Once more, I look to a past campaign for inspiration. This continues the story of Ashja Mateyus and the city of Port Freehaven. The following morning, Sister Egathra met them after breakfast. “Sounds like there was some excitement on the docks last evening,” she said. “Was there?” asked Rayus, looking around at her companions. “Aye. … Continue reading Ashja: The Temple of Vudan
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The Scarlet Revenge
After reaching the temple, Sister Egathra left the party with a cheery “g’day.” “Now what?” Ashja asked her companions. “I didn’t want to alarm Sister Egathra,” said Rayus, “but I’ve heard rumors of Captain Gutmark.” Ivy perked up. “He’s an orc pirate,” the cleric continued. “His crew is rumored to be one of the most … Continue reading The Scarlet Revenge
Possibilities
I wrote this story in response to a daily prompt on writing.com. The prompt for the day was to use the following words: a single sock, coffee, merging, dinner, and friends in a 1000-word story or poem. This was what I came up with. Julia sat at the kitchen table, fingers tracing ridges on the … Continue reading Possibilities
The Disappearing Acolyte
The group gathered in the common room to break their fast just as the fourth bell resounded throughout the city. It was simple fare—fried eggs, potato, and meat, wrapped in a grilled flatbread that Ashja had wolfed down in many port towns—but it stuck with her until the midday meal. As she drank down the … Continue reading The Disappearing Acolyte
Welcome to Port Freehaven
Once more, I've looked into my archive for today’s story. This offering is based on a Dungeons & Dragons campaign I ran many years ago. The setting is the Dragon's Snout Islands, off the northeast coast of the continent. Enjoy. Ashja walked down the gangplank of the small merchant ship onto which she’d hired as … Continue reading Welcome to Port Freehaven
Into the Unknown
Once more, I've delved into my Story Engine cards for a prompt. An impulsive wizard wants to create a portal, but must leave the familiar behind and face the unknown. Ashten had always trusted motion more than thought. When doubt gathered like fog in his skull, he moved—hands busy, feet restless, magic already flaring before … Continue reading Into the Unknown
Rain and Rest
This week, I jumped into the way-back machine and found a prompt from 2015 to write a story using the following words: pattering, melody, crack, and bear. Lyryk walked the paths, learning forest moods the way other bards learned ballads: listening until the silence leaned into meaning. Rain fell in a pattering whisper through the … Continue reading Rain and Rest
Beginning of the End
I wrote this story back in January 2017. Considering this week’s events in the United States, thought now might be the right time to share it. It’s dark, and reflects what’s happening today. “This country is gonna be great again!” the voice of Jack Duncan blares from the television set in the lobby. The crowd … Continue reading Beginning of the End
New Beginnings
I wrote this story in response to a daily prompt on writing.com. The prompt for the day was to use the following words in a 1000-word story or poem: a single sock, coffee, merging, dinner, friends. This is the story I came up with. Emma stood in the middle of her living room, a single … Continue reading New Beginnings
Happy New Year!
Happy 2026. I have posted little more than my Sunday writing this year as I've been working on my novel. Back in 2022, I completed the first draft of my YA fantasy novel, tentatively titled, Meegan's Quest. It's the story of a sheltered half-elf teen, raised in seclusion by her elven mother, desperate to see … Continue reading Happy New Year!
J.J. Shaun 