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 Storm Ravens Revisited.

The final morning of the fayre found me sitting back outside the Storm Ravens campaign tent, I have sketched it before but I thought it was time to revisit. Gansk the leader of the ravens has always made a point of making sure I have a beer to hand when we meet at events & the fayre was no different. I think I have a few jars to buy to repay the friendship of the Storm Ravens but for now I thought I would settle for a humble little sketch while they rest up.

A Shield for Olaf

During the battle on Sunday of the fayre I was saddened to hear Olaf of the Order of Fenris had fallen. Olaf was a fine paladin and a bold fighter, within the Braggihalla the Order sang in his honour, told of his deeds and drank in his name while I sat outside with my cup of strong cider and sketched a lone shield to pay respects in my own way.

Farewell Olaf, may the next to stand your place in the shield wall be as well thought of.

The Empty Fireside.

The warmth of the afternoon was a a pleasure. After enjoying a fine brew and a good lunch I wandered back to the wolf faction. For a while all was quiet and I sat outside my little studio tent. As I relaxed I cast my eyes to the scene in front of me. The camp fire was empty for now and I put pen to paper to set the scene in my book. My thoughts held dear the bards who weave their songs and tales around the flames as darkness sets in. Sadly for us this would be the last night we would hear the sounds of our high bard Mariena, it would seem she was taken from us that night and the world is a poorer place for her absence.

Though she may be gone, her voice and songs still dwell in our minds, hearts and souls.

A Meditation for The Order of Fenris

As midday approached, I headed back to the wolf camp. The gate guards informed me all was well and the morning had been quiet, it was good to hear and a welcome contrast to the battle on Friday evening. We had lost some devoted souls during the battle. One group who had suffered losses was the Order of Fenris. My mind was still set in remembrance and respect from my work earlier in the day and I decided to sit and sketch their camp while I spared the fallen brothers time and thought (as I did for Jacob of the Bees)

Beyond the fence the rest of the Order were getting ready for their day, it was good to hear their calls and banter. It reminds me to sharpen my healing arts to help those who stand in the front line.

Campaign Home for The Children of the Hunt

With the mornings rain beginning to fade and the sun gaining strength I strolled back to my faction. Standing just outside the canopy of a sweet chestnut tree stood the bell tent of The Children of the Hunt. Well used and travel worn it looked as if it had provided shelter for many years but was still sturdy and well capable of granting sanctuary from the elements. Sadly, The Children of the Hunt were not at home at the time I was sketching, introductions would have to wait for another time.

Snowy & The Pegasus

Snowy certainly knows how to make an entrance for a date, it was only a shame his intended Lyra was not there to see his spectacular arrival. After a suggestion from Hunter & Gansk, I was persuaded to capture the scene.

The Campaign Home of the Odinshiem Guard.

As midday drew nearer I strolled back to the wolf camp and settled myself down beneath an oak tree to sketch the tarp of the Odinshiem Guard. A simple but effective little structure, it held a good position and provided the guards with an excellent vantage point to observe the comings and goings of the faction camp. I could happily have sat for longer and sketched but the hours of gate guard duty were upon me and the task needed attention.

The Comings and Goings of the Order.

As the light began to fade on the second full day of the moot I set myself the task of a few minutes speed sketching the comings and goings of the Order of Fenris, this is a task I find difficult at the best of times but the Order seemed to be particularly hurried. It later came to light many of the order had been struck down by some type of bug or food poisoning. (A real shame to see these guys under the weather after all the effort they put in for our faction & the game, I hope they are all feeling better soon).

Some Comfort for the Rangers.

Down the slope from the Shian tent was the simple elegance of the rangers ridge tent, I was invited by Taenia to have a coffee & glance in and see the layout. Chairs were covered with soft fabrics and the floor with rugs, by the chairs were rugged bags and equipment to provide comfort and relaxation for those who travel many miles off the beaten track. Unlike the extravagant tents of wealthy merchants, the rangers tent was modest but clearly a place where a weary traveller could rest well.

The Campaign Home of the Shian.

My first wander of Monday morning was a short one, I intended to capture a new image of my own groups home when we are on campaign. Late on the previous evening we had been enjoying mead and good company, our quartermaster Ragnar had taken much time and care to put together a book of history and deeds for the Shian, The Order of Fenris had also done so and were kind enough to come to our tent and show me. While I looked upon their work we listened to our pack elder Merrall Shain recount the tale of the forming of our group and pack philosophy. I will not recount the tale here as I do not have Merrall's rhetoric, I will simply say "As a pack we are strong,".

The Shields of the Storm Ravens

My walk into the camp on Sunday morning brought some familiar sights, a few die hard souls who had stayed up all night were sitting by the fire pit and the grass glistened with morning dew. I noticed on my arrival the day before The Storm Ravens had extended their tent with a tarp. Beneath it were the shields, helms and weapons of these bold fighters. I had little doubt they would be put to use later in the day but while it was quiet & the camp was still I decided to sketch them.

The Return of the Raggers.

The sight of the encampment walls over topped with the peaks of tents & weapon seated within their racks told of the return of the Raggers to the fields of the Gathering. At such an early hour on the first morning the camp was quiet with only a hint of smoke from the fire pit and the ruffle of canvas in the wind.

I found myself  a spot close to the entrance and set about my first sketch of the event, it seems wherever the Raggers go they bring a little of the Norscan weather with them. A light shower sent me scurrying to the cover of the Shian tent close by to save the running of the ink.

The Bees Command Tent.

In the early afternoon I found myself sitting in the entrance to the Shian Tent looking out across a quiet Wolves Camp. The pack had decided to head of in search of lunch, but I decided to delay my meal while I sketched the Bees command tent. Normally the tent bustled with the group in their black and yellow battle colours, but this time only a solitary member sat within the shade and held a vigil on the camp. I had been meaning to sketch their tent for a while but had never seemed to find the time to do it, it would have been a shame to miss the opportunity of a quiet hour and not capture an image of their campaign home.

A Cart for the Order of Fenris.

I set out bright and early on the Sunday morning determined to sketch the new cart the Fenris Boys had made. Sure enough it stood proud outside their shrine with a backdrop of black tower shields to frame the view. I had hardly made a mark on the sketchbook when some of their order and an honoured guest of theirs from the Tarantula faction came over to chat. The cart was made by just one of their order and had been carefully designed to dismantle fold away when more room was needed. The Order are well known for their devotion, their willingness to fight and their enjoyment of a beer & song, perhaps they should also get recognition for their craftsmanship too.

Ancient Symbols & Runes

The afternoon brought me back to my own faction camp for food and the familiar company of my pack. Suitably refreshed and having done a stint on the faction gates I strolled towards the faction command tent. Standing before it were two standards holding symbols and runes of the heart beasts for those of the Norse lands.

The standards showed care, craftsmanship and the history of our people, I settled myself on the floor next to the Storm Ravens tent to sketch down the sight before me.

The Storm Ravens Shelter

On my arrival at the Spring Moot I wandered into the Storm Ravens camp to introduce myself and I gained a warm welcome. During my time sitting within the Wolf Camp they have been happy to stand by me and chat for a while, they have also been encouraging of my sketching and asked how much it would cost for a sketch of their tent.

In return for their help (especially with regard to discussing matters of healing) and encouragement the answer is nothing. It was a pleasure to make my final sketch of the Spring Moot a sketch of the Storm Raven Tent.

For now I will look forward the GEF and seeing my pack brothers and sister of the Shian, I will also look forward to greeting the many other friends I have met on my wanders & sketching at the Spring Moot

A Meeting With Malthus Calgar & the NDM

Like many, I look for ways to better myself. It was such a way which took me to the Mages Guild to seek guidance, council and membership. I was informed I would be considered but would need to speak with my faction High Mage to gain reference before I could be interviewed. I have never had the pleasure of meeting with Malthus before and was a little nervous of approaching unannounced to ask such a favour. But needs must, and I took the wander from the desk at the Mages Guild up to the Wold Camp and the tent of the NDM.

It was a relief to see the High Mage relaxing with the rest of the Militia in the early evening sun and it put my mind at ease knowing I would not be disturbing duties. The NDM spoke of the importance of enjoying a good evening bask and Malthus proved to be approachable, friendly and was kind enough to write my reference in my sketchbook.

Sadly our conversation was cut a little short when we were concerned our camp was about to come under attack. Once the threat had passed I sat myself down close to the unlit fire pit and sketched the NDM tent onto the back of the reference Malthus had written for me. On showing the reference to Francis Littlefoot of the Mages Guild he seemed well pleased.

My thanks to Malthus and the NDM for making me welcome and helping me with my learning.

A Lone Shield at The Order of Fenris

I arrived back at the Wolf Camp in the early afternoon, as I passed through the gate I could see the men of the Order of Fenris preparing themselves for a march. Their camp was obscured by the comings and goings of figures clad in long black armour and many shields lay against the wall of their tent. Following a series of shouts and orders, they grabbed their shields and lined up to march out of the faction gate. A few moments later and they were off down the hill towards the market square. The camp quietened and their tent stood in silence with only a single shield standing by the entrance.

The sun stood alone in a cloudless sky and I settled beneath the warm rays to draw the scene before the sound of marching boots and calls heralded the sound the Order returning home.