My first WAWA
My very first World Anvil Worldbuilding Awards! I wasn’t planning to submit anything, but hey—what’s the harm in trying, right? I’ve been building Tanaria for years, and 2024 was a huge year of growth for the world. Between diving into D&D and expanding its lore, history, and people, Tanaria has evolved in ways I never expected. So, here are my submissions! Take a look, and if you have any feedback, I’d love to hear it!
Best World
I entered Tanaria for the Best World category because I’ve spent years building it, shaping its history, cultures, and people into something that feels real. It’s not just a setting; it’s a world with depth, where every kingdom, every myth, and every god has weight and purpose. I’ve put so much into making it immersive, from the way the calendar works to the politics, the religions, and even the small, everyday details that bring it to life. It’s a world that keeps growing, evolving, and surprising me, and I think that’s what makes it special.
Best Article
I made this article as I was working through some of the common D&D races for my players. I knew that I wanted to reskin and make many of the people of Tanaria original in their own way, giving them different history, traits, and origins than what many people are used to. So I submitted this one into the best article category because not only did I enjoy writing it, but it shows how Tanaria, while similar, is different from other worlds even if things might appear similar.
Hearts & Minds
This was a Worldember article that I really enjoyed making. A holiday that highlights the good and the bad, giving and being kind, as well as repercussions for treating others poorly. I tried to take inspiration from many yule-time holidays and their themes and I am so happy with what I came up with!
Rise of Nations
Another WE entry, this one was interesting. It was the first time I wrote a conflict or looked at how my various kingdoms and nations interact. It really helped bring a new level of immersion and realism into Tanaria and I'm looking to exploring more wars and conflicts to help develop my world's rich history, but as the first, this one is special.
Wondrous Nature
I was really torn on what article to enter for this category. I have so many beautiful places and plants and nature in Tanaria so I decided to go with something a little different. Central Arandor is mostly arid plains and desert, and while it may look barren it is truly a beautiful sight with a complex ecosystem. You can find beauty and wonder anywhere, not just in lush forests, wonderous caves or cascading waterfalls.
Strength & Honor
This was another hard category, but I decided to go with the Great Caravan. This festival brings people together, not just people of a single tribe or nation but people all over Tanaria. Forging bonds, making friends, learning about distant lands and cultures make the Great Caravan a spectacle and an amazing show of strength and culture within Tanaria, bringing people together in new ways and building bridges between people.
Myths and Legends
This was a fun one. I had been sitting on this myth for a long time because I wanted my fae Realm to be wild and interesting and have a rich history of its own. I wanted to find a way to incorporate many aspects of real world lore and other fantasy into the Vyrewood and I am so happy with this legend and history!
Good luck!
Thank you!!
"Every story is a thread, and together we weave worlds."
The Origin of Tanaria