For my NFTs and the Metaverse class this semester, I set out on a new approach to this project. We started with inspiration from the Digital Media Design students who have a project called "The Last Bookstore." Each student in my class took one of these images and co-authored a story with ChatGPT to go with it. From there, they created characters and profiles to expand the story.

Each of these became their own NFT collection which were added to their own Oncyber Galleries, with some of the students adding a audio version of their stories to the gallery. All of the collections were deployed on Base.

I created my own example of this you can find here on Oncyber, with the collection on Zora. In addition, some of the pieces have been token gated and can only be minted by holders of Outcasts by Sum. This gave me an opportunity to teach how to add a collection to an allowlist.

It's been an exhausting semester, but the results are really fun. Before the OP Stack and the incorporation into Zora, I would not have been able to achieve this result. We've done a collection each year but this was by far the most hands on experience for the students. See the collections and Oncyber Galleries of each of the students below. If you've got some $enjoy to tip, consider tipping the student projects if you see any you'd like to mint.

The Last Bookstore Collection by Prof Werder - view all editions and hear the audio story on Oncyber.

This collection is an example for my NFTs & the Metaverse class for their Last Bookstore Projects.

Once upon a time, in the quaint town of Booksville, there stood a peculiar establishment known far and wide as "The Last Bookstore." Despite its name, it wasn't a gloomy place filled with dusty tomes. Quite the contrary, it was a whimsical haven for book lovers and adventure seekers.

Voyagers of the Void: Pixel Legends by jdale and see the full collection on Oncyber.

"Voyagers of the Void: Pixel Legends" is a captivating NFT collection that brings to life the adventures of intrepid explorers navigating the endless mysteries of the cosmos, all through the medium of meticulously crafted pixel art. Each piece in the collection embodies the spirit of adventure, featuring characters, artifacts, and landscapes that tell tales of bravery, discovery, and the eternal quest for knowledge across pixelated starscapes and beyond. This series appeals to collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of art, storytelling, and digital collectibility that invites holders to become part of a community celebrating the confluence of technology, creativity, and the uncharted territories of space.

Echos of Atlantis by Spooky and see the full collection on Oncyber.

In a submerged world bereft of land, Lyla embarks on a daring quest for Atlantis, a mythical city promising salvation. Leading a makeshift crew aboard a graffiti-laden submarine, they navigate perilous depths teeming with wonders and dangers alike. Alongside First Mate Kael's internal struggles and tensions, they face savage pirates and ancient terrors. Arriving at an underwater bookstore, they confront trials and rivals in pursuit of Atlantis's secrets. Amidst betrayal and adversity, Lyla's resolve strengthens, leading her crew to emerge victorious, clutching the map to a new destiny.

Crypto Zombies by Ryan and see the full collection on Oncyber.

In the heart of a city where the Wi-Fi signals had long since fizzled out, and smartphones were now just fancy paperweights, stood the defiant and perhaps slightly dusty Last Bookstore. This peculiar establishment was a proud anomaly in a world that had quietly misplaced its voice, courtesy of the Great Hush—a calamity that turned everyone into the strong, silent type.

Echos of the Unknown by wxyzticon22 and see the full collection on Oncyber.

Echoes of the Unknown is a collection of hyper-realistic portraits set in a mystical bookstore, capturing the essence of five characters: Ava, Samuel, Nora, Ethan, and the proprietor, Elias. Each portrait reflects their unique journey into the supernatural and the mysterious, from Ava's adventurous spirit to Samuel's scholarly curiosity, Nora's introspective exploration, Ethan's creative inspiration, and Elias's enigmatic presence. This collection invites viewers into a world where tales of horror and mystery blend with reality, embodying the allure and depth of the unknown.

Wasteland Chronicles: Echoes of a Lost Civilization by Parker and view full collection on Oncyber.

Dive into the mysteries of a lost civilization with this captivating NFT collection, showcasing relics and characters from a bygone era buried beneath the sands of a barren wasteland. From the elusive wanderer Echo to the majestic Sun Sovereign, each artwork offers a glimpse into the transition from a thriving civilization to a desolate landscape teeming with ancient secrets. Explore the celestial wonders of the Luminary Codex and brave the dangers of the Scorch Scorpion as you unravel the enigmatic tales woven within the desert sands.

The Last Bookstore: the Derelict District by Spagandhi with full collection on Oncyber.

The Direlict District Last Bookstore NFT collection represents the visitors and stories found within the warm walls of the Last Bookstore. Mint a version of the adventurous Sam, an adorable feline companion or a dusty tome from the bookstore's shelves. Each NFT comes with a little story associated with the character in the setting, with more on the way.

Shadows of Etherium by Colton with full collection on Oncyber.

"Shadows of Etherium" is a gripping collection of vigilantes, each with a unique origin and a shared dedication to ridding their city of corruption. Shadow Veil, once a detective, embraces the shadows to mete out his brand of justice. Crimson Fury, a former firefighter, harnesses mystical flames to cleanse the city of its vices. Galesmith, a visionary engineer, soars above the city with the power of the winds, battling against corruption and stifled innovation. Nightshade, a former botanist, manipulates darkness to redeem herself and purge the city of the corruption she once succumbed to. United by a mysterious Guardian that came from the last bookstore in the city who draws his powers from legendary heroes' stories that are kept deep within the bookstore, this eclectic group forms a formidable force against the darkness, embodying hope and the belief that within the pages of their tales lies the power to change their world. "Shadows of Etherium" weaves a narrative of redemption, justice, and the enduring light that can be found even in the darkest corners of the city.