WorldEmber 2021 Readings

Ten inspiring articles from WorldEmber 2021, according to the author writing to you now. The following are brief summaries of what I found to be interesting as well as how it can inspire my writing going forward.

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1: Tatzel by PrincessESH (Aster Blackwell)

The concept behind this species jumped out at me helped by some eye-popping artwork. The lore behind a Tatzel's wings is certainly a highlight of the article. It's not just that, but that the variety the author described this species as having which makes the whole concept feel more alive. Gotten to thinking about creative animal species that I could include in my world. And maybe some artwork if I ever settle on an art style for Awldor. Maybe I'll have an idea of one by end of this list?

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2: Pyraxgia by ChroniclesofEvalaw

The overall theming of this article is outstanding, which really helps one navigate and process this information dense article. One particular cultural reference caught my eye, and a few that didn't. It was quite something to read about a realm that evoked both the familiar and unfamiliar. While an article this nice is within my reach, I haven't quite attained this level of article crafting yet. Am certainly inspired to get there now.

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3: Maiden Armor by Lenosallose

This has sparked my imagination on what legendary armor could be. The art the author used to depict the armor shows something that can look cool and stylish. The whole concept of it absorbing corruption as a way to cleanse the world makes this one of the more unique sets of armor I've ever read about. After reading this article, I kinda want to include something of a similar fashion in my own world. In fact, I need to write in more legendary items for Awldor in general.

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4: Encyclopedia Nioratha by Kefkejaco

I quite like collections of information, especially when they are presented as well as this one. I think having such repositories of knowledge can allow for an in-world way for characters to find out something about their world. My world, Awldor, is itself a collection of knowledge from the viewpoint of the Archivists, but it has room for other collections to be mentioned. Will be keeping Encyclopedia Nioratha in mind whenever I start writing about in-world encyclopedias for my world.

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5: Trinket Depot by Dapper Capricorn (Ezra Aldrich)

The idea that something isn't the same as you left it is a great concept in my book. The element of unpredictability certain makes such a place somewhere to go back to- repeatedly. Now I'm inspired to create something along the same theme in my world.

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6: RoadMaker by George Sanders

Just the concept alone had my attention. Roads are something we use everyday, but it seems like there is rarely a thought given to how they are made (until a pothole or some other defect shows up that is). I like that this author not only gave thought to how roads were made, but what kind of device did the making. I have to admit, I sometimes overlook things in my world-building but will try to be more alert going forward after reading this article.

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7: The Common Calendar by melior64 (TJ Trewin)

This article covered a lot and with great presentation too. I particularly liked the spinning artwork of the calendar itself as a way to display it. Not something I usually see a calendar doing. It's a small touch, but it really adds something to the whole presentation of the article. Definitely something for me to keep in mind whenever I begin adding artwork to my articles.

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8: Huntress by Shiftrex

I like how there are two sides to the depiction of this goddess, both being very reflective of two viewpoints present in Isekai. It is quite inspiring for me who has not yet created a pantheon for my world.

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9: Alphia by Dylonishere123 (Dylon Elder)

This is a great example of something this author does with all new articles: include a well-written short story using the content of the article. Not only is this a clever way to inject narrative into a codex, but the stories also add lore in a way that couldn't be achieved otherwise.
I will need to try my hand at something like this at some point. Maybe even this year if I find the time.

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10: Troll Hills by Kummer Wolfe (C.B. Ash)

I try to make lore-dense articles like Troll Hills on occasion, but an area I need to work on is in the careful planning and organization of information in my articles. That is, what to start with and what the next most interesting thing should be. Kummer Wolfe did very well to write an article that draws in your attention and then manages to keep it as he runs down practically every detail about this geographic location.

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New Year's Resolution

I'm actually very wary of making new year's resolutions for reasons I'm sure you have guessed before finishing this sentence. Though if I must make at least one, it is to go back through articles I have already written and raise them to the next level and to write articles about more obscure aspects of worldbuilding. This could possibly include artwork, but I'm still unsure of what Awldor's artstyle should be. it hasn't yet popped out at me quite yet.
Unfortunately, I don't have as much time for creative pursuits as I used to have. Kinda difficult to know what the future has in store for me at the moment even in the short term.