Summer Camp Round-Up 2025

Hi friends!   I hope everyone had a fruitful and creative Summer Camp 2025, whether you completed one prompt or all of them!
  For me, it was my best summer camp yet.   In a moment of madness, I wrote in my pledge that I was going for silver. I'm not going to lie, I instantly regretted it. In previous camps I've achieved bronze and I know how much energy it took out of me.   Though I was riding a positive wave, I wasn't really convinced I was going to make it until I submitted my final article on deadline day. Some things never change!   I'm so glad I challenged myself. My world is now 16 articles richer, my WA word count hit over 100,000 words—a crazy milestone, and I finally managed to write up some long-held ideas so I can let some new ones into my brain now...   All in all, it's been a productive July!  

 

The 2025 Reading Challenge

    I have to say, this is one of my favourite challenges on the World Anvil calendar.   There's always a new world to explore and talented writers to discover in the worlds of fantasy and sci-fi, and it's a great opportunity to see the fabulous creativity of this community.  

"But there's so many awesome beans, Gilly! How are you going to showcase just ten?"

a little voice in my head...

  Ha! Worry not, for I have a totally scientific (and not at all crazy) method for choosing fairly.   I'm going to leave it to fate...  

Methodology

 

• Two prompts for each theme plus two wildcards, determined by the dice of easy decision-making... That's two D8s for each category, fellow Dice Goblins!
• Each submission is chosen using a random number generator based on how they are positioned on the entries list at the time of writing.

 

Theme One: Nourishment

 

"We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body."

Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

 

A myth about a legendary food or drink

  Lloyd Louvain treats us to a deliciously unsettling journey through body horror and mythical dark fantasy with this gelatinous entry. It skilfully reminds us that ignoring the warning of washerwomen is never a good idea. Unless you want your entire army to suffer from a trifle worse than death, of course... (See what I did there?)  

A substance known for its unique smell

  This eerie and foreboding article is a stunningly atmospheric exploration of post-apocalyptic trauma.   Described as 'weaponised memory' produced using degrading nanotech, Piggie's Thresher Mist successfully combines vivid prose, scientific lore and analytical style to produce a unique piece of worldbuilding.   A must read for science fantasy fans!  

Theme Two: Roots

 

"Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots."

Victor Hugo

 

A garment traditionally associated with a culture.

  This article is a great example of how to take a simple worldbuilding prompt and weave it into a complex piece of lore which shows (rather than tells) the deeper conflicts and themes of your world.   Bob O'brien's Perseus Arm offers a unique, alternative setting for Traveller RPG, and the addition of the Psionic Dampener will definitely be a unique challenge for players to navigate.  

A war that resulted in the creation of something new.

  From dark, and gritty sci-fi to the adorable fantasy world of Strixxline's Ayun Sovos, this reading challenge is definitely turning into a rollercoaster!   The Battle at Quacking Pond is a fun and whimsical piece of beautifully written lore which made me feel all warm and fuzzy despite my heart of (almost) immovable stone.   A bake off and a food fight? Where do I sign up? It's a quirky combo which captures the themes of Ayun Sovos well, and I can't wait to explore the rest of the setting.   A fabulous palate cleanser for anyone who loves cosy fantasy...  

Theme Three: Metamorphosis

  "I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself."  

A ritual that's changed meaning throughout the years.

  This article by Kwyn Marie effectively conveys the dark fantasy theme of the world ofLapis Nicodem through the use of sensory language.   The article has a sense of dread throughout. The image of priests attempting to cover up the horrific scents of disease, death and decay with something pleasant, but not entirely masking, reflects the grim nature of a conquered world, whilst also providing a subtle hint of incoming change.   Overall, the article is a strong piece of worldbuilding which lays the groundwork for the continuation of the Lapis of Nicodem books.  

A transformation caused by a celestial body.

    This article effectively utilises descriptive prose as a means of 'showing' us rather than 'telling' us when it comes to worldbuilding, and, as a reader, I always enjoy a well-placed story or scene in worldbuilding articles. It brings the world to life and creates a level of immersion that encyclopaedic-style articles sometimes struggle to achieve.   When I first read this prompt, my thought process went straight down the people/creatures route (werewolves, werebears and wererabbits, oh my!) but it's interesting to see a different interpretation based on the environment. It is an aspect that never occurred to me.  

Theme Four: The Future

 

"Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming."

David Bowie

 

An organisation seen as the next superpower.

  "Democratic", "sophisticated" and "educated" are far from the stereotypical words we would associate with an organisation of pirates, but Arger Growler has flipped the ordinary on its head and created a truly unique piece of worldbuilding lore for their world of Terminus.   I'm definitely inspired by the use of inverted tropes in this article.They ensure the content is original and engaging, and of course they keep the reader guessing!  

An idealist manifesto published by a movement, political party, or other organisation.

  From the hijinks of the high seas, to the fantasy industrial world of Keon Croucher's Valerick this reading challenge ia turning into quite the adventure.   'Of the rails, for the workers' is a passionate call to revolutionary action, and I for one are roused and ready to sabotage the track for the Rail Workers Guild (if I can only remember where I left those bolt cutters).   The article utilises workers' rights to present a unique insight into the political relationships between factions of the world. It successfully highlights the oppressive power of the rail barons whilst also providing a sense of hopefulness that life can be improved for the working and lower classes. A significant theme to explore for any fantasy or sci-fi worldbuilder.   The speech at the start is a particular highlight, as it rallies for a seemingly noble and worthwhile cause. I love the dialectal quirks of the writing as they add to the authentic, grassroots feel of the railworker's movement.   Valerick is a unique TTRPG setting with a unique blend of magic, technology and an inherent sense of danger. It's definitely getting a follow from me!  

Wildcards

 

An animal celebrity.

  This is a delightful article bursting with magic, myth, and a healthy sprinkling of mystery.   From the outset, I was transported to the exquisitely sublime Star-Indigo Grove, and I didn't want to leave!   The CSS and artwork are simply (chef's kiss) stunning, and together with the beautifully descriptive writing style, create an immersive and entertaining read.  

A tool used by a nomadic culture.

  A wonderfully quirky addition to the world of the Delta Space   I simply love the concept of 'abnormality objects.' Taking mundane, everyday items from our world and giving them strange, extraordinary powers makes the familiar intriguing whilst at the same time providing a certain feeling of nostalgia.   The article showcases a rich history of ritual and tradition, masterfully weaving complex themes into a solid piece of worldbuilding lore. Well worth checking out!