New Years 2025

Boy... that escalated quickly. I mean that really got out of hand fast

— Ron Burgundy, Anchorman

Yup, that sums up the year rather nicely. I try not to talk politics or depressing things like that here too much, but I would be lying if I said that the choices made across the world didn't have something to do with some of the past year's stress, but that isn't why we are here. We are here for world building, and goals, and celebrating the awesome people in this community.
Because this community is filled with awesome people, from Janet, Dimi, Ondo, and the rest of the WA team, to the mods on discord (who are great people) to all the creatives from the sages and down through the ranks of the guildmembers you are all amazing. I'm honored every year that I get to do a little back by being a community judge during events like Summer Camp and WorldEmber.
Part of me wishes that I did what other judges did and released actual criteria when I judge, but honestly, that limits not just me, but those writing. Nice formatting is awesome, but some of my favorite articles every year are a wall of text about a unique idea that is well written. Some people (like me) aren't wizards of CSS, and occasionally life happens and you don't have time to format an article exactly how you want. So I guess let me say it here, for me, write well about something interesting or entertaining and you have a decent chance.
As for resolutions... we will see. I mentioned it I think once, but I went through job interviews in December (internal transfer at the company I am at) I did get the job, which is just a horizontal transfer to a new location, which means that I will be moving to Wyoming come April. It is technically initially a pay cut, which is a little stressful (along with moving, and new co-workers etc). I would really like to finish my world map to include the leylines and trade routes. I would also like to finish fleshing out a few of the fey courts, and some more of the vampire clans. Time will be the determining factor. Moving, both the prep and the after, will eat up no small amount for at least a few months. Other that that, I would like to get back to running a game. My last game has been on hiatus long enough that I think at this point it is officially dead. Such is life, especially among military active duty and veterans. But with moving and being a player in a different game that I help the DM with maps and worldbuilding we once again run into a time issue.
Regardless, you can all at least count on me to be around for some humor and prompt twisting in SummerCamp and again in WorldEmber. And also the reading challenges afterwards. Because reading everyone's creations and giving encouragement and feedback is an amazing part of this community. So without further ado we will get to that. starting with

The WE Material's Short List

As always there were a lot of great entries. For those possibly looking to be a community judge start with WE. You get less entries. This last SC most categories had over 200 entries, and it usually goes up every year. For WE, I had 63 to read, and only 1 of those wasn't a material. It is (usually) much less of a lift. You get to read a decent amount of articles, see some cool ideas, provide feedback or encouragement here and there. It is great. Then you have to whittle it down to a winner. I am rambling now, so here is the shortlist.

An interesting gemstone. The images and descriptive language do a great job of painting a picture in your mind of what the stones can look like. StillnessandSilence does a great job also of talking about the cultural significance given to Bloodstone and the uses to which it is put. The article is also formatted wonderfully.
I should write about the importance of pacts and markers across some of the culture in my world. Especially after binging the John Wick movies again. I liked the idea of the markers in the second movie, and had thoughts of something similar, but magical. Definitely and idea to explore in the new year (assuming I remember)

I haven't seen many gasses, and Jala does not disappoint in its uniqueness. Once again a wonderfully formatted article with images that help to capture the imagination.
Can you think of anything in your world that behaves in a similarly "strange" way that seems to subvert normal expectations of the natural laws we are familiar with? Also, every world needs a few good hallucinogens. I mean, if I remember correctly the Harpoon Cactus may technically count, but I should maybe make some others that are... less associated with murder plants.

WordiGirl always does an amazing job of fitting the extraordinary into a world much like our own, all while adding in the humor found in spy films and shows of ages past. Would the material properties of Anthuriumite even make good golf clubs?
Who knows, but in my personal opinion said clubs will almost definitely not improve the commanders golf score, knowing how those scientist types occasionally like to "stick it to the man" as it were.

Auto-translate has come a long way, which is awesome, because that means that I can enjoy articles like this while still suffering from the American condition of "English has gotten me this far" The opening story hints at the dark origins behind this strange material. Is it only used to identify members of the Crux Obscuro, or does it help to power their sinister rituals?
Are there any parallels to materials in Kohtalo, or perhaps your own world? A material made through a ritual, or a special cut of gem used by an organization to identify members to each other, but also potentially to the authorities.

A drug truth-serum that was potentially used to pacify planetary uprisings... do go on. What do you mean everything else was classified by the government? Well, looks like we will have to conduct our own experiments with what is available on the black market, what's the worst that could happen?
Okay, yes, potentially my bias towards basically all things Firefly related reared its hear here. On the other hand, I think it is an interesting avenue that, as long as you don't mind some darker themes, more Sci-fi worlds could do with exploring. Especially considering that there are several real world examples of such things.

A truly unique take. A part of the soul that can be extracted shortly after death and put to a myriad of uses. No doubt there is high potential for abuse, which is why there are laws pertaining to methods of acquisition.
Anything that captures your imagination and has you asking dozens of questions in your head is worth the read, and this did not disappoint.

Metal of Mysterious origins - Check
Seemingly opposite ways of working said metal - check
Interesting artifacts ready to slot into a TTRPG - Check

Really what more could you want... other than not being horribly cursed or driven slowly insane by dreams or divinations?

Magical Asbestos, but in a... I cant really say good. Also, less in a "fireproof" way and more in a "fragments into tiny sharp needles that will cut you and likely get everywhere, which is probably bad given its propensity to absorb water" kind of way.
Which in and of itself it cool. And terrifying. Not purposefully so, perhaps, but then again, neither was asbestos when we were using it in everything. Hmmm, maybe there is inspiration here for something that was widely used, but years later unintended consequences have emerged, leading to a drop off in its use, but the equally complicated tasks of what can replace it, and how do you dispose of it?

If you do want more though, give Arin Silver a read, just know that it is a bit of a time comitment. Did you write about a material and think your article is missing something, come here to get an idea. Mining, processing, manufacturing, everyday and industrial uses, recycling... I dont think I have read another material article that goes quite as deep as this one does.

There may be some stones about Arin Silver that are still unturned, but I am hard pressed to come up with them.

Not everyone is a CSS wizard. Thats perfectly okay. This is such a cool concept. Wood from undead trees. I mean first off, how have I never thought about plants being undead? That alone is such an amazing concept. BUt then the uses the wood can be put to, or what can happen if it is not processed correctly. Well done ClaySalvage, well done.

It is always just fun to explore materials that respond to the thoughts of the person holding it. How sensitive iss the amterial to thoughts, will a stray thought cause it to change, or does it take a concentrated effort of will? How cool would it be to have a truly universal tool that could fit in a single sheath or container.

A material at the center of a well thought out magical system. Crystals that grow in a living creature are cool to begin with. Including the ways he ways that they are used in different cultures, even after death, helps to round out the place of Arrunement Crystals across the world. The Illustrations are also great.

Tillerz always makes cool and fun articles. Eldermarrow is no exception, it is a fun and engaging read. Tree sap enhanced by leyline magic? But then you need to get it from roots, how does that work? Probably druids, but are there greedy people who cut down ancient trees during full moons?

Other Articles from the Anvilverse

While I enjoy hilighting the diverse and wonderful content that I get to judge, there are many MANY more wonderful works out there made during WE. More than honestly any of us would have time to read, at least until Dimi and the WA team invent that time machine that we constantly joke they are working on. (I have faith Dimi, you guys got this). With that in mind, here are some of the other articles that I enjoyed reading.

I dont want to spoil anything about this for people. FlyerStitch did truly awesome work here. Give Heart Dragons a read, I dont think you will be disappointed.

And now we celebrate Dimi! Thats right, in addition to making, maintaining, and updating the awesome tool that is WA Dimi is a rather talented world builder himself. His worlds are viibrant places with interesting history (partially due to people occcasionally licking gods).
The Yellowsalt Scar has interesting species, and mysteries yet to be explored, for who knows what lies further beneath the surface?

Janet is also a world builder and occasional DM of no small renown, When not almost killing Dimi's character in the first combat or sneaking in dinos everywhere she makes as many cool and fun things as Dimi. But really, this is here because I think it sounds delicious. The ingredients have been aquired, I shall let you know the results if my brain remembers.

Since Hanhula has informed me that they do not have a time machine that they are keeping from the rest of us, I'm convince that they may be part dolphin, only letting half of their brain sleep while the other half puts out amazing article after amazing article. I grow more convinced of this each time we have a large community event. I barely have time sometimes to check the "hide sidebar" button. Keep being a superb worldbuilder Han. I know not everyone is on the Australia time schedule, but we appreciate you both for your world and as one of our Mods on discord.
So, yea, Han made us a wonderfully friendly bog to read about.

Are you a DM? Tired of that rules lawyer player reading the fine print and getting out of the court battle that would end up in jail because of some off-hand comment you made 4 sessions ago? Man, it would be a real shame if the gods and other divine powers of your world did the same thing... wouldn't it? Forbiddance, Banishment, Hallow... nope, this here's a construct, sorry mate, looks like you'll actually be having that boss battle after all.

Admittedly the RNG picked one of Line's shorter WE articles for me to put here, but that is okay. Who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon drinking tea with Arelio and learning the basics of Leafweaving? Or just watching him work his craft? You cant tell me you havent watched a YouTube video of someone weaving a basket or the like at some point. And besides, he seems a friendly sort.

Come for the story. ECCBooks is a wonderful crafter of tales, and this doesn't disappoint.
Of course, who would we be if we did not stick to the inspiration of this story (see the authors notes) and so I will invite you to add your own headcannon in the comments, which are simply expanding this wonderful tale. (I'm looking forward to anything Tillerz may add).
Chris put out a bunch of articles that are worth reading. Mayhaps one year I will try to attempt the challenge he gives himself each WE of putting out one article per article type, though I think SC covers that for me most years.

So there you have it, a few articles if you are looking for inspiration (or just need to round out your article count to claim a shiny badge). Onwards to see what the new year will bring.