Settlement Prompt Shortlist 2025
Hello again, you magnificent people!
As promised, I’m here to share my shortlist for the prompt I sponsored during Summer Camp:
I had an amazing time reading through all 150 entries! The creativity, love, and effort poured into these articles were truly inspiring. Narrowing it down was not easy, and whether or not your piece made it onto my list, please know this: I appreciate your work deeply. And even more importantly: your world just got a brand new settlement. That’s a win in itself.
Congratulations to all of you!
How did I choose?
This was my first time sponsoring a prompt for a World Anvil event (definitely not the last!), and I loved every second of it. It gave me the chance to discover so many incredible worlds I might’ve otherwise missed.
Now, a quick note: art is subjective. If your article isn’t on the shortlist, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. It just means others were a little closer to my personal taste and the way I approached the judging process.
I probably should’ve shared this process before Summer Camp kicked off; lesson learned for next time! But for those curious, here’s how I went about it:
- I read everything: Nothing got skipped. I dropped a like on all the entries as a small thank-you for being part of this amazing event. I also tried to leave a comment or a feedback whenever I could. It’s a small way to give back and connect, just like others have done for me.
- First and foremost, the idea: Was it original? Did it stick to the prompt? Did it hook me? Did it make me want to dive deeper into your world? That initial spark of curiosity was key.
- Then, the Writing: I love good writing. Not necessarily polished, perfect prose. What I’m looking for is voice, flow, and emotion. Whether it’s a neat layout or a big block of text, what matters most is how your words pulled me into the story.
- Re-reading with backup: Once I had my favorites, I went over them again (and again). Big thanks to my lovely husband arktouro, who helped me go through all your entries and talked things through with me. The final call was mine, but having someone to share the excitement with made the process even better.
Final tie-breakers (just in case)
When I couldn’t decide between equally amazing entries, I looked at a few extras, but let me be clear:
Your ideas and words are what matter most and that’s what I’m here to judge. That said, in cases where two entries were equally strong in quality and originality I got into looking things like:
- Layout: A clear, thoughtful layout, using just basic BBCode, can make a big difference. It’s not required, but it certainly can help an article shine more clearly.
- CSS & Art: I adore well-done CSS! If your article had a beautiful design that made it easier or more enjoyable to read, I definitely noticed. Clean formatting and clever styling can elevate an already strong piece.
The same goes for original art; maps, sketches, handwritten notes, or anything else. I absolutely love seeing that kind of personal touch, and I did take it into account as a tiebreaker.
- AI Images: On the hot topic of AI-generated images: don’t worry. If you used them, they didn’t affect your score in any way, good or bad. I use them too, as a way to visualize my imagination, and that’s where I leave it.
As a final note, let me say this one more time, loud and clear: visual elements are just a bonus. If the writing didn’t speak to me, no amount of CSS or images could change that.
Now, without further ado and in no particular order... here are the 15 amazing entries that made my shortlist:
Final Thoughts
This has been yet another beautiful exercise and experience for me. I am amazed by the sheer volume of talent on this platform. I can’t stop saying how blessed and lucky I feel to be here, among so many brilliant creators. We are all amazing!
Now… is it time for WorldEmber yet??
Like what you see?
Stay updated on all new content!
Feeling generous? Consider tipping me on ko-fi! Every sip counts and I will be eternally grateful!
What great picks! :D
Thanks Mochi! There were so many good articles! I wish you luck with your own judging, it's not easy!