Polytopia Contests

fan-made-skins (November-2025)

The invasion of the mysterious Gl○₩bic☆nce:

These fellows are a giant hivemind that sit under the cymanti marshes of the square, plotting their next moves. These guys came here riding some type of motherboard at night before the cymanti ever existed! The reason they have came here? Supposedly, the Solaris and the Gaami are their rivals, and want them gone. They also want to rule over this planet like they do their own. Is the square able to conquer these invasive, bright minded people, or will they fall into the grasp of the hivemind? https://discord.com/channels/283436219780825088/369205530306019328/1438071187304353843

Score: 3.55 by kirbybananaz

The Overgrowth

Somewhere deep in the forests grows a rare type of flower that Polytopians tend to burn on sight called the Overgrowth, the name given due to being known for growing at an incredibly fast rate when in the right conditions... And it just so happens that Cymanti lands are the perfect grounds for these carnivorous flowers with all the dew and ciru bugs around. A single Overgrowth can grow as large as a city, before expanding its boundaries and growing flowers of defensive and offensive capabilities to take out anything that may slow its growth.

Some Polytopians and especially Ciru bugs may mistake the flytraps of the Overgrowth as a Polytopian with pink skin, when in reality the face of the Polytopian is just a lure to bring them closer to its jaws. Seeds created by the Overgrowth may have flying or explosive capabilities, making them quite dangerous to be around.

Most importantly however, once the Overgrowth grows large enough (aka leveling up to a level 5 city), it may start producing spawn of its own, creating further growth to spread across the square.

Polytopians think the Overgrowth is a tribe, considering how its extra flowers are akin to Polytopians, when really, the Overgrowth is a single entity, controlling all the flowers it sends to destroy other tribes so it can have an uninterupted all-you-can-eat buffet.

Score: 4.18 by digitaleon_

Hooxrihgt

The Order of The Hooxe, or the Hooxrihgt, are a secretive and monastic order of Hoodrick knights that emerged after the mythical swordsman Bharamund, the most honorable warrior to grace the square, resisted the very flames of an Elyrion dragon at the time of his untimely execution! Legend says that his honor and brave acceptance of his death was so overflowing that even the flames themselves part from him, like sea to a stone! A miracle most profound, he then managed to find the valor to slay the very dragon that sought to fry him with his trusty blade.

Now, even centuries after his death, a small group of Hoodrick outcasts hide themselves in mossy chapels and cobble stone hovels, practicing strange rituals and rites that make them pariahs amongst the Hoodrick. For one, they discard the bow and instead train with unmatched fervor in the art of melee combat. Next, they deem the Hooxe a symbol of strength and honor, much like Bharamund himself, so they are fanatically protected, even from Hoodrick hunters. They eat no sweets but the raw flesh of unripened quissberries. They bake no bread but large, table-sized biscuits that they share from disciple to disciple. For drink, they subside only on the unpasturized milk of the Hooxe, that they blend with plundered honey and smoked crumbs. Finally, it seems that they worship no gods, but the very concept of honor itself. They take oaths to an egregiously serious degree, often to a fault. Failure to tell truths or to follow said oaths can lead to expulsion or at times, death!

They are strange beyond strange for the average Hoodricker, to the point where they skirmish with the knights at times. Usually from some misunderstanding, some twisted act of honor or a prying curiosity for what they hide in their shrines... but when the night is darkest, the Hooxrihgt will bear the banner of the Hooxe and die in pursuit of justice and honor, even for their estranged kinsmen!

Score: 3.97 by cobelat
first-encounters (November-2025)
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monthly last place courtesy of <@543338103218372608>

Score: 2.57 by zerostulip

The Encounter of the Moon In the beginning, the Ciru bug lived deep in the swamps, knowing only the richness of the mulch and thickness of the humidity. Yet the first Polytopian said to the first Ciru bug, "let us be melded as one", and the Ciru bug agreed. Thus they were become a single unit known as Cymanti. And as the legs of the Polytopian body gave the Ciru bug the ability to emerge from beyond the swamps, the Ciru bug saw in the sky the most glorious sight. And the light and the glory overwhelmed the Ciru bug and all his progeny. And they were driven by an irresistible desire to reach ever upwards. Mindlessly, unstoppably they fluttered, hovered, and scurried towards the mighty globe in the sky.

Score: 4.76 by onegreyelephant

It seems the fire has attracted a curious visitor

This warrior of ∑∫ỹriȱŋ has seen many things, from bizarre polytaurs enchanted in faraway lands to twisted summons of the ₼idŋighţ cult. However, never has he met a creature like this. Its eyes were marbles of obsidian which betrayed no emotion, and its wings made no sound despite their abnormally large span.

This warrior never saw the light of day again, devoured by the swarm that followed the moth. His last thoughts were filled with regret - that he couldn't warn his tribe of what's to come.

Score: 3.36 by exonuts

Whilst exploring the cymanti marshes for territorial reasons, shaman/ general Hextic Cyphpod comes back barely alive accompanied by his last surviving troop, the centipede, but how could this happen? Well, it is explained by our shaman friend that he had encountered some type of extraterrestrial beings, and later discovered what seemed to be...doomuxes that aren't actual doomuxes? This is later written down and sent to Mylozi which he gives out to his nearest suburb. But shockingly, minutes later, the cymanti empire is taken over by something, and the papers and now all of the cymanti now destroyed... like they're trying to keep themselves hidden...

Score: 3.86 by kirbybananaz
polytopia-inventions (September-2025)

Today, for the very first time, we have exclusive royal clearance to share this behind (or under) the scenes look at one of the greatest mysteries in the Polytopia universe. Ever wonder.. where do those Super Units come from anyway!? Well, now we have an exciting look at the preparation and construction of one of the most powerful weapons on the square! It’s not the cheapest or easiest venture, but as one great general once said, we do it: “not because it is easy, but because.. I mean.. that’s what everyone else is doing!!”

Had fun messing around w perspective on this one. Like MC Escher or something 😅. Hope you enjoy!

Score: 4.27 by bngsu2

Gunpowder. An invention that will turn the tide of war forever. Many seek it’s destructive capabilities, utilizing it in various ways. It is only until nothing is left and everything is theirs that the square will strive for peace.

(Note: ts very rushed💔 Suprisingly one of the largest animations I’ve done for a long time. I have a physics exam tomorrow so I ain’t fixing anything rn. Ignore the FlipaClip watermark I gave up cropping it half way. Also yes it barely has color and everything seen is an over exaggeration of what actual gunpowder can do. Thankyuu)

Score: 4.6 by thesturmerer

Tea Time! (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)☕ ❤️

On the far east.... an Ai-moian is sipping on their Om-soi tea, right on the peaceful meadows where a cool breeze makes the grasses sway and the sun's light casts shadows on the mountains and on this lone ai-moian's magnificent invention, the sundial.

A tool that channels the sun itself, that reads the sky and casts its shadow onto symbols that tell the time. For this Ai-moian who values a good schedule, the sundial was perfect for setting their daily ritual of cherishing the present moment and slowing everything down on a cup of tea.

Art Collab by Me (Top) and my Bro (Bottom) ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡

Score: 4.19 by contagiouscookie69420

"What are you crafting for the festival", one unassuming Iqarus child said to another during the Festival of Faces, a solemn rite the Quetzali people precede the annual flight test with.

"I'm going to make mine scream, because jumping from so high, even with wings is scary!" the other responded, as he picked away at a stone statue with a scalpel.

"My mum said that only brave people can participate in the flight tests", the first child said, as he mapped out a massive set of wings on the ground, sewn together with reeds and vines found across the local swamplands. "She said that even though it's scary, having faith in the Bird Gods and the statues that survive will save you from danger."

"But-but Uncle Pyke didn't wake up after the last flight test!" the second refutes earnestly, as he pivots towards the first "Where were the Bird Gods then?". His hands clench around the scalpel, tears forming ever so slightly.

"Only babies cry.", the first child responded, unphased by the second's emotions. He pulls out a needle and continues working on the wings. "Uncle Pyke was old and silly. He should've listened when Pa told him he was too old to try the flight test. And mum said if you don't listen to others, you'll get hurt. So it's really Uncle Pyke's fault." The light chink of the second childs scalpel dropping to the floor brings the first child's attention to the tear-filled face of his peer. "Uhh b-but, Uncle Pyke lives with the Bird Gods now! So you shouldn't cry, because Uncle Pyke is happy and laughing!"

The second child sniffles as he wipes his brow. "Is he really happy and laughing?" he asks, hopeful.

"I promise", the first replied, now patting the second child's head carefully.

Score: 2.89 by zerostulip

The Sha Po's Smoke Bomb!

To prevent enemies cloaks from spotting them, they invented the SMOKE BOMB. Similar to the cloak features of becoming invisible. However, unlike the cloak who can become invisible immediately on his next step. The Smoke Bomb required an extra step to activate before it can be fully utilize. Same function as a modern hand grenade. The user would only need to pull out the string from the bomb and throw it hard enough to the ground to explode the sand dust within it.

Not only Sha Po use it for escaping, they also use it to make a surprise attack on their enemies and making stuff disappear.

Score: 4.31 by zertitive.official

ZEBOYA, Sept 4 (Anzala Post) – The Zebasi Ministry of Defense introduced a new camouflage military outfit for defenders. Our tribe leader Zanya announced this on Thursday. “Long ago, I requested our Defense Ministry to design such a military outfit for our defenders that would prevent our enemies from immediately recognizing our troops hiding in the forests of the Square,” Zanya said in an interview with Anzala Post. The leader emphasized that it took about half a year to complete the task since the Ministry team was traveling across the Square to find the best qualified specialist. “Our great explorers spent about six months until they found a loyal community in a village bordering Kickoo lands. They are quite different from regular Zebasi people. They paint everything! The team found the finest artist who suggested that shields should also be painted!” he said. According to Zanya, the artist had arrived in Zeboya a week ago to paint the first shield. “Once he completed it, our defender was very excited to receive the shield. From far away, no one could recognize our defenders in the forest anymore. Moreover, at close range, the painted shield resembled a huge animal. What a great idea!” the leader said. Zanya also announced that the Ministry is now considering “the widespread use of camouflage shields” for the Armed Forces of Zebasi. “Today, we have gained a great advantage over other tribes!” Zanya added.

Score: 2.82 by sanyurych

Sanchez was a happy child, loved and overfed by his mother, and only beaten gently by a father who was rarely home.

Sanchez was born into the Quetzali tribe, a corn-chomping tribe of peace that worshipped birds and loved to play games and lark about inventing things.

Sanchez was not very good at inventing things. He had no imagination at all in that regard. He was a feelings guy. ‘Look at him!’ they would tease, ‘He’s thinking again!’

After a while Sanchez was no longer a happy child. He was fed up with being the butt of everybody’s jokes. He had started thinking even harder. One day, when all his so-called friends were making wings and pretending they were birds at some festival or other something happened: Sanchez had an idea of his own.

Sanchez had thought up an entirely new idea. It was not a reinforced shield or a spinning chair or a sweetcorn catapult… it was a… concept. He tried to think of a name for it. He could not right now, he would think of it later.

All that was needed now was some persuasion. This did not prove difficult, because Sanchez having an idea was quite the occasion. Within a few minutes, the entire tribe (including his father who he'd not seen for three days) had gathered round. An hour or so later, everybody, apart from Sanchez, was wearing wings and stood on the edge of a cliff.

The name had come to Sanchez. It sounded foreign and made no sense, but it… felt right.

So it was, on that day, the day that the entire Quetzali tribe happily and gormlessly plummeted to the ground that Sanchez had invented Nihilism.

Score: 2.54 by poquitoballio
animal-art (August-2025)

Everyone knows that Quetzal worship bird gods? So, below is the main god Wup-Wup, and the tribe worships him always, but they give the other gods 1 year to fast to the necessary extent. The last one they worship is Goооose, that year there was Vaptuk and outside the previous one a pack of Сinkars. Baldur, during the coming-of-age ritual (killing the first bear), may accidentally fall in love with a she-bear. And according to tradition, he is obliged to marry her. Moulins can often be seen on the rocks of Akvariot. They bask in the warm rays of the sun for a long time, and the locals are not averse to joining them. According to our pilgrim farmer, Ai-mo is suffering from raids by bluebirds who love chili. Vengir For hunting purposes, several birds are tamed, some even become attached to them. Although Elirion is considered an animal lover, polytaurs have only recently begun to receive a full higher education. There are still plenty of examples of interactions between polytopians and fauna. And you can add more!

Score: 3.22 by pangussirgoose
monument-designs (July-2025)

Tranquillity The serenity of the square is pierces by the haughty coo of the Quiqui, a shout to the start of the Anzala day. It's unusual to get up at first cry, but art waits for no-one, or so you believe.

You wash up and meet at the Gate of Power - a towering archway that stands a testament to the wrath of a provoked artist. The poor Zebasi souls who thought they could give constructive criticism. Your kin would never permit such disregard for their talent. You sigh, resigned, as you lay a hand on the earthy terracotta, the coarse prattle of the other Anzala washing over you like the fresh breeze of the cold morning. Despite being one of them, you find these discussions pointless as of recent. It's not that you think you're better than them, but you've noticed their artistic tastes have become more violent over time. And that's not quite for you.

Recitals of manifestos ring through the crowd as the horde consider the best way to artistically express their disdain with the local Hoodrick village. You feel your stomach sink—the ideas these savages in silk come up with make you want to hurl. You figure you've had enough of this conversation and leave the hubris of your fellow Anzala behind you as you slowly head west. You don't understand what's come about of your like-minded kin. They used to be all about bragging of their creativity and their artistic ideas, lounging around, enjoying the finer things in life. But now, it seems their chisels have grown in width, and their stones have ample water to be squeezed.

Fortunately, the Anzala way is to value the individual, so your disdain of their new ways isn't seen as treasonous. At least you can be thankful for that, you think as you approach your favourite spot in the village. Before, several of your tribesmen would lay here within this Park of Fortune for days on end while finding inspiration. You'd see all sorts of different artists brainstorming their creations, from sculptors moulding mini figurines out of mud, to poets scrunching up used leaves with 'failed' texts. But now, it's silent. Silence is nice, though, so you find your favourite spot beneath a massive leaf and lay down, as the sun illuminates the finer things in life. Let them fight their pointless war. You're more than fine to lie here in the Park of Fortune, away from the nauseating cries of war. Because here, it's quiet.

Score: 3.0 by zerostulip
treasure-map (July-2025)
village-capture (May-2025)

(Temporary Submission, until/if i do an actual art piece)

The Easy Choice The Square is rife with battles, but the death toll of these struggles is actually less than one would expect. That is to say, needless killing of civilians just isn't a thing. Leaders needn't invoke fear with reigns of terror, conquerors seldom need to worry about rebellions from within (though it is known certain political players can start 'riots'). The choice for these rulers isn't the carrot or the stick, as they find providing neither is best for everyone.

With very few exceptions (like, patriotic capital cities), when a tribe's city is taken, the citizens (usually a band of nomads entering modernity) change their colours without hesitation. They realise it is futile to resist, and unlike the more nationalistic capital-city dwellers, don't feel so strongly towards their previous tribe. They don't care who provides them bread, so long as they're able to eat.

Sociologists ran a study a couple years ago on invoking nationalism within these freeform citizens. Through evil tugging of strings, they used cities as their training grounds, rulers as puppets—some forced to commit atrocious deeds, while others to garner love and loyalty. The conclusion of these hellish experiments were what everyone has already known—overcompensating always resulted in failure. On one hand, being too harsh almost always incited rebellion—studies show a 92% increase in riots in cities with more dictatorial tendencies. On the other, being too kind killed the economy, and the cities that attempted this almost certainly collapsed on themselves.

And so, for both conquerors and citizens, accepting that some things are out of your hands is the easy choice.

Score: 2.93 by zerostulip

Submit or die. That was the two options the Vengir delivered.

With blades at our throats, they forced our hands and feet into shackles. Sent to the mines, we worked with barely any food or rest. We watched the ones who defied them burn at stake.

One of us asked them why they were doing this.

"Vengeance," our captor said, "Vengeance for what the crimes you committed to our ancestors."

With a secret knife, I escaped when the guards were drunk. However, most of us weren't as fortunate. The Vengir will arrive here soon too, and your village will have to make the same decision. Those people are only driven by hatred for others. Don't make the same mistake as my village did.

Score: 3.2 by quissberry

Diary of a Quetzali archer.

Day 1- The Horned ones approched..... They came with monstrous creatures. They destroyed everything and everyone in their way. Once we were all enslaved they built cryptas all over the forests.... They did weird rituals there were our warriors died..... Day 2- I was sent to the frontline today... We were given orders to attack a peacful villige. I have no choice but to follow. We are not strong enough. We are way less warriors... This might be the last entry.

Score: 2.57 by marudeku

Midnight’s Approach

The dawn was silent, calm, even serene Happy songs from a village carried by the breeze Until a distant stampede broke the townsfolk’s routines They watched as abominations emerged from the tainted trees

Men atop wolves with frost for fur Dark figures with twisted, knifelike claws They moved one with the shadows, almost a blur A towering beast in the distance released a spine-chilling roar

The sky erupted with screams, pleas, and cries of despair Those maddened cultists chanted promises of power The townsfolk fought with all they could fare Alas, they all became dragon chowder

Score: 3.53 by exonuts

There was no fight, not that we would have stood a chance. He came one day six moons ago. A messenger sent by the great emperor Madkesha III accompanied by a band of riders. They had the bodies and faces of men that never had to hunger a day in their life and wore headscarves and garments of yellow silk that made our clothes look like dull rags. The messenger told our elders of the wisdom of their great civilization, they knew how to craft saddles and tame the wild shebrons, they knew how to build roads, how to harvest and plant cacti and even techniques to irrigate the usually dry desert sands to grow crops. Moved by his promises of wealth and protection the elders quickly decided to join their great realm. They were allowed to keep their roles as leaders if they followed all orders from the great capital.

Things changed quickly. Small huts made way for towers of sandstone, a great road was built and traders from all across the square bought goods we had never seen before. Our simple grey clothes were replaced by the yellow attire typical for the realm and farms were built that fed our people that used to barely scrape by.

However for all this prosperity we also paid a price. Our gods were replaced, our traditions were forbidden. The village that had become a city was given a new name in the tongue of our overlords and it was ordered for our children to be given traditional oumaji names and for them to learn the language spoken in the capital. Those who disobeyed were banished to the empty desert. Our ways were lost to fill our stomachs

Score: 3.94 by b.k.4774
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Diary of Xin-Xi defender. Liberty or Betrayal

Score: 4.29 by sanyurych

"Psst.. Hey! Keep your head down! The Chief's gone mad, he keeps saying that these damned 'Su-man-tee' bugs will make us powerful beyond our wildest dreams, and now he's getting his men to put one of these things on our faces! I don't trust him, or that Shaman one bit. Every single person who has had that bug placed on their face became... different. It's unsettling. He shows up one day and suddenly he's the answer to all of our problems, that we're going to rule Pangea like the Ancients once did. I don't know about conquest - I just want to continue making marginally successful mobile games in peace till my team yells at me to fix another bug. Anyway, I ain't putting that bug-thing on my face till they drag my cold, dead body out through that front door. You stay safe out there, okay?"

Score: 3.18 by .tohnic

Koben. A quiet and peaceful village. It was calm and soothing, as villagers did their duties, from picking berries, to forging weapons, to even being a teacher for the local school, everyone had a role. Their living conditions weren’t great, and winters get especially bad for them, however they endured, and lived thriving lives for years, ever since the collapse.

One day, berry pickers notice something. The close village of Macery was on fire. Traders passing close by to the village claim they saw bugs crawling around, with some being on peoples heads. They were constructing buildings, but not the normal buildings you see in everyday villages. 2 days later, 11 armed people walk in.

The village looked on in confusion. These didn’t look like traders or people from a different village. There were even giant bugs with them, that scared the children. The chief ordered them to leave after his own son got scared. They all looked at each other, then nodded. One of them pulled out a horn, and blew on it. A little after, a small bug came crawling up to a stable owner. It just stared at him, not doing anything. The villager was getting freaked out, and tried stepping away, then… the bug leaped.

It jumped onto his head, covering his eyes. The villager began screaming in pain, as more of them showed up. They all charged. Villagers scrambled back into their homes. The human ones began to burn the buildings, as the screams of hundreds of innocent lives echoed through the village. In the chiefs home, a couple of bugs broke in. The chief grabbed his sword and lunged first. He slashed, with more and more bugs coming it, but it was useless. A bug landed on his head. His wife and son had to watch in horror as the chief screamed in agony and collapsed to the floor.

1 day later, all the villagers rise. Now corrupted by the bugs, they begin constructing a new city. Pain, feelings and all traces of the villager are gone, and now all they want is to follow their bug overlords.

Score: 3.1 by un1loaded

I think elyrion just plants whimsical joyous trees and it converts the villagers into whatever elvish cult they believe in because why would you not convert to the side that has dragons, wizards and the ability to enchant the wild life?

Plus, Elyrion are seen as the more "higher status" tribes along with luxidoor, so it's extremely unlikely they would resort to savagery even with their firepower.

If you need more convincing, just know that they have ESP for Ruins, but not for villages. They're simply looking to retrieve and share their artifacts, they're happy to give away & develop their experiences and culture with any villages they run into.

-# this is a tribe propaganda post

Score: 2.25 by youraveragegoldfish

Villagers in the village of kerlonen led peaceful lives surrounded by beautiful valleys and mountains, blessed with fertile lands suitable for farming and a large forest to chop down trees whenever they needed. Everyone helped each other and they had strong chemistry, as they survived the deadly fall of the ancient civilization together. Each day was a blessing as each villager had their own unique job that will provide food & resources to the whole village, from farmers to fishers and even lumberjacks. One day, something was diffrent in the forest of nuloko. Two villager lumberjacks saw a green warrior in the distance which seemed aggressive as he was cutting down trees like it was nothing, the lumberjacks ran back to the village immediately.

Two days later, a quiet night in the middle of the village. The village's elder 'Valtrin' was sharing an old story about about the fall of the ancient capital just as he was finishing the last part he heard a deep sound calling "get him"

They are invading the village with many troops from warriors to riders, archers & swordsmen even. They launched their attack as the village fell into pure choas. Some hid in the tents, others fully abandoned the village, some tried to fight back. But whatever were no match to none other than the kickoo.

The village's elder was captured. A group of riders burned some tents, a swordsman attacked the cattle farm cutting down the pen and hurting some of the animals, archers continued to launch their arrows near villagers to stop them from moving as warriors captured them one by one.

By dawn's light. The village has officially fallen, 16 out of 26 had survived, the village's elder was unfortunately killed due to a reckless action by one of the swordsmen.

The village's peace and harmony was now broken by kickoo which now constructed large houses, military bases and relocated many to the village.

The brutal, greedy polytopian empires continue to ruin the once peaceful glowing square...

Score: 3.62 by danvence71

Life in the village was peaceful. Any one member of the village knew another, and may have had some vague relation to their neighbor, the village leader, or even the occasional adventurous soul that made a spectacle of leaving the village for one of the great cities controlled by the nearby Yădakk, hopeful to make it big running trade like the occasional merchant that passed through the village.

Then it began. At first it was one person. There were some murmurs, but maybe they simply eloped. There was that merchant caravan that came by last night and partook in the village festival, perhaps they hit it off and opted to leave in the dead of night because they didn't much enjoy the spectacle of departure everyone in the village seemed to have made a tradition of.

Then another, a week later. Maybe they were dissatisfied, or just desperate to get something more for their family. There was another stranger that came by last night too.

2 more, not even 3 days later. These disappearances were beginning to feel suspicious.

A month has passed. People disappear on the regular, and strangers are coming and going almost daily, some in the merchant caravans that used to be trustworthy but now are collectively eyed with suspicion. Most of the able-bodied have left the village for reasons unknown, all in the dead of night and all following these visits.

Then the first one to disappear returned. They looked scared, terrified of contact with anyone. The clothes they wore were unfamiliar and tattered, and they behaved so strangely it almost made them unrecognizable. The village crowded around the surprising return, and the curiosity and endless questions made them deaf to the incoming army. It's only when it's too late that the village has been overrun by the Ürkaz, and even if they saw fit to strip the village of all its able bodied citizens, the escape of a victim of trafficking from here has forced their hand.

This village now serves as a stronghold for the Ürkaz.

Score: 3.62 by some1upoyo

The village is a peaceful, calm place. Citizens in brown gather crops, make bread, and sleep soundly at night knowing they and their families are far from the war. Every morning, they wake with the cry of the rooster to a new dawn. Everyone knows everyone else, and they live happy lives surrounded by plenty.

But then the frosts came.

Creeping shadows, crawling up the sides of the houses as the sun grew dim. Snows fell, something unheard of in the warm, fertile plains. The grass grew stiff and cracked with a touch, the animals froze standing in their pens. Pink crystals formed where sweet fruit once grew, cold as ice and just as hard. Where herds of Mado Horses once roamed the grasslands, great shaggy Mamoos took their place. The waters froze over, and many perished from the cold. The days grew short and the nights were long.

As the village starved, THEY came. Great shades of the north, hovering above the earth, wearing the skulls of long-forgotten beasts. Eyes that glowed like lanterns, and horns that spanned the sky. Where THEY went, the frosts followed. Where THEY passed, the air grew still.

THEIR followers soon arrived on great sleds and Mamoos. They handed out bundles of warm clothes and taught the villagers the ways of the tundra. The moon itself served this tribe, cold beams freezing over all that they deemed too warm. Open flames were barred, dissent suppressed. And yet, all in the village knew that it was nought compared to what THEY could have done. An ancient terror took hold, closing lips and stifling the air. Soon, the villagers would learn to follow THEIR rules, and never question. To never speak of THEM. For words held power, in the elder days. And THEY were from a time before the first Polytopian rubbed two sticks together and made flame. Long before the first Mado Horses and Baerion ever lived.

THEIR time was nigh.

Score: 3.54 by imp9024

The sounds of charging hooves and the smell of blood fill the tile. As peasants, tradesmen and militia take their place in buildings, they all know it's too late. The invasion force has already infiltrated their city - after the riots, any fellow citizen could be a traitor in disguise. Soon, the sounds of heavy cavalry fill the streets, as the first wave of shock troops storm the settlement. Quickly, their forces withdraw, though not without significant damage. Could it be that the carnage is over? Could they finally begin rebuilding? These thoughts were put to rest when the massive, lumbering giant made footfall in the town square, cutting through swathes of pitiful resistance. Finally, late at night, the fighting ceases. And, as one flag is set ablaze, another is unfurled. Thus, imperia gains another city, and the citizens adapt. The imperius' rules and regulations make no sense to them, but the occupying swordsmen assure them that in time they will understand all. Nevertheless, the wine is sweet, the land eventually prospers, and the citizens of the once-bardur capital wonder how they ever survived without the advancements in architecture, plumbing, and most importantly, the fine art of getting drunk, this time raising a toast to their overlords in blue instead of in brown.

Score: 3.65 by whitehatwitchie
polytopia-audio-remix (May-2025)
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Hallo, here is my take on a remix about Quetzali's theme. I used samples from Quetzali's full theme (Wopquchu ca Talwas), their Iqaruz skin, Bandlab Samples and universal-soundbank.com. This is my first art contest, so I hope you enjoy listening. 😊😊

"The Quetzali, known for their openness to new ideas, embraced the religious practices of the Lirepacci emissaries who once visited their island of Jepu. This cultural blending led to the creation of the Xi'yulok festival, celebrating unity through dance, vibrant processions, and the rise of the religious idol Ayquetalizti. Held every third half moon of the summer solstice, the festival transformed Jepu into a symbol of spiritual and cultural pride across the Quetzali continent." More info here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jdNmqlyQHCtNMoot4TmeudbGKcG-nDorGHZYF9QIkhA/edit?usp=drivesdk

Score: 3.97 by iceylit21

  • OUMAJI RAVE - OUMAJI RAVE - OUMAJI RAVE -

...

"For whatever reason, a group of Oumaji Riders stand right before another group of riders, looking eerily familiar. They also ride on Zebras, the same animals who are the Oumaji's most loyal companions. " "Although their clothes look rather extravagant, the riders still look very powerful and wealthy. But... could it be... that they are from the future?"

you might want to turn up the volume a bit :/

Score: 4.06 by ffabio_

A little story about the Hoodrick, which explains the following soundtrack:

As a new morning in the yellow Hoodrick woods begins, one curious explorer named Brodry Lookhone stumbles across a cave, where he finds various ancient music instruments. After showing these to the tribe leader Rydon, they decide to put them into The Vault, as they see no benefiting use in them. But before some came to think to use them as cooking tools, The Ley Autumn Leaves learn about the discovery and convince Rydon to add them to their music collection. In use to perform their anthem with the new sounds, it doesnt take long for other Hoodrick civilians to join them, as there are too many instruments for just one band. The music flows through the entire forest and motivates the whole folk during their war with Bardur. With their precise and strong arrow shots, that even pierce through Bardur's shields, they are able to cast them out of their land. Although they do hard to follow them across the sea to attack them in their snowy land, the new strength forms a new Hoodrick Empire, where groups like the Yorthwober arise

-# You might have to increase your volume, as my mastering skills weren’t quite polished back then

Score: 3.96 by deappy226

"During their travels, the Yadakk trade with many different tribes. The result of this can be heard in their music, particularly the influence of what some tribes call "bossa nova." Since it's introduction, it has been a hit among the Yadakk youth - in particular with Yadakk musicians like Tizjhan Getz and Azurkaz Gilberto"

Despite referencing Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto in the blurb, this arrangement is more inspired by Paul Desmond and Jim Hall. There's also references to the alto sax (?) solo from the extended Yadakk theme.

Score: 3.44 by odypeus
polytopia-leisure (March-2025)
polytopia-fitness (February-2025)

FINALLY!!!THE WORK OF A LIFETIME COMES TO AN END!!!

My name is Happo, i'm a veeery old mind bender, how old am I?? i can't remember right now...and in which tribe was I born?? i am not sure anymore...! As far as i know i was born with this white and fluffy beard attached to my chin!

One question has led my path "Where do this funny people find the strength, the enthusiasm and the willpower to fight everyday in this colorful but difficult land??"

I have left my mind bending school hidden into the mountains, and I used my skills to hide in between other tribes, looking at them and studying their habits.

From the high peaks where Xinxi tribes thrive, passing through the rich lands inhabited by the wise Ai-mos, walking until the hot deserts inhabited by the resilient Oumajis and Zebasis. Meeting austere and though tribes such as Imperius, and chillout people like the Kickoos, dancing on beaches and playing music with tropical vibes. Tribes hidden into forests, like Hoodricks, or fearless showing themselves like Vengir, I've met sooo many different people on this squared land!!

And finally, YES!! there is a common answer to their energy!! A discipline created in a forgotten time and passed on and on from generation to generation, in aaaallll this tribes! It is the POLY-YOGA!!!

Every tribe has his own positions, developed in order to perform a discipline that requires strength, flexibility and willpower ( I challenge you to stay for 5 minutes in the Vengir Bone-Scruncher position...and you'll understand how hard it can be!) THIS is how they perform so well!! i am so happy my life had a purpose, now that i have understood where the energy of polytopians lies...

speaking of which...

BUY TODAY YOUR "ALL-IN-ONE GUIDE TO POLY-YOGA"

CONQUER YOUR ENEMIES BALANCE YOUR MIND STRETCH YOUR SOUL

is gonna be yours for JUST 8 <:star:390477609131048962> !!! ( yes even hermits have to eat!) <:Polyshock1:1158170544332615690>

here's a little preview! Your PolyYogi Happo!!!!

Score: 4.45 by tortacow

In a cave hidden somewhere on the vast wastelands of the Vengir Tribe, a small group of Vengir deviants meet up after a long exhausting day experiencing their tribe's fierce and hateful culture.

Whereas most Vengir residents cope with their stress through rigorous physical training, lashing out towards other tribesmen, or bearing through it with sheer willpower alone, this rare group of deviants uses other means to preserve themselves. They do strange unfamiliar practices like being happy, being open about themselves with like-minded people, expressing their creativity by carving onto the cave's stone walls creating murals, and even something as outrageous as being content with what they have rather than channeling all their fury and blaming it all upon the other tribes. And what these deviants have that they are content and happy about, are each other.

With minds that differ from the norm, they learned that there's so much more to a person's wellness than their physical bodies. Bonding with good friends and supporting one another is what helps them cope the most with their harsh reality, as they find it too much to bear on their own. And together, with each other's help, they are happy. Whether this flame of happiness will last long does not concern them, as they will forever cherish these moments in their hearts.

"There is more to your health than yourself, remember to appreciate the good people around you"

-# PS. Should the other tribes-kin find out about their blasphemous activities, one can only imagine what would happen to them for straying from the Vengir Tribe's way.....

Score: 4.34 by contagiouscookie69420
polytopia-crime (January-2025)

It was a fierce gang war between the Cymantus Vagus and the Pine Grove Families. As the Vagus gang members climb upon the passing centipede to escape, the Jarl of Cohansenn took the incentive to steal a baerion to chase them down. The chase lasted for hours, and it surely would've ended in the death of all Vagus gang members, if it wasn't for Colossal Fume's lousy aim. In frustration, he said: "All that we were required to accomplish, was the pursuit of that accursed hundred legged arthropod, o Jarl of Cohansenn!"

Score: 3.99 by benfordgaming2012

What happens when a cloak attacks a city occupied by a unit

A vengir cloak unit had managed to slip between the swordsmen and catapults into the bardur city of Orkur, taking its resources stockpiled and trying to take a hold of the city, but failing. The garrison fends the daggers off, who are either destroyed or manage to leave to set up around the city. Some of the Garrison didn't even have time to dress in their battle uniforms, which caused minor casualties from the rather disorganized "riot".

-# ||ps theres 3 'easter eggs' in it go find them lol||

Score: 4.52 by banagnum

True Order: Catastello Gangs

...While the many senators and politicians of the Imperius elite battle one another with bickering and meaningless insults, it is illegal for them to physically confront each other, as that is something that unregimented and unorganized barbaric tribes would do. Things may seem peaceful if it is kept this way, but power is easily coveted, and the many sleazy politicians within the Imperius command will gain it through terrible measures. Propaganda and suppression is one of their common and least harmful ways to gain more popularity with the commonfolk... but fear and gang violence, sponsored by the very senators that preach for peace and order, is a typical way for politicians to "indirectly dispose" of threats without the extreme costs or taboos of an assassin. The Imperius men that do the will of these corrupt senators are none other than the dreaded "Catastello Gangs", glorified criminals and mafias found in the streets and backwaters of Imperia, driven either by gold or fanatic political belief. If an Imperius citizen says something wrong about a politician, spreads dangerous news or supports another, they will find themselves battered on the floor thanks to the intervention of a Catastello ganger.

They are a very popular unofficial policing force that have minimal costs while being twice as effective, due to the fear that they bring across Imperia. However, due to the fact that many senators love employing them to earn power and popularity... it's only natural for them to come into blows so that the politicians don't have the "dishonor" of directly hurting another. Catastello Gangs were hired and indoctrinated in such huge numbers one time, that two great Imperian senators eventually had an all out gang war in a city. The entire place was burned and looted by the less organized gangers whilst they fought each other, the magnitude of the incident equal to a genuine civil war.

...in the end, only the two senators remained

Score: 4.59 by cobelat
polytopia-childrens-activities (December-2024)

Trial and Error - A cautionary tale to the perils of the Bardur Coming-of-age Trials -# disclaimer forced headcanon that the bardur coming-of-age trials occur at actual maturity and not when you're fucking three years of age On the 14th of Yadakk Moon, young Linro turned 14 turns. And like all youth on their 14th, young Linro was to engage in the Binark. And like all youth on their 14th, young Linro was excited for his Binark. And like all youth on their 14th, young Linro was underestimating their Binark.

On the 14th of Yadakk Moon, the sun heads to sleep. And young Linro, with naught but a spear in hand, heads to battle. And young Linro, with naught but a flask of Ullefurgh, heads to battle. And young Linro, with naught but anticipation in his mind, heads to battle.

On the 14th of Yadakk Moon, crimson turns to black. And the lad, with a spring in his step, entered deeper into the thick. And the lad, with a spring in his step, sprinted past trees thin and thick. And the lad... still, heard something behind in the fog thick...

On the 14th of Yadakk Moon, dark engulfs the thick tundra. And eager Linro, with bloodlust in his veins, turns to face the beast. And eager Linro, with bloodlust in his veins, charges to stab the beast. And eager Linro, with blood... on his hands... gets knocked back by the beast.

On the 14th of Yadakk Moon, snow begins to fall. And Linro... with a tusk stuck in his abdomen, watches the beast run. And Linro... with a tusk stuck in his abdomen, too, tries to run. And Linro... with a tusk... stuck in his abdomen... falls mid-run.

On the 14th of Yadakk Moon, a blizzard howls through the night. And green Linro... lies in a patch of pink snow, shivering, cold. And green Linro... lies, eyes on the stars, shivering, cold. And green Linro... lies, flashing before his eyes... shivering... cold...

On the 15th of Yadakk Moon... Nobody leaves the forest.

Score: 3.71 by zerostulip
tragedy-art (November-2024)

The square in polytopia is not exactly a place where equilibrium would prevail, but one such place on the square did exist. It was the capital of the aimo tribe. The city where the emerors tomb was located, a city of peace, monks, science and balance that hadn't been disturbed in hundreds of years. But white cannot live without black, and so one day the inevitable happened-their city was attacked. A vicious vengir tribe, living on the border with the aimo, decided to attack their capital because of the incredible wealth the emperors tomb held. Unfortunately, the vengir got into the city and looted almost all of it. It was the greatest lesson for the aimo that balance is not just about peace, but war.

Score: 4.45 by erod450

Helpless.

Back, again, at the start. The drums sound, and you're brought infront of the War Chief. Your home city is about to go to war with the Ai-mo homeland, for some dispute you've grown to forget.

A tiny city, only you and your brother exist on the frontlines, given instructions from the brass. You'd follow them, but you learnt the hard way that they lead to the burning of your family. So, instead, you ignore orders once more, and head to make friends with the nomadic people in the distance. Can you call it friendship? You've lost count of how many negotations you've held with these types of people, that they all kind of blur together. But you know you cannot fail, and so you add another grain of salt to the ocean.

What even is the point of friends anyway? Every time you've tried, whether you've succeeded or failed, it gets ripped away from you, indifferently, uncaringly. You even managed to convince the brass to listen to you a couple times, broke bread together with the Jarl himself. And yet, that same Jarl doesn't even know your name.

And yet, your pursuit of knowledge has proven even less fruitless than the fools errand of friendship. You deserted everything you knew and loved to learn the ways of the Ai-mo, to maybe find an answer to this hell you suffer. But, even the forbidden scriptures clued you in to the world's cluelessness.

You'd tell your brother about your pain, but you feel he'd see you as manipulative. You can't bear the thought of that. If nothing else matters in this thrice-damned curse, he does. You've seen him die brutal deaths time and time again. You've saved him from some. You've observed him succumb to others. What a horrible person you are.

As you rally the newly acquired nomads into battle, you wonder if there will ever be an end. You're at a loss, distracted once more, as you take an archer's volley to the face. It's not the first time you've succumbed to this pain, but it hurts just as much as before. As you bleed out once more, you feel a tug on your stomach.

Back, again, at the start. The drums sound, and...

-# Inspired strongly by 'In Stars and Time' -# *amended non-contest version here https://discord.com/channels/283436219780825088/369205530306019328/1311745244739665932

Score: 4.26 by zerostulip

The Aquarion

A light ‘breeze’ fluttered around me. Soft, cool wind. The air was lukewarm. My mind seemed to be filled with clear space. I opened a heavy eye, and felt a few small air bubbles floating up and away from my nose, into the deep, deep space. The last few.

Drowning!

I wrenched my eyes open, my limbs seeming to freeze up. My instinct told me to jerk my head up, but I only managed a short distance before I felt my back arching, and all I could do in that moment was squeeze my lips tight together. Shapes loomed over me, and it was then I realised I was swimming in darkness.

It took another shape to my side for me to realise, to my horror, that I was not swimming, but sinking. I felt my head get heavy, weighing me down as I slowly looked up in classic, confused shock. What was white empty space was suddenly filled with murky, grey lines. Lines and shadows and spirals. The shapes were ringing in my ears. Then the sound jerked into a melodious hum, and I felt pulled down by an invisible force. Head first into the bottom of the sea, seconds ticking away as I slowly, but to dense relief, found that I was no longer struggling to breathe.

Then I saw a big, jagged, wooden crescent shape on the sea floor. A ship? I blinked. A heavy weight tugged on my chest. All of a sudden, the force around my neck disappeared and I instinctively spun around onto my feet. Smoothly. Until I realised I had no feet. Or I did, but they were peeling off. Merging into one smooth, sleek tail.

But then I saw a mirror on the floor of the shipwreck. I stared into the mirror, my palms melting and disintegrating as my fingers grew webs and clamped around my scaly, dull face. Oh. I watched as my humanity seemed to disappear before my very watching eyes, sapped into the sea floor.

(This is totally about Aquarion and their species)

Score: 3.79 by honeytartshashtag3291

The Splendir Saga

In an age long past, there dwelt a big tribe of such splendor and might that they came to be known as the Splendir. Their renown spread across all the realms, and others both envied and feared them, as the Splendir were the masters of the forge, crafting blades and armor that were unmatched. They lived in a land of surpassing beauty, a land that some whispered was more beautiful than even the scenery of Elyrion.

One fateful night, beneath a sky shrouded in stars, their hallowed peak, known to all as Mount Gloom, revealed its true nature. The mountain, thought to be as steady as stone itself, erupted with wrathful fire. The earth trembled, and torrents of molten rock poured forth, summoning a cataclysm that laid waste to their once-lush homeland.

In that dark hour, the Splendir lost not only many of their people but also all the elders and with that much of their expertise. Those who survived sought aid from neighboring tribes, hoping to claim a new home in their territory. Yet fear lay deep in the hearts of these others, who were not entirely aware of the terrible event and saw in the armors of the Splendir not a people in need, but a powerful threat that might want to seek dominion over their lands.

Thus, instead of aid, the tribes struck out against the Splendir with fearful fury. Caught unprepared, the Splendir resisted as best they could, but their strength had been spent in survival. In the end, the tribes drove them forth into new discovered desolate wastes, an area they deemed fit only for the fallen. But overwhelmed by their victory, they realized too late; the wasteland they had chosen was none other than the scorched remains of the Splendir’s own realm.

To this day, the Splendir search for vengeance. The circumstances changed their minds, changed their language, changed their whole culture. Wearing their ancestors skulls in hope to regain their knowledge and bring their fertile land back to live, they are now called the Vengir

Score: 4.31 by deappy226

In a derelict square somewhere in the middle of our great city lives an old man. He shelters where others shy away awaiting the end. It is said if you visit him he tells strange tales of times before the Ürkaz took over and even before our glorious tribe settled down.

I was one such visitor seeking his story’s. As I walked towards the area he supposedly dwelled I noticed that there were less and less people. Houses seemed empty and I realised that there wasn’t even a single street trader. I entered the square and was immediately shocked by the silence, even in the centre of the capital there wasn’t a sound. Then I saw him, a bundle of rags hunched against a wall. I gave him a loaf of bread and he beckoned me into one of the derelict buildings. The walls seemed to be on the verge of collapse and the only furniture was a broken chair which he sat on. He started slowly his voice sounded strained, “My life has been longer than most but it feels as if it is coming to its end, I fear you shall be the last one to hear the voice of a living member of the kähez family” he sighed sadly and looked into space with sunken eyes. “When the world was young the ancients ruled, we hated their empire and rebelled overthrowing them, oh what fools we were… after the empire broke up into small tribes the world was undefended against the darkness. The ancients had conquered the gods themselves but now they were free they were out for vengeance. They are the ones that seeded the rebellion, they are the creatures that drove even the mythical Elyron mad.” “Have you ever wondered how anyone could be as cruel as the Ürkaz? It is they and their vengeance. My line fought the darkness and brought together many nomads.They cursed us to a slow death, so we could watc… wait do you hear that?” Darkness had rapidly fell and the old man seemed afraid. “My time is up, leave!” I protested but he forced me out warning of the dark. He died that night, and with him many secrets that are now lost to time

Score: 3.62 by roboticbeetroot

The Gold That Devoured a City of Luxidoor <:luxidoor:389967516954525697>

The Luxidoors were renowned for their insatiable hunger for gold. For them, gold wasn’t just a metal—it was a symbol of power, prestige, and prosperity. In their relentless pursuit of wealth, they dug countless underground mines that spread like a vast web across their lands, including beneath their magnificent capital. As the years passed, their gold reserves grew so vast that the Luxidoors began to cover everything around them with the gleaming metal—houses, palaces, temples. The city shone like a beacon of opulence, with not a single building left untouched by its golden glow. The Luxidoors basked in luxury, never stopping to consider the true cost of their greed.

But they forgot about the danger lurking beneath their feet. The mines they had so recklessly excavated had weakened the very foundation of their city. As the gold filled every corner of their capital, the sheer weight became unbearable for the fragile earth below. One fateful day, the ground gave way, and the city plunged with a thunderous roar into the yawning chasm formed by the empty caverns below. Golden monuments toppled, and the grand buildings were swallowed by cracks that split the earth. Thus, the Luxidoors lost not only their treasures but also the pride they once cherished, consumed by their own obsession with luxury.

Score: 4.66 by chillipizdec

"Toflak! An enemy mindbender! Right there!" "They seem to be an easy target, I'll make quick work of 'em."

Toflak moves towards the mindbender, standing there with a blank expression. Toflak raised their sword and cut down the mindbender, who disintegrated into smoke as the mind rod dropped into the ocean.

"See Arklin! Mindbenders are easy pre-"

The fog cleared near Toflak, revealing the comrade of the recently fallen mindbender. The Ai-mo pointed the mind rod onto Toflak's head. Arklin looked in disbelief.

"Chief always told me not to get greedy near the fog... I should have listened," Toflak turned around, facing Arklin, "Alert the archers to get rid of this scum. As for me, you will have to kill me."

"Bu-but we could get our mindbenders to bring you ba-"

"It would be too late. One of us would die by the time they reach here."

Toflak shed tears infront of their fellow comrade and best friend since childhood. Toflak's clothes were slowly fading turquoise, a marking appeared on their head.

"You always dreamed of being a veteran since you were a child, this is your chance. It would be an honor for me to grant you that."

"No, no! No! NO!" Arklin cried out.

"It'll be okay, tell my parents I loved them."

Memories flashed before Toflak's eyes. They slowly faded away, being replaced with memories of serving the Ai-mo Empire.

Arklin raised their sword, looking at their former comrade. No longer there.

"You Bardur bastard! You smell like a baerion! Vile!" Toflak, now an Ai-mo, shouted in anger.

In one swing, Toflak vanished into the air. Bardur archers would arrive at the scene, finishing off the mindbender.

The Bardur chief would arrive, giving improved equipment to Arklin.

"You are now a veteran, stop acting like a baby."

Arklin wiped their tears, waiting for the chief to leave. The moment chief was far away, Arklin cried the rest of the day.

Score: 4.62 by digital60

Market Trader: ‘Orrrwight me deerie, watcha want today, you want apples, I’ve got apples, beautiful plump cherries, you want Kickoo bananas, I got a dozen of those, all gonna be gone, there we go, I’ve got gold bejangle bangles forged from the mountains of Xinxi, you know where that is, no me neither but it’s Asia innit, I’ve got bits of wood, all nicely sawn up, 2x2, 4x2 whatever kind of block of wood you want as long as it’s 2d, I’ve got it all, what else I got, I’ve got a little windmill ‘ere innit pretty, from Amsterdam I fink they are, I don’t know, yaddak, yaddak, whatever, so what’s it gonna be my lovely, my little cherub, watcha want today, you wan it I got it, all from the land, nothing from the sea today, this ain’t a custom house sat on the port of Kingstown oh no, this is Hackney Market and I’ve got what you want! Ooo no, don’t touch that kidda, I’m not sure that’s an edible mushroom, so anyway me ducky, what are you having?

Little Old Lady: Oh no, not today thank you, I know it might be more economical long term but Britain is only a small pangea so I don’t really ever bother with the market nowadays, I’m so sorry.

Market Trader: It’s fine.

Score: 2.78 by mbrio3947

Blessed in Hurricane

The group of Bardur ships that came from cold, windy and poor motherland explored southern islands of the Square seeking better life, but the hurricane suddenly destroyed their ships. Although no one knows how and why the catastrophe had happened, Aquarion mermaids immediately heard the Bardur crew sinking amongst hungry sharks and desperately yelling for help, and arrived in there.

The mighty leader of the marine tribe offered the Bardur captain, sir Kickoo, and the rest of the crew, survival in exchange of eternal alliance. Besides, the land tribe agreed to sell fruits and animals to Aquarion, the other side promised to provide fishy coasts and grace of ocean gods, so the rescued nation would be the second power of the seven seas.

As the result, the mermaids ordered sharks to retreat and brought nearly sunk people to archipelagoes where new Kickoo’s life began, the tribe called after their former captain and first king.

||Re-published. Added art||

Score: 3.76 by sanyurych

The holy tribe of vengir lead by a vengeful god known as the great vengir god as blessed us with the will to challenge any tribe and conquer them in the great vengir crusade converting the land and all tribes in our image blessed be our land with the blood of the unfaithful for that it gives our land purity for which is our birthright to rule the land in the holy image of the vengir god we shall eliminate and crucify all heretics and their tribes women shall be made unto slaves for our holy priest to impregnate them and make the holy vengir Christ babies to ensure our future for generations to come and our prosperity for the holy land we reside all will serve and as for the men of the other tribes they shall be made into test subjects for our scientific ministry to create miracle medicine and other classified materials for the future of the holy people which are vengir and that we shall forever reign with the lord our heavenly vengir god thy rest in eternal light which screams holy holy holy never ending hymns for we are all made to serve and be in likeness and image of the glory of vengir.

Score: 2.21 by leeboyice

'Ye olde Whales and Tails Yacht Club'

The coast was deserted; the custom houses brought in no income these days. Desolate wasteland was all that was left - the forests were chopped down for their valuable wood. Wood was more valuable, back then, the Bardur menaced the world with their wintery forest powered economy;

The bartender laughed and pointed to an old framed map - "hehe, why, now, you only get a single star for cutting down a whole square tiles worth of forest. And you thank them for it!"

"With whaling worthless, do you know how many families went bankrupt? All the harpoon factories were sold off overnight. The whole Kickoo tribe was thrown off its game."

... starfish? Blegh! Starfish just ain't the same. They spoil fast, don't taste good, and are difficult to harvest. Is why we don't sell any 'star-frys', pah! I prefer me a good ol' fashioned whale stew, with my whale oil candles and my great whale perfume!"

The double door to the bar swings open. A well-cut man walks in, grimacing at the interior.

"Oh, him? He's an old fella, goes by the name of Jimmy J Janks.. We call him Jj. Used to drive a mean sailing ship upgrading business, but them new regulations means he can't upgrade no more ships. Not without angering the world police who control the square."

Hearing this, Jj shakes and yells, "It's a goddamg conspiracy I tells ya! Those evil environmentalists want to take 'er jerbs!"

The patrons in the bar all a'start a'hootin and a'hollering, one sailor in a white hat starts smoking and a piping and another goes on tooting his whistle. It is complete chaos, someone starts throwing a chair, another brings out a club, one person takes out a rock and assembles a catapult. It's a veritable miniature square. Something hits you..

You black out.

When you wake up, you feel a pain in your back. You have a tail. Your skin feels slippery. Your hair is gone. Everything is dark and wet.

You could go for some fish right now.

Score: 4.0 by tazinator

In ancient times, in the lands of the Quetzali, there was a larger empire that replaced the Quetzali. Qitzirali was the largest and most predominant empire for a long time on the continent of Záiro, a continent full of riches and secrets. However, there was a time when the empire was in a tense moment due to political problems and among the people of the empire. Along with this, the Ragiya pirates arrived, who invaded the ports of the empire, destroying them, and looting posts, and also kidnapping birds. Combining all these problems, the Qitzirali empire collapsed, turning into several small nations. Among them was Quetzali, who had to fight against the other nations to recover the territory and try to re-stabilize the empire again. The other nations that existed were: Teizaría, a small group of Protestants who wanted to abolish the religion of the birds, saying that it was unrealistic for birds to be gods. Raliqata, the nation that remained with the gold warehouses and military bases, being the elite troop of Qitzirali. Iqaruz, the fanatical nation of birds, Iqaruz was always a small cult that grew little by little, believing that it was possible to transform polytopians into real birds, after the collapse of the empire, Iqaruz took the opportunity to capture the capital and have power over the books and technologies of the area. Laqitzira, the nation of ports, this nation lived in the ports, defending them and warning of new tribes by sea, unfortunately they were unable to contain the attack of the Ragiyas, having to flee to warn the leaders, but due to the collapse of the empire, the Laqitzira had to flee again to the forests, being one of the only nations to still have the original spirit of the Qitzirali

Score: 3.67 by kapy_01

The whizz of an arrow is heard, I turn and see my best friend being hit in the chest, the arrow cuts through him like butter. "Jonas! are you okay?!" I run over to him, another whizz can be heard, an arrow strikes his leg, as he falls. I pull him into some cover, He smiles at me, blood coming out of his mouth. "Hey I am fine." He laughs to me despite his horrible condition. "Bullshit! You are going to die!" I feel him wrap his fingers around my shoulder. "I am fine. Just go. Notify the general, bardur is attacking." "I can't leave you." He stands up and picks up his shield and sword. "Just do it already. I can handle them, remember how we promised we would listen to each other no matter what? When we like five or six? keep that promise and go!" I climb up and run, and look behind me, Jonas has blocked a shot, I turn and keep running. "FUCK!" I turn at jonas, an arrow struck him in the leg, then they keep striking him, he is almost a pin cushion then he collapses dead and weak, bleeding out on the snow as it dies pink.

Score: 2.6 by overwatch1255

Our Last Stand:

It has been 34 years since I and my brethren survived the onslaught brought forth by the bug’s first attack. Its haunting images still stalk me at night. Mares of crumbling walls, streets riddled with bodies, and chains to hold me captive. Sometimes I gaze upon the rolling hills of the farm I grew up on. Humanity’s Final Haven shrouded behind the shadows of our walls and the ever-looming threat beyond. Our nation has fallen into darkness. We do not celebrate the complexity of our body or soul anymore. What is there to celebrate when all we are is fertiliser to them? I’ve been feeling it. The tension in our garrison, the depression of our economy and families alike, the smell of their cancerous swamp hungrily reaching up our stone prison, their fungi tendrils growing between its cracks, lusting to consume. It is happening once again. History is repeating, and this time, we will not have the numbers to fend off the hordes of Cymanty. The world order has fallen, and our allies will not answer our plea. I am writing this letter to any remaining force of humanity out there, hoping that one day, the tale of our resistance may be told.

I seal the letter in my name and lock it in a metal vault, before burying it in my backyard, next to the graves of my dearests: one last prayer, one last goodbye. The silence of the night is broken by the thunderous sounds of our last remaining manned cannons. I return home and tightly take hold of my blade once more—my last remaining friend. The sound of a thousand legs crawling up our walls echoes through the valley, and the time for my last fight has come. Maybe it's my lust for resolution, or maybe it’s the spores of their mould rotting what’s left of my mind, but as I stand here to defend my home one last time, I feel at peace. At least our suffering ends here, in one last moment of glory.

Score: 4.18 by quhwu

The True Doom of Tublek There was smoke on the horizon.

Tublek turned away from the shoreline and began trudging toward home. He’d only built it the year before—and, if he was being honest with himself, it wasn’t really fully built. He and his wife had a room to themselves, but the children all slept in the same room, the same room where his wife labored over meals to feed them all. But that simple house had become a home.

Somehow, now, he could think of it as home.

Tublek slowly made his way up the long coral-lined path, to the top of the hill where he saw his wife, Saank, holding little Torgr in her arms while Tuksen and Grimdulbr held her legs. They, too, smelled the smoke, saw the plumes coming from the mainland. Perhaps the children didn’t understand, but Tublek and his wife did: the legacy of their warfaring people had returned to haunt them.

Still, Tublek put on a brave smile. “Tuksen, could you take your brother and sister inside while I talk to mother?”

(This post was too long for the character limit. You can read the rest of the story on my blog: https://booludlowbooks.com/the-true-doom-of-tublek/)

Score: 4.1 by venerablebede
polytopia-relics (October-2024)

The Quartzeek, a glass eye of Quetzalian origin, is told through legends to be the breaker of secrets. Whoever wears it will be granted the sight of every living Polytopian at once. Making them see what all sees. Of course, that comes at the cost of one of their eyes having to be removed. The Quartzeek itself is hidden in the Quadrants Quirks, a temple protected by a curse. Rumors have it that any written directions or maps of its whereabouts will immediately combust in flames along with the writer and any visual observer who saw the location unless it is written or drawn using the Quill Of Query, which is lost to sea after it was used to draw a map to the temple by legendary Yadakki-Imperian explorer, Hangoszaj roughly 600 turns ago. The vague whereabouts are mostly known through oral traditions, which Hangoszaj compiled into a map he wrote with the Quill Of Query. The map, also is lost. 96 turns ago, an explorer from Imperius, Sicilya Runes, managed to find the directions to the temple using a "willing" volunteer. He would close his eyes, and the volunteer would systematically mark a set of coordinates with an ordinary pencil while the Imperian explorer listens. As soon as the volunteer marked the right place, he and the map immediately went up in flames but not the explorer as he had closed his eyes. He heard and memorized which coordinate the volunteer had marked before his demise, and went there to retrieve the Quartzeek. https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1061176674206617642/1300670006496854068/km_20241004_720p.mp4?ex=6721aed6&is=67205d56&hm=6c28144f3d3c39cc2b547f920e26eed572b13db70e5b3c6187e4e0178948fc07&

Score: 4.69 by benfordgaming2012

Of the many tribes that inhabit the Square, none can be quite described as 'mysterious' as the ∑∫ỹriȱŋ. This is doubly true of the ₼idŋighţ cult. Little is known about their existence, and even less regarding their origins or purpose. Through slow but fruitful advances within archaeology, the ∑∫ỹriȱŋ have come to learn of five, seemingly sacred weapons revered among the cult's elite. Each artifact - said to possess immense power - are believed to have belonged to those with the authority to lead the cult. What became of these relics has been all but lost to time, with nothing known about them beyond their names, and theories of the typology based on rumours and the whispers of the night. To better understand these mystical weapons, a great ∑∫ỹriȱŋ smith designed a detailed depiction what these relics could theoretically look like. The accuracy of this infomation is debated by scholars, though none can deny that currently, this is their best lens into uncovering the reason why the Cult of ₼idŋighţ severed from the people of ∑∫ỹriȱŋ.

From left to right; The Arbiter of Absolution, Totality The Veil of Dusk's Embrace, Twilight The Blades of Convergence, Eclipse The Catalyst of Awakening, Daybreak The Harbinger of Resplendent Dawn, Aurora

Score: 3.8 by destroyerofclock

__Rare Greckoan Garden Statues from Stone Island__

The only remaining "artifacts" of this long lost culture are the exquisite Stone Carvings, still in pristine condition, like unmoving-silent sentries, guarding the infamous Stone Island. Only a few brave Polytopians have ventured to this isolated rock; jutting out of the Ocean desolate and foreboding. Most have not returned from this treacherous journey but the few that have and the even fewer that have with a prized Marble Statue return forever changed, for both the better and worse. For many think the island is cursed and home to horrendous creatures. To show their wealth Luxidoor elites decorate their elaborate gardens with these rare sculptures. The allure and promise of fame and fortune to any who can obtain a Stone Island Statue keeps the intrigue alive in many adventurers: what were these Rock Figures for, who carved them and why and what are they guarding?

__Concept__

The Greckoans were thought to be an extinct culture and are based on geckos and Greek myth. They are Lizard Peoples. They worship the Medusi, who reside in their Stone Temples high up in the Mountains. The Greckoans believe it's a great honour to offer yourself to their rituals. The Stone Statues are petrified Greckoans, the Medusi turned them all to stone. But now that more and more Polytopians are coming to Stone Island, the Medusi have "awakened" the petrified Greckoans to help fight off these invaders.

For more info see: https://discord.com/channels/283436219780825088/1289269276238417951/1289269276238417951

Score: 2.93 by travis1212

The Vengir's Grail of Vengeance <:vengir:1088937137883324557>

The Vengir's Grail of Vengeance epitomizes the unquenchable thirst for vengeance and sacrifice that underlies their existence. Its flame is the embodiment of hatred and power, fueled by the blood of enemies and fallen allies. As long as the fire burns, the will of the tribe remains unbreakable and their rage eternal.

Each sacrifice made keeps the flames burning, binding the living and the dead in a single cycle of vengeance. The Vengir believe that the waning of the fire will bring an end to their power and remove their right to retribution. So they are willing to sacrifice everything to ensure that the flame in the Grail is never extinguished. In this fire burns not just the memory of the past, but the promise that no offense will go unanswered.

Score: 3.99 by chillipizdec

At the mausoleum of Ojibake, the walls speak a tale of old about the great Champion of the Oumaji. In the ancient times when the 7 clans fought for dominion over the sands, Mubehasi had won 7 battles as the commander of a small horde; at a night of 7 stars a mysterious mage appeared, offering the young Oumaji an artifact like none other: a sword of two blades, inscribed with two enchanments; one granted it's master with the power of lightning in both speed and might; the other one whispered them knowledge only the desert knows. And it was with this sword and military might that Mubehasi unified the Oumaji clans. After the unifier passed away, a thunderous sandstorm engulfed the entire desert for days to come, and in the middle of the chaos the sword was lost.

This legendary story has sparked the flame of adventure in the hearts of many oumaji since millennia, believing the artifact to be out there, awaiting for a new master worthy of the power to conquer the entire square.

Score: 3.56 by gartner_the_gardener

Deep within the forests of ∑∫ỹriȱŋ - guarded by the oldest polytaurs - sits the Egg of ∑Ŧ∑rŋiŦỹ. It is by far the largest egg ever seen; has been incubating for as long as the ∑∫ỹriȱŋ can remember; and the other tribes across the square fear the day it hatches. The ∑∫ỹriȱŋ however, bring it offerings of all kinds in hopes to coax it into hatching : from gold to skulls and swords to staffs there isn't a valuable the egg isn't in possession of! Occasionally an offering will be brought, and the egg will give a little shake, and those who witness it are said to be blessed for the rest of their lives.

Score: 3.97 by loom55
quetzali-art (September-2024)

Poem about <@1175132766669652008> the Quetzali Quentin the Quetzali was a man from an artistic tribe He wanted to play Polytopia with his friends, but didn't possess the talents of the hive. Quetzali are artistic architects, but not Quentin. He was a gamer Outcasted, he couldn't even afford a tribe to play with other players He found a contest where he could submit and maybe win that right But his poem wasn't about Quetzali, and <@551459928586322075> the Quetzali Police bullied him and sent his poem night night Unlike Quetzali, <@1175132766669652008> didn't defend his poem much. Who could be surprised at him being outcast after such. What kind of Quetzali doesn't defend everything they can In Quetzali, refusal to defend is admittance that you aren't a man. As such, Quentin the Quetzali did not recieve the key to play with others What a bother, brother.

Score: 2.46 by zerostulip
meme-contest (August-2024)

there's roads everywhere there's roads everywhere there's roads everywhere there's roads everywhere there's roads <:yadakk:528367932087205888> <:yadakk:528367932087205888> <:yadakk:528367932087205888> <:yadakk:528367932087205888> <:yadakk:528367932087205888> <:yadakk:528367932087205888> <:yadakk:528367932087205888><:yadakk:528367932087205888> <:yadakk:528367932087205888>

https://tenor.com/view/polytopia-polytopia-yadakk-polytopia-memes-midjiwan-polytopia-meme-gif-5480709042514539478

Score: 4.01 by nemesiseanu
civil-war (July-2024)

The largest Warrior in the vengir army thought it was pathatic that the vengir was being lead by a puny little skinny man. He challenges him to one on one combat for the crown. The next thing he knows there is a warm liquid pouring from his neck and his vision is going dark. "You see it doesn't matter how strong you are, it doesn't matter how big you are, or how fast you are. What matters is skill. That's why learning the way of the blade is important. He died to teach you this lesson. FOR THE GLORY OF VENGIR!" - Warlord Ska'Kor

Score: 3.23 by saltyskeletor

The smartest and most manipulative Lirepacci is usually chosen by the Lirepacci senate to rule. But the common Imperius folk have had it with the fancy Lirepacci and the luxuries they can't have. Angry that another non-military leader had been chosen, a group of assassins sent by the secretive Cloaks launched an attack on the leader while he was announcing the news to his fellow compatriots.

Sometimes, a tribe as powerful as the great Imperia's greatest enemy isn't the enemy at their borders. It's themselves.

Score: 4.4 by yukicrash

"Ortha Novxm Khats Treyomf! (The New Order Will Triumph)" chanted the troops of the New Republic Of Vengir. They had been on a bloody and ongoing war with the current Vengir government for power. Their formation was driven by the public hatred for the current Vengir ruler, Thxas. Under his rule, The Vengir had been all too barbaric, often ignoring the civilian's needs in order to built stronger and stronger armies. The civil war dragged for years. The situation was looking bleak for both sides. The already desolate wasteland that is Vengir was turned to the absolute hell with fire raging everywhere and no tide to extinguish them except the tides of war itself. The terrible life lived by Vengirians was made even worse by the continuous fighting. In this documented photograph, an NRV ranger is depicted planting a flag on a dead Vengir soldier in the middle of the battlefield. Cementing their temporary glory as their unending stalemate rages on.

And remember, patrolling The Vengir almost makes you wish for a volcanic eruption!

Score: 3.26 by benfordgaming2012
marine-scene (June-2024)

The vast oceans of polytopia are quite a sight! With the great Bardur bomber patrolling the waters, and the small but fast Kickoo scouts, there's quite a navy going on.

But boats are not the only kind of polytopian navy; With the simple Aquarion living underwater in their cities of quartz and their trusty crabs, the flying hexapods rushing to deliver the news back to the Cymanti hive and the salty Polaris feeling very left out, with their inability to step in water without freezing it all!

Score: 4.41 by yukicrash
tribe-crest-design (May-2024)

Ai Mo Tribe Flag

Let's start from

  1. the background color. The blue color on this flag is not because it is Ai-mo, but because Ai-mo has superiority in philosophy, which means they are a wise tribe because they are always curious and looking for answers to everything. they will look up at the blue sky and they will start thinking about everything. they are "Geniuses" who have a thirst for knowledge whose limit to their curiosity is the blue sky in the sky
  2. sun and water? no, it's the sunrise, and the water here is the horizon that you will see the sun rising on the horizon like that when you look at it from the top of the mountain. and Ai-mo has many mountains in its territory. sunrise can be interpreted as enlightenment. where we know that Ai-mo has the advantage in Mind Bender, where what the mind bender does is enlighten the minds of its enemies. enlightened them that "Ai-Mo is your home, fight for Ai-mo" and finally the enemy sided with Ai-mo
  3. These stars, previously I asked them to be yellow. I came up with this star because stars are like currency in polytopia. Ai-mo (who take the philosophy path) have more stars than other tribes, with their philosophy they get a star discount when studying a Tech, and this star discount really helps the ai-mo in developing their city. So, thank you stars 🙂
  4. black and white symbolize the inner balance of the Ai-mo, they love peace, but they believe peace cannot exist without war. they will indeed make peace and not attack anyone at the start (to get pacifists) but they will still attack anyone who attacks them. and when their mission is complete, they will begin to serve the world in war

Created using Bing AI Image Creator with my very own idea

Score: 3.25 by daw_everythings
travel-and-tourism-submissions (April-2024) 


The entire square rallied together to march through hordes of Vengir swordsmen to save the young damsel, but by the time they stormed the Vengir castle, it was too late. All that remained was the girl's green ribbon, strewn upon the floor.

After eradicating and forcing the Vengir from these lands, members of the coalition returned to the garden near the Serenity Inn, and, with the green ribbon they found, erected a small shrine in honour of the Innkeep.

No matter who, why, when or what one is travelling for, if they are travelling nearby, they will most likely detour to pay respects to the "Tears of Serenity", for it is a reminder that no matter what is happening in the world, a simple smile can cheer one up even on the worst of days. It is a reminder that such sacred things can disappear at any minute, and must be savoured while they still can. And, it is a reminder that some things are worth fighting for."

Score: 3.29 by zerostulip

Hot Springs The Sun shines directly overhead. A light breeze wafts through the valley, scattering up the cherry blossom buds. This is the one time of the year we aren't positioned somewhere along the mountain range, waiting to be attacked. Sword training can be fun, but even I need a break once in a while. "Stop narrating to yourself!" Kuyo calls to me. "I-I wasn't narrating!" "Oh yes you were! You do this every year. We get this one break when the cherry blossoms bloom and you always waste it narrating instead of having fun!" "Hmph." "Can't even deny it anymore. Good. Serves you right." "And what's that supposed to mean?" He throws a wall of water my way. "It means have some fun!" "Oh it's on." I throw water right back at him. "I won't lose this battle."

Score: 3.4 by turtlemaster01
touch-grass-contest (April-2024)
architecture-submissions (March-2024)

Periecas’ Bridge: Built by the Imperians after their victory in the Second Golden Crusade. Periecas’ Bridge is the longest bridge on the square, spanning across two tiles of shallow water, connecting the island city of Tiandi to the Imperius holdings in the Oasiti Desert and transporting many merchants and traders to the city every turn. The bridge was dedicated to the Periecas Brothers who valiantly defended the city from being overrun during the beginning turns of the Second Golden Crusades to the end.

Score: 4.48 by just.a.random.person.
curious-ai-mo-submission (February-2024)

You can't really tell because Polytopians are made of simple geometry, but Aï-mo people are actually deemed less attractive than other tribes. Their researchers would soon realize that this is caused by how many times they ate the hot Pe Lo pepper, everytime they consume one, they would gasp for air constantly. They realize the correlation, the constant stretching of their jaws caused it to permanently be dislocated, they also realize that doing the opposite can dislocate their jaw to be more attractive. They would then go for weeks in complete silence and only eating fine porridges through straws, a small price to pay for true beauty. This process they call Aï-mew.

Score: 3.94 by benfordgaming2012

On that fateful day, the Ai Mo researchers discovered something unexpected that would change their look on the history of their tribe. It appears that long long ago in the land of the Ai Mo, stylish hairstyles were a vital part of the Ai Mo culture. That was until an exotic fruit was imported by a Yadakk merchant, the fruit was red and had a peculiar shape. The first Pe Lo chilis were brought to the high priest of the Ai Mos, and he was the first one to eat the chili, and once he took his first bite he was completely hooked. The royal scientists researched the chili after that to check if it wasn't drugged or something, because the high priest was acting really weird after the taste test, but they discovered that the Pe Lo chilis were the most nutritional food there was in the Ai Mo kingdom. Ever since that day, the Pe Lo chilis have been farmed, eaten and used throughout all the Ai Mo lands, but none were the wiser of the dreadful side effects of these deadly peppers.

Apparently, once someone consumes a Pe Lo chili, their hair follicles will start dissolving and all their hair will fall off and never grow again. And just like that, the entire Ai Mo kingdom went bald in no less than a month. The high priest, who realized the mass baldings was caused by the Pe Lo chilis, decided to cover it up and blame the mass baldings on an ancient curse the Vengir have casted upon the Ai Mo folk. Many Ai Mos have told the story of how the Vengir caused the entire tribe to bald long ago, but today that lie ended and the true cause of the mass baldings was discovered.

Some have theorized that the Pe Lo chilis were a poisonous fruit brought in by enemy forces such as Yaddak, to try and kill the entire Ai Mo tribe, but since the Ai Mos have such strong bodies it only affected their hair.

Score: 4.11 by pufferf
path-of-the-ocean-art (January-2024)

As the sagas go, a legendary Hoodrick Earl by the name of "Ethelroth" who rules the port city of Berloryth and who fought alongside the Aumux, and a Bardur Beargoff dubbed "Starslayer" who sailed with the Ragoo were long lost relatives by blood, whose ancestors left each other during the great split of the two tribes. Through personal vendettas and a thirst for vengeance of the past, both blood-brothers sought to get each other killed, and both had the power and allies to do so.

A large fleet of Bardur tribesmen and their Ragoo allies, who joined Starslayer out of pure respect, sailed across the large Oomplon Channel, losing ships from storms and aggressive Aquarion raids. Ethelroth prepared, by levying Hoodrick bowmen and using his connections to bring the dreaded Aumux mercenaries. Once they finally reached the port-city, both sides had already prepared for the abyssmal confrontation that would be. Not a single word of diplomacy was exchanged. Battle came when Ragoo corsairs sailed to the walls.

Despite their lowered numbers, each attempt at scaling the sea walls was a high-casualty failure, with Ethelroth being a skilled defender in a well-made fort. Arrows fly, blades swing and not a single Polytopian can cross through the battlements. Clearly no frontal assault can break through the grand stones.. until Starslayer pulls out his trump card. A new innovation. A giant ship with an iron ram.

With blinding speed, it crashed into the ancient walls, crumbling it in an instant whilst allowing the Bardur and Ragoo to scale the debris. In the middle of the chaos, both of the brothers duelled each other for hours, leading to both of them dying in rage by a single stroke of their weapons.

Once the smoke within the city cleared out, the Bardur-Kickoo alliance won the fort of Berloryth, with a terrible 80% casualty rate. Soon, leaderless and undisciplined, they turned on each other for who gets the plunder. A few more hours pass, and the fort now lays completely empty.

Score: 4.23 by cobelat

Power

A Luxidoorian merchant takes a walk down a street, and reflects on the nature of his work.

It is already late by the time they let me in. The low-hanging sun has dissolved its light into the obsidian sea, countless rivulets of incandescent paint. I catch a steely glare from the guard as I carefully step down from the gangplank – in the shadow of the ship it’s nearly impossible to see the inky strip of water separating jetty and vessel, and I cannot afford to stumble here. The physical injury would be simply be a massive inconvenience. But I don’t know who is watching me – and here, any sign of weakness is an invitation.

It's a short walk to the market, which has been built right next to the sea. A wise choice: the waters are the lifeblood of trade; one can move far more, far faster by ship than by horse, and at a fraction of the cost. Firelight glimmers from within the buildings, scattered and soft.

Thirty steps later and I am finally in Azan, the City of Secrets and the largest trading port in the world. Even in the gloom of evening its construction remains imposing, buildings reaching up to the dim sky like grasping fingers, and I am both proud and disturbed that we mortals could have produced something of such scale and majesty and arrogance.

Full work on https://archiveofourown.org/works/53308621 due to lack of space.

Score: 3.68 by secariel

The ballad of Bardur

Deep in the woods a traveler wanders He time and time wonders: "When shall I reach my goal and desire? When shall I feel the warmth of a fire?" Paths long forgotten, he used to know Now turned to snow. The roads turned to dust, The swords left to rust, The world isn't just. Generals — commanding, Kings — demanding, Kingdom — expanding, Empire — longstanding. ...Or at least, so they thought. The Traveler is tired. he's walked for weeks Through the seas he sailed and fought But still he seeks Ought he not? And finally, he stumbles upon a monument, fallen Most of it, endlessly looted and stolen. The wood has markings of flames Only a fragment remains: "I am Bulak, King of Kings, Chief of Chieftains! Ruler of the earth and the seas! You who is reading, bow before me!" The Traveler rests. It has been a long journey With trials and tests But he passed the tourney The Traveler laments: "For years the Gods have deemed us blessed! Forests, lumber, lest I jest I only wish the kingdom best" The Traveler rests. "But now, I am so pensive. The roads became longer, The lumber more expensive All have gotten stronger... Except Bardur." Truly, the Gods work in mysterious ways. It's freezing cold. on the snow, he lays. The cold wind carries his thoughts awry. The Traveler prays to his idol. The Traveler forever stays idle...

Score: 3.65 by kapral97

It's been one and a half years since the great tribe leaders started peace talks with each other. They wanted to establish a neutral territory, where all polytopians could live peacefully. Yet to no avail, none of the tribes wanted to give up ownership of their land.

But the wheel of time keeps turning. A new age of innovation and exploration dawned upon the square. Boats became Ships. Ships became Scouts. Scouts became Bombers. Thus allowing explorers to venture far and wide, keeping in mind the famous saying among sailors. "Not all those who wander are lost"

After a year of searching they stumbled upon a new continent and what seemed like an impossibility yesterday became the inevitably of tomorrow. The free city of Leiden was founded, where all polytopians could live peacefully, regardless of nationality.

The Chronicles of Leiden - Chapter 1, Founding

(Btw the picture is 4k, so you should be able to zoom in quite a bit for some details)

Score: 4.88 by p.mark
festival-art-submissions (December-2023)

As the war often darkens the sky over the square and brings misery and dreariness upon the Ai-Moyans, many become depressed, as they can’t meditate and communicate with their gods properly anymore; but even in these dark times there’s a spark of good, because sometimes the sun rises above the stars and brings hope and courage to the Citiziens of Ai-Moya.

The legends tell us, that only the mighty Oo-Li is able to summon the sun and show its favour for the Ai-Mo; if the sun rises over the square, many Ai-Moyans climb to the top of mount Soleë and celebrate in the Shrines at the top, built by their ancestors, and watch the Sunrise from there.

Score: 2.15 by miniment.

THE PORTLO FESTIVAL In commemorating the Kickoo’s merchant and naval tradition on the high seas. They would host THE PORTLO FESTIVAL, the festival would be held in giant docks and ports of the Kickoo coasts. The festival opens to a bunch of games, food, merchandise, fishing, music, and excitement but most highly anticipated, the official Water tennis tournament. The whole festival would end with bomber ships firing fireworks at the sky while the port’s lights would go out for a more immersive feel.

What’s even cooler? The festival isn’t only exclusive to the Kickoo, it’s mostly open to all the sailors of the square looking for a good time!

Score: 3.92 by thesturmerer

The Republic of Kickonesia celebrates their independence from Imperius colonization every year. They hold festivals all over the nation where they would make parades, play music, take off the feathers off their headbands, and host games. A well known game they call "Panjat Pinang" have them attaching some gifts and rewards to the top of a pole made out of Pal Ma tree log that was all covered in whale oil to make it slippery, contestants then would climb it and race to untie the rewards. It may looks unsafe, and to that I say yes, yes it is.

Score: 4.4 by benfordgaming2012

Even after concordance day, the festivities continue on for Yadakk as their citizens and far flung merchants from across the square gather at their nearest city to celebrate the upcoming year by gathering instruments they found and haggled for on their travels.

Together they fill the streets and roads with music from moonrise till sundown. Their square shattering chorus is so loud in fact, that neighboring tribes couldn't get enough of it and are kind enough to throw bricks at Yadakk's way to use as building material for their new roads!

Score: 4.54 by superficial_intelligence
scavenger-hunt-finals (November-2023)

Some time ago, the wild pig invited Leo the Leoon to a party and it went really well. 💃🕺 Now they are seeing again and have a great time together, some may say they are falling in love. 💞

Meanwhile, Ryan is trying to assemble two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle <:aquarion:389880207546384395> 🧩. He is suddenly distracted by some loud noises ! Veteran kickoo is fighting against a Luxidoor warrior to defend the camp ⚔.

The warrior from Luxidoor may have been disarmed, but he doesn't need his battle kite. He is the Master of Puppets. <:luxidoor:389967516954525697> He has summoned two mighty Lieviathans to help him in his quest ! 🐛🐛

--

Will Loki the puppet master be able to get his hands on the sacred texts ? 📖🍪 Or will Veteran kickoo win the skirmish against all odds ?

We will see that, next year, in the next scavenger hunt !

Score: 4.0 by almytox.9311
polytopia-propaganda (October-2023)

Join the Quetzali

We offer:

Quetzali fried Quiqui <:qi:1158171543269032046>: Our homemade QfQ not only tastes good, but is also healthy since it is prepared with self-planted Qorn from our plantations. Our Qorn-farmers are well-payed workers who are happy to be able to do their dream job around the Quetzali cities.

Qorn <:qorn:585544149726527508>: As already mentioned before, our Qorn is very nutritious and helps keeping your body healthy and strong, ensuring a long, happy life as a Quetzali citizen.

We also have the objectively best theme on the square; so join us on our weekly dance parties while listening to this masterpiece of music created by the great Cawas Talaya, the most famous composer on the entire square.

Reliable gods <:Quiquitaur:1158170783558926448>: Our gods are very kind and therefore will forever let our Qorn grow large on our fields and let hordes of Quiquis run across the jungle, so join the Quetzali in order to get those bonuses.

You have to:

Do your weekly Qorn <:qorn:585544149726527508> sacrifice: Don't worry though as it isn't as bad as it sounds: you only need to sacrifice one Qorn per week, and it is always ensured that every Quetzali citizen always has enough food to not starve.

Praise the gods: This one is kind of obvious, as Quetzali is one of the most religious tribes on the square.

Jobs offered in the Quetzali empire:

Qorn <:qorn:585544149726527508> farmer: As a Qorn farmer, you will go out and harvest these nutritious fruits five days a week, the weekend is obviously free.

Defender <:defender:1030549010748035114>: as a defender, you will be trained to carry those shields into battle and ensure that the other brave Quetzalis only suffer minor damage.

Cloak <:cloak:1028033664317140992>: As one of these elite fighters, you will learn the secrets of moving without getting noticed and rioting a city in order to siege it.

||I wont repost this, bc those ppl suck||

Score: 3.25 by yanufuf
monochrome-comics (September-2023)
polytopian-dreams (August-2023)
stylish-squares (July-2023)

To celebrate the 30th turn in the mighty Ookhian Square, the powerful Yorthwober <:yorthwober:1088933296886517840> empire invited their neighbors Khondor <:khondor:1121544516625760379> and Ragoo <:ragoo:1121544512708284477> to an universal monument exhibition ! As you can see, it had great success and tribes forgot their rivalry for a great moment. Everyone agreed to call Ragoo's "Emperors Tomb" the exhibition winner, because of its incredible realisation. You can see all tribes parading around the capitals, postponing the unavoidable war to an hopefully far future...

Score: 3.24 by hyl4s
skin-submissions (July-2023)

The Pingu are a tribe of Penguins that were once living peacefully on the outskirts of the Polaris Empire. One day a group of them ventured out into the lights ahead and were blessed by the Gaamis. They are now on their mission to protect their Ice and homeland from intruders with any force necessary. Crafting weaponry of gingerbread, ice cream, peppermint and candy canes. They ride the huge beasts knows as Walbears that are not just deadly but also very fluffy. (I also made some tribe music for the hope you like it)

Score: 3.86 by toaster3000

She-Om Ai-Mo The She-Om (Pronounced Shehom) are what they like to call the definitive and final polytopian. Their story begins were a group of polytopians decide that the Ai-monk teachings were not good enough and they left for the mountains. They have seen every war and every tribe. Every cloak and every peace treaty. Now they are back. Back with the knowledge of all the universe, thus explaining their enlarged noggins, And they want to spread their enlightenment. With the entire square. I was thinking they would start with everything on the tech tree but 3 times as expensive or everything is weaker, but that's probably op.

Score: 1.82 by Deleted User

A horrible chill goes down your spine…

The Corrupti has spread to the world of Polytopia! These terrible creatures have targeted the swampy forests of Cymanti and taken over! Their never-ending hunger for flesh and earth will continue to spread throughout the lands if uninterrupted…

The hordes of the Corrupti use the sharp teeth and toxic slime of their evil creatures to devour any foe brave enough to stand in their path. Will the tribes of Polytopia be able to stop their ravenous spread?

Score: 4.31 by jamerank

Yadack new skin the kedauers (pronounced ked-doo-ers The kedauers were once part of the yadack, but there hobby of exploration led them to wander to far from the roads to go back to their homes. The kedauers became nomads while searching for somewhere on the square to call home. Along their travels they adapted chainmail, flails, and a weak version of crossbows After a long time of travels they found a land that was vastily different to the khalee plains. they decided to create a settlement in this foreign land for the chance of exploiting its resources. the surface has a olive color(color:#80800), while the soil is the color of imperius's soil. the forests have trees with thick trunks with a wide canopy. The mountains are short with smooth curves. There fruit are watermelons with faded lines. The animals are hippos. They wear chainmail around their face and on their back with a satchel attached to a belt along their torso. the hat is slightly smaller to help with the weight of their chainmail. They wield flails instead of swords. They have the staffs that the old scouts use to have in place of clubs. they use the thick hide of hippos to reinforce their shields. They replaced their bows with crossbows. The catapults are replaced with ballistas.

Score: 2.58 by jebl1273

One day, a mutation appeared on a cymanti bug, which made it hunger for polytopian organs. They would attach to the back of a polytopian and eat their organs from the inside, eating even the eyes and replacing them with a single eye. The eye is covered in a film to protect it from jungle debris. As the new creature did not understand polytopian anatomy (having eaten all their organs and all that), they would give the hollowed out husks legs in an attempt to recreate the polytopian body. However, they still look pretty suspicious compared to regular polytopians-

Score: 2.15 by cclockwize

In the times of old, after the coalition of upstart tribes had vanquished the Ancients, the tribes were sure that they had completely wiped them out. However, not all believed this. A special group of battle specialists, known these days as the Ancient Aquer, believed that the Ancients had not been completely wiped out. They believed that the Ancients were in hiding somewhere and would one day return to reconquer the square. So, while all the other tribes began to fight amongst themselves, the Ancient Aquer built cities hidden in the ocean beyond the great horizon where they could prepare for when the Ancients would return. Maybe they were right, maybe they were wrong but one thing is for certain, as their military power increased so did their greed until they finally forgot their reason for preparing such a great abundance of weapons and soldiers and only wished to conquer the square.

Score: 2.82 by benecus

Some members of the aquarion ventured deeper then the rest, all the way to the midnight zone. They evolved special illucium to help navigate and hunt in the dark, elongated fingers with membrane between them to swim faster and dilated pupils so that more light can enter their eyes. These drowned ones were no threat to other polytopian tribes, as they could no longer survive on land. That is, until the ancient god, Dagon, blessed them with the ability to return to the surface, with the goal of total domination.

Score: 4.46 by p.mark

The Yodukk are a group of Yădakk that travelled far from the khalee plains and discovered a powerful silk which when heated hardens harder than even the strongest metals. They leave silk on anything they touch to claim it as theirs. The Khamseelk (their animal) produce their powerful silk through their horns. They cherish the flowers from their trees for sacred rituals. The Yodukk have mastered the craft of weaving. The Yodukk have coated their roads in super silk to keep them stronger than other roads giving them an incredible trading advantage. The Yodukk now plan to trade and conquer their way to domination over the square. (This took a couple hours I hope you like it) <:yadakk:528367932087205888>

Score: 2.42 by ancientcheesegod

The El Doradii, (Quetzali): In the earliest days of the Quetzali, a break away faction of jaguar worshipers sprung up in the jungles. The Quetzali, offended by their unwillingness to accept birb superiority, chased them into the deepest depths of the jungles. There the El Doradii discovered a vast abundance of gold, so much to the point they ended up building their cities entirely of the not so precious metal. Now that they they have secretly built up in the jungles, they are ready to show the square the jaguars are superior hunters.

The skin is based off the legend of El Dorado and all of the equipment concepts here are based off traditional Aztec and Incan weaponry and designs. All final teir units include gold in some format, for example the swordsman has a obsidion club with gold nubs instead of the warriors wooden club with obsidion nubs. Their archer would have a spear like the baerion based off the atec spear sling. And their terain would give off vibes of a deeper section of jungle then the normal Quetzali turf.

Score: 2.24 by fuzzyturtle_

Polytopians have been more cautious when entering a forest, always bringing weapons with them and killing any bugs on sight. This species of Cymanti bugs known as the Adaptar had starved nearly to extinction due to this. In order to survive, they decided to change, adapt, evolve. The Ciru no longer rely on polytopians, they consumed fungi and other insects in order to grow, trained their scales to take an anthropomorphic shape and have become intelligent enough to survive on their own. The Doomux changed its body to be faster, and expose its heart to ensure its explosions are more devastating. Hexapods learned to tunnel, Exidas realised spitting acid was more efficient, Kitons used their shells as shields. Raychis took frog-like forms, the Phychis took a wasp-like form and the Centipede has feelers and fangs, helping it to locate nearby prey more easily and take them down. The Adaptar, now waits no longer for prey, but hunts them.

Score: 3.5 by digital60
water-contest-submissions (June-2023)

To the other tribes, Navalons are seen as terrifying merciless beasts that destroy anything it sees.

But to the Elyrion, they are seen as peaceful public pets that occasionally go to battle just to help protect nature.

Navalons are also neither carnivorous, herbivorous, nor omnivorous. Instead, they are "enchantivorous." They don't require food to survive, instead, they rely on pulses of magic as their sustenance.

Which is why everyday, an Elyrion citizen is scheduled to venture down the ocean using bubble magic, to feed it its daily source of magic.

Score: 4.72 by toinkity

Many of the Polytopia tribes are togheter at the beach. Elyrion hanging out with her whale and unicorn, maybe teaching the whale some tricks? Kickoo is teaching Bardur a new way of hunting- fishing! The Cymanti baby sees water for the first time, and the big one wishes he could go swimming like the other tribes. Luxidoor is just back from sailing in the big sea, and is dragging her treasure she got to show to the others. Oumaji is bringing her zebra to see water since they have lived in the dry dessert their whole lives.

Score: 3.04 by jayxize
jewelry-submissions (May-2023)

Legends tell of a time when the Elyrions were chosen by the dragons, powerful beings of fire and magic, to be their custodians. To aid them in their quest, the Elyrions developed special headpieces imbued with the essence of the dragons.

Once worn, the headpieces allow the Elyrions the ability to perceive faint echoes and pulses of magic emanating from the ruins, which gets stronger the closer they get. This enables the Elyrion to navigate treacherous landscapes and find hidden paths leading to long-forgotten places and artifacts.

Score: 4.65 by toinkity
natural-disaster-submissions (April-2023)

The only issue with vengir's geography isn't only the lack of basic resources, like fruits and animals, but also the presence of tons of volcanoes, approximately 1 in every 3 mountains are, in fact, filled with lava. But how does a civilization rebuild from so frequent disasters? The thing is, they don't. Vengir developed ways of building in the lava by using resistant materials, smart architecture that doesn't let toxic fumes accumulate inside the houses, ways of cooling down their residences so noone is cooked inside them, strategies to evacuate the people that live in the affected areas, etc. Vengir doesn't recover from those natural disasters, they adapt. In fact, vengir relationship with the fire is actually quite positive. The lava fertilizes their soil, brings them important metals and sometimes even protect their cities from raids. Because of this they worship Xasperz, the god of the soil and the underground. They believe that by leaving sacrifices on the altar of this god during a volcanic eruption, for the lava to consume, Xasperz will make their soil even more fertile and will make ores easier to find.

Score: 4.7 by viera903

The nightmare of the oumaji has come true... the heatwave finally hit. We have found a part of a diary from some debris and it contained what happened in the disaster step by step. Here it is. "One day at the oumaji, it started being a bit warmer that usually. The people thought it was just getting near summer so they went on the beach at 50C outside. The next day, it got worse it was 56C and the kids were excited for the end of warrior training (they do not own calendars). As it was getting hotter and hotter the days flew by. Water was starting to turn into air and many people were dehydrated. In desperation they had to sent peace treaties to other tribes in order to move onto their territory and survive. Unfortunately The oumajis relations with other tribes weren't very good after stealing their fruits and horses. This had led to some of the oumaji secretly goin undercover to the other tribes, while some had 💀 from dehydration. Some of the undercover now live their happy lives while other are being executed for being on it's enemy terrain"

Score: 2.56 by artisthepogcat