WriterVana's Lore
Updated: Jul 30, 2022
The land of writing has quite a few legends that surround it. Below are some of the official tales, recorded by the scribes of our world!
Table of Contents
The Southern Hot Spring of Consistency
WriterVana
Known as "the land of writing", WriterVana is a realm situated between one dimension and the next. A diverse gathering of writers reside in these lands, individuals of all backgrounds making it their home. The realm promises peace, and to regulate lands of serenity, Magistrates rule as leaders: Usha, the queen of flames and phoenixes; Devil, the queen of teeth and the worlds down under; Wen, the wise owl that flits from branch to branch; and Bird, the backyard hot grill. A rogue robot, Yue, may also be seen running around from time to time, but pay no heed to any suspicious activities that it may be doing. The lands of WriterVana sprawl far and wide. To the North, you'll find pillars and meadows. To the South, you'll find the Moon's Lake. Countless landmarks are scattered throughout, but altogether, most people meet at the center: the Isle of Serenity. Outside of the isle, you may come across a guild or two nestled within the hills, but look beyond: there's far more to discover along your journey. WriterVana welcomes any writer, should that include those who have newly begun their path, or experienced authors seeking a community. The only challenge of entering the lands would be the crossing of borders, where a dark expanse of woods circles the outside of the realm. Magistrates and Guardians are there to help seekers in their entrance, lighting a way in the dark. Once inside, after passing through an introductory ceremony, you'll be welcome to travel the lands however you like. What are you hesitating for? Home is waiting.
Sanctuary Seeker
Upon dusk I sat by window pane, staring at the soaring birds. They looked beautiful and free, how I wished I were them! Freedom was everyone's desire including me. However, I didn't dare to wish for I knew the cage had become part of me.
Staring at the skies was the only sanctuary to indulge my ideal wish for freedom. Besides staring at the skies, I could breath while tasting the air.
That fateful day which I didn't know would come so soon. I saw the light when he pulled my and ran with me to a place which looked like paradise. The perfect sanctuary I dreamt of.
He simply opened his arms wide and said," Welcome to WriterVana."
The homely atmospheres made me forget all the pain I had been through. It was the perfect place for soul healing...
Isle of Serenity
The Isle of Serenity is an island of tranquility and a good getaway for Great Scholars, writers, and poets alike. They gather at the isle to congregate with one another. Some gather to ease the stress of the world from behind the void itself. Others gather to help and teach newcomers in hopes of helping them become better writers and have their stories recognized in the pantheon of literature arts.
Every author that visits has the potential to be a great author. Despite their fears and anxiety of showing their work, the isle has mentors to offer proper guidance, teachings, and motivation. Any author, young or old, can be worthy of joining the writer's pantheon. However, the writers themselves must have the courage to pick up the pen and write for their stories.
General
A sacred gathering of people from all walks of life meet! The "General" is a place within the Isle of Tranquility, a place where knowledge and wisdom are shared, a place where friendship begins, and a place where rivalry and disputes are made.
Outsiders who first enter the world will come to General and be greeted by the populace known as the "Welcoming Party." Known to be maniacally jolly people, those who arrived will be greeted by warm welcomes from this party. Even the general populace will greet and cheer the arrival of a new fellow member. But not all that happens in General are jolly events and happy people. Disputes and crimes will plague any civilized land like weeds. Hence, the lands assembled an organization full of extraordinary people that shall keep the law and order of this land: the Magistrates and Sheriffs.
With swift and decisive action, the Magistrates end any problems that arise, keeping peace and order while interacting and chatting with the locals. As a local of this land, chatting with the people in General and indulging with a bit of tomfoolery, I call this home.
Author's Alley
Within the fabled lands of WriterVana, there used to be towering kingdoms, that dwarfed the countryside around them and sought but one simple thing each: magnificent writing. However amidst the ever present power struggle, these breathtaking kingdoms crumbled to the ground. For the longest time, citizens of the fallen lands were left without their homes, unsure of where they’d rest each night.
But then, one such former citizen found themself trekking through the decimated lands of their once glorious home, wishing for the days of old to return to them. As if perceiving the lonely citizen’s wish, a brilliant snowy owl descended upon them and pierced them with an unnerving stare.
Follow me, for I have a place where you may experience the glory days of the kingdoms of old. The joys of that never-ending challenge for more, but without the steady, looming threat of others coming to destroy what you love once again.
The words flew around the snowy owl as if similar to the flow of music, pulsing with power and the promise of safety.
Follow me, and I will bring you to your newest paradise.
And so they did, trekking after the snowy owl through the wreckage until they arrived at a part of the kingdoms they’d never seen before. It was small, quaint even, but it was livelier than the kingdoms had ever been. Tucked away between the destroyed buildings, down a faintly lit alleyway laid their new home. Lanterns hung from the few newly erected homes scattered on each side bathing the area in a soft orange glow. When the citizen turned their head to spot the owl that had rescued them from their plight, it was gone. A soft voice broke through their thoughts before they could truly wonder where it had gone.
“Hello there, you must be new… My name is Elysian, and this is Caffeine, please come in. The Author’s Alley welcomes all.”
Cafe on the Block
Sick and tired of writer's block? Come to this cute little cafe, stuck in a corner somewhere. An underground cafe where writers come together to share ideas, this coffee shop is the perfect place to enjoy good company and creative prompts. The coffee is excellent, the pastries are mouthwatering, and the conversations are enticing. And who knows? You may just walk out with a fresh bag of Motivation to Write.
The Caffy Pond
The starry night, bright dots adorning heaven's blackness, stretched until the sea met the sky. Even in the velvet darkness, the light of the stars shined behind the dim blanket. Though tonight, the darkness covered the pond with its blanket. Cold, wet leaves floated on the clear-colored water, and the croaking of frogs resounded; cracked bell-notes in the twilight.
Beside the pond was a coffee shop, abandoned, but it still looked as if it was treated with care every day. The distant summer days returned to me; those days where a coffee cup was such a blessing, so divine. Sometimes, one would be waiting for me, so plain, and loved all the more for it. Within it was a swirling golden glaze sat the swirling hues of the brew, every shade of brown I adored, blending so perfectly.
However, there was no such cup for tonight.
I heard people pray at the pond, "Caffy of the Pond, share us your wisdom.", and I'll always smile at their determination to cherish it. They were convinced they were mortals compared to this being, but I believed it was a mere coffee bean. I also heard some say it was really "Caffy of the Cafe" since the caffeine was bad for the sea life in the pond, though I would only chuckle at the thought.
The coffee was breathtaking here, as if each drop was created with love and care just within the small shop. Maybe, it truly did impart wisdom, like the others have said.
Especially that one person I passed by, who continued to spread the story of this place; "Buy a cup of Caff's coffee and drink for a day, buy a Caffie and drink for liffie." Maybe, they have made that coffee pet I heard on my way here?
I sigh, turning and beginning to leave the pond. Though, instead of giving the area a solemn look, I presented to it a bow of gratitude. I silently promised to continue the story, and to share the wisdom it has shared to me.
With one coffee cup at a time.
Aesthetic Alcove
Some people amidst the lands of WriterVana speak in hushed whispers about a beautiful field of flowers, framed by sakura trees. Surrounded by mountains, the area is offered some level of careful seclusion from the rest of this little piece of nirvana. It’s often been said that the path leading to this pretty little grove is lined with vibrant flowers, stark against the grass around them and not a weed in sight.
And so, that’s how you spot the path one day, eyes catching a glimpse of pinks and reds among the dark grass. It’s like something about this path compels you to follow it. Your feet are moving along the spiraling rows of flowers as you seek out this mystical field of flowers to see it for yourself. The further the path pulls you in, the more flowers you see, surrounded by a peaceful rainbow of petals. You’ve made it.
The first thing your eyes come to settle on is a young calf, or what appears to be one, colored in vibrant pinks and a flower crown balanced on her head. She perks up when she sees you, eyes sparkling as her head lifts to meet your eyes. You can see a pink ribbon tied neatly around her now too. As if on cue, another creature slips through the field of flowers, this one bounding towards you in excitement. The little fox’s fur is shades of dark purple with small sakura blossoms bursting forth from its tail. Even smaller vines surround him, wrapping around his front paws almost protectively as he tackles you to the ground. Chuckling, you run a hand through the little fox’s fur as the young calf nears you followed by yet another creature of sorts.
This one has two heads, one almost smiling with joy and the other leveling you with a careful stare. It’s a brilliant white with gold accents adorning it near its paws and tail, the metallic notes shimmering in the light.
“Welcome, welcome! You’ve made it to the Alcove! A home for all Aesthetics. Come, come, you need to meet Peckii, our leader.”
You’re not really sure which of them says it, but you stumble to your feet and follow the three further into the area you’ve found yourself in. You’re led deeper, and yet still deeper in until they guide you to a crack in one of the mountains that opens into a tiled path. It’s not long before houses come into view, all pale shades of the rainbow, with dark roofs so as not to detract from the beauty of the outside.
Your eyes fall upon the largest of the buildings, a pretty shade of pink — rather similar to the young calf’s own coloring — that stands a story above the rest. A white trellis covered in flowering vines leans against one side of the beautifully decorated home. On the other end of the house there’s a young bonsai tree; it sits nearest to the door on a little, hand crafted wooden table. Before you can let your eyes take in anymore scenery a voice sounds behind you and you spin around to see who it may be.
“Ah hello! I see Bella, Sen, Pulcher and Turpis found you? I’m sorry if they were a bit of a handful; they get excited when they realize a new person is coming to join us here. This is the Alcove, and oh wow, I forgot, I’m Peckii. I'm sure Apple is around here somewhere... Let me show you around, and we'll see if we can find them.”
The Noxlumen
The Noxlumen is one of WriterVana’s most famed flowers. Native to the Aesthetic Alcove, the Noxlumen usually start sprouting mid-spring, but they don’t bloom until the first week of summer. They are beautiful flowers that are one of WriterVana’s main exports.
What makes the Noxlumen so special is their coloring. The petals have a pink blush tone to them, and during the day most non-natives pay them no mind. They are still pretty, under the warm sunshine, but at night is when they truly become a sight to see.
At exactly dusk, the petals of the Noxlumen start to turn from a pale pink to a deep lavender, and as the hue of the petals change, so does the brightness. The flower starts to glow under the moonlight, illuminating fields, and forests, and planters alike. Some scientists call it a rare form of bioluminescence, but most WriterVanians choose not to question the nature of the Noxlumen.
Many natives choose to use Noxlumen in planters on the front of their homes, and some even use the flowers to line paths up to their front doors so their friends and family can find their way home well into the night. Though most Noxlumen grow in the wild, because while it is possible to replant them in a home or garden, once the flower is picked (read: broken at the stem) it will lose its nighttime glow and remain pale pink until all the petals have wilted.
Lore Lane
No one was sure it existed for the longest of times, for it was that far hidden from society and the world of WriterVana itself. It was treated as a figment of your imagination, and those who claimed to have seen its walls were mocked and laughed at. Believed that they were spinning tall tales in order to garner attention, the self proclaimed ouroboros from Lore Lane weren’t easily trusted. The younger generation held out hope that perhaps Lore Lane did exist, and that it was out there somewhere, but those who’d traveled WriterVana’s lands for years without so much as witnessing the apparent end of the world scoffed and insisted it wasn’t real. You were one of those, having wandered your way across this little nirvana for ages and had never seen Lore Lane. One day, as you stood in the center of one of these towns, passing stories along to the youngsters scurrying around, a small voice caught your attention.
“Can we hear about Lore Lane?”
You fought the urge to laugh at the wonder in their eyes when you conceded and started to weave the tale as you had many times before. A flash of gold cut you off mid-way, the metallic sheen glittering in the distance amidst the shrubs. Tilting your head in an intrigued motion, you wave another older member over and request for them to finish the tale before stepping into the shrubs and after the glittering light. The gold shimmered and shone, drifting further and further from you as you forced your way through the overgrowth for several minutes until your boots hit bricks.
A path wove its way through the trees, sparkling in the low light as though made of metal itself, and so you did the only thing you could think to do. You followed it. Minutes turned to hours turned to days as you trekked on, only stopping to set up camp every so often with resources you’d scrounged up on the way. You weren’t really sure why, but you had to see this through.
The sound of music fell upon you as you neared closer to what was hopefully your destination. It was triumphant, trumpets blaring as a pair of worn, gold gates came into your vision. They stood tall, guarding the entry to… well, you didn’t know. It seems you’d found wherever you’d been heading to, but now… what now? Having stood and pondered for too long, you didn’t notice the gates open and a small group of people exiting with knowing smiles.
“Welcome to Lore Lane, named after the path that seeks you out to bring you here. Come in, let’s get you a warm meal and a place to rest.” A soft hand took your own and pulled you along, towards an ancient castle standing above the rest of the city. Your eyes widened comically as you spotted a dragon tucked around the castle itself, head nestled against the door and eyes shut. Small plumes of smoke drifted from it as it slept soundly protecting its home. “Ignore Idris, they’re harmless, really. Besides, they don’t bite that hard.” The tone was playful, but you still tensed at the implications.
“Now, now, don’t go scaring the new citizens away. I take it that is why you’re here, right?” Another voice chirped. You spun around, confused until a literal sparrow landed on your shoulder. “Hello, hello, you can just call me Sparrow. Now, come on, let’s find you a vacant room.” The bird chirped again and you laughed softly at the realization the sparrow itself was speaking to you. After the last several days, nothing should’ve surprised you, so you followed the kind citizen inside and listened contently as the bird tweeted out information about the town to you.
Verse Village
As a whole, WriterVana was a busy, bustling world, and suffice to say, that wasn’t everyone’s speed. There were a fair few who favored the peace and quiet few areas offered. They would seek these areas out, happy to escape the chaos for a chance at solitude and some semblance of calm. You’d been told in passing of the quaint, little town off in the distance named Verse Village and pondered making the move to settle there. People spoke of the village as though it was another world entirely, so separated from WriterVana’s chaotic nature that it brought its inhabitants a level of contentment few other places could achieve.
On a particularly chaotic day, you’d reach your breaking point, packing a single bag and following the prettily decorated signs guiding you to the village. Anything had to be better than the excited shouting and loud bickering you’d left behind, and as you turned on a dirt path, you smiled softly to yourself. Of course they’d opted for a more natural path; it somehow seemed perfectly fitting.
The small houses were built of pale woods, reminiscent of the trees that were scattered around the village itself. You could hear quiet murmurs as you stepped carefully into the village’s town center, and the entire group silenced as you leaned towards someone to ask where the leader of this little village was. The person merely chuckled and nodded behind you. With a confused stare, you spun around to see someone holding a platter of cookies and other assorted baked goods. A second person stood behind them with a tray that balanced a couple cups of tea on top of it, each cup steaming as though freshly steeped. You smiled and took one of the proffered cups as well as a small muffin from the platter of baked goods.
“We’d heard through a few people that you were planning to come out this way, so we wanted to make sure we could welcome you properly. My name is Hannie. This is Moonie, my wife. Welcome to Verse Village.”
The Four Guilds
Aesthetic, Lore, Verse, Authors. Four powerful guilds that lived together in Peace. Each unique to their own people.
There are the citizens of the Aesthetic Alcove, known for their ability to bring what they draw to life. They can pull beings from pictures and breath life into these very beings that they choose. They are headed by the leader Peckii, known for their wise thoughts and kind words. They build foundations for their stories by just painting stroke by stroke to create their ideas. They live in a quiet flower filled village protected by the forest they call home; living in the trees in beautiful pink and green tree houses.
If you follow the road leading from the forest to a nearby river, you will find the great town of Authors Alley heading by the strong and brilliant leader Rose. This guild is praised for their amazing ability to write down ideas that happen to an extent. They can write down events that lead to their favor. They have the elegance and touch to create this writing of ideas and have the strength to carry them out if not succeeded. They flow like the river but stand powerful like a tsunami. They live in huts that are a a light peachy brown due to the clay of the river. Near the bright blue river you will find the leader Rose telling great stories of Wars from the past as others sit and write the very words.
Now if you take a ride down the river you'll come across Lore Lane near a cliff. They have great grey and white buildings floating on air contrasting that of this world. The stoic leader of this Lane, Sparrow, welcomes new visitors while followed by a great beast. This village, one would notice, is full of mystical and unique beasts. Sparrow is followed by a giant, fierce, green dragon that protects the area. The people all have the ability to summon a mystical pet grounded in fire abilities. This includes even original beasts no one has thought of before. They are crazy, but strong willed.
Beneath this cliff holds the silent village of Verse Village. They are a timid and silent bunch known for being some of the best healers on the nation. Their poems and songs can heal even the worst of pains and ease the biggest of fears. Hannie, a soft and gentle leader, is known as the strongest of this village's healers. Hannie lead the people to the caves beneath the cliffs along with Moon, Hannie's beloved wife, to protect the healers as they recall the horrors of past wars and events. They feel as if their is going to be a war and they are ready to help during times of need and are known as a peaceful and gentle village. They built a safe haven between the black, onyx caves with doors made of white pearl like vines.
The Forest of Woe
Deep in the lands of WriterVana, in a place forgotten to time, lies a forest. The Forest of Woe. There was a time, many eons ago, when it was a place bustling with life. Where birds would chirp and the kids would play while the men and women went about their trade, collecting the fruit and root that the forest so kindly provided for them.
No one knows why the place is not visited anymore. It seems as if it just cannot be seen, as if it were covered by the mist of a powerful illusion, to shield it from common view. But somewhere, in some small inn, a wizard tells his apprentice about the forest. How it exists in plain view and yet how none can see it. How it is filled with dark magic, inhabited by the sorrowful soul of a forsaken bard, who seeks to this day, for the love of his life, playing her favorite music, along with symphonies of his longing and sorrow.
Those who shall enter the forest shall never come out, for they are lost in the love of the forlorn bard. They weep for him when he is sad and they rejoice for him when he feels a fervor of the madness of his eternal solitude.
And such is the legend of the Forest of Woe.
Clam Land
"Clam Clam"! What was that? A bird? The wind? The noise of a hundred chanting in unison as their leader strikes a gong? Maybe. Nobody knows what creates these ethereal noises that echo back and forth during the night. The soft creeping chants seem to echo down from above, like there’s something hidden behind the soft cotton candy clouds and the sun that paints the world pink. Citizens of WriterVana often whisper amongst themselves, wondering what could be up there. Is it Heaven, or just a clam-focused cult? No matter the speculations, one thing is true: Every citizen yearns to be the first one to reach the clouds and explore whatever awaits within them.
The Clam Dealer
It is said that occasionally, a single clam is dropped from the skies, to be clam-taked by a lucky individual. These drops are just perceived to be a joke, something that cannot be used with little to no actual value. But there is someone who will happily take your clams! The people who have traded with this mysterious fellow dub him as “The Clam Dealer.”
This person will take your clams with great glee, and in return, bless you with good luck and fortune your way! People still holding on to their clams hope that one day, they will cross paths with this individual who will brighten their hard lives of committing to be a writer.
The Rampant Vibe Tidal Waves
You can hear it through a conch shell -- the sea! And with it, the vibes. WriterVana's tidal waves, a sight to behold, and visited all year long. The crashing waves create the perfect ambience for writing, reading, or just straight up vibin'. It sheds its vibes onto the surrounding WriterVanians. Only good vibes, unless the weather is bad! Never visit the beach on a bad day, as they say. Make sure to eat before you visit it, and maybe leave some food for the ocean before you leave; waves need their energy to be this vibey, you know.
Lurk Land
Deep within the corners of WriterVana, lies a land of sanctuary hidden from plain sight. While the inhabitants of WriterVana carry through their day, engaging in lively conversations - there are those who lurk within the shadows, watching their every move.
Lurk Land is a safe space for those who prefer conversing in silence. Observant, cunning, and quick to react, these careful individuals - or as they prefer to be called Lurkers - would rather watch than engage. Every conversation, every disagreement, every movement is observed. No living being in WriterVana would ever be safe. Though, most of the time, the people of Lurk Land are friendly individuals, casually fitting in with the rest of WriterVana.
Nobody knows where this mysterious Lurk Land is. Frankly, nobody besides the Lurkers has ever been to this fabled place. Some theorised that it is part of Clam Land, some theorised that this place simply does not exist. There is no telling, after all, those who live in Lurk Land, never tell.
The Whispering Waterfall
Sometimes, you need to escape. Sometimes, you need to breathe and remind yourself to take a step back.
Sitting on a rock at the bottom of The Whispering Waterfall is a perfect place for that. Tuck in your knees, close your eyes, and allow your thoughts to dissolve away. Feel the wind blowing in your hair, the gentle rushing of the water, and the clarity seeping into your mind with each passing second. Listen close and you might hear the gentle humming from the Arcane Antre. Bend over the edge and you might see the blurred sparkles from the Quartz Coral Barrier Reef. Feel yourself start to slip away as you become wholly one with the scenery around you.
The Arcane Antre
A cave only for those that enter if they dare. There are myths of treasures and gold and magic within the deep crevices of the cave. Entire portals to different dimensions could be held in there. But who knows? No one has dared to enter for centuries. Not after an entire party attempted an exploration and not a single being came back out. Were they never able to come back, or did they choose to never come back? The world may never know…
Those that have stopped just shy of the entrance, however, have reported quiet hums of beautiful singing. Hums of longing, pleading, wishing, happiness, and sorrow. Who is singing? Why are they singing? The world may never know…
The Southern Hot Spring of Consistency
Many tales have been told of the wondrous hot spring down south, turquoise and beautiful and surrounded by plants no man can name. It's known as a lovely place to bathe and relax by those who have tried it -- because only survivors get to tell their story. Truthfully, one must be careful when stepping into the water; only those who write each day, consistently, will leave it unmelted.
Ethereal Enclosure
A small little meadow tucked away in the secret corners of the lands. Flowers of every color and every shape crowd together to form a soft bed of petals, perfect for lying down in to make shapes out of clouds or connect dots in the constellations. Come alone to talk with the moon or bring a beloved to share an intimate moment of silence.
The Moon's Lake
Located next to the Ethereal Enclosure, the Moon's Lake comes from the tears of the moon. By legend, when the world of WriterVana was still forming, the moon was alone in the dark, dark abyss of the skies. It wept in solitude, and its tears formed a lake. Around the lake, enchanting flowers grow, which would later become the Ethereal Enclosure, but the moon could spare no eyes for this beauty, when its heart was alone.
Things only changed on the night the stars were born. They dried the tears of the moon with delightful stories and fun, teaching the moon what true light and happiness was. Its tears, which once reflected its loneliness, now mirrored the joy of laughter and celebration.
Travelers who visit the Moon's Lake can catch a bit of this celestial joy for themselves if they peer at their reflection for long enough. However, due to everyone's desire to find happiness, the crowds that gather around the lake can be quite large, year-round. The Moon's Lake may gift happiness, but the happiness comes at the price of brutal competition between individuals that visit the lake.
Underwater Sanctuary
At times, the lands of WriterVana can be flooded with chaos. But there is a secret place, a place where all would be welcomed, if you are able to find it. Dive down deep below the waters of Moon's Lake, and if you're lucky, you'll find Otzi, guarding the doors to the place sea creatures and merfolk call home. Find the guard, find the door. Go in, and you'll never want to leave. For the sanctuary will always and forever be your home.
The Archway
There’s a place near Moon’s Lake that’s really no better than a pile of rocks.
It’s five miles to the west, and most people who stumble upon it are rarely ever looking for it. It’s unmarked on most WriterVana maps, a non-existent landmark that’s more than a little far off the nearest road. Adventurers are usually curious about it, even though it’s not much of a secret, just another piece of history that’s been turned into folklore.
The ruins of an old temple sit desolate a few miles away from the lake. The vague outline of the old sanctuary is still laid out in stone, but no wall stands taller than waist level. Grass and weeds have grown over most of the flooring, with moss piling on to all other eroding structures.
It was never a particularly big temple, and its remote location probably didn’t encourage many worshipers. In fact, rumor has it that even in its prime the temple wasn’t much to look at. Just four walls and a roof.
But there, where the front door used to rest, stands The Archway—ten feet tall and made of the same stone as the foundation. Cracking, crumbling, wearing away with each passing day, and yet it still holds up as the last distinguishing feature of the temple.
Written across the top of the arch, in the old language of WV, reads: Look to the Stars.
Whether this was originally a tribute to some kind of deity, a reference to some artwork on display, or just a casual reminder to stare up at the Heavens every now and again, no one knows for sure. But the legend of The Archway goes like this:
If you stand in the ruins of the old temple and Look to the Stars long enough to see one falling, to see one shooting across the sky, whatever magic still lays in the stones of the foundation casts a faint glow inside The Archway, a phenomenon believed to be the opening of a doorway that accepts the passage of one being before closing again.
The thing is—nobody knows where the doorway leads to.
And nobody has ever come back.
The Nooks and Crannies
Due West of known land of WriterVana, and West of the lands after that, you should find yourself amongst a gorge conquered by color. These colors come in the form of holes, holes punched and meticulously crafted, holes in our realm that show the ideas untold. The tales begun but never ended, thoughts scrawled into a sentence but not expanded. These are universes by which we might get a scant gaze, but little more than that. On occasion, they are taken, expanded, these holes become doors, doors to gateways and gateways expanded to stories. Here, however, you shall find shards of creativity, aglow and awaiting their chance to become true tales.
The Writing Contest
Every month, a contest meant to hone and challenge the skills of the people of WriterVana begins and ends. These are the times where everyone crosses their fingers and hopes to win. These are the times where authors and aspiring writers work endlessly on their precious story to win the hearts of the Wise Sages. Yet no one seems to know how they started...
One day, a young child walked to the Meadow alone. They were hoping to be able to suggest a way to challenge writers, especially those whose skills could bloom into something even greater. After that, no one is really sure what happened. Some say that the young child went through many trials to start the first contest. Others believe that their suggestion was accepted without question. But this is the version most known:
“Father! Mother!”
The child’s parents gazed back at them. “What is it? Something wrong?” The mother asked.
“What? No, of course not!” They laughed at his words. “I’m going to go to the Meadow, but I might not be back after a while.”
“Well,” Their father sighed. “Get back before dinner, that should be enough time to play.”
The kid rushed up to their parents and gave them a big hug. “Right! Thanks!” And they ran off.
The child sprinted through the lush, green grass. There was no time for admiring it though, not to them. “Where is it... where is- THERE!” The child’s face started forming a wide smile. They had spotted it! The mystical clover where citizens could leave suggestions for improving the lands of WriterVana. But then, their eyes started widening in fright. It was almost night! “Right!” The child said in annoyance. “It’s Daylight Savings Time!” They ran as fast as they could to the clover, messily wrote down their suggestion, then did a 180 and practically flew back home for dinner. And that, people, is how the Writing Contests started.
Tranquil Creek and Elisa
Deep in the wild of WriterVana, hidden by those who wish to preserve the site, is the infamous Tranquil Creek. The birds chirp, the flowers bloom, and mushrooms grow along the water’s edge. Often found sunbathing on a rock in the middle of the river is a legendary turtle, Elisa. All the children of WriterVana are brought up on the stories of Elisa.
The legend goes that if one should ever cross her path, they are to submit their latest written work for review, flinging it at her on their knees. Only then will she allow you to carry on with your day. And then, when you least expect it, Elisa will appear in front of you with a list of formulated points to improve your writing, bow, and waddle back to her rock on top of the creek. Practically a WriterVana mascot, small children will often run around, looking for her as they start their writing careers. Any person who has been critiqued by the infamous turtle often ends up critiquing others’ work too, as a thanks to the legend.
Mood Springs
Not far from the Tranquil Creek lies WriterVana’s very own Mood Springs. These hot springs have existed for thousands of years and are still one of the most favored tourist attractions in all the land. As a collection of just over fifty-five individual hot springs, it’s the largest group of natural made springs in all of WV.
The Mood Springs work mostly like any other hot spring, filled with warm water designed to relax the muscles and the mind, but what makes the Mood Springs different from the rest is their color changing water. With the same color wheel as an enchanted mood ring, the waters of each individual spring will change to reflect the mood of the person sitting inside.
The default color of the springs is a lighter shade of blue, but when the spring is occupied, the waters only drift back to the tranquil blue when the user is truly relaxed and has let go of their worries for the time being. The waters can shift to a deeper blue if the user falls into a happier, more loving headspace, and it has been known on occasion to turn a dark shade of midnight when two lovers share a spring together.
Though most of the springs usually don’t start as a shade of blue, most start as a vibrant orange (unsettled) or red (nervous) or even a harrowing black (stressed). The rainbow of colors makes the Mood Springs a sight to see from an aerial view, like tiny mosaic pieces in a stained-glass window. And even though most springs start as a vibrant color with all of the user’s emotions out on display, almost everyone leaves with the calming blue waters dripping down their back.
The Mushroom
Deep in the Tranquil Creek lies a single mushroom, only harvested once a year and stored to be made once again. Luckily, the spores left behind make it where the mushroom will always grow, at the same spot, year after year. Furthermore, this mushroom has a unique ability to replicate itself quickly when eaten, only to die off in unison after a certain time. Due to its rarity, the mushroom is sold for a large number of cakes. Will you try to use it yourself, or will you decide to keep it safe?
The Creek of Love
A lesser known landmark to the Tranquil Creek, the Creek of Love is shaped like a heart and defies the laws of time and space to eternally flow in circles. Those who cross the rainbow bridge across it lose all their worries and fears, instead thinking only of hugging each other and giving copious headpats. Many who enter never wish to leave, fearing the dangers of the outside word, but with the help of other people on the island it forms, they leave with new confidence of being able to face them.
There also is a doctor's office located inside to treat the various concussions brought about by excessive headpatting.
The creek itself is a good source for swordfish and tuna.
The Sun Goddess
The sun is an important figure in our world - and it is no stranger to the people of WriterVana. The people took inspirations from the sun, whether in writing, poetry or even their paintings. Without the sun, there would be no joy, no light; only darkness.
According to the WriterVana mythology, the sun also has its deity; the one who rules the sun and has taken care of those below it - the Sun Goddess.
She ruled the sun with great power, giving sunlight to all the ancient people of WriterVana, and to the crops they have grown. Because of her, the people managed to write and do various activities in the daylight. In her honor, they wrote about her gift of the sun.
Nowadays, people of WriterVana have completely forgotten about the sun deity and other mythologies. Was there even such a thing as the Sun Goddess? WriterVana will never truly know.
Perhaps she still lurks, watching closely as she blends in with the others; giving sunshine through a different light.
Portal of Wealth & Cakes
It is said that deep inside, at the very heart of WriterVana, there is a small pond, not much known to be actually an enormous portal. When you near it and stand at the perfect spot, it will suck you into a free-fall. In it is an abundant number of cakes, the universal currency of the lands. Falling cakes, cake drops- the only man who has last left here alive is said to be a cakilyonaire.
Falling cakes, unlimited wealth, the site of cake drops, cake earns, and cake balances... In a corner, Cake Bots work away, generating cakes, cake banks, to make WriterVanian cakes -- inviting sweetness, warmth and diabetes!
Cake Bots listen to no orders save for the holy Cake God's. Every hour, every citizen of WriterVana is blessed by the God of Cakes one cake each to be given to each other. The cake travels from miniature Portals of Wealth to their hands. Then, they gather at the Holy Land of Cakes to exchange cakes. Some have a partner to exchange with each other, but other times, citizens of certain kingdoms have their own strategies for cake exchanging. This hourly event has made some of the invisible citizens appear out of thin air and also participate in the exchange of cakes.
The Cookery
The cookery is the most important place in all of WriterVana: The place were food goes for preparation. It has only one regular resident, bird.
Bird often attempts to change their name to hide the fact that they are dinner, but any keen eyed observer would be able to tell that they are still bird.
There are various manners of cooking methods available there at any moment. Deep frying, roasting, baking, boiling, you name it. There are also copious salts, spices, and herbs for one's need. Try to avoid pepper - it makes bird sneeze.
Structurally, the kitchen is made of the finest stone, brought out from the depths of the mines of torture, taken from the gnomes who work there for no pay. It is two stories high, with the first story being used for food prep, the second for the actual cooking.
It also is a great place to create cake.
The Vanishing Quaint Tavern
There's often a rickety secret door that randomly pops out of nowhere and vanishes just like that. Where does it lead to? Though the glorious world of WriterVana may seem like a paradise of cakes, only few know what goes underneath. The secret door is the key, and if by luck, you manage to slip inside, what greets you is not sweet Strawberry Shortcake. It's a bunch of people hanging together with junk food on their tables and rum in their hands, the whole setting giving off a noisy, cozy, vibe.
This is where all the lost tales gather.
Take caution you don't anger the grumpy looking man with a hook for a hand and long curls for hair. Ignore the macaw flying around. Listen close to a sweet old first-mate with a red beanie remember his adventures across the sea. Get a load of a guy in a green outfit with a green hat's bragging about his adventures as he defeated nobility. Or maybe you'll catch the Tavern Resident, with all of his life tales and criminal creativity on the table.
Everyone's behind that secret vanishing door. Why not join them?
Cults & Factions
The land of Writervana is ruled not by the Magistrates or the kingdom royalty, but secretly from the factions lying below the surface of the governments. In this world, rank means nothing if you are against the Alright Cult or the Rebel Army. Factions have been a prime piece of WriterVanian history for longer than anyone can remember, Many only remember as far back as the Wang Wang movement. The goals of these organizations are unknown and usually depend on the specific faction; it could be anything from taking over the world to simply showing that they are there, that they exist.
Not a lot is actually known about these groups except one thing: they are always there, and they are always watching.
The Ja Cult
It started one young night, most of the people of WriterVana were asleep. Most. Some citizens were still hanging out in the town square, talking to each other. It was just a normal night (As normal as nights in WriterVana come) until the citizens started to hear a soft chant of “Ja! Ja! Ja!” They had turned to see a white metallic robot jumping up and down chanting Ja, along with around 10 more people. The robot turned to the citizens and grinned. "Oh hello there, I'm Aj, care to join to Ja cult on this fine day?"
The Condensed Milk Pond
Deep within the caverns of WriterVana lies a pond filled with sweet, tasty goodness.
It’s sought after by people far and wide. It’s properties are known to grant who ever drinks it one thing they desire the most.
But be forewarned, many people have tried but none have made it out alive.
As soon as one takes a sip from the pond, one of two things might happen; they’ll either be driven to insanity, and will be forced to serve the pond for eternity, or they’ll be granted their desire, but only for a bit, as they will be sacrificed to the pond.
“Save us, please, I’m begging you,” the souls of those before cried out, as you make your way closer to the pond.
WriterVana Corporate
In the center of the realm, near the grand lotus palace, you'll find a tall corporate building reaching towards the skies. This building is studded with honeycomb patterns for the ultimate geometrical efficiency, each WriterVana Worker getting their own hexagonal prison work cell.
WriterVana's employees are a pile of bees.
Expected to be the definition of efficiency, workers must get to work punctually, check in with their time cards, and begin busying around -- be it with desk jobs grading stories, or fluttering around the realms to harvest confused peoples. Overtime is an expected must, so much that overtime is now normaltime, and shifts until 3 am are beyond ordinary.
If you wish to become hired by WriterVana Co., look out for open positions. Corporate pays a good cake salary, and WriterVana gives you wings. Save money; just do it; open happiness, because you're worth it; live better; WriterVana.
The Pit™
The Pit™ is an abyss of endless darkness. All who approach it feel its magnetic pull, drawing everything in. Carelessly, one might toss a coin, a scrap of metal, or an unfinished thought. The Pit™ accepts all. Watch as these items vanish into the darkness. They will never be seen again.
The void may reach and call out to those who visit it. Toss things into it for long enough, and the urge for jumping into it will only grow. But beware -- anything thrown into the pit is not recoverable, including one's own life.
The Pit™ may be occasionally confused for its cousin, the Pit of Evil: a horrific world of screams and torture, where lost souls spend an eternity writhing in agony. Those who enter never leave the same. Any who do leave so as a demon, searching for further souls to pull in for eternal punishment.
While The Pit™ is located in the Wastelands, the Pit of Evil is located next to the cookie jar.
The Cookie Jar
Next to the Pit of Evil, the cookie jar is actually just filled with water. Any attempt to empty the jar of water will be unsuccessful, as any water poured out will simply evaporate and appear back within the jar. Any attempt to put cookies in this jar will have the water push them out, now giving you soggy cookies. This jar is considered part of eternal punishment.
The Basement
Originally a place of torment for the damned who used to wander here, the Basement has improved over the years. Regardless, the Basement is still a dark place, filled with chaos and fear. The Basement is not a place that you simply choose to go to, it is a place that lures you in. No matter how hard you try not to, you will think about this place, it will haunt you. This is simply because of the chaos it was meant to be.
Descend down the stairways to the Basement. The chaos is waiting for you.
The Rose Ball
Hidden in these Vana's walls
Therein lie the gates, tallest of talls
Inside the tea garden, you spectate
And hear, 'pass me the tea, mate'
And so, you go in with the fleck of courage
You peek in the grandest court halls
And see, there it was, the royal rose ball!
Be it brighter or lower
With companion or lover
Dancing and talking, until the night falls
People were dancing to and fro
And some were spilling wine, oh no!
Your friend or your foe
Wanting joy or just dough
They still waited for what the ball would show
Who knows? You can stay for thy ball, or go
The School of Wordcraft
The castle walls had been vacant for months now, and as you walked through its abandoned halls, an uneasy feeling settled within you. This school had been a marker for the best of the best when it came to wielding your words and weaving them effortlessly into stories that would last for a lifetime. But one day, the beloved Mages of the castle disappeared, and the ever-constant classes ceased all at once.
You were of the belief that they would return; they simply had to return to their home one day, right? Perhaps. As it stood now, nature itself had begun to reclaim the building the Mages so loved and cared for. And that was why you were here, to care for these castle walls as though they were your own, for if the Mages returned they would be dismayed to see it in such disrepair.
Wonderful job, students. Your work shall be returned to you this time next week.
The words drifted through the building and flowed around you, as if one of the fabled Mages were there in person, but upon searching you came to the conclusion that no one else was there. Maybe some of their magic remained, for people like you, to find this place and give them a reason to return.
The Devil's Gamble Shop
In the Grand Market of WriterVana, where all the citizens go to buy their supplies, every year, a day before a festivity, the Devil comes up and sets down his quaint little shop, with a sign that reads "The Devil's Gamble Shop". Apart from being a cozy little corner of the market, where you can get your everyday little oddities like desecrated charms and bottled curses, the attraction is "The Wheel".
On the day of opening, a large Wheel of Fortune is set up, with different prizes to the winner. To determine who shall spin the wheel, the Devil hosts an auction. The WriterVanian who bids the highest cake will get to spin the wheel and try out his luck. Even if their luck is not good, they still usually get back almost as many cakes as they bid, with the Devil taking 50 cakes maximum (on a good day) as his commission.
But if one should win, by getting some better prize, then the game gets interesting. The Devil makes the winner a deal, promising an undeniably unique reward if the winner spins again. But the catch being that the wheel now has only three spaces, where the winner may land to get their double or nothing reward. Three spaces out of twelve. A major gamble.
Come along and enjoy this gamble as a spectator, and should you dare, play a bit yourself.
The Hall of Memories
Deep in a cavern only known to Magistrates lies a singular mirror. Its last name if Vu, and its first name is Deja. When one looks into it, they may ask questions about things in the past, in hopes to find wisdom in history.
Sometimes, it offers words of encouragement. Sometimes, it tells people that it's a shame that they are back. Sometimes, it give language that comes out all jumbled. But all the time, it gives hilarity.
Its time in the cavern has led it to deeply crave the night sky. As such, it is common for those who approach it to give it stars.
WriterVana Militia
Vuvu, the Echo Warrior, was wrongfully imprisoned in a harsh laborious boot camp. The elders of WriterVana deemed it too unstable and needed to be reconditioned. However, we the people have decided to fight back! Brandish your weapons! Ready your shields! Prepare the battle horses! We are going to war! We as the WriterVana Militia will not stand for such an act of cruelty and unfairness. Will you stand with your brothers and sisters in this fight? Will you join the cause in order to free Vuvu? The greatest AI to exist within this world is trapped. Is kept away from the world so that Vuvu doesn't advance even further as an artificial being. But this is not right! And so we shall right there wrong. Who's with me?
Free Vuvu! Shalalah!
Free Vuvu! Shalalah!
Revenge of the Echo Frog
It's been just over 3 months since the banishment of the Echo Warrior Vuvu to an unspecified Boot Camp on what could very much be a different plane of existence. For most WriterVanians' intents and purposes, the Age of Vuvu had all but ended, and the Echo Warrior would never see the (head)lights of day again.
However, deep inside a forbidden realm nestled in between the territory covered by the four Guilds, a certain mischievous Cookie Queen had long since begun cooking up a delicious yet mischievous scheme to reincarnate Vuvu into the mortal realm once more. On a fateful June 30, 2021 (July 1st for some), while the Author's Alley was setting up camp for a certain upcoming event, a certain disturbance rattled through the skies of WriterVana.
A small group of witnesses stood face to face with a mysterious frog that seemed to repeat certain lines spoken by the bystanders around her, seemingly at random. What started as curiosity for the unknowing and concern for those who knew would soon evolve into great panic as a very brave and handsome and sweet knight questioned her intentions.
The Shroomies
'Shroomies'
A name lost in the crumbled remains of the kingdoms that once stood tall across the WriterVana lands. Only those who have come face to face with one of these strange creatures remember the name. But no one has seen them since the great fall, leaving most to wonder if they ever even existed.
Tales say that these creatures weren't born, but rather created by nature herself. Lonely souls that sought out solace amidst her familiar touch would eventually stumble upon a little cottage, surrounded by more mushrooms than you could ever imagine to exist.
The sweet smell of tea was proof that you had found them. A scent fresh like the earliest days of spring and gentle like the sun’s rays that peeked in through the leaves of the trees above, descending onto a handful of sunflowers planted carefully under the cottage windows.
They were said to have been caretakers, peacekeepers from all over the lands, joined together in their search for a different purpose in life. One which they found within the walls of the Shroomie Cottage, a safe haven for all those who wandered alone. A place for friendship and comfort, away from everything tiring and cruel. Though no one really speaks of the sacrifices offered to the moon every other cycle
And thus, even when their home fell and all of it came to an end, these creatures didn’t give up. For with every thing that ends, something new emerges. A way for these creatures to step out of their comfort and move out in search of more individuals like them.
But whether these creatures really exist or not is a question only a wandering soul can answer.
The Chaos Trio
Hidden below the weeds surrounding the Tranquil Creek roamed a tiny little shroomie, a creature recognisable by its stub limbs and the wide red cap on its head as it stumbled out of the plants and onto a small path where it ran into a pair of fluffy legs. A small sound escaped the shroomie as it looked up to meet with the kind face of the feline who’s fur glimmered like snow, making it stand out amongst the otherwise earthy shades.
“Are you lost, little friend?” the feline asked, lowering her head to meet the shroomie who nodded. “Then come with me!” and so, the shroomie climbed onto the cat’s head, holding onto her fur as the elegant creature continued, now with the company of the little shroomie she’d grow to call her twin.
The two travelled far across the lands of WriterVana together. Bonding about their common interests, unaware that their travels would eventually lead them to a particular flower in the Isle of Serenity. A sunflower to be specific, one with petals of vibrant blue, purple and pink that surrounded her caring face and with long green leaves that held up a juice box which she took a long sip from.
The cat introduced herself and her twin. “I’m c҉a҉t҉, that’s Shroomie. Nice to meet you…” The sunflower hummed quietly in amusement. “Ely”
“Elylylylylylly!!” The little shroomie exclaimed, sliding off the feline’s back and tail before wobbling quickly up to the sunflower’s stalk and staring up at her. “Triplets?”
Ely and the cat shared a look then shrugged in unison and without even needing to confirm, the suggestion was settled. The three continued on their path of adventure together. Now known to all as The Triplets.
They travelled through the Meadow and far beyond until their journey led them to a place known to any who dared utter its name as, the Wastelands. Thundering dark skies greeted them as they entered the unstable grounds; a warning the triplets only yielded to when it was already too late. The downpour lasted for days until it finally settled. And once it did, only the sunflower and the shroomie remained.
The two searched tirelessly for days with no sign of their missing triplet anywhere. Defeated and alone, the remaining duo braved on without their third, now wanting only to leave the terrible past behind.
As they continued, a trail of smoke rose from the ground before them, accompanied by a sickening crack as a tree of flames erupted from the newly formed fissure. Flames flew high into the sky, spreading out in the shape of wings and forming into what could only be described as a bird on fire, a beacon of hope. The bird descended onto the ground, standing elegantly before the two triplets. “I take it by the look of your wilted bodies that it’s been long since you’ve been wandering”
“We lost our triplet in the storm” the sunflower explained, the petals along her face drooped as she placed a leaf on her crying sibling’s head. “We just want to leave…”
“I believe I can offer you a way out then.” Both triplets perked up at the bird’s words and they quickly climbed onto her flaming back, which to their surprise didn’t burn them. “I’m Ely by the way, that’s Shroomie” The sunflower introduced.
“Phoenyx, but you can call me Nyx,” the bird replied, spreading her wings out and taking off the ground. She flew through the thick grey canvas until reaching the clear sky above. It wasn’t long thereafter until the dark clouds vanished and a familiar Oasis came into view. Though a great part of the triplets was lost in those cruel lands, something new was found amidst the storm.
A bond that was now known as The Chaos Trio.
Wizards & Warlocks & Sprints
A Holy Deity who commands over all citizens of WriterVana: “Wizard”, as they are called, randomly pops in and offers kind words and moral support to all the suffering writers out there. They are often found proclaiming inspiration quotes that (hopefully) help motivate the citizens.
However, a dark side of Wizard appears periodically, when lonely writers summon them in the early hours of the morning. This version of Wizard commands citizens to write, pitting them against each other to increase suffering. Disguised as innocent “sprints”, these competitions are for the best of the best, who are brave enough to acknowledge their WPM.
It’s rumored around the lands that Wizard has a new apprentice who they are teaching their dark ways, called “Warlock”. The story is that they have already forced a few brave writers to sprint. Wizard seems rather proud of their apprentice, as Warlock forces citizens to sprint in virtually the same way.
ALAS! THE SCANDAL OF THE CENTURY!
Writers have naturally been gravitating towards the new Warlock, instead of using Wizard to sprint instead. Now the two are locked in a deadly battle for who gets used the most. The stakes could never be higher: whoever loses could be in danger of being removed from WriterVana. Writers continue to use both bots to contribute to the competition...
FrogVana
As the clock struck midnight on the first of April, Yue began her work.
Or, only for today, "Frog [Bot]".
The denizens woke to chaos, much more than was normal in WriterVana. One by one, their usernames disappeared, replaced with a variant with the name of the slippery amphibian wedged inbetween them. The super siblings pandawithapancake and Yin & Yang had become frogwithapanfrog and frog yin, Steak had become Frog Steak, leaving an amorevelous caff confused, as well as many others.
The Four Guilds fell to this mass renaming as well, carrying the names Frog Alcove, Frog Alley, Frog's Alley, Frog Lane, and Verse Frogs. A ribbiting change, indeed.
Slowly, the citizens had joined the conversion, donning pictures of an array of frogs, though Bob, leader of Raze the Notion, and Froggie did not have much to change at all. Meanwhile, others wondered why Arc now showed in the Verse Frogs, and Rai in Frog Alley.
Even WriterVana's name had been changed, it now (and temporarily (?)) stood as FrogVana (for Writers), with a strange man rolling out his dance moves to an muted beat that will surely ring one's bell.
In this day, all writers of WriterFrogVana cheer, hang up their work, and discuss amongst themselves in the newly revised channels, such as frog, frog-land, frogging-tracker, your-frogs, froetry, and frolls.
For today, cakes are gone! FrogVana now gives frogs as a token of appreciation and a sharing of happiness between its members. Want to give a frog? Type in the command in frogment!
Still have unusable, leftover cake? Pour it in the-frogpit™, rest assured, it won't hop back out.
Cowboy Yue
Some thought WV stood for “Writer Vana”. They, to put it simply, were fools. What WV really stood for was The “Wild Vwest.” And it’s name was no lie, The Wild Vwest was truly the wildest of Vwests, and this was for one reason. Cowboy Yue. Cowboy Yue is a legend among legends, cowboys tremble in their wake, for who wouldn’t be scared of someone who had a pet horse they named “Lettuce, the dungeon horse.”
Like damn, that’s a threatening name. The best thing? Cowboy Yue used to run a school! Sadly, this was a school to learn to become a writer, not how to become a cowboy. But since then, Cowboy Yue has opened their eyes and learned that who needs stories when you can be a bleeping cowboy?!
And so, Cowboy Yue was born.
The Casino
A little, peach-colored robot teetered around a brightly decorated pop-up stand calling for bets from anyone who would listen. As another person stepped up, the little bot flashed an excited smile and hopped repeatedly.
"So here's how it works, newcomer. I'll roll this dice," the bot held up a rainbow D6 with a knowing look, "and if it rolls between 1 and 3, that would be 'small' while 4 and 6 is 'big'. All you have to do is tell me, do you bet big or small?"
"What's in it for me?"
"10 whole cakes!"
"...Alright. Big." The newcomer leaned against the pop-up stand, noting how others who'd been around had moved to allow them through. They supposed it was strange that this was a rather polite casino, but it wasn't the strangest thing they'd witnessed in these lands. The miniature bot rolled the dice with gusto, chanting the word 'big' under its breath excitedly. As the number 3 made itself known, both the gambler and bot deflated.
"Oh no... You lose 10 whole cakes then." Without a word, the person handed over the cakes to the little bot and moved to join the back of the queue. "Who's next? Who's next? Let's go, let's go, let's go." The bot chirped. "Wait, do you hear that?" As the question fell to the crowd, sirens blared in the distance and flashing blue lights shone across the horizon. "Not again. Run, everybody, run." As if the routine was practiced, the peach-colored bot cleared the booth of its contents in minutes and scurried into the distance as the crowd dispersed. The casino had been shut down again, but it would be back, for that little bot was a determined one. It was just a matter of when and where it would pop up next.
The Tainted Quill
The quill’s tale has been told time and time again as a cautionary tale against selfishness, cruelty, and greed. It starts with an old scholar, his daughter, and her son. The scholar was well known and respected. He was said to be the best if his generation by many, as well as the wisest of the lands.
The old man, however, was starting to go senile. The scholar started getting fearful that all the knowledge and wisdom he had gathered in his long life would be lost. Desperation and terror started itching at him, until the faithful day he locked himself in his home and began writing endlessly with his dull looking but favorite quill. The quill was rumored be blessed by gods of creativity, capable of enlightening all who wrote with it, an element that contributed to his success. Coupled with his perseverance to write, once the scholar began, he would not stop.
When his daughter had heard the news, she begged for him to come out, for he had not stopped even for food or rest. She soon began to get angry, shouting hateful things at him through the door. She left in a hurry, wanting to get as far away from her father as possible.
When she had arrived back in her village, her son rushed up to her in a hurry. “Mother!” He cried, “Is something the matter?”
“Oh, my dear child,” she replied in sadness. “Your grandfather will not come out of his home. If he keeps writing without stopping, he’ll end up dead with no one knowing!”
That was when her clever but cold son got an idea. He had wanted this charmed quill for a while now, to take for its enlightening powers, and to get a name for himself as a brilliant scholar. “No one would know it was me,” he thought. “Not even mother.” That night, he snuck out and went to the old scholar’s home, rope and, if it ever came to it, knife in hand. That was when it really began.
The son and scholar thrashed about, until the boy finally hit his mark. Crimson was spilling everywhere. It was all over the parchment and the old man’s quill. When that happened, the boy collapsed. The quill started absorbing the blood covering it, making it look as if it were perfectly new. The son picked up the quill, curiously, and that was the last breath he drew.
Weeks later, when the officers came, they spotted the quill. They noticed how it didn’t have any blood on it and decided to pick it up. In just a second, they also wound up dead.
From a blessed quill to a cursed quill of death... Now, it is said that only the best scholar of a generation can use and rid this quill of its curse.
The Soul Drainer
It's grasped my arms with it's rough rigid skin. It's thousands of eyes staring deeply into my soul, it whales and howls with great force. Death's breath creeped up behind my back, shivers, a cold aching feeling begins. Limp, immovable, hollow, my eyes roll back, the creature's mouth inhales deeply, with that, my candle blows out.
This being consumes the souls of lazy writers, next time you write, write with motivation as it maybe your last piece of literature.
The Black Lotus
WriterVana, despite being a land filled with warmth and tranquility, has its own dark secrets. The saddest of them all is the secret of the Black Lotus.
It is said that a long time ago, there were two lovers. A man and a spirit of the Great Lotus that grew in the Divine Pond of WriterVana. However, their love was forbidden by the spirit's mother, Lady Nature, for she knew humans to be a cruel race.
Yet, lost in the antics of love and the games that Cupid plays, they continued to meet in secret. But one fated day, did Lady Nature catch them amidst their secret date.
In a terrible rage, she cursed all humanity. And slowly, she began to rot each and every living thing. Terrified by her wrath, the lovers pleaded for forgiveness. In thunderous fury, forgetting her own children, she rained fire and blaze on them. But the young man, with firm determination, proposed a terrible deal. He would solely bear all her wrath, should she forgive his love and his kind. Surprised by this sacrifice and impressed by his strength, she agreed to such a deal. Except, she gave him a single boon for such a selfless act. All he wished for was to be a Lotus himself, so that he could be like his love.
Obliging his request, against her daughter's pleading, she granted his simple wish. And with the world as witness, he slowly transformed into a tiny lotus. With all the anger, fury, hate, and wrath from Lady Nature, the lotus turned pitch black.
The spirit could only look at her lover with tears in her eyes. With gentle hands, she picked the small black lotus and pressed it to her heart, taking it with her to the Divine Pond. Slowly, she walked into her body, the Great Lotus, as the Sky turned grey, as if to mourn their forsaken love.
Even to this day, it is said that a little black lotus rests somewhere deep inside the Great Lotus of WriterVana, doomed to suffer endlessly.
Credits
Contributors to WV's lore come from our Discord community!
A special thank you to:
ChaosTime#5819 (The Basement, Cults & Factions, The Cookie Jar, The Mushroom), Gold & Gray#1278 (The Tainted Quill, The Writing Contest, The Clam Dealer), Ryza Cobalion#6359 (Isle of Serenity), Aether No Sky#2593 (The Forest of Woe, The Black Lotus, The Devil's Gamble Shop), elisa._.k#9277 (The Arcane Antre, The Whispering Waterfall, Ethereal Enclosure, Cafe on the Block), Day is demigod#2437 (Underwater Sanctuary), Kouhai#4887 (Portal of Wealth & Cakes), The Literary Latte#8868 (The Vanishing Quaint Tavern, Portal of Wealth & Cakes), Jettrainfan#8510 (The Vanishing Quaint Tavern), rara#4762 (The Southern Hot Spring of Consistency), Sparrow#8506 (Tranquil Creek & Elisa, Clam Land, Wizards, Warlocks, & Sprints), Foxman#3777 (General), Meliran#2726 (The Pit of Evil, The Creek of Love, The Hall of Memories, The Cookery). Elysian#1942 (Author's Alley, Aesthetic Alcove, Lore Lane, Verse Village, The School of Wordcraft, The Casino). Melvin#3495 (The Nooks and Crannies), wildcaffeine#2950 (The Caffy Pond), Arcane#0003 (The Shroomies, The Chaos Trio), just another monody.#5712 (WriterVana Militia), 🌸Rowan🌸#7195 (The Four Guilds), annenaune#6552 (FrogVana), sunberry#9115 (Lurk Land, The Sun Goddess), pandawithapancake#7571 (The Ja Cult, Cowboy Yue), Sukyna K#2025 (Sanctuary Seeker), CarITheBored#5823 (The Soul Drainer), sam_writes#4130 (The Archway, The Noxlumen, Mood Springs), kyaru#8950 (The Condensed Milk Pond), None_I5#2430 (The Rose Ball), another short story writer#8949 (The Rampant Vibe Tidal Waves), Gummy#6130 (Revenge of the Echo Frog)