For those of another mother tongue

Friday 13 September 2024

The Tall Oak on The Lake; a wyld encounter with a clash of culture.


Dear Reader

As any civilised beast should know, exploring the lakes of the cumbra-land to the west of Northymbra is a risky proposition. The wild landscape, beautiful as it is, is home to many ruthless clans, warbands whom prey on the unwary, and a thousand other dangers beside! But amongst the danger lies riches worth the peril. For the artist, unparalleled landscapes. For the treasure hunter, lost and unlooted paychests. And for the most intrepid B.O.G. members, The Tall Oak on The Lake.

Friday 13 January 2023

The Sunne In Splendour: A shining beacon amidst the big smoke.

The image is a black ink line illustration on lightly aged paper. It depicts a medieval style building with a stone ground floor and two tall roof sections. There is a chimney at each end of the building with smoke rising from each. A heavy oak door sits under the apex of one of the roof sections, and a poster with a ship on it hangs next to the door.

Dear Reader

As I am sure you are aware, the port city of Luneden is an almost mandatory stop when making a long journey from Northymbra to the continent, whether traveling by road or river. This is particularly true for those heading to the more southerly nations states. Of course, such a grand city requires a few days to properly take in, and even if one is familiar with the "big smoke", it can be advisable to take some well-earned rest after what may have already been a significant amount of travel. Whilst the city boasts a great many lodges, dormitories, and hospitals, The Sunne in Splendour Inn is perhaps one of the most enjoyable places to recuperate, in its own way. Let me tell you the tale of my stay over two nights at the venerable establishment.

Sunday 6 November 2022

The Old Wizard's Tower: As magical as one could hope, but not in the way one might expect!

Dear Reader

Whilst the name might evoke the image of a crumbling spire, lost in the deepest woods or at the end of an epic quest, The Old Wizard's Tower can be found not only in a significantly superior state of repair, but much closer to civilization. Arguably at the very heart of such (at least in Northymbra), hidden amongst the tight streets of Eoferwic. A visit is no less of an adventure though, as I am sure you will shortly come to understand.

Friday 22 April 2022

Redwulf's Head: Less a veiled threat, more a dagger to your throat


 Dear Reader,

All but lost along the streets as Kirkby Stephen there lies a pub, seeming impossibly small, barely more than a lean-to braced astride a dilapidated-looking building purporting to be an Apothecary. Do not be fooled by the façade; this establishment hides deeper and darker secrets than any would expect at first glance. Steel yourself as we prepare to enter Redwulf's Head...

Friday 8 October 2021

The Red Barrel: The Tamesis last secret, but for good reason...

 Dear Reader,

Sailors and traders alike will be well aware of the thriving port towns along the Tamesis. Whilst Luneden may be the most famous and prosperous, there are many more gems to be found as you follow the great river toward the sea. Alas, Beamfleot is not one of them...

The Tall Oak on The Lake; a wyld encounter with a clash of culture.

Dear Reader As any civilised beast should know, exploring the lakes of the cumbra-land to the west of Northymbra is a risky proposition. Th...