Before the Lions Muster.

It seemed appropriate for the final sketch of the Spring Moot to be a scene within the Lions camp. After a chat with the gate guard I was allowed in and tried to find myself an out of the way spot to sketch. The tarp and bell tent by the command tent made a pleasing scene and I settled down to capture it in my sketch book. As I scribbled I noticed the camp becoming busier, I had only just finished the sketch when the Lions muster was called. I had no wish to intrude on our hosts matters of the day and so I packed up and left before I was able to find out which group owned the well presented camp.

The Gryphon’s Camp.

With its familiar blue flag hoisted high above the camp and the impressive central marquee, the Gryphons camp stood in the morning sunshine against a backdrop of tall trees.

Gateway to the Arcane.

A silver and black drape hangs by the entrance to the mages guild, I decided to capture its image in ink while the guild was quiet. I have seen the mages guild masters working and teaching many times and felt it was prudent to pick a sketching time when I wouldn't be in the way. An important lesson, try not to annoy a high mage, but do watch and learn. It is surprising what can be learned.

A Lady of Time and Corruption.

During my previous visit to the Corruptors Guild I had noticed a excellent but difficult subject for a drawing. On the final morning of the spring moot I couldn't resist returning to find the subject. Standing on the table was a figurine holding a clock face aloft. The quiet atmosphere within the guild tent allowed me time for concentration and contemplation. The geometric lines of the the column and clock proved difficult especially when combined with the anthropomorphic lines of the supporting lady. I was relieved to finish the sketch and pleased with the result, I hope the guilds folk of the Corruptors feel I have done justice to their guild house.

The Dragon Dancing in the Wind.

I returned to the ritual circle just before midday, atop of the wooden columns small dragons hung from bamboo. The wind from the open entrance to the ritual circle area gusted through setting them shifting and turning. One thing I have learned from my travels is that even the elements like to make a challenge out of a sketch, another moving target!

A First Visit to the Corruptors Guild.

As a healer and mage, I have had little dealings with the Corruptors Guild, After completing my first sketch of the morning I thought it was time I stepped into their guild area to see the surroundings in which they work their craft. My gaze was drawn to a table tucked at the back of the guild area. Sand timers, a gong and statue of a cat occupied one side of the table. We all have only so much time to achieve what we wish in natural life and the thought stayed with me as I sketched the scene before me.

Stones of the Guilds.

In the early morning of the second full day of the moot I found myself in the guild tents. One area always seemed quiet. Sitting on the floor were square stones carrying the marks of the guilds. Greenery and growth clung to the stones and seemed to root them to the floor.

Shelter for the Guardians of the Bear Gate.

By early afternoon my wanders had taken me back to my own faction camp. After relaxing for a while I cast my gaze over to our neighbours camp. I have sketched at the Bears camp before and noted the way they always ensure there is shelter for the gate guard. The arrangement had changed from previous years and I found a new subject to sketch. My sketching was interrupted and numerous occasions as Tree Lords lumbered into our camp to attack citizens of the Wolf nation. There is a time for the pen, but there is also a time for the axe and arcane.

Let the Rituals Begin.

As the morning grew old, visitors and citizens began to wander in to the ritual area and begin their preparations. Routines were rehearsed, lines were practiced and objectives clarified. It was not long before the first groups were stepping in and sealing the circle. Placing their lives in the hands of their skill and judgement. Those of us on the outside were treated to tales and stories as they weaved their magic.

The Hat of the Illusionist.

I have seen many ritual areas on my travels and they are often adorned with ornaments, charms and trinkets. The circle at Azurlon was simple and clear at floor level, it was only by looking up further aspects would be revealed. One unusual item was a red top hat hanging on a bamboo rod. The hat seemed out of place in the wooden surroundings and I was unsure it it should be there or if it had been left by a visitor. Perhaps one should not question to closely the adornments in a circle of illusion.

Chimes in the Breeze.

A gentle breeze sighed through the ritual area, high above the floor the bamboo wind chimes gave the breeze a song and I listened and relaxed to the irregular chimes as I sketched.

The Shrine at Azurlon.

Strange rumours greeted me as I arrived in Azurlon regarding the nature of the ritual circle and its perception by different people. Intrigued I stepped into the chambers before the circle to see for myself. I found the chambers to be surprisingly peaceful. A simple shrine was laid out to the left and was formed from bamboo edging, carefully raked sand and stones and made a perfect starting point for my sketching.