The objective of this game is to create an original Summer-themed story while using the keywords that are provided in this post!

Rules

1. Create your own original Summer-themed story, using EXACTLY 12 of the words from the following list. For each row, you can only choose ONE of the words in the list.

Arena / Bazaar
Bandit / Thief
Blessing / Curse
Bones / Carcass
Cactus / Palm Tree
Camel / Horse
Campfire / Canteen
Canyon / Dunes / Gorge
Caravan / Nomad / Wanderer
Compass / North Star
Coyote / Fennec Fox / Jackal
Dawn / Dusk / Midnight
Drought / Flash Flood
Dust Devil / Haboob / Sandstorm
Eagle / Vulture
Frigid / Sweltering
Lantern / Torch
Mouse / Scorpion / Snake
Mirage / Oasis / Well
Ruins / Tomb

2. Your story MUST be related to Sylestia and take place within the world of Sylestia. Your story CAN be in the form of a song or poem if you wish.

3. Your story MUST include at least one reference to a Sylesti (individual pet or species).

4. Your story MUST include at least one reference to a location within Sylestia (zone, region, dungeon, etc).

5. DO NOT post any images with your story. This is strictly a writing only contest.

6. You must share your entire story as a post in this thread. Providing a link to your story off-site will not qualify.

7. Please try and keep your story to a maximum of 1,000 words. This is not a strict rule, but if your story is clearly well over 1,000 words, we may just skip over it and not read it and you will not win any prizes.

8. Please do not use AI to write your story. We want to see YOUR creativity, not ChatGPT's.

9. Your story must be site appropriate (PG-13). Any content that is inappropriate will disqualify your entry and be removed.

10. Please check the Summer Festival Overview Thread for the listed End Time for Forum Games. Any entries posted after this time will not qualify.


Prizes

Everyone's submissions will be judged by the admins and we will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners based on creativity, effort, and appeal. It is possible for there to be more than just 3 individual winners.

There will be a Participation Prize as well for valid entries.

Have fun and enjoy!


1st Place Winner(s)
Winner(s): Ashias (Story Link)
Prizes: Free Stable, [Peerless Avatar Token] x1, 3-Visible Summer Festival Themed Pet of Choice (2-Vis if Majestic) x2 OR Sculpting Mold of Choice x2, [Quick Drying Agent] x1, [Majestic Beach Shovel] x10, [Majestic Fishing Pole] x10, [Premium Clam] x3, [Box of Sculpting Supplies] x1, [Box of Sculpting Agents] x3


2nd Place Winner(s)
Winner(s): Blueloverw (Story Link)
Prizes: Free Stable, 3-Visible Summer Festival Themed Pet of Choice (2-Vis if Majestic) OR Sculpting Mold of Choice x1, [Quick Drying Agent] x1, [Majestic Beach Shovel] x5, [Majestic Fishing Pole] x5, [Premium Clam] x2, [Box of Sculpting Supplies] x1, [Box of Sculpting Agents] x3


3rd Place Winner(s)
Winner(s): Flyier (Story Link)
Prizes: Free Stable, [Majestic Sculpting Mold] x1 OR [Fabled Sculpting Mold] x1, [Quick Drying Agent] x1, [Premium Clam] x1, [Box of Sculpting Supplies] x1, [Box of Sculpting Agents] x3


All Participants
With valid submissions

Prizes: Title: Sizzling Storyteller, [Mystery Sculpting Mold] x1, [Box of Sculpting Agents] x2, [Sylestiopoly Piece] x3, [Avatar Item (Summer - Retired)] x2, [Sun Token] x1,000

The Green Nyvene

Rhyne was leaving the Arena after a long day with her party of pets. They had done exceedingly well. Two of the large creatures walked behind her, while she rode her favorite, Flaming Tiger. In the Sweltering Slyestia heat, they were the best options for the day. She had seen many Sylesti that could not bare the heat of these days. She nudged Tiger to the right, headed towards the Umbra Forest. They continued down the long road, and while Rhyne kept watch she knew she didn't really need to worry. Who was going to bother a woman traveling with three Nyvene? even a lone Morokko wouldn't dare. She she took a sip from her canteen she saw a caravan ahead. As they got closer, she could see the people buzzing about. The nomads seemed to be setting up camp right outside of the Umbra forest. She dismounted and walked closer to them, curious and hoping they may have had something to sell.
"Good morning! It's an awfully hot day to set camp outside of the forest, isn't it?"
"Well, we were coming to see the Faire Bazaar that is set up in the forest, but Vorkids keep attacking us as we go in"
Rhyne looked towards the woods, and then towards the wanderer's slyesti's. mostly Quitari.
"I'm also headed towards the Baazar, I was given a note to ask for Wren when I get there. Maybe I could escort one of you? I will leave one of my Nyvene with your camp to protect it while we are gone."
The trader nodded, and Rhyne beckoned Cosmic to watch the camp. Cosmic was the smallest of the three Nyvene, and Rhyne thought it would be best to take the two big males. the trader warily climbed up onto Jester, the red and black male. Rhyne re-mounted Tiger and they headed off into Umbra Forrest. It wasn't long until a group of Vorkids attacked them. Tiger and Jester made quick work of them, but both were obviously tired after the endeavor. Rhyne and the trader walked alongside them, allowing them to rest as they reached the Bazaar. It was a loud place, with sale's fae calling out to them, large tents and music coming from somewhere. Rhyne stopped one of the sellers, asking if they knew a "Wren". The seller pointed towards the outer edges of the Bazaar, where a large tent surrounded by several species of adult Slyesti layed. The tent had a scorpion sleeping under the north star as it's symbol. She beckoned her own Slyesti's to wait, so they would not disturb the Bazaar. The lantern's lighting the tent seemed to have a different glow, a magic glow instead of flame. As rhyne was getting a closer look at one, a mouse scurried over one of her feet. She jumped, startled and fell backwards. the tent was full of different exotic animals and Slyesti's. Animals she had never seen before. A coyote, an eagle in a cage, and something in a tank with long pretty fins.
"And what are you in search of here today?"
A tall Fae asked her, the fae's blue eyes focusing on Rhyne with a smile.
"I was told to find Wren and give them this letter. It is from an opponent I bested in the arena today."
AS Rhyne looked, she noticed that of all the things this trader had, she did not seem to have any Nyvene.
"Ah yes. Something special was.... ordered. and it seems instead of gold they decided to gift it to you."
Wren pulled out a large box, covered in sand and handed it to Rhyne.
"I traveled through many sandstorms & faced many dust devils for this."
Rhyne opened the box, and inside was a small Nyvene, green and black in hue. Just a hatchling. She smiled as she looked at Wren. "A perfect friend to end the summer with"

I haven't written in quite awhile so here goes.

"Bug Eater"

Carved images spanned across the sand dusted walls as far as the eyes could see. They dance between long faded colors to intricate murals made up of light and shadow casting from a point far above where the sun doth peak in.

A male, middle aged, stood beneath the towering designs, sketchpad in hand, trying to decipher the long lost wording. Not to any success, of course. Roman wasn't an epigrapher. He honestly failed his linguistic classes, but the people wanted history.

It had been three months since he came to this place, far in the desert lands, searching for sylesti that called home the sweltering, horribly dry, air the perfect place to live. Every day had been a challenge, living within the canyon was a learning experience, yet it had been worth it.

Teeth glisten in the dusk glow, dripping with saliva as Miho gives a yawn that nearly puts out the torch light held within the jabbed into the wall sconce. The Ny'vene's tail twitches at Roman's fond huff.

"I see we're trying to blow out the light again. Did the last layer of scorching not match your standards, or are you telling me to hurry up?" Light teasing meets an eye roll. Roman snaps the sketchbook shut, and waves his partner to follow. "I guess a walk would do us both some good."

Stepping out from beneath the arches, Roman clicks his tongue for Miho to follow. Of which she does gleefully, wings stretching out wide, momentarily casting shades of prey skulls in purple wisps before her claws dig into the sandstone.

There had been many encounters with wild sylesti these past few months. Every single one of them was different. Built to thrive in these lands. He had met flocks of Aeridini fluttering about with Nephinis in a flowering field fed on their mana. A pride of fruiting Lighira led charge by a frightening female hunted down a shimmering Griffi who slipped away like a mirage, earning the name.

Roman had even stumbled upon a Sandstorm Aurleon flock spinning up a dust storm at one point.

One of his favorites was the one they were going to see now.

From beneath the palm tree, a small green and blue Sylvorpa pops her head from the still water, displacing turquoise droplets as they spread over mimicry grown flower buds.

The Oasis Moss Sylvorpa was found a month ago when Roman had run out of water. He doesn't remember much of that week, delirium swirling together memories and thoughts until neither truly remained. Had it not been for a small sylesti, he surely would've died. She had dragged him several meters across the open desert dunes to the place she, and several others of her kind, called home. Soft ferns, lilac flowers, a blessed moment led to him greedily lapping at the water to satisfy the never ending thirst. It had never tasted sweeter.

Once his throat was no longer copying the dry ruins he made camp in, and his canteen was filled, he had turned to her with thanks. She had chirped at him, much like she was doing now, quick bubble pops, and then gleefully stole his bag. Specifically, the wrapped meat within it. Hence why he now called her Munchi.

However, something about the chirping was... different. More panicked or frightened. Roman's brows scrunched together in concern, hand abandoning the treats he was reaching for.

At seeing his caution, Munchi swam off. Her tail sliced through the water, begging him to follow.

The sylesti of the oasis usually refuse to let him further in for their nests rested near the denser foliage. Roman doesn't hesitate to signal for Miho to stand at ready while he carefully steps through bushes.

Inhaling sharply, Roman freezes at the sight of a vespid swarm sat around moss covered eggs. Unlike those found within the Umbra Forest, these vespids were smaller with a scorpion like design. A stinger rested on one end while claws sat guard ready at the sides of protruding mandibles set to spit their venom.

For a wanderer like Roman, they were a nightmare. He had no weapon at hand to bat off the crazed hungry things, nor could Miho get close without risking the eggs or herself. There was seemingly nothing he could do, but he would damned if he let Munchi's children be bug food.

Hesitantly stepping forward, Roman steels himself for pain as he plans to kick the spitter like a football. The joints in his knee tense, Miho's tail swishing against the brush steadies his breathing while she rumbles with a growl known to make grown men sob. He steps forward. Aims. Fires.

At least, that had been his goal.

Roman nearly stumbles over face first as a blur shoots out from the ground. Dust colored fur shakes with fallen sand, spikes bristling tumble weeds knotted around slender legs stand at end, and a muzzle latches onto the first bug. He isn't even given a chance to blink before green guts spray alongside even greener venom seemingly doing nothing to deter the... Lupora?

Yes, it was a young, adolescent, Lupora standing there, claws squishing a carapace into the sand, completely unbothered by pincers. It had darted out from a pile of sand, readily taking care of the danger.

Huh. Quick. Sand colored. Buries itself to hunt. Yeah, he's calling this breed Quicksand Lupora's.

Latte eyes stare at him as chitin cracks. Its tail wags rapidly, unknowing of the bestowed upon title. He swears it was thanking him for being bait.

Crunch! go the vespids.

Roman laughs,

"Well, aren't you just a little bug eater?"



Word count: 943
[Chosen Words: Blessing, palm tree, canteen, sandstorm, sweltering, torch, oasis, wanderer, dusk, canyon, scorpion, ruins]

Both Pets mentioned in story :
Zephyr (Female) & Ignolen (Male)

Place : Un-named town beside oasis in desert on map

The two Zolnixi were sitting close to the campfire, hoping to stay warm in the desert's frigid night. It was just a matter of time before dawn would be, Zephyr decided to pass time counting the cacti on the surrounding dunes until then.

Her eyes had stopped on the carcass of some animal, before her mind roamed to the day before, as she had let Ignolen deal with the supplies (mostly food, water and oil for their lanterns), leaving him at the bazaar as she went to take a look at the oasis this settlement was situated. She reflected on how she hadn't planned to take a guide at first, but his knowledge of the area was valuable and would make it easier to reach the ruins she was wishing to visit.

She snapped back to the present, as she noticed the sun finally pointing its nose in the distance, Ignolen glanced at his compass as she snuffed the fire, before they resumed their travels. Soon they would arrive to their destination, then, as agreed beforehand, they'd split up, she always preferred traveling alone and only picked a guide this time to avoid being stuck in the desert in the middle of a sandstorm or just plainly get lost by lack of known point of interest.

As their objective came in sight, the two exchanged a nod, then splitted, as a guide, Ignolen had gotten great at figuring folks out, she was ready to tackle the rest of the journey on her own and they simply parted, maybe they'll meet again, only time would tell.

A Ny'vene Named Horse
By Blueloverw


There once was a very unlucky Ny'vene with an unfortunate name.
He was not a happy fellow, that is me, Hi, i am who this story is about and i am the slightly unfortunate fellow. I'm fortunate enough with a warm stable, Rosemary feeding me *mostly* on time, and plenty of friends, I just have a problem with my name, like c'mon, but anyways, back to the story.
My owner caught me during an April event in Esior's cove and thought it would be funny to name me this , news flash, its not. Every time I introduce myself I get " but you don't look like a horse" I don't even know what that is!!
It is a curse. I guess it did not dawn on the one who caught me to ever teach me what that is, but oh well.
This story isn't just about my name , its more about trying to figure out what my namesake is, and how do I not look anything like one.
My Qitari friend Dragon (... same owner) told me they are ridden alot in "cowboy" shows from "IRL" , some live action game a lot of our owners play.
Well we have conventions here and those are usually in the desert/canyon area. So i'm headed there first, which is why i'm with this caravan. We started traveling a couple hrs ago and its already getting sweltering hot. According to the guides compass we are heading straight south and they seem to be going through a drought, causing dust devils, wind that blows sand into my mouth and dries my eyes in between blinks.
Its almost night when we finally hit the ruins we planned to camp at , the guide was supposed to be in charge of setting up camp, campfire , food and tents and the like, but all he did was go to sleep by the boulders and bushes , what a great help he was. The others that were traveling went about doing their own things.
A ghost lantern vulnyx played with a bug they had found, the Zolnixi's making a cuddle pile looking like a mound of fur, i'll never understand how they don't overheat like that.
The next day we get to the Tavern, only to find Dragon there, my friend not the mythical creature from "IRL" game. He's standing next to a game guide called an "animal encyclopedia". I ask him why he's here and he just points with his hoof and says " I am here, to show you what you are named after" , so I go over and look , and it almost looks just like Dragon, but , without scales, and fur the color of lost grove tree bark.
So, my owner named me after what Dragon looks like, and Dragon's named after what I look like, based on a game,my owner is such a nerd.

"It's sweltering!" Hyen complained as he and his father, Merlin, trudged through the dessert.

"Well, if you stopped dragging your paws, perhaps we could find an oasis." Merlin replied calmly, keeping his pace steady, and his gaze sweeping.

"Unlikely!" Hyen scoffed in a whine, his ears and tail drooping but kept his paws moving forward. "We've been at this for hours since dawn! Can't we take a break all ready? My paws hurt, I'm hungry, and I'm dying of thirst!"

Merlin slowed his steps to a stop with a resigned sigh. You did not pack a canteen? Merlin inquired with a raised eyebrow, turning to look back at his son. Hyen pinned back his ears back, lowering his head, pouting before shaking his head no.

"Of course you didn't" Merlin mumbled, sticking his paw into his cloak to pull out his own canteen and tossing it to the younger Zolnixi. Hyen caught it and quickly guzzled it down till it was completely dry.

"Well," Merlin started, eyeing the display with a small frown. "I supposed we may take a small break in the shade of a cactus if we must, though the faster we get to the lost grove, the better."

"Yes!" Hyen cried out, flopping down with gusto in the shade of the nearest saguaro. After resting in glorious shade for just a moment, he peeked up from beneath the brim of his hat at his father. His eyes big and hopeful as he asked:

"Do you have any food?"


"One of us had to be prepared." Merlin said as he sat down next to his son, his tri tails resting over his paws. Reaching back into his cloak he pulled out some snake jerky. Hyen wasted no time, eating messily, loudly, and most importantly happily. Merlin watched for a few moments, thinking quietly to himself. The elder squinted briefly at the sun, before turning his gaze out to the wider horizon.

"I will be right back, you rest up." Merlin hummed, standing up and trotting off without explanation. Merlin rarely did explain himself.

Hyen could do nothing but shrug to himself, resting his chin on the sand and closing his eyes.

Hyen didn't know when he fell asleep, or how long he had been out, but he had been out long enough for vultures to be circling high above him when he awoke. Hyen was a little offended!
"HEY! I'm not dead! Go get your bones elsewhere!" he shouted up at them, popping up to his feet, barking twice before realizing he was no longer a pup. He huffed, shaking out his fur before looking around for his father.

"Dad?" he called out, a little concerned when he didn't immediately spot Merlin. "DAAAD?" he called louder, his tail briefly curling between his legs.

"Do not shout, you will attract bandits". Merlin scolded as he appeared from the west, leading a camel towards Hyen.

"Oh! You got us a ride?" Hyen asked, bouncing in excitement.

"Indeed, it'll help us caravan across the desert dunes." Merlin agreed, helping Hyen hop onto the camel's back before leaping onto it himself.

"Awesome!" Hyen cheered, so ecstatic for the transport though that still did stop Hyen from complaining the rest of the journey home.

(edit: relised the dialoged didn't copy over correctly)

(My first attempt at writing ever lol)

A sweltering dawn rose once again over the rippling dunes of Esior's Cove's beaches. Underneath a palm tree lay the remnants of a small campfire and a hurriedly-packed campsite. A snake hissed around the still-warm ashes and slithered into the undergrowth. A lone wanderer, Sandswept Sunrise Lighira, had been following the guiding light of the North Star for weeks - or was it months? - to fulfill the prophecy and reach the mystic oasis said in myths and legends to lie deep within the ruins of Esior. Lighira's stomach growled as she crossed yet another picked carcass and the ocean glinted at her thirst with a saltwater smile. As she battled on for hours and hours and the sun began to set once more, the violent sandstorm finally began to wane and she spotted movement up ahead for the very first time a tiny glimmering light and a humanoid silhouette.

"Welcome weary traveller, I have been expecting you"

It was a hot summer evening in Ethernia. The city was dry: there was no rain for a month already.
Drought.. Even a lurking nearby thief was busy in search of fresh water, and had no intention to steal someone's purse.

And why? That's a city on the river side! But.. Where is the river? Something definitely happened in the Canyon on the west. I was looking at the suffering forest water is needed not only by animals, whole nature needs it. So someone should go. I havent seen Kelparis and Sylvorpas lately, even the regular Horse is not ready for a long journey. The last person that reached the city said that it's almost impossible to travel. Hot. Exhausting. And dangerous.

But I must go.

It can't continue like this.

Last week - I tried to check the river near The Forgotten Tomb: no water there either.

After that - I tried to check the desert on the north-east, but even the Oasis was completely dry. Luckily, I was able to run away from the storm ha-ha.. But only with a help of zolnixi.
My friend-zolnixi, Water Wisp, looked at me suspiciously. He knows that this may be a one-way journey. But he is not going to leave me alone. I believe, it'll be better to say 'us' from this moment. Since it is our path, not just mine.

And now it's time for a next place.

I looked at the compass for the last time: night is incoming. At least, It must be a little bit colder at night. So we started our journey to the west.

It was much easier than we expected: the riverbed was still damp in places but at least it was impossible to get lost. In the morning heat struck again. Wisp asked me if we should make a fire, and I nervously laught. Two days. We already travel for two days. But we continued to go. I once heard wolf's howl, Im afraid that he is also suffering of thirst. I'm afraid we wont make it in time. But we continued. Step. One more step...

Finally we arrived. We were so tired, last torch burned out hours ago.. I thought I might eat even a cactus! At least they store water inside, I guess? But we are not even in a desert! We are on the completely different side!

Maybe we should wait till the morning? - Wisp asked me.

I nodded. Without light source we may find troubles, instead of salvation.

Morning. Call of the eagle woke us up before the sun made it to the top. Thank you, unknown bird, you saved us some precious time!

We both sweetly yawned. And then I stopped breathing for a moment. I rubbed my eyes. Zolnixi nearby just froze with an open mouth: at night we stopped right before the giant snake mouth. And that giant creature.. She seems to be blocking whole river!

Excuse me..? - I tried to call for her attention cautiously.

The giant eye with a vertical pupil opened and locked gaze at us.

We are here not to fight! - Wisp rapidly engaged in dialogue.

I'm not trying to fight you either, little creatures.. - she replied slowly.

Then.. Why are you blocking the river? - I asked.

Am I? - she blinked as slowly as she talked.

I'm really sorry to say this But yes, you are. Can you possibly move? Please?

..Yes, of course.. - she replied, and her giant body started moving away.

Wisp hit me with his tail. We forgot that all the blocked water would go at us right after that! Probably, that was most dangerous moment (I mean, except heat itself) of our journey. We were sitting near each other on the grass. Saved. We both. And the city. And the forest. And.. Everyone? Just by a simple talk! Impossible.

Giant creature stopped near us.

I became that big, because of a curse.. And I had no intention to make.. Anyone suffer..

I looked at her shocked.

So.. Are you searching for a chance to return to your original state? - I asked.

I am. I thought river may wash my problems away.. and havent realized it would be troublesome...

She sticked her tongue out for a second.

I believe, that sounds like our journey should continue? - Wisp smiled.

Sounds so!

Homecoming may wait. There is still someone who needs our help!


Water wisp, Zolnixi mentioned in story - https://www.sylestia.com/view/pets/?petid=9139300
I first thought all the strokes must be used and than realised that there are more than 12 lol

Words used: dunes, ruins, sandstorms, oasis, drought, bazaar, canteen, north star, camel, caravan, bandits, sweltering

Just south of the Viridian Meadows is a large, unnamed desert. Its rolling dunes are dotted with ruins - the sole remnants of previous attempts at habitation, for the many sandstorms that rage in the area have buried or worn away every other trace of those who have come before. Today, the only permanent settlement within the desert is the one that has sprung up around the largest oasis, a refuge and bountiful source of water that remains undiminished by even the harshest of droughts.

But relayed in hushed whispers and half-believed stories is a far more fantastical tale: one of a vast bazaar nestled deep in the sands, where merchants from all across Sylestia and many lands beyond gather. It is said that if you fill a canteen with water from the oasis and follow the North Star for three sunsets and sunrises, you will arrive at exactly dusk, regardless of whether you travelled by foot, rode on a camel, or perhaps borrowed a specially-bred Qitari. Here, the merchants eagerly hawk their wares, haggling and bartering with visitors to the Bazaar with great enthusiasm. You may browse their goods at your leisure, wandering between rows of great caravans laden with wares ranging from exotic curios, to powerful artefacts, and even one-of-a-kind marvels - all without fear of bandits.
But a word of warning should you attempt this journey: you must not partake of the oasis-water in canteen itself, no matter how sweltering the heat. For the oasis-water is your token of admission into the Bazaar - and without it, your efforts will be for naught.

Warai was more tired than he could ever remember being. The last three days had passed in a haze of worry, broken sleep and walking. Endless, endless walking. His body ached, his throat was parched, and the next oasis was still half a day away. He squinted upwards. The late afternoon sun beat down fiercely on the desert, its light glittering off the dunes and ruins that peppered the vast expanse. Warai estimated he would reach a few hours past dusk.



He was so tired. Would it be wiser to set camp before it got dark? Or to push on by lantern and compass? Wherever he stopped, he would need wood for a campfire and a source of water, whether oasis or cactus. Perhaps the oasis would provide better shel



Skreee!



The cry of a Lighira interrupted his thoughts and he wheeled around, frantically scanning the desert, sudden, painful hope tightening his chest. Then he spotted the Lighira soaring away over a ridge as majestic as an eagle. Not Shaji, Shajis wings werent yet strong enough for flight.



Warai found himself blinking back tears. Where was Shaji? Was she still alive?



For the fiftieth time that day he examined his tattered map, tracing the road he was on as it wound across the desert, crossed through field and forest, and ended at a large blue expanse. Esiors Cove. The greatest oasis in the known world (so his grandfather said, and the man had been a wanderer for forty years) and where all wild Lighiras migrated to in the summer.



The tame Lighiras in Warais town never tried to migrate but Shaji was different. Warai had lifted the newborn hatchling from her mothers carcass, victim of a jackal pack, several months ago while on a hunting trip far outside of town. Perhaps her wild instincts had led him to Esior? It was Warais last hope.

Warai squared his shoulders and continued walking. He'd rest when he reached the oasis.