Shores of Night

 I have a complicated relationship with love. On the one hand, part of me (I'm not sure which part) would love to be in love and to have a partner. To feel the smile tugging at my lips when I think of the other person and my heart beating faster. On the other, honestly, I hate it. I hate the obsession that comes with the early stages of love, the feeling that my thoughts lead only to them and I'm left marooned within the storm of emotions and hormones that come with them. The feeling that I can't function without the other person eventually just leaves me feeling strung out and unhappy.  Growing up I didn't develop much in the way of boundaries... or if I did, I quickly learned that they'd be ignored. To be honest, I don't think that was particularly novel - for certain generations, we just didn't get that experience (let's face it many of us grew up in  Philip Larkin's This Be The Verse  where generational trauma was the norm). Consequently, most of...

  "So we've got Nemeans in the Bayou, cults in the French Quarter, a bunch of Titanspawn, and a whole bunch of other crap to deal with... Who wants coffee?" Violet Steitz The Band: So, for the past few months, I've been alternating between D&D characters and Scion ones, and a couple of weekends ago I posted the last member of the Band I've been building: The Saints.  The members of the Band are: Violet Steitz,  a Chosen Scion of Loki , has been chosen at least to test her resolve (because Loki always plays that sort of game).  John Landry,  a Born Scion of Shango , whose path has brought him from New Orleans' roughest neighbourhoods, which he still works hard to protect.  Rosa Lopez:  a Born Scion of Xochipilli , finding her way in a new country and world after a life of luxury in Bogota.  Jane Running Deer:  a Scion of Maudjee-Kawiss  who grew up in a harsh Potemkin World where her father tested her ruthlessly... before she failed...

 Hi,  I thought I'd try to inject a bit more of me into the blog... I mean that's sort of what this is about, or so I'm told. While I've really enjoyed creating Scion characters and rediscovering old D&D characters for the blog, I'm conscious that I'm not really maximising the potential of this thing. So, life update!  Dun, dun, durrrr!!!!  I... had a couple of dates (yes, I'm as surprised as you are!) which was lovely. In the end I decided there wasn't enough there to keep seeing the person involved and too many pale pink flags - as it were - but it was lovely and the kissing (yes we did that) was amazing. (Kissing always is).   I feel as if its a bit of a testimony to how far I've come in therapy because I didn't really feel the need to keep seeing her and could identify the problematic areas and decide not to stay with her for the sake of making her happy. I'm sure she'd make a great partner for someone else, but it wouldn't ha...

"Greetings stranger, is that a map to some lost treasure in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" Fidelity Carson upon meeting a potential new employer Since the start of the year, I've been detailing a couple of sets of roleplaying game characters, one for D&D and the other for Scion. This time, I'm going to collate the characters' bios and sheets in one place and talk about how they work as a group. I'll also add some detail to the city of Gallanburgh, which the adventuring party calls home. The party consists of five people, drawn from across the world (which currently needs a name, because I'm building it piece by piece).  The Bright Blades are led by Fidelity Carson  a Human Rogue from Ballenmouth. Her girlfriend is the Elven Wizard Talisker Sexton , the latest person to join the party. Joining them from the north is the Half-Orc Barbarian Tullox , following a dream where a bear spirit led him south. He joined the group after they wer...

 Hey peeps,  Have you heard about the Bournemouth Writing Festival taking place next week 26-28 April? It's going to be amazing - there are 100+ writing events and activities to inspire you to write, plus loads of free and paid activities, beach walks and networking meetups.   New for 2024 includes 1-2-1 sessions with literary agents (which have sold out) and advice with writing professionals, a headshot photography studio, networking lunches and dinners and a free poetry hub! Plus creative writing workshops for children and international students.   All the details are on the website at https://www. bournemouthwritingfestival.co. uk/   Book your tickets now and please share with any friends who are budding or seasoned writers!

 "You realise that's a really bad idea, right?" Background: Conner wasn't born in the World but in part of the Terra Incognita. He grew up in a land of wonders, rubbing shoulders with the Fae, speaking with Leprechauns, and interacting with beings that had left the World behind long before. His life was normal until Lugh visited and told him the truth about his parentage, drafting him into the war against the Titans.  Conner entered the World a few months after, once he'd undergone a crash course on what to expect. Despite that, he was left shocked by what he saw. He'd come from a land with no hunger, little sickness, and a supportive community that cared for everyone living there. He found the opposite in the World, even in places with the money to support all their citizens. Poverty lurked around every corner, as did illness. Sensing the Titans could use this as a weapon in their war against the Gods, he undertook to learn everything he could about medicine ...

 "There is no try, there is only do or not do... Are you expecting me to say that with a straight face?" Background: Zippim was born in the south, in a small village at the edge of the Dragontooth Mountains. His family were loving, hard-working Gnomes, but they had a large family and worked the land. When a Monk, Skylar, passed through their village, expressing admiration for Zippim's poise and athleticism, and offered to train him in the arts of his order, Zippim's parents were taken aback. They deliberated and asked their son what he wanted to do. This led to the young Gnome seeking the Monk out and conducting a long conversation with her. By the time they'd finished speaking, he was convinced he wanted to join her, while Skylar was impressed not only by Zippim's dexterity but also his wisdom. The next day, he bade farewell to his family and set out on the road with his new mentor. They travelled the road for several months, and Zippim learned that there was...