Here is the conclusion of Ashja’s quest to help find Ivy's sister, Malora. Turning to the left, the party crept down the corridor. Ivy checked every step, expecting traps. She found none until they reached the intersection, some thirty paces from where they’d entered. Two doors met, one leading left, the other ahead, with a … Continue reading Ashja: Not-So Abandoned
“I wanna know what’s in that shack,” said Ivy as they sat down to the last of the evening stew. “Something about it has me gut gnawing.” “Mine too,” said Ashja, “but it’s not a feeling I can identify.” The group had arrived back at the Ink Pot just as the eighth bell rang. “Caw’s … Continue reading Ashja: Clues
This offering continues the story of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign I ran many years ago. Enjoy. The group followed Ottorio to the Crow’s Nest, a dockside sailor’s tavern. “I’m supposed ta meet him at seven bells,” said Ottorio as the first of the seven bells rang. “Good on you,” said Zantu, pushing the man … Continue reading Ashja: Realizations
After spending the better part of the afternoon chasing dead ends, the group headed back to the Ink Pot. A silhouette of the Light of the Claw stood out against the dying rays of the sun as it set in the west. As they came around the wall of Old Town, the unmistakable thwack of … Continue reading Ashja: Emeralds at Sunset
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
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
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
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
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
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
Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.
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New Writing Engaging with the Sacred
J.J. Shaun 