Down with the quill, up with the glasses - Reading Challenge 2021
I wanted to do something properly organized for the reading challenge, but real-life said no. So instead, have 10 articles I enjoyed, in no particular order. I tried to resume the articles as best as I could, but don't hesitate to correct me if I got something wrong!
The Taking of Fever Breach - The Void Between
The Taking of Fever Breach, a time in the war between the Eden and the Dithol when the former struck a decisive blow to the Eden. The most powerful species of the galaxy lost a system harboring a holy site and several gods. But maybe their greatest misdeed is what they did next.
Of course, there was no way I wouldn't include my favorite author on this platform. The hard part was selecting only one article because I could do the whole challenge about Dylon's work. But this one is my favorite. I especially loved the different points of view of the skirmish. A cold one, telling the events as a historian would do, about fixed events of the pasts and their outcomes. And the other through the prose, from Amber and how she lived the battle. This aspect added to the precision of the description made for a truly wonderful article.
What I learnt
The Author
The Seven Days War - Cathedris
Seven days was all it took to shake the world, from the murder of He'an to the final showdown between Qur and Avartarian. The last path of each god is depicted until their death, the protagonists shown in the sides of each day. Because yes, it is formatted like a book, where each page corresponds to a day.
This article is fantastic. I was late to the party, beginning to read Cathedris just a few days ago. And needless to say, I was immediately hooked. I already knew that Stormbril is a CSS god, and explored a bit the Comprilith before, but every single article of his is breathtaking. And to have only a few days to wonder what was it that ended the Gods is a boon, I don't think I could have bear it if I read Cathedris earlier.
What I learnt
The Author
Cosmology - The Morning Realm
How was the world created? Well, a god cared so deeply about the mortals that they killed themselves with their own spear to provide land for the people to live on. The tears of their companion made the Cosmic waters, an endless sea surrounding the continent. Now, look up to the sky, and witness the Signs and their Gods, undoubtedly the source of many myths and bedtime stories!
While reading this article, I could only realize how much I missed a point. I may have gods in this world, even multiple geneses, but none of them tackled the topic of the world creation itself. It was so obvious when I read it in Nnie's article, and so seamless. It also had some vibes of the Kojiki's story, the Japanese tale of creation. I really enjoy myths where gods make the world from themselves, literally. I only wish I could have learned more about the Abyss, because it is a topic I tend to... appreciate. Maybe it is somewhere else in this world, I must keep on reading!
What I learnt
The Author
The Underville - Lapis of Nicodem
This place has a lot of history. What started as a way to escape for the nobility became a rebel hideout to finally end up as the stronghold of the Minq, an underworld syndicate. Setting up a sort of black market, the Ming thrived, and so did the well-named Underville, the underground city.
This article is mainly about the Underville history. And what history! We can feel events from centuries ago and understand how each one of them shaped the modern city. As it was my introduction to this world, I was really thankful for the sidenotes explaining what was going on. Who are the Minq, where Phortoun's Way comes from. Everything is where it has to be, and I think it is something we all could take inspiration from.
What I learnt
The Author
Skyshells - Cairn Sector
It was hard to pick an article to read from Cairn Sector, there was so many written this WorldEmber! But I did, so have Skyshells, flying jellyfishes in the sky of the continents of Kenerif and Kareth. Evolved from regular jellyfishes hundreds of million years ago, they are now an everyday sight in this part of the world. These animals are mostly harmless to humans, and some grow so big they can even harbor ecosystems on their hardened shells.
Sometimes I read detailed articles, but this one is beyond that. Everything you ever wanted to know about skyshells, from their anatomy to their behavior is described in a very exhaustive manner. The first sidebar totally hooked me, as I love this kind of information, and don't see them that often on WA. Reading this article ignited in me the flame of hard speculative evolution again, I really loved it!
What I learnt
The Author
Raitin Citadel - Niorath
"I swear, this giant floating city wasn't there yesterday!" The capital of the Raitin was never built, at least not in the records of other nations. It just appeared in the sky, a flying fortress using state-of-the-art technology and propelled by a mysterious engine - well, mysterious unless you know what the Raitins do to dragons. The vertical city is many things. A commercial hub, a high place of technological progress and politics, and of course a military base, otherwise it wouldn't be a citadel.
It is funny how this one contrasts with the Underville. While Kwyn Marie's article was focused on the history of the settlement, this one is much more expansive on the geography, the different districts of the citadel, and its location in the world. I especially loved the zoomed-in maps. There are two of them, showing points of interest in the area, but both are actually part of the same, bigger map. Maybe this is not that big of a deal, but I really liked it, and I'm eager for more.
What I learnt
The Author
Eternal Sage Kefkejaco
The Dwarven Twists - Hesli
In the Dwarven society, facial hair is way more than just aesthetics. It defines the social rank of the bearer, so better take care of it! And should you get caught trying to cheat the system, the punishment is to have your head shaved clean and be outcasted. Many rituals revolve around beards, and the grooming industry is thriving.
It's an interesting society described there. One where what matters is the facial hair above anything else. I really liked the different mark system that puts the dwarves on a parallel ladder than the regular one. Outcasts and imperials both wear a mark, although a different one. It's always fun to be introduced to a complex society by something unique to it, a great read!
What I learnt
The Author
The languages of the empire and translation magics - Empire of Covenant
In the vast empire, many languages coexist. Most are merely dialects, spoken by a handful of people. In an attempt to unify communications, two languages have emerged. The Arianian and the Southern are the only official speeches, though far from everyone uses any of the two. Luckily for the common folks that managed to ascend to nobility, translating devices named crafts come in handy, though at a price.
Choosing an article from Amélie was a real torture, as every one of her articles was so intriguing! But ultimately, my love for linguistics took over and I opted for this one. I really liked how the size of a great empire was taken into consideration on the topic of language. The story of Lady Merisse was a fine addition, giving insight into how the lack of knowledge can become a hindrance in high society.
What I learnt
The Author
Eternal Sage AmélieIS
The Intercontil Highway - Gaia
An ancient highway stretching through a whole continent, with many branches creating a network of ways to reach the many cities of the Combined Empire, now buried. A relic of the past only recently discovered, who knows where the forgotten roads lead?
I don't know why, but I have a soft spot for superhighways. I know, that's oddly specific but one of the things I liked most in a previous world of mine was a structure of the same type. But bury it and leave it in the sands of the desert and time, and it becomes a great historical monument. I wonder if it feels the same to the people of Gaia as the ancient pyramids feel to us. I'm definitely keen on learning more about this world!
What I learnt
The Author
Snuggler's Den - Omari
Come in a cozy place, not super flashy on the outside, but very welcoming on the inside. Come in for a night, to grab a book, or even to spend a little comforting time. You can even make yourself at home if you wish to.
And we end this reading challenge with a heartwarming article! I loved to read about the Snuggler's Den, even if nothing grand or even noteworthy happen there. The CSS helped this feeling, with its pink-y tones and simplicity - and I adore the buttons! It is like worded sugar that put a smile on my face :D
What I learnt
The Author
Afterwords and resolutions
Whew, it was more tedious than planned, but I had a great time reading all these articles! I discovered some authors, finally started to read worlds I was wanting to get in for quite a while, and distributed some deserved love. As I read I was inspired and my to-do list has grown. I finally found out how to organize my world thanks to the reads, so thank you, folks!
As for the resolution, I set last year a standard quality for my articles, even if it means writing less. I'd like to continue this way, making even better articles in the little time I have with my studies. Expect a big one coming soon (after the Bard, of course :p)
Thank you for the read and feature! I'm glad you enjoyed my cozy little building. c : This was also another great challenge article to read through. Nice set up and thoughtful responses~