WorldEmber 2021 Reading Challenge and Ethnicity Shortlist

You pick the winner!

I had the honor of sponsoring the Ethnicity Special Category for WorldEmber 2021 this year and I'm listing the articles that made my short list to bring attention to them and to get my submission for the Reading Challenge done at the same time.

Comment who you think should win the prize from the shortlist below and the article with the most comments wins!

I also want to show off the prize I'm giving away, a copy of "The Islands of Sina Una" a 5E sourcebook on pre-colonial Philippine culture and mythology. It's an incredibly well researched scholoarly document, as well as a fun read, and a deep dive into Filipino culture. I'm diasporic Filipino, living in the USA, and I've learned so much from reading this book. It's my favorite thing that came out last year.

I've made a real effort to bring a lot of the lore in this book into my own campaign, "The World of Wizard's Peak", but from my own perspective as both an outsider and an insider. I heard some of the stories and about most of the monsters growing up, but I didn't live with them like my "kababayans" did back in Philippine Islands. I hope you guys give it a look, it's well worth a look.

The Shortlist

Thaurian

The pleasure loving Thaurians are 4-gendered furry folk who love philosophy and resolving conflict with rap battles. Interesting, well written, and detailed, as usual Naelin delivers the goods.

Engi Gheni

The Engi are cat folk who's ancestors were once elves. Now they travel in wagons pulled by wooly rhinos or dinosaur pack animals. Lots of interesting details from Dazzlinkat on their society and mating habits!

Underhaven Remnants

A hedonistic people who seem both innocent and lusty at the same time. This SFW article is based in an NSFS world, so be careful with the links! Great work as usual from DaniAdventures.

Munchkin

This article from E. Christopher Clark is short but strong, much like the munchkins themselves. This flavorful article quickly lays out their history and habits. Unlike a halfling meal, there's not a lot of fat here. But it tastes great!

Purists

These technomancers and cybors value the purity of their souls, but have no regard for their mortal bodies. Lots of cool concepts here.

Fyrnkin

An interesting take on pacifist plant people who live solely on photosynthesis. The author really gets into the minutiae of their lives and society.

The Deniers

If you've seen the movie "Don't Look Up" (or if you've simply lived through a global pandemic), you'll know the Deniers. With the actual end of the world slowly creeping up, the Deniers refuse to prepare for a "made up" disaster. Then when it comes, they feel entitled to the same protections as those who prepared. Good article but a little too close to reality!

Irrean

Another short article, this time about dwarves. It has a great informative opening. This one focuses on dwarven social classes and how hair and beard styles set them apart. Good stuff here from Sh4d0wPh03n1x.

Vank

A comprehensive article with lots of information on a society of superstitious devil worshippers. It could use an edit and reorganization, but it includes lots of great details and information about a bloody, violent people who aren't actually that evil.

Vaiho

A well thought out article about a society of changelings hiding in plain sight. The author really thinks about what it means to be able to change your appearance at will. How would that affect tattoos, scars, or other body modifications?

Wood Elf

I liked the descriptions of living architecture, buildings slowly grown from trees, included in this article. Also the closing quote made me laugh out loud!

The Prize

Cover of "The Islands of Sina Una"

Cover of "The Islands of Sina Una" by Roxanne Hope Sparks

"The Islands of Sina Una", a hardcover campaign book for 5E that draws from precolonial mythology and culture of the Philippines.