A Final Moment for the Gathering 1114

My last sketch from the 1114 Gathering is of a mummified body placed in repose near the Sunset circle. All things come to an end eventually, for me it was a visit to exotic lands, unfortunately for some good souls at the Gathering the end is of a more permanent nature.

For those of us who have fallen I hope you are at peace.

God of the Sky

On the final morning of the Gathering I returned to the Sunset ritual circle, beside the statue of Anubis was the statue of a god with the head of a bird. My knowledge of Jackals culture and belief falters at this point, I am not sure if this is Ra or Horus, I intended to ask a member of the Jackals but it slipped my aging mind at the time. However, it would have been wrong to miss the striking image from my sketchbook. I will make a point of learning more when the nations next meet. Perhaps I will be able to buy someone a drink and return the hospitality the Jackals showed me when I visited their camp on the evening of the second day.

Update: Thank you to Alrisha of the Jackals for informing me this is Thoth, ancestor of knowledge. The head is the form of an Ibis, a bird sacred to him.

Campaign Home of The Wardens

Turning to face up the hill of the Tarantulas camp I found myself looking on the imposing sight of The Wardens camp. Their white geometric symbol standing shining out of a deep burgundy field and the hessian fence framed the entrance to their marquee flanked by tarps and tents of their members. No doubt their lanterns would be burning brightly in the evening welcoming The Wardens back from their travels. As I finished the sketch I noticed the signs of a muster beginning to take place. Not wishing to overstay and needing to get back to my own duties I reluctantly left back for the main field.

Campaign Home of Spider Bitten Moon

After my visit to the market I strolled the south fields of the Gathering and found myself by the Tarantula faction. After a short wait at the gate I was welcomed & granted permission to enter and sketch. Part way up the hill was the white marquee of Spider Bitten Moon. Blue signs stood proud of the entrance canopy and black screens guided the view into the entrance area and canopy. All was quiet while I sat and sketched, I hope they will find their way to this sketch and make a copy of it should it please them.

Market by the Trees

In the early afternoon I took a break from my duties to grab food and take in the scene across the field. Marquees and tarps stood firm against the breeze as shoppers came and went. It was not long before my sketchbook emerged from its bag and the scratching of nib on paper began.

The Pyramid

Venturing outside the ritual area I found myself drawn to a warm sunny spot outside my healers guild. I turned to look upon the small pyramid opposite, then back to glance within the guild. I could see Hilda and Crymson were already prepared for the day. Feeling a little guilty at not being there on time help I decided to sit in the sun and sketch the pyramid. I had a feeling I would be making up for my leisurely start to the day later in the afternoon.

Statue of Anubis

It seemed fitting with all the images and symbols of the dead around to find a statue of Anubis standing centre stage on a golden pedestal.

An Eerie Doorway to the City

I returned to the Sunset circle on the second morning of the gathering eager to catch the image of a doorway that had been causing concern to many of the visitors to the Gathering. Skeletons and skulls were carved into the sandstone surround. The doorway, or perhaps someone concealing themself behind it had been influencing the minds of those passing by and tempting them to enter the city. Later in the evening of the second day I stood and watched the door slam itself shut after playing host to the arrival of an undead hoard.

The Golden Cobra

Close by the dry fountain stood a pedestal holding the golden form of a cobra poised to strike. I was lost in concentration as I sketched and was hardly aware of the arrival of others as they discussed their findings in the adjoining area. It would appear one made the choice to pocket discovered coins. The sound of a body hitting the floor brought a stunned silence and the urgent attentions of a healer. Curses are a generous gift to greedy in such places.

The Dry Fountain

Stone surrounds and rushes held the false promise of an oasis. Skeletons around the edge reached for the mirage of water. A young family wandered up to share the scene. Their youngest member looked up to her father and said “Daddy, the skeletons must have come to life and drank all the water,”

A Feast at the Gallows

On the walls high above the centre area of the ritual circle area was a partially occupied gallows. One enterprising rat had climbed the heights to make a meal of the condemned. As I sketched I was joined by Oddjob and young Mattaus Whargg of the Vipers, as well as my wandering friend Uri. Always a pleasure to break the silence, chat and enjoy the morning with the living!

The Circle of Skulls

Stepping out of my studio in the cold light of dawn I took a walk down to the Sunset ritual circle on Jackal lands. It was deathly quiet at that hour of the morning in more than one way. The first scene before me was a circle of stone around a vast cluster of skulls and bones. Some skulls were the size of giants, others were tiny and tucked into gaps or even eye sockets. The macabre piece was my first study of the 1114 Gathering.