“Herbs and spice makes everything nice,” said the old druid, stirring the cauldron hanging over the fire. She ignored the girl who copied everything she said into a leather-bound journal. Instead, she added more dried, ground lemongrass to the pot and tasted it again with her spoon. During her apprenticeship, Maus learned her mentor spiced … Continue reading Herbs and Spice
Bert pulls out another hand-drawn map, this time of a town. “Tiernen was built at the crossroads of two trade roads.” He points at a mark at the western end of the east-west trade road. It sits along the path leading north to Port Ramall and south to Noxport. “It started as a small human … Continue reading Adaran: Tiernen
Stevie supplies the group with drinks while they tell their tales. I listen closely as Bert describes the area. “The Western Wood is the northwestern section of a vast forest extending from the ocean on the west coast all the way to the Dragon’s Tail Range in the east. It stretches east to the Western … Continue reading Adaran: The Western Wood
This is ridiculous, thought Dani as she stood at the bow of the captain’s motorized whaleboat. The young sailor had heard of the pranks some shipmates often pulled on newer crew members. It was one of many “sea stories” she’d heard since entering boot camp more than a year ago. She carried the gear she … Continue reading Sea Stories
“Dave left me a rough character sketch for his fighter, Beiron,” says Bert. “This should be good,” says Yvonne. “His character sketch was basic. It said: ‘Soldiers in their shiny armor fascinated young Beiron Shaelar when they marched through the city. He longed to carry a greatsword across his back as he swaggered through Brookhaven. … Continue reading Beiron Shaelar: Soldier For Hire
“I didn’t do anything!” squeaked Laora Nightwind as a hand grabbed the back of her tunic. She fumbled with the flute her twin had carved last year. “You are massacring music, that is what you are doing!” a stern voice spat back. Who was this stranger who dared insult her? She flailed in his grip … Continue reading Apprentice
Thursday rolls around again and the usual group gathers in the back booth of The Jaunty Mug. My avatar, Stevie, acknowledges them as they enter. He prepares their drinks as they settle in for an evening of storytelling. I can’t wait to see how their world unfolds. “I owe you an apology, Chuck,” says Bert … Continue reading Naathyn Greenleaf: Scion of Rithraunen
(C) 2020, JJ Shaun “Meegan finally told me a story,” says Sandra. “Oh good, I thought we were going to have to wait until next week.” “Not quite. It’s not a cheery scene, but it’s a start.” ### Meegan woke to a heated conversation outside the den where she and Mother slept. One voice she … Continue reading Meegan Redoak: Outcast
Bard, Lyryk heard the word in her head. We are watched. We? The last Lyryk knew, she’d been traveling alone. Relieved to have Biscuit back, she kept packing up her camp with only a slight hesitation. She hadn’t seen the hound, though she felt his presence. Where? Lyryk directed the thought at Biscuit. Bushes, sunward. … Continue reading Lyryk: Watched
(C) 2020, JJ Shaun “I’ll go,” says Mac. “I’ve been giving my main man, Roland, some thought. Like many adventurers, he has a tragic background.” He throws his hand dramatically to his forehead as he says this. “Do tell.” “Well, he started life looking for gems. He searched for gemstones for his family deep in … Continue reading Roland Firestone: The Last of His Clan
Tavern Tales
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50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong
J.J. Shaun 