Wednesday 2 September 2015

Throne of the Undead


With trepidation I stepped into the ritual area of Al'Quafar, after a moment or two to gather my senses I strolled around to familiarise myself with the scene before me. A chamber beside the ritual circle housed a macabre throne flanked by giant skulls and chains it made an imposing sight and the scene for my first sketch of the gathering.


Wall of Chains


With my sketch of the throne complete I turned my attention to the walls of the chamber. Blood stains remained on the ancient stones and heavy chains and hooks stood in place of drapes.


A Chime of Bones.


In my past I worked as a merchant, many a shop had a simple chime formed of metal bells and pendants to alert the store keeper of new visitors. It appears those of Al'Quafar prefer a more organic approach.

A Sentinel of Stillness and Elegance.



It was something of a relief to find the adornments of Al'Quafar were not all composed of bone and torture. Close to the entrance of the ritual area was a bust of an unknown lady with a headdress, eternally still against the comings and goings of the area.

The Scarab.


My first sketch of the second full day of the gathering was in answer to a challenge by one of the young wolves who stopped to chat on the previous day. He pointed to the scarab beetle on the low walls of the ritual area and asked if I would attempt to sketch it. I agreed knowing full well it would test both composition and geometry. I also sketch purely in ink leaving no forgiveness for error. I was happy with the result, I hope my young challenger is too!

The Hook.


With the sketch of the scarab beetle complete I returned to the chambers by the ritual circle. Once again the configuration of chains and skulls caught my attention and I decided to commit another scene to my sketchbook.

The Inner Chamber.


The sun outside warmed the ground and walls of Al'Quafar but I found myself drawn further into the complex and the smaller inner room.

Golden battered piers strengthened the walls, sarcophagus and cats stood close by pictures of a sphinx, above a lantern emitted an eerie green light. The scene proved to be a difficult sketch but one I felt compelled to undertake.

An Oasis at the Guildhouse.


Clouds drifted across the Gathering fields as I walked the short distance from the ritual area to the guild houses. Tucked in a corner between the power guilds and the bards, alchemists and bank was an oasis bringing a wealth of foliage and subtle power to the area. As I sat and sketched a number of the masters stopped to chat on their way towards their houses as they prepared for the days tasks.


Bhoona and Thor.



My duties at the guilds kept me busy until later in the afternoon but eventually I made my way back to the Wolf camp. I met Captain Friday on the way back up towards the gate and he suggested I get ready with my sketchbook. On reaching camp I was in time to see the last stages of combat contest and the welcome presence of Thor enjoying a beer while watching the tournament. It was also good to see Bhoona taking part despite his advancing years and and the demise of his weapon skills almost to the pathetic state of my own, he was clearly enjoying a fight in between catching his breath behind his shield ;op

Naturally Thor made a point of having a chat and catch up with him once the challenges were over.

Farewell My King.


The arrival of the undead on the top field brought the wolves out in strong numbers to clash head on with the foe. One unliving called out King Radek to combat and the king strode forward with his spear to answer. During the melee the unliving struck the king with a weapon containing foul magics, this felled our king as his pattern was effected. Rune quickly organised by far the biggest incantor wedge I have ever seen to remove the unliving element from the kings pattern but sadly the damage had already gone too far and our king died .

Leadership is never easy and often carries a heavy cost. To see a whole nation so deeply effected both initially in grief and then in celebration of his life was a moving and inspiring thing and a tribute to the worth of our king.

Farewell my King, I will miss you.

(Thanks you James for all you have done to make the game a fun one for us over many years).

The Militia Guild.


During the weekend I had chance to speak with a few of the militia and was glad to make their acquaintance.

On the final morning of the Gathering I took shelter from the rain and spent time drawing the shield on the wall above their desk.

The Bards Desk.



My final sketch took me back to the Bards Guild. It has always been a pleasure to spend time in a guild preserving word and song as well as encouraging the skills of their members. This time I had chance to say hello to two of the Masters and the new Grand Master. A fine memory to take with me along with a sketch of the desk and red lanterns.