. Its eyes glowed a crimson red. It could smell my fear and I could see its hunger.


     
    Crimson Pine
    Species | Mar 8, 2021

    A very special tree native to Éirigh, which can only be found in the Woods of Escaine. With deep red trunks the size of small houses, these breathtaking trees can only be harvested with the direct approval of the King.

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    If there's something I've realized this Worldember...

    It's the fact that I have SO much left to do. So many new stubs plopping up as I'm writing. So much nature to describe, so many nations, so many ethnicities. Dunia always feels "done" to me, because it's "done" in my head. But when I look at Worldanvil, I realize just how much is missing.
      If you've missed my progress, here are the first articles from the first week of worldember:
      Article #1: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/CD10-DS/a/blood-witch
    Article #2: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/CD10-DS/a/bog-dweller
    Article #3: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/CD10-DS/a/kyave-dinel-article
    Article #4: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/CD10-DS/a/hilly-heaths
    Article #5: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/CD10-DS/a/shadowscar
    Article #6: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/CD10-DS/a/celenia
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