Oxmoron

TrafficButter | satire | Complete

He died, as all things do. He got combusted, as all things do. He became part of the air, as all things do. He got absorbed by some flora, as all things do. He got eaten, and he's a bull again& As all things do, right? After his sentience whirled around some abstract cycle, Triple-A now attempts to live peacefully, undergoing conversion and transformation as his mind exceeds that of simple herd behavior. He went from wanting to let the grass grow under his feet to undergoing an existential crisis regarding life and death; he needed to squash this beef. Uploads daily at 8:48am EST

2.32 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:13

Memories (Completed)

Invictus21 | mystery | Complete

Jacob woke up in a hospital with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He realised very soon that he had lost more than his memories.His girlfriend, who was with him, was murdered. He is now out to find the person responsible and take revenge. But how difficult will it be when he can't even remember the person who he has lost or even anything about himself. Author's Note: This will be a short story, and I plan to finish it soon. I used to hate when stories were left incomplete. So I promise not to do that. This is my first story ever. So please provide your feedback in any way you can.Enjoy the story

25.73 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:57

For My Next Trick...

LynaForge | historical | Complete

At twenty-four, Mason Chamberlain had it all. When scandal leaves him with a broken heart, not much could make him believe in love again...until the new governess for his eight-year-old sister arrives. He's drawn to her. Despite Mason's good lucks and coveted status, he can't break through her chilly facade. She wants nothing to do with a duke's son. It slowly becomes clear to him that she's running from her past. Her secret puts his family in jeopardy, but is this love worth the risk?

28.68 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:39

One Hell Of A Vacation

Wave Of Wire | drama | Complete

Joseph had been given a pretty rough hand in life. Barely able to hold down a job, relationship history that he would rather not think about, and now his year-long vacation ended prematurely when his cruise across the stars was met with a bang.Stranded on a planet of yellow flora and delicious rocks, he finds himself using the opportunity to make something that he has always wanted: Family. Galactic Government conspiracies, abandoned soldiers, and mysterious insectoids all stand between Joseph and a peaceful realization of his efforts to make a home. - Story is a mix of perspectives starting at Chapter 10, focusing on our Human lead until then. - This story is my first attempt at writing, and as such, improves greatly as chapters progress. I would appreciate if you would power through the first 9 or so chapters where i'm still learning how i want to write.

467.03 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:26

Colonial History

fsarbolaez | satire | Complete

[Full Title: The Colonial History of Tir-Torzor and Brief Accounts of Its Diasporas' Denizens] An alien scholar is sent by their institution to study, evaluate, and report on the colonial history of another galactic civilization known as the Apiary. There are only two planets under the Apiary's dominion: The empire's home world, Eas-Enerang, and Tir-Torzor, its sole colonized claim. This is the compiled historical records on the effects conquest has had over its native inhabitants. {Content Warning: This story is a work of satire involving some instances of foul language, xenophobia, violence, recalling assault, and allusions to historical atrocities and tragedies. Discretion is advised.} Visit https://ko-fi.com/choftt to support the story! Art for collage cover by Paul David London. Collage and artistic additions by F.S. Arbolaez.

58.20 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:24

The Bloodline Duet: The Thief's Folly // The Weapon's Heart

montythemeowl | psychological | Complete

For magic to ruin a life, all it takes is one blink of an eye. Forest elf Rorri is desperate to forget the war that destroyed his home. He starts a new life in a city filled with magic, petty crime, and forbidden romance with his noble magic tutor. But Rorri loses control of his illusion magic during a high-stakes heist. In trying to save himself, he makes a terrible mistake that could have him arrested or killed  if anyone finds out. Rorri must hide from the Guard, his friends, and even his own thoughts, lest he lose his found family and the woman he loves. But he can't hide from the dark elves who burned down his forest  and when they infiltrate the city, only his chaotic magic has a chance to save them all. Then, somewhere else in time, Rorri reads a young man's mind and sees the city's dirty secrets through his eyes& ----- Book One and Book Two are available for purchase on Amazon! The formatting is much nicer if that kind of thing matters to you. Support an indie author today! :) Covers by getcovers.com

103.98 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:11

Very Yummy Poison

Doctor Zero | psychological | Complete

The human brain is the most valuable resource on Earth. But only if you use it. You can't just pile them in your basement. Doesn't work. Candy is the Guardian of Humanity. It's not going well, but she's cautiously optimistic. A chatbot has destroyed the economy by being better at white collar jobs than hung over dudes. Candy has a plan to fix that. The government wants to send half the population to debt prison. Candy has a plan to fix that. Several super weapons have been stolen, and are turning up in the hands of desperate people. Candy has no plan for that. She's working on it. Very Yummy Poisonis a near future, science fiction, romantic comedy, political psychodrama. It's fun. Try it.

48.79 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 13:32

Apocalypse Wow

Doctor Zero | mystery | Complete

What's the best way to enjoy the end of the world? If you are reading this you have lost your memory. Again. You dumb jerk. I have no interest in writing our life story - it'll come back to you. For now, this is what's up: 1. We are looking for a god named Tiger. 2. He can stop the apocalypse, but apparently does not know that. 3. If the apocalypse is ongoing, we haven't told him yet. Also, we believe that life is absurd, loving relationships make it worth living, and it's best tobe our true self. Love Copycat (that's our name dummy) Cover by proxybaba - he's here on Royal Road and he's the best!

57.88 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:18

A Test of Knives

Averichollie | mystery | Complete

In a world of unending rain, hacker "Vio" is invited to interview aboard the Salieri Crime Family's starship; Salieri's Shadow. The other candidates have their own secrets, however. Ones they'd do anything to protect. Soon Vio finds herself caught in a deadly cat-and-mouse game of twisting alliances and dark secrets. Dogged by merciless criminals and clever conmen she must figure out who to trust before the secrets of Salieri's Shadow claim her too.

12.28 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:06

A World of Monsters

Ankur_93 | horror | Complete

From a sundered Universe, a Sorceress is made to reborn. But a human, the Sorceress is no more. Born an insect, a vermin with a mere 90 days of life, the Sorceress seeks reasons to live. Suffering the curse of unending starvation, the Sorceress must ceaselessly eat or die.Meanwhile, Kiran leaves his home to defy mediocrity.Named after the hope he represents, he seeks a [Class] so austere that hundreds fail in their search.Yet, before this [Class] even the Gods bow their heads in respect. P.S. This is NOT a number-crunching LitRPG. The System is an add-on, not the story itself. Also known as I Reincarnated as an Immortal Caterpillar, the story follows a monster and humans in a system word with a Buddhist/Hindu philosophy. The System is especially influenced by this philosophy. Cover by the ever so awesome Jefferymoonworm Warning! Not for trauma survivors.

114.71 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:56

KINGDOM RISE, CASTING CROWNS: Your Way Called Peace (ACT I)

sumo0093 | historical | Complete

***THANK YOU TO MY FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME EDITS AND ACT I IS COMPLETED AT THIS TIME. ACT II DOES NOT HAVE A DATE OF RELEASE YET BUT IT IS BEING WORKED ON WITH LOVE!!!*** Check out the book trailer with the original soundtrack I composed for the story HERE!!! QUOTE FROM TRAILER: "A tale that was hushed and concealed by the heavens during the final days of the seven warring states of China. Here, in plain words, resonates a love with such fleeting beauty like that of a plum blossom, and fellowship with such force in grace and perseverance like that of a heron." The novel is written in third person in the views of Ying-tai and Xiu Juan who are lovers. Both descendants of Qin, they are separated by the unfortunate events that take place during the 7 Warring States of China and they fight from opposite ends of the world to reunite. In their trials, they are tested against all that they know and the fine line that once divided mankind disintegrates as camaraderie is found amongst the known enemy. OST Track 1: Prayer *PLEASE NOTE: The illustrations in the story do not belong to me. They were artworks done by other amazing artists that inspired me to write what I wrote and to create the characters in the story. Most of the photos shown in the chapters were done by one of my favorite illustrators, Ibuki Satsuki (CHECK OUT THIS PERSON'S WORK! THEY'RE ALL AMAZING!!!) I greatly appreciate and enjoy all of their beautiful pieces of work!*

121.77 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:49

Old Tales Worth Retelling

Mad Sadie | historical | Complete

Most people grew up hearing fairy tales and fables. They're such a part of our cultures that Cinderella has a two-part definition in the Oxford Dictionary, and if someone name-drops Robin Hood everyone instantly knows what they mean. These stories have been told and re-told for literally centuries. In some cases millenniums. So I'm gonna tell them again. Not to "update" them, or because I think I can improve them, but just because I can. Why not. And fair warning: the style of these retellings will be "ditzy catgirl with attention-span problems". I'm not taking these tales seriously, I'm just having fun. Most of these stories will be from HC Andersen, Grimm Bros, or Arabian Nights, because those are the ones I'm most familiar with. If anyone has a specific story they think needs more love, let me know and I'll try to include it! Back when these tales were first penned, "word count" was a foreign concept. So chapter length will probably vary wildly. Sorry. Participant in the Royal Road Writathon.

30.14 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:45

Ravyn's Nights

Janelle Walden | historical | Complete

Claire's life led her to love. Love led her to death. Death began her eternal struggle to retain both her love and her humanity through five centuries of endless nights. Book 1 covers 1583-1690. "Ravyn's Nights" is a six book series, with each book covering a different century. Book 6 was actually started first, and it takes place in the near future, bringing the story to a final conclusion. I then started writing the rest of the series when I decided that I wanted to share the details of the life that made her into who she is in Book 6. At the time of posting the first chapter of the series, books 1-2-3 are completed and books four, five and six are in various states of completion. There is currently a novella following a side character that does include a few crossover chapters featuring the main character. The novella will be included in the completed versions of books 4 and 5.

95.45 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:33

Riposte

Etzoli | drama | Complete

No雔 is known across the city of Portlandand not by choice. Under the care of the richest man in the city and just transferred to a new high school, she's already making close friends... and bitter enemies. A chance encounter on her first day plunges her headfirst into a secret underground tournament. Between suspicious classmates and utter strangers, No雔 soon gets a taste for the addictive rush of the duel, but questions of love and trust complicate every move she makes. Cutthroat games with grim consequences await her in a shadowy world of competitors all dueling for the greatest prize imaginable. A new story from Etzoli, that one butterfly who writes things. This is a side-adventure I've written during the pandemic, as I've been having a lot of trouble getting into the correct head-space for writing my main series (The Last Science). Expect some rougher bits. Schedule is sporadic, but this will be a shorter one (closer to Snipe or Epilogue in length). I hope you enjoy it! Full-size cover art [Discord] - come hang out and chat sometime with etzy and other readers!

77.75 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:24

Glory to the Goblin Lord (COMPLETED - STUBBED ON 8 APRIL)

One Way Justice | psychological | Complete

Prince Cedric of the Blackrose is betrayed by his allies and slain in what ought to have been a standard goblin extermination mission. To his horror, he is reborn as a lowly goblin hatchling with all memories of his previous life intact. Thoughts of vengeance keep him going as he seeks to unravels the many mysteries of the goblin world and their evolution chain. He vows to make it to the top, rising to the fabled status of Goblin Lord. Destiny awaits. -- This is a first, self-contained narrative (~93.4k words) set in a burgeoning extended universe. Plot-heavy, Isekai, High fantasy, Grimdark, Anti-hero lead, LitRPG lite (this means LitRPG elements are present but not omnipresent)

52.99 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 12:18

Hyperstitious

Doctor Zero | mystery | Complete

Xan is the world's most dangerous criminal mastermind. He's also in hiding and completely broke. That's fine. He's between master plans. It's normal to be at rock bottom between master plans. He also forgets stuff and may be trapped in a dream. Because at night, Xan thinks he's an old lady, trapped in a dingy apartment, by an angry fellow who wants to kill her. Not her idea of a good time, but she's keeping an open mind. It is excitingly visceral. Could turn out awesome. Hyperstitiousis a sci-fi, progression, comedy. Guaranteed to cause more mental problems than it solves.

36.21 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:50

Imaginings

parkertallan | mystery | Complete

When you let the mind wander, there's no telling where it's going to end up. This collection of short stories is the fruit of that wanderlust. Science fiction, mystery, and even a fairy tale can be found here, each with it's own subtle twist and an undercurrent of humor. Your imagination can take you anywhere. Start your wanderings here. This short story collection is now complete.

24.97 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-11 14:00

The Children of Atlantis.

kivrin_js | historical | Complete

A war between order and chaos has been waged for time eternal. The unlikely Enid is the last champion of order. She must overcome her past in order for the world to have a future. This a series of short stories and novella's exploring the past that Enid Aurelius must confront to save the world. The story begins in Medieval Rome, moving forward to Modern day Canada.

214.94 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:26

Poems From The Angels - Temporary Dying

mallorybingham | psychological | Complete

Why must I shoulder the weight of your body when your spirit mingles with the seraphs and light of the cosmos?

6.62 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 14:53

The Pilot Series

Zearth | tragedy | Complete

In a galaxy where Endoskeletons reached out to the stars in their own ambitions, many have fought tooth and nail for their ideals, their riches, and their pride. The Empire and Kingdom, both factions in a long standing rivalry, stood tall within the darkness of space, forging out as a pillar of hope to those who seek shelter within these dark times. Until war ensues. The Pilot Series looks into the world of Starbase, looking through the events that lead to one specific point. Where one incident lead loose the throes of war. And how it affected everyone... --- Ok, don't kill me, but yes, this is an unofficial lore story based on Starbase, an upcoming (Or if you're reading in the future, current) MMORPG based on Robots, or Endoskeletons, in an open world. It'll be coming to Early Access on the 17th of June, 2021. This Lore series looks into a "What If" of the current war between both the Empire and the Kingdom as to "Was it truly one of their fault?" Anyways, here's The Pilot Series. Now on Royal Road! Note: Will be updated daily up till the current ending. Links to the original on forums.starbase.game: Season 1: https://forum.starbasegame.com/threads/the-pilot-series-season-1-unofficial-lore-of-the-war-between-kingdom-and-empire.284/ Season 2: https://forum.starbasegame.com/threads/the-pilot-series-season-2-unofficial-lore-of-the-war-between-empire-and-kingdom.997/ Starbase Wiki: https://wiki.starbasegame.com/index.php/Main_Page Starbase and the Starbase universe and its characters are the intellectual property and copyright � of Frozenbyte Oy, used without endorsement.

6.56 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 13:53