WorldEmber 2024 Week 3
It's the 3rd week of December already
This week, I finally completed the 10k words for WorldEmber! There is a wide variety of new article types this week, from ranks, species, technology, traditions, and more!
WorldEmber 2024
Week 1 • Week 2 • Week 4 • Final Week
Words this week: 5663 | 146% total
Sentinel Commander
Rank | 1098 words
Link
The Sentinel Commander serves as a distinguished Coalition Officer within the Dragonguard Alliance. Unlike the other senior officers, the Sentinel Commander holds a four-star rank, placing them on par with analogous ranks in the regional Dragonguard structure.
They are the highest-ranking officer who commands the Dragonguard Sentinels, a military police unit tasked with maintaining order and upholding law within Dragonguard installations. They and their commander are not under the direct control of the Archon.
A candidate has to meet requirements similar to those of other Coalition Officer ranks to become a Sentinel Commander. The candidate must have held the rank of three-star lieutenant commander for at least twelve years within the Dragonguard Sentinels. They also have to complete the Coalition Officer Training courses and secure a unanimous vote from the Board of Directors.
This rank has a four-year term with an option for reappointment for an additional two years. After that, the individual has to retire to their previous three-star lieutenant commander position.
Scalemite
Species | 1269 words
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Scalemites are small reddish-brown mites that infest nearly all dragonkin across all continents except Frostcrest. These parasites have also adapted to infest aquatic dragonkin species.
Inspired by a parasite that infests honey bees, these parasites have a flat, button-like shape that allows them to wedge under scales. They measure about 2.5 mm long and 3 mm wide and have eight legs (like most mites, yes, they’re arachnids).
These mites lack eyes but have sensory organs on their chelicerae (mouth parts). Terrestrial scalemites have a pair of spiracles (breathing holes) positioned laterally on their bodies. The aquatic variant has two distinct folds on the top of its carapace, which kind of function as gills. Scalemite nymphs are so small they absorb oxygen through their soft carapace, allowing nymphs of both terrestrial and aquatic variants to survive submerged in water.
Similar to Clover Mites, these mites reproduce parthenogenically, meaning that their eggs develop without the need for fertilization, resulting in scalemites being entirely female. They lay their eggs right at their feeding spot, which ensures the nymphs have a food source, as they cannot break through dragonkin skin like the adults can.
The development time from egg to adult is about 12-14 days. The lifespan of scalemites is about two months.
To treat scalemite infestation, apply something like petroleum jelly to the affected areas. This effectively suffocates the mites. It is important to note this only works on adult scalemites, as nymphs are small enough to absorb oxygen through their soft bodies.
This can take up to a few weeks to a month, waiting for any eggs to hatch and the nymph to reach adulthood. Aquatic dragonkin can spend time outside the water, but even the aquatic variant has some resilience. A better option is for symbiotic fish to eat the parasites.
Interestingly, one dragonkin species that appears to not be affected by scalemites is the Shimmerhorn. This species spends a prolonged amount of time in the mineral-rich hot spring waters of the Glistening Meadows. They can spend enough time in or out of the water to eliminate both terrestrial and aquatic variants of the scalemite. The Glistening Meadows is also a secluded location, which likely contributes to their resistance against these parasites.
Outpost Zero
Settlement | 1578 words
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Outpost Zero is actually a reference to a game I played a few years ago with the same name! It is a Dragonguard outpost located at the tip of the Dragon's Tail peninsula, patrolling the seas for pirates and serving as a rest stop for travelers.
It was initially supposed to be a temporary outpost, hence the “zero” in its name. Later, the Dragonguard realized its importance for patrolling the waters and skies for pirates.
The outpost gradually grew into a quaint little town as it accommodated an increasing number of Dragonguard personnel. Over time, as the base expanded and solidified its status as a permanent military installation, the community blossomed around it. This town is now one of the few recognized settlements on the Dragon's Tail peninsula.
To commemorate the Dragonguard's establishment, the base opens its doors to the public each year on March 25th, celebrated as the Dragonguard's birthday. There’s a cookout; the civilians can try out the obstacle courses, and there are fireworks in the evening. Afterward, people enjoy a large bonfire well into the night.
Graphene Battery
Technology | 860 words
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This was actually a stub article back during the Summer Camp 2024 event. I knew I wanted to have this, but I didn’t learn about Silicon Oxide-Graphene batteries from a video until November. When I saw the video, I decided to use it in my world.
There is an older, outdated battery style in the world, but they’re hard to find since no one manufactures them anymore.
The Dragonguard initially created them, but they weren’t available for consumers until 10 years later. Standard battery sizes were established only after consumer-grade batteries became available.
The Dragonguard uses a different set of standards and types, referred to as Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB). STUBs have their own naming system for the different sizes of power cells. Additionally, the public has also adopted the Dragonguard's standards for consumer-grade products that require larger power cells, such as electric bikes.
Consumer-grade graphene batteries have a different shape compared to older battery types. While they are primarily cylindrical, they feature three slightly beveled edges which can prevent them from rolling. These bevels are small and rounded, allowing the batteries to be easily inserted into various sockets, including older full cylindrical types. However, graphene battery sockets are not compatible with the older battery styles due to their distinct shape.
Larger battery cells are often called “power cells” and do not maintain the cylindrical shape. Typically, if a power cell is very heavy or needs to be inserted at chest height or higher, the socket will have a lower inset bevel to assist with placement. This design allows the user to position the cell correctly before inserting it into the socket.
Yes, I also created battery sizes; check out the chart!
Forgefest
Tradition | 858 words
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This was an idea I had randomly late one night and wrote it down in my notes. World Anvil had a writing livestream one weekend, and the prompt was to create a tradition, so I decided to finally write about Forgefest.
It initially began as a friendly competition between two blacksmiths and has since turned into an annual festival. It takes place in a town in southeast Emberland.
The story starts when a curious traveler, passing through a village, engages in light-hearted teasing with a local blacksmith. The tourist relayed that the blacksmith from their town had boldly claimed to be the best in the world. Amused by the boats, the local smith joked that they should settle this dispute through a competition to determine who truly deserved the title.
These two blacksmiths eventually met up and held the first competition. It was such a success that they decided to make it a tradition.
Over the years, the festival has expanded to include food vendors and a marketplace for crafts. Glassblowers have also become part of the tradition, showcasing their skills and selling small glass souvenirs.
A talented glassblower, inspired by the thriving festival, decided to join the ranks of the smiths. Realizing their craft also depended on a forge, the glassblower gathered a group of like-minded friends and set up their own stations. They began creating exquisite glassworks that quickly became popular keepsakes for those attending the festival. The Sun Catcher is the most popular item made by glassblowers.
The competition kicks off with a distinct ceremonial phrase from a competition judge: "Light up the Forge." This moment marks the beginning of the exhilarating event.
The competition is structured into several elimination rounds, where participants must demonstrate their expertise and ingenuity. The final round is a thrilling head-to-head showdown between the top two contestants, where only one will emerge victorious.
The Blacksmith winner will win a little anvil trophy, known as the World Anvil. The runner-up will win an anvil trophy painted blue, known as the Blue Anvil. The glassblower winner will win an artistic glass trophy.
Additionally, both blacksmith and glassblower winners earn the esteemed title of Forgemaster.
These are all references within the World Anvil community, and I thought it’d be cool to add them as easter eggs.