Creative Goal
My creative goal for this Summer Camp is to go back in Kadeth's history and flesh out the empires and kingdoms that shaped the world up to this point. It's always been the idea that the continent of Iolera, in particular, had vast ruling empires and dynasties in the past, but one builds empires by conquering and assimilating other smaller nations and areas. Who were those people, how did they interact within the larger empire? What were the cultures of these areas like? And also how did elements like the Withering (mass pandemic) lead to total collapse into clan-like villages and city-states, as the world was before the rise of today's kingdoms.
Motivation
I'm choosing this so I can add some depth to my worldbuilding, and so I can use the timelines and new chronicles features when I have time.
Themes
Expanses, I have a feeling I'll be inventing a lot of these areas completely off the cuff. My "expanses" look small on the map, but I have large northern forests like the Arsiaat Wilds, the southern jungles that I have yet to dive into, and the
Maba'ji Wastes and
Bahiyah Desert that make up most of
Shiabia. Also, the world looked different, border-wise, under large empires.
Leaders, I should have in plenty, with Emperors and Empresses, not to mention rebellion leaders and such. Plus, an Empire suggests a stable area where cultural enterprises can thrive. Perhaps magical weapons were created by Masters, or great buildings and statues were built that have crumbled into interesting ruins. Leaders of the temples might be interesting, is there a system to them, or are they all independant?
Discovery could happen many times, as things get discovered and forgotten and rediscovered. The cure for the Withering might be something I write about, or some cultural or religious treasure trove, a hidden cache of books uncovered. Things like magic might be banned or restricted at certain points, and then relearned later on.
Monstrous is a theme my world badly needs. I tend to write everything nicey-nice, so I could use some bad guys and monstrous creatures. I'm creating a D&D 5e world, so there should be dragons and goblins and everything all over the place. Hopefully, these prompts will help me seed my world with monsters of all sorts.
Where and When
I don't have a set time or day to write, I'm going to be alternating between writing sprint clusters and packing for my trip. I'll mostly be writing here at my desk, unless my laptop cooperates with me, and then I'll be writing propped up on my bed. I will be relying heavily on Twitch streams, especially the Anvilite Streamer Corps and Game of Tomes ones, as well as the Discords for WorldAnvil and such. The sprints often get me past the writer's block, and discussing and sharing drafts on Discord helps iron out the wrinkles and point out where I'm not making good sense.
Thus do I, Barran Forefire, Royal Chronicler to King Taldor II, solemnly pledge. Done this 24th day of Highsun, in the year 1265 of the New Era, at the capital city of Oakencrest in the mighty kingdom of Troyso.
Love your Summer Camp Pledge article. It is sleek and great formatting. Happy Summer Camping!