2025 Summer Camp Reading Challenge

Brief Intro

This was my first time seeing the Summer Camp challenge unfold. I remained on the side lines, since I was prioritising my own WIP in the background. However it was great to see how many Anvilites joined in the challenge and I've noticed several intriguing articles being shared along the way.

I was impressed when the notification of the Reading Challenge popped up, because I thought to myself at one point previously - I see all these articles, but how many are going to be read when all is said and done? Thus, I wanted to join in on the reading. So, let me start off with the list of articles I gathered for the reading challenge:

• Soder, Runes & Scrolls by Myth X
• On the Nature of Alchemy by Evendawn
• Mossfire Hopper by NightflyerOne
• Moonlink Chains by Jester%'s
• Greyline by Interstellar Wars
• Hajduk by Tonarus
• Nimerou Stone by Dragonid
• Nyrrah by writbyjones
• Earth Whisper Ritual by Sinity
• Beastroot by Vertixico

I've read the articles and summarised as per my first impressions, therefore the following sections are my interpretations of the worldbuilding elements from someone unfamiliar with this world as a whole. None of what I write here should be viewed as critique/criticism, but simply my analysis process of understanding the given piece - and because I'm kind-of in story analysis mode already since I'm working on my own WIP in the background. I'm also asking some pointed questions as I go. To be clear, I am looking at this as from a writer's perspective (not a worldbuilder's).

All of these articles each have their own merits and interesting points. I enjoyed working through them and gained plenty of insights along the way. I indulged in some narrative speculations as well.

Soder, Runes & Scrolls

There is something inherently mythical and captivating about Runes. Being a lover of mythology and symbolism myself, I have a keen interest in Runes and quite a fair bit of out-of-the-ordinary knowledge about these ancient alphabets whether this be the Elder Futhark or Chinese Bone Scripts. So naturally, when this one caught my eye I had to read it.

Initial thoughts:

• The lore remains very close to the origins of our world's own ancient alphabets, such that they originated as a form of communication and later became associated with magic and the occult. (Now, for clarity I do not associate any negative connotations when I use the word occult in this context - I very much refer to its esoteric meaning associated with the belief and expression of one's spirituality, especially from an historical context).
• As does the shaping of the magic - however, contrary to our world's mundane means of communing with the spiritual, this world allows magic to truly manifest through the use of knowledge and intention from the user. The runes becomes words of power that duel as both tools to be used and a system to be manipulated.
• Attributing different languages and tribes their own cultural heritage and use of the runes is a great expansion of the lore and would make for interesting encounters/characters from a storytelling perspective. I also am partial to the use of crystal-tipped wands to inscribe the runes like one would use a dip pen. Although, I do find that the distinction between the pen (Soder) and the Runes (Magic) to create enchanted items a bit challenging to tease out at the beginning of the article.
• Mechanics and inner workings are a bit unclear - seems like energies and items can be used during the crafting of enchanted items and these are bound into the item itself? What would these be?
• The rollers are interesting, but feels a bit underdeveloped? A purely communicative device? Does 'bad penmanship' lead to any unfortunate consequences?
• Legacy & Historical Significance - should perhaps be the introduction to the article as it brings the concepts together more succinctly.

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Tying the magic user/caster a bit more intimately with the magic device could make for very interesting magic systems and conflict scenarios from a narrative perspective.
• Make a distinction between a magic user's innate abilities, and the ability to access magic when one is not innately gifted.
• The age old debate between technology vs. magic - and when does it blur into something else?

On the Nature of Alchemy

Similarly to the runes, alchemy (hermetic and otherwise) are also fascinating bit of metaphysics and symbolism. The introduction of fantastical elements creates a lot of room for interesting magic and science systems.

Initial thoughts:

• Alchemical system is linked to pantheon, which is a new twists and underlies the foundational rules of how it interacts with the natural world.
• Reinterpretation of the classic interactions between the elements as well
• Would have liked a bit more expansion on how the pantheon and their divine realms interact with one another. A few diagrams would also improve the understanding
• Alchemy is stated to be based on truth and empirical fact - thus to align it more with the scientific nature of empirical fact by including a few more rules for how to use and craft with the alchemical elements would improve the overall lore of the article
• Also seems to be linked to the creation and destruction of life. Highlighting the gravity of that would also be interesting - such as, what happens when things go right and wrong?
• Are these simply more spiritually inclined practises or actual magic that can be used?

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• As previously highlighted, the age old debate of magic vs science (technology) - now add religious aspects and an entirely new system is created.
• Would the separate factions vie over dominance or would there be some uneasy truce?
• Perhaps even full balance later disrupted? By what?

Mossfire Hopper

Anyone familiar with my writing would find it no surprise that fantastical creatures or monsters should make their way into the reading list.

• Toads with herbal significance due to their sap secretions
• Some formatting and spacing updates required - reads easily nonetheless
• Clear distinction between males and females. The reason for which is well defined based on their roles during the species lifecycle
• Perhaps mention how they would go into hibernation - I am aware of amphibians who burrow, whereas others allow themselves to become frozen for short periods of time
• Some repetitive information on breeding - perhaps explain what the displays look like or go into more detail overall
• How would hoppers protect themselves during metamorphosis? How do adults protect themselves, and their egg clutches if discovered?
• Is sap a purely innately produced substance? Production regulated by hormones and potency by maturation - but does diet not influence it as well? Is bioluminescence due to a symbiotic relationship with bacteria or produced from eating specific prey?
• Sap is harvested ethically - so catch and release method. What would this process look like, i.e., the catching and harvesting of the sap?
• Cute tailed toad image
• Expand on the tincture perhaps - what is the colour and smell? What is its viscosity and how does is feel on the skin? What sensations would the person experience when it is applied?

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Non-magical creatures can be linked to other purposes that give them importance in the fictional world

Moonlink Chains

Caught my eye and the premise sounded interesting. More rune based devices.

• Clear and succinct intro - so basically we're ensnaring shapeshifters of all kinds
• At first it seems like a very efficient means of restraint, then it gets scary... Use with supervision basically...
• Hmm, very nefarious and easy to fall into the hands of the wrong people I think - I'm sure there are beings with transformative powers that are not only monsters and if these were to be used on them the picture changes quite drastically, doesn't it?
• What makes it 'alive' per se? The mere act of crafting or something else - assume that it being alive is the reason it needs to feed or else be 'fed'. Would moonlight be enough to sustain it between long periods of not feeding on monsters - or would something dire happen if it is left unattended/lost?

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Reminds me of the binds in Melissa Caruso's Swords and Fire series - were binding of magic is used as a form of subjugation (and the necessity of which is highly debatable).

Greyline

Added to the list for a bit of variation.

• Ah, alright we are in an urban Sci-Fi where the motto is keeping to the middle 'neutral-ish' ground and an 'everyone for themselves (unless it is convenient not to)' outlook on life
• But if they have such noticeable grey clothing and signal tags, they would technically be very easy to spot, no? For an organisation that wants to blend in would they rather not be 'uniform-less'
• What is a micro-trade?
• I like the "don't die for another's story" - but even among non-loyalists there should be one/two people you trust with your life. But I assume this would be on a per individual basis and not the group as a whole.
• More of a movement rather than an organisation - still I would assume anonymity would be more valued than identification through clothing, which is very close to being a uniform (unless they gain protection from that because they are both 'valuable' and 'not worth the effort' for all sides involved).
• 'Status' part pretty much fits with the above, however why are they untouchable? Being the middle man can have alliances switch on you just as easily as the next person

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Reminds me of Mirror's Edge. Creating groups that operate in the space between 'the big fish' and those who can't fish at all.
• However, they are likely more depended on the system and the 'balance' than the groups standing on either side. What would happen if the balance gets disrupted? I would image they won't be able to keep their neutrality for long.

Hajuk

Underdog tales are timeless.

• Warriors with no specific allegiances, looks like a core set of principles from Ysand?
• Prefer reliable weapons over high-tech (underdeveloped) ones, got it. Solid strategy.
• So, must they go with Ysand (and/or Lady Winter) or be saddled with some other rando evil deity? They do not get to choose? Ah, explained a bit later on.
• Very succinct, I have a good grasp on who these people are, why they chose this path and their impressive abilities
• LOL - the end reminds me of the MC of Skyrim - they'll also have a stadium full of gods vying over their souls

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Both the Champion of the Beast and Winter Queen will make for good character redemption arcs
• What are these core principles of those who follow Ysand's principles? Perhaps add to the Champion of the Sun's Son like for the other Champions.
• Would make a interesting narrative of following one of the Champions who have a whole stadium full of gods vying over their soul, hounding them constantly

Nimerou Stone

Magical crystals are a must for fantasy.

• Based on the concepts of a water compass, not sure if crying makes it easier to use or not LOL...
• Duel compass and scrying stone - like that idea
• How are they produced/enchanted? Do they need to be blessed by a priest or follower of Nimerou?

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Enchanted and magical items need not always be grand. Simple things that enhance everyday life of people add a sense of depth to the world/culture.

Nyrrah

More creatures!

• A deer-like animal that has self-sustaining biology. I assume this is because the 'between' does not have food?
• Sound like they reproduce based on the magical equivalent of cloning.
• Alright, so do they have two modes of feeding? One self-sustaining though their magic neural/endocrine system, the other linked to feeding on memories/emotional residues?
• But what happens if the symbolic relationship happens with 'darker' memories/emotions? Or do they only seek out 'happy' symbionts?
• Is the petrification process at least painless? Otherwise that'll be very sad and I might cry (quick get a bottle for me to catch them, and use them later for the Nimerou Stone LOL).
• Oh, we get a folklore piece?
• Very sweet story - answers several questions above. Though, can Nyrrah get 'overloaded' when only feeding on one type of memory/emotion? What would happen then?
• Why would Nyrrah be hunted? And what happens to poachers who are caught?

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Folklore and story based communication of worldbuilding might be more effective than exposition. Could likely apply to historical recounting.

Earth Whisper Ritual

Agriculture is the economic and social backbone of societies.

• A Spring ritual that sounds both mythical and mysterious
• What is Haven?
• What is this defiant relationship between the ritual and the Conduits/Charges?
• So are the Grounds a competing faction of Conduits/Charges?
• Touching history
• Ah, so Haven seems to be a settlement of some sort after this Sundering calamity
• And Grounds/Conduits/Charges are part of a caste system - got it. Answers several previous questions
• Some minor repetition
• A spiritual ritual rather than magic, in line with previous remarks about this caste not being so heavily magic focused.
• A little clarity required on the worn stones, if the stone is returned to the soil - how can it be passed down through the generations? Or are they dug up again?

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• It is important to establish the difference (if there is a clear one) between magic, spirituality and religion in one's world
• Great way to separate cultural and societal groups - and to create conflict

Beastroot

Seeing as we are on the topic of Agriculture, a plant species seems a fitting addition.

• A good addition would be to call the moss a pioneer species as well (similar to ferns)
• Love the term Wyrdmoss
• Why the high protein content? Are they nitrogen fixers, like beans?
• Oh, it becomes like a drug if animals consume it? Aggression overdose - oh noes!
• So how do animals restrain themselves from overeating? Are there animals capable of doing this? If I may run with my imagination for a moment...
• For instance, you could add another type of symbiosis by making an animal have a mutualistic relationship with the moss. If you have an animal that could 'farm' the moss, like ants do aphids. Let's say the moss can grow on the animal's fur (like Sloths have) and it actively seeks out different subspecies of moss to stick on its back. The moss grows on its fur and can cross-pollinate with other colonies on the animal's back, gaining genetic variation within their population - whether from the other moss colonies sharing the animal's back or by it moving through different regions of the wilds (farmed colonies vs wild colonies).
• Then the animal gains the benefit of a 'variance' in their moss diet, including the slight differences in the enhancements that it would gain without the overload. Now the fun part would be deciding what type of benefits they would gain by not going into overload - and viola, you have a mutualistic relationship. If you can connect this with the Pathkeeper (then you can have a three way mutualistic relationship).

Food-for-thought/what I learned:

• Reminds me of Marula fruit and how animals get drunk on that LOL.
• Enjoyed running with my imagination on this one.
• Interactions between different species can add immense depth and culture to a world, especially when tied to crucial jobs or societal consequences.

Brief Outro

That was fun!

On the note of worldbuilding goals: I don't have set worldbuilding goals personally. But I assume I'll be creating and expanding on the various worldbuilding elements within my fan fiction WIP.