Crafting Creatures 2026
It's hard not to find inspiration in the sprawling web of life woven throughout our world. There's a whole realm of patterns, colors, and expressions to uncover and celebrate, no matter where we look!
Let's get crafty, my fellow creatures!
A warm welcome, my friends, to the world of Ayun Sovos! This is a land of crafty creatures of all kinds, from renowned avian artisans to fledgling ursine apprentices, and many more! Not to mention the brave adventurers who help supply them with the reagents they need!In this world, the creatures are the crafters! Our previous challenge already explored creatures that craft in your worlds... so why not explore crafts about creatures in your worlds?
Challenge Dates
Starts: Mar 21st, 2026Ends: May 23rd, 2026
Deadline extended!
The cutoff will be when my stream on the 23rd ends! Feel free to submit entries during stream if you're running late!
Winner will be chosen within the month!
Welcome to another year of crafty creatures!
What are we making?
Create an article that describes a craft in your world that depicts creatures.
Last time, I challenged you to add some little artisans to your world. This year, I ask you to write about the crafts your world's creatures are featured in!Even in our real world, creatures find themselves to be the stars of all sorts of arts and crafts! What does that look like in your world? What's the significance of these assorted crafts and the creatures in them?
Focus on the artisan work of your world, where creatures are the stars.
When we think of crafts and artisan work, I imagine the tradition template might be the best pick, but don't let that limit your options! Feel free to use any template that suits your fancy for this challenge, as long as you're able to use it in a way that explores the craft of your choice!Prompts
I'll throw in a few crafts I've seen in the real world, just to get the ball rolling on ideas! You can totally steal one of these if you want, and add your world's own unique twist and features!
- Pottery with animal shapes!
- Tilemaking with creature faces!
- Ancient cave paintings?
- Painterly depictions of culturally significant animals!
- Stone carvings of animal patrons!
Challenge FAQ
Is there a wordcount requirement?
No! There will be no minimum or maximum requirement. I will read through even the lengthiest works, so don't worry if the creative spirit whisks you away. You can also submit artwork for this challenge if you wish!Do we need to use any specific template?
Also no! Use any template you desire. Again, this isn't solely a tradition challenge if you don't want it to be — the subject simply revolves around one!Can we submit our entries to other challenges?
Absolutely! If your creation suits multiple ongoing challenges, I will not stop you from submitting it to as many as you please — just check that it's fine with the other challenges as well!Do we need to make a brand new article?
You may submit an older article so long as it sees significant changes and additions made during the challenge period. Just make sure to share your article in its before stage so we can see how it developed!Can we use AI art?
Articles featuring AI-generated works will not be considered for the judging process or shared on stream as part of the challenge. If you would like to simply participate in the writing prompt, you are welcome to include whatever content you like.Prizes
I hear you like badges?
All participants in this challenge can add this shiny badge to their personal hoard! But one winner (or more?) will get to claim the even shinier version for their win! Use this bbcode to add the participant badge to your entries! [img:7512512]
Crafting Creatures 2026 Badge by Strixxline
Crafting Creatures 2026 Winner Badge by Strixxline
Stream Spotlight!
All participants can have their entries read on stream in June, once entries are closed!This will be opt-in, so let me know if you would like yours to be read on stream while leaving your submission in the comments below!
Erina's Company!
Become part of the story of Ayun Sovos!The winner of this challenge will inspire a brand new character that our fledgling adventurer, Ebi, will meet on the Path to Adventure!
Inspiration can come from the creature in winning article itself, or the winner may instead choose a favorite animal for their NPC.
Not interested in prizes?
I know the spotlight's not for everyone. You can always opt out of the judging process if that's your desire!If you post about your entries on the community stream, use the hashtag #CraftingCreatures so people can search for them! Plus #UnofficialChallenge to share with other challenge-goers!
Quest Received!
Crafting Creatures 2026
Write about a creature craft in your world!Leave your entry in the comments below!
Requirements
Create a new article or improve an old one.
Write about your creature craft of choice!
Optional: Opt-in to have your work read on stream.
Optional: Opt-out to remove your submission from judging.
Rewards
Participant: Shiny badge!
Participant: Stream spotlights!
Winner: Shinier badge!
Winner: Inspire a story character!
Oh, that's very cool! How does one submit an article for the Challenge?
At the end of everything, hold onto anything.
You can submit them right here in the article comments! The authors note above goes into more detail!
Craft a bright new world, in Ayun Sovos!
This is the one part of text I missed, and I searched in the entire article! Thank you xD
At the end of everything, hold onto anything.