Rules for Authors Writing in the World of Ethnoria

To maintain consistency, quality, and respect for the world of Ethnoria, all authors who wish to write stories set in this universe must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Respect the Core Values of the World

• Avoid incorporating modern ideological agendas, such as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) or overtly “woke” themes (including LGBTQ+ themes), unless they naturally align with the established lore and cultural dynamics of Ethnoria.
• All storytelling should focus on timeless themes like honor, sacrifice, growth, and morality, ensuring the narrative fits within the dark fantasy tone of the series.

2. Avoid Unrealistic Characters

• No Mary Sues or Gary Stus: Characters should have clear limitations and logical growth.
  • If a character is exceptionally powerful or overpowered, their strength must be justified within the lore and their personal journey, showing the challenges and sacrifices required to achieve that power.
  • Flaws, failures, and vulnerabilities are essential to creating compelling characters.

3. Use of Existing Characters

• The main characters of the core series (The Chronicles of Ethnoria – The Wraith Series) can only be used with explicit permission from the original author (Julian Bennet Vogel).
  • Referencing main characters or events involving them is allowed without prior approval, as long as these references are accurate and respectful of established canon.
  • Stories that evolve about different characters during the same events depicted within The Wraith Series is perfectly acceptable.
• Similarly, any characters or stories introduced by other contributing authors can only be used with their permission. This fosters collaboration and mutual respect within the shared universe.

4. Maintain World Consistency

• Adhere to the established lore, including cultural, historical, and magical systems.
• Do not introduce elements that contradict or undermine the previously established world-building, such as new races, magic systems, or political ideologies, without approval from the main author (Julian Bennet Vogel).
• Significant events or changes to Ethnoria’s world (e.g., wars, the rise of empires, or the appearance of new Void phenomena) must align with the overarching timeline and lore.

5. Tone and Genre

• Stories must fit within the dark fantasy genre, emphasizing themes like survival, moral ambiguity, and the struggle against overwhelming odds.
• Humor and lighthearted moments are acceptable – and welcomed – but should not overshadow the overall dark tone of the narrative.

6. Respect for Intellectual Property

• This world and its characters are the intellectual property of the original author (Julian Bennet Vogel). Stories set in Ethnoria are considered derivative works and must be treated as such.
• Credit must always be given to the original author for the creation of Ethnoria and its core elements.

7. Collaborations and Approvals

• If your story has the potential to impact Ethnoria’s larger narrative, timelines, or key events, you must collaborate with the original author (Julian Bennet Vogel) to ensure consistency.
• Any new characters, locations, or lore that significantly expand the world may require approval before publication.

8. Quality Standards

• Stories must prioritize strong storytelling, character development, and immersive world-building.
• Lazy writing tropes, over-reliance on clichés, or contrived plot devices are discouraged. Authors should strive to push their creative boundaries while staying true to Ethnoria’s identity.

9. Independent Storytelling

• Standalone stories that explore new corners of Ethnoria (e.g., untold regions, minor characters, or unique Void encounters) are encouraged, provided they do not conflict with the core narrative.
• Creativity is welcome, but always ensure that your contributions enhance the world rather than distort or diminish its established foundation.

10. The Overarching Conflict: Celestials vs. Masters of the Void

• The Core of Ethnoria’s Story:
  • The war between the Celestials and the Masters of the Void represents the heart of Ethnoria’s overarching narrative. This ancient, cosmic conflict influences the events, cultures, and power structures of the world. While your story does not need to focus directly on this conflict, it remains an ever-present force that shapes the world.
• Implications for Your Story:
  • Consider how the war affects the lives of your characters and the setting, even if it is only in the background. The Void and Celestial influences are far-reaching, and their presence – whether in religion, history, or magic – can add depth to your narrative

11. Sensitive Themes: Sex, War, and Racism

• Sexual Content:
  • Sexual themes are allowed and can be explored in detail, including scenes of intimacy or darker elements like exploitation, provided they serve a purpose in the narrative and reflect the tone of the world.
  • Gratuitous or excessive sexual content that distracts from the story or undermines Ethnoria’s dark fantasy tone should be avoided. Scenes of intimacy should enhance character development, world-building, or plot progression.
• War and Violence:
  • War is a central theme in Ethnoria and should be portrayed realistically, with all its brutality, moral ambiguity, and consequences.
  • Do not shy away from the harsh realities of war, including its toll on civilians, soldiers, and the land itself, but ensure the depiction remains relevant to the story and does not descend into excessive or meaningless gore.
  • Explore the political and societal ramifications of conflict, emphasizing the personal struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved.
• Racism and Discrimination:
  • Discrimination against specific races or groups is allowed if it aligns with the lore, location, or societal norms of the story.
  • These themes should be used thoughtfully to add depth and complexity to the narrative, avoiding shallow or clichéd depictions.
  • For example, a region may oppress a race due to historical conflicts or fears tied to Void corruption, but these dynamics should be grounded in the world’s history and culture.

12. Audiobook Publication Guidelines

To expand the reach of stories set in the world of Ethnoria and provide an immersive experience for the audience, selected works may be adapted into audiobook format. These audiobooks will include AI narration, sound effects, and potentially music to enhance the storytelling.

Publication Platform

• All audiobooks will be published on the YouTube channel BLEGHproductions.
• This channel will serve as the central hub for all audio adaptations of Ethnoria-based stories, providing a consistent and professional platform for authors’ works.

Author Acknowledgment

• Every audiobook video will prominently feature the author’s name and social media handles (or preferred contact links) in the description and credits.
• Authors may also include links to their Ko-fi, Patreon, or other crowdfunding platforms to allow fans to support them directly.

Content Quality

• To ensure high-quality production, stories must meet the world-building, narrative, and consistency standards outlined in the rules above. Only stories that align with Ethnoria’s tone and lore will be considered for adaptation.

Collaboration Process

• Authors will be consulted during the audiobook production to confirm pronunciation, tone, and any specific details they wish to emphasize in their stories.
• Final approval from the author is required before publication to ensure the audiobook accurately represents their vision.

Compensation and Exposure

• While monetary compensation for audiobook production is not guaranteed, authors will benefit from exposure on BLEGHproductions, which will actively promote their work.
• Audiobook releases will be shared across the channel’s platforms (from BLEGHproductions), increasing the potential audience for the author’s work and their personal projects.

Key Points to Remember

• By submitting a story for adaptation, authors agree to allow BLEGHproductions to host the audiobook version on its YouTube channel and any future channels on different platforms.
• Authors retain all rights to their stories; the audiobook adaptation is a collaborative extension of the written work to provide a broader reach.
• Each audiobook will carry the BLEGHproductions branding while crediting the author clearly and prominently.

This initiative aims to showcase the rich stories within the world of Ethnoria while supporting and promoting the talented authors contributing to its legacy.

13. Consequences for Non-Adherence

To ensure the integrity and quality of the Ethnoria universe, authors who fail to adhere to these guidelines may face the following consequences:

1. Warning and Feedback:
   • Authors will receive detailed feedback outlining how their work deviates from the guidelines. They will be given the opportunity to revise their story to bring it into compliance.
2. Temporary Suspension:
   • Repeated violations may result in the temporary suspension of the author’s ability to contribute new stories or have their work adapted into audiobooks.
3. Removal of Work:
   • If an author continues to disregard the guidelines or introduces elements that undermine the established lore, their work may be removed from the official Ethnoria canon.
   • The author will retain ownership of their story but will no longer be permitted to publish it under the Ethnoria banner.
4. Permanent Ban:
   • In cases of deliberate sabotage, disrespect toward the original author or the community, or egregious violations of the guidelines, the author may be permanently banned from contributing to the Ethnoria universe.
5. Community Notification:
   • For transparency, the Ethnoria community may be informed about authors whose works are removed from canon due to non-compliance, ensuring clarity and trust within the shared creative space.

By adhering to these guidelines, authors contribute to the richness and longevity of Ethnoria, creating a world that inspires and captivates listeners/readers while respecting the vision of its creator.