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My August 2024 Reading Challenge

I was so glad that I was able to participate in Summer Camp again this year. It's been two years since I've had the time. I was diehard Camp Feral, with a goal of 40 and beyond. I crashed through the first two weeks with ease, as the themes fit my world and where it was at, in terms of building, like a glove.   I stumbled a bit more with Belief, as I had to invent almost the entire religion from scratch in order to start on my prompts (yes, I could have written about other beliefs, but religion is sort of central to this world). Decay was my Waterloo. I was struggling to write articles that would never matter in my world, and eventually did the sane thing and revised my goal to 32. Even though I feel like I threw in the towel on 42 (get it? ;) ), I'm glad I made the decision, as I just barely finished the night before camp ended.   Still, I had a blast. Chatting in discord, brainstorming with folks, going to writing streams, and even managing to catch a few of the prompt streams live. I also splurged and got a mug, a first for me. Plus, my world began to start taking shape, and fleshing out in places. I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm on a good foundation, now.  
 

What I Read

  I jumped around to a lot of different categories. Some friends, and a good chunk of articles picked from lesser known worlds, just to see what is hidden out there!  
The Holy Gaslight
Military Conflict | Jul 14, 2024
A very good look at what happens when those in charge deny that anything is happening. Nice funnel for real life frustrations along those lines.  
Ellen Allen's Last Straw
Military Conflict | Jul 6, 2024
Actually had this read to me by the author, but I went back and reread it as it is so delightful. What a way to redefine a conflict!  
The Reclamation of the Kiirn
Military Conflict | Jul 12, 2024

When the cost of rescue is too high.

A skyship rescue mission goes awry when weather and [REDACTED] combine to thwart it. A good lesson in how what is not shown can be scarier than what is.  
Lycanthropy Registry Act
Document | Aug 5, 2024
Interesting read about how werewolves were subject to intense scrutiny and even temporary slavery to gain a modicum of acceptance in this world. I resonated with this, as my world has something very similar for magic casters.  
Ensilkan
Ethnicity | Aug 1, 2024
A displaced people that not only delved into necromancy to survive, but actually folded it into their customs and beliefs to retake their land.  
The Blanket Fest
Tradition / Ritual | Aug 3, 2024
I'll admit, I went in hoping for blanket fort traditions. But this cozy, fall festival with a focus on family and religion is a lovely small tradition in this world, especially the reuse of previous years' blankets as decoration.  
The Kingsail
Vehicle | Aug 3, 2024
A ship designed exclusively for hunting sirens. This article makes good use of technical jargon to make the ship seem real and feasible. As with a lot of articles, I found myself wanting to know more.  
The Lighting of Lanterns
Tradition / Ritual | Aug 24, 2024
A small article, but I liked it because it flipped the script as to how the tradition showed moral decay - through its waning celebrations.  
Stormforged Glass
Material | Aug 23, 2024
A material resistant to decay, it also has other properties that have led to at least three interesting great works incorporating the glass.  
Gionghua
Tradition / Ritual | Jul 28, 2024
A death ceremony where the focus is on the accrued knowledge and wisdom of the deceased, above all else.  
 

Worldbuilding Goals

  Well, I have a slew of stubs, and a main character article to write. Also, I want to learn to use containers properly, so I can add pronunciation in-article, and avoid articles for things that require a sentence of explanation. Another goal is to actually write some words for WorldEmber this time. It's harder without the prompts to focus my energies.


Cover image: by Nightflyer0ne via Midjourney

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