The Fallen Capital.

My final sketch for the spring moot may seem deceptively simple but it made for a challenge. During the passing of time some of the columns of the circle had tumbled and lay in the undergrowth. The ornate work and geometry of the corinthian capital at the head of one of these columns needed careful attention to avoid stray lines. It was something of a relief to finish the sketch, put my pens away and step out into the sunlight. Grateful for my visit to Viper lands and also looking forward to the journey to the Grand Fayre in a few weeks.

The Banner in the Shade.

Once again the morning sun rapidly grew in strength and I found myself seeking out the shade of the ritual circle. All was quiet and I was uninterrupted as I wandered looking for a scene to capture. The Vipers had many banners and signs, but the simple image of a viper entwined around a sword caught my eye. Set against the wall of the ritual circle and above a stone bench I felt the image made a pleasing scene.

A Pedestal of Leaves.

Across from the fountain by the ritual circle was another alcove rich with greenery growing by the stone walls. Amongst the foliage was a pedestal table with leaves carved round the central column. Once again the table held bottles and containers.

The Element of Water

After leaving the Gryphons Camp I returned to the ritual circle to sketch the details. Gently trickling away by the right side of the circle was a fountain. Scattered around the base of the fountain were cups bowls and bottles, behind it was a drape bounded by greenery clinging to the stone walls.

Odd Job Awakens.

As late morning approached I decided to revisit the splendour of the vipers ritual circle. Sitting myself down by the wall I looked over the scene and details of the circle before making my first marks on the sketchbook. I had the basics drawn down as the first ritualists and eager observers arrived to begin the proceedings. It was appropriate to find them to be Vipers, we exchanged friendly banter and I was relieved to find I was welcome to carry on sketching. They were indeed skilled at their art and they filled the circle with energies of meaning, humour and dark wit as they sought to achieve a magical awakening for Odd Job (one their prominent citizens). I particularly enjoyed the moments where the ritualists stopped for a brief moment of two to pose for my sketch. It was a pleasure to catch up with one of the ritualists afterwards and show him I had captured a likeness of him in the sketch (such as you can with a few quick scribes of a pen), he was kind enough to give me a gold coin for my trouble, I wonder if I can pay the Alchemists to make me some more brown ink!

I am glad to say the ritual for Odd Job was of course a success.

The Green Alcove.

I moved from the small fortified building towards to ritual circle as I continued my morning wander. To my left was an alcove where the corners were a haven for plants. Sitting amongst the foliage was a stone pedestal with a high back, on the pedestal were cups, jugs and bottles of various types. It was unclear if these were offerings of some type or of a symbolic value. Perhaps just a simple decoration?

Das Shoppe

My duties on the Saturday of the Spring Moot took me to the camps of many factions as I accompanied Master Healer Raven Fire. One camp was that of the Viper Faction and I enjoyed shelter from the weather beneath the canvas as issues were discussed and resolved. Outside, close to the gate of the Vipers was Das Shoppe, a twin poled tent carrying flags above the canvas roof. Chairs and tables lay outside of the entrance providing a welcome rest for the travelers who called by.

My urge was to reach for my pen and sketchbook, but discussions and intent listening was needed, not to mention I would have had to rudely turn my back our hosts to turn my attention fully to the tent. Needless to say it was my first port of call on Sunday morning to put the scene within my mind to the paper of the sketchbook.

Fountain at the Wellspring

After completing the sketch of the standing stones I moved into the ritual area. The fountain filled the room with the gentle sound of running water. Next to the fountain the wooden bridge lead the way to the ritual circle. As I drew members of the Viper Faction began to turn up and wait for their ritualists to arrive. They too seemed to appreciate the scene and were happy to chat with me as I finished my work.