Relaxing Reading; A Reflection on Summer Camp 2023
I've written so many articles not actually related to anything in my world this week...
Still, I would be remiss not to participate in the celebration of so many creaive minds and talented writers. As much as I would love to dive into a myriad of articles in detail, I am starting to burn out on reading. I shall, however, share my thoughts on the prompts I chose to read, my favorites, and how these in turn will influence my work on the Mortal Lands in future works.
The Mortal Lands as they Currently Stand
A Settlement at the Limits of the 'Known' or 'Civilized' World
This is the Prompt that I judged for this year's Summer Camp. You can see more of my thoughts and my shortlist of Finalists over at Summer Camp 2023: the JUDGING. I also wrote a Trilogy of articles called Settling the Issue of Settlements discussing the basics of building a settlement and how to share that information cleanly in your article. I'd say that alone is enough to share much of what I learned this summer, but it doesn't quite fit the spirit of the reading challenge. Below are 3 entries that didn't quite make my 10-item shortlist, but I still loved and wanted to put a spotlight on.Nomad's Heart
Created by lil_Pinecone Nomad's Heart brings to live a charming trade post at the edge of the foothills, with only a single clan as its permanent settlers. It reminds me very strongly of Reunion from FFXIV, but with its own twist in the form of magnificent waterwheels and aqueducts. It's a tricky balance; to use influences and ideas from other works we have loved and read, but putting our own mark on them to make them truly unique. It's the first big leap a writer takes from creating fan-fiction to their own, original works; to cross the border from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
Harmony Heights
Created By MelissaPlaysRPGSHarmony Heights is not a full, permanent settlement as one would think of a village or city; it's a retreat nestled into the mountains for people to escape and enjoy the quiet solitude of nature. The Spa caters to all, using only what nature has provided. It's important to remember that not all 'settlements' are bustling cities or quiet vilages; even smaller outposts or tourist destinations can count. In more advanced worlds where travel is more accessible and even encouraged, small oasis like these can provide both a destination and a stop on the journey.
Gladius Station
Created by CrazyEddieGladius Station, a space port in a large collection of defensive stations designed to keep people of of a deadly zone of radiation. Well designed and well defended, the port is a reminder that settlements have to be both self-sufficent, but also work together with other settlements to survive. Testimonies are also important; no one can speak for a settlement better than its inhabitants. Except maybe that one merchant that got ripped off.
A Tradition or Behavior Considered 'Old-Fashioned'
As someone whose storyworld has 3-4 different eras, with each impacting the next, the idea of certain traditions or mannerisms coming in and out of style is important for me to consider. Sadly this is one of the prompts I never got to complete myself, so I shall have to settle with selecting a mere few entries to read in its stead.Shell of Protection
Created by SerukisProtection of Newborns is always at the forefront of new families and communities, so it is no suprise that a tradition said to protect the health of new members would rise to prominence. What ends this tradition's common use is mere scientific progress; better ways to secure the health of newborns than shells left in the cradle.
Open Terrace
Created By StrixxlineThe Ability and freedom to openly worship one's religion is something we have taken for granted as a right in the modern west. In both the East, and in many fictional countries, this 'right' is a 'privelege' that can often be restricted or outlawed depending on who is in power. Open Terrace is a shadow of a happier time, when the people could come and venerate the relics of their faith freely. Now, only certain days are open, and toes are trampled on all sides as the faithful fight for a few precious minutes.
One For The Road
Created by drunkenpanda951Nothing creates a memorable tradition like a turn of phrase being taken literally. And 'One for the Road' is no exception. By literally pouring a drink out onto the road, the enact-ee wishes good health and travels upon themselves, by way of an indavertant offering. While falling out of style, the traditon holds a quaint nostalgia that invokes fondness for earlier times.
A System to Send Messages Between Distant Places
I'm focusing on prompts I never completed myself, as it gives me a chance to read articles without directly comparing them to my own; learning is healthy, but There is a point where directly comparing my own work to others can be a negative if I cannot learn properly. The only system currently in place in my world to send distant messages is Radio, so I'd love to sneak a peek at pages from other peoples' books.Stellar Radio
Created by UsurperKings You can't get more distant than the far reaches of space, and possibly dimension if I'm reading this article correctly. Stellar Radio was invented with the singular goal of reaching out to a lost relative and calling them back home. While reliable, the system relies on the intervention of celestial beings and their lifespan, and isn't one ultimately designed for common use.
Hedron Network Technology
Created by KitoypoyAs we become more and more obsessed/addicted/connected to modern technology, it becomes harder to imagine worlds without it. Many fictional/fantasy worlds will find ways to insert long-range communcations/photgraphy technology in settings where it would otherwise be impossible. Kitoypoy has done an excellent job of this, requiring the presence of thousands of people for the technology to even work.
Rat Post
Created by TarkinlarsonWhile most people wouldn't consider the span of a city 'distant', it can certainly seem as such when one is only a few inches long. Rat Post is a system designed to use rats as couriers between locations, compelete with rivalries with rat-catchers and legendary rats and their exploits. Entire series could be written about the brave and cunning rat-post members alone, and are certainly stories I would read!
Thanks for featuring Harmony Heights! I'll ask Drannor to save you a slice of pie. It's the last stop on the monorail, you can't miss it. <3
oooh, it sounds delicious!