Aaron


    Gender: Male
    Location: The Kingdom of Apples
    Relationship: Married
    Orientation: Straight
    Children: Don't Know
    Body Type: More to love
    Religion: Christian - other
    Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
    About Me: I am an illustrator and writer who has been in love with folklore and mythology since before I could read. I greatly enjoy intelligent conversation, and meeting interesting people.
    Music: Nearly anything that tells a tale. I have a particular fondness for Cherish The Ladies, Cathy Ryan, Aslan, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Marillion, Simple Minds and others.
    Movies: Neverending Story, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (original), Hawk The Slayer, The Dark Crystal, Legend, Beastmaster, Lord of The Rings Trilogy. You get the idea.
    TV: Obscure science fiction, with a particular love of British sci-fi (Tom Baker Dr. Who in particular). BBC programs such as The Cadfael Mysteries and Prime Suspect are favorites as well.
    Books: All of them.
    Likes: Reading, animals, nature, long walks amongst beautiful and stimulating scenery, ancient civilizations, good conversation, science, spicy but flavorful foods, museums, pen & paper role-playing games, theater, theology, history. Pretty much anything that feeds creativity and abstract thought.
    Dislikes: Apathy, people who give up without a fight, closed mindedness, know-it-alls, people who have nothing good to say about anything.
    Hobbies: Reading, writing, running/playing role-playing games, some video games (tactical sorts mostly).
    Vices: Sweets, used book stores, old movies, crappy science fiction,
    Heroes: All those who love without restraint.

My Stats

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    Heidi The Zombie

    Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 08:39 PM EST [General]

    Here is a sketch of my friend Heidi. As she is a knitter extraordenaire, she is holding her favored supples.

    4.1 (2 Ratings)

    Fantastic! If my wife ever becomes an undead brain-eater, this is what she'll look like (but with curly hair).

    Tod
    February 11, 2010
    03:02 PM EST

    Wow, I've never seen more feminine hands...
    (on a Zombie!)

    Tommy
    February 12, 2010
    03:13 AM EST

    Great : D Those needles really scare me.

    Laumee
    February 13, 2010
    05:35 AM EST

    The Cad Goddeu, Old Poems and Green Men

    Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 03:49 PM EST [General]

    Folklore, Fantasy and Myth are all things that have always been very important to me. Growing up, I read many Greek and Norse myths, though admittedly of the most dime store varieties (ie poor translations and dummied down).

    Over the years I have grown to love old tales of the fantastic a great deal, and though many contemporary fantasy novels fail to surprise me much nowadays, the old tales still grab me. Perhaps its the layers of meaning and cultural intent hidden within such stories that does it, for no bit of folklore is ever *just* what it seems to be.

    Sincerity, truth and substance should thicken and grow new roots as the reader reads on and again an old piece. Storytellers and actors should always give a new depth to old lore.

    Much of what we encounter of old myths were originally meant to be read aloud, or even acted out by a storyteller/actor. These stories are meant to share and discuss aloud, and we do a disservice to them when we do not do so.

    So get out there and share a story.

     

    Cad Goddeu

    These are the englyns that were sung at the Cad Goddeu (the Battle of the Trees), or, as others call it, the Battle of Achren which was on account of a white roebuck and a welp; and they came from Hell, and Amathaon ab Don brought them. And therefore Amathaon ab Don, and Arawn, King of Annwn (Hell), fought. And there was a man in that battle, unless his name were known he could not be overcome; and there was on the other side a woman called Achren, and unless her name were known her party could not be overcome. And Gwydion ab Don guessed the name of the man, and sang the two Englyns following:

    "Sure-hoofed is my steed impelled by the spur;
    The high sprigs of alder are on thy shield;
    Bran art thou called, of the glittering branches."

    And thus,

    "Sure-hoofed is my steed in the day of battle:
    The high sprigs of alder are on thy hand:
    Bran by the branch thou bearest
    Has Amathaon the good prevailed."

    3.7 (1 Ratings)

    What a terrific reminder: share a story. That's why I love reading so many of my fellow Enchanteds' blogs after all. (And thanks to Isabella too.)

    Tommy
    January 27, 2010
    11:52 PM EST

    "Perhaps its the layers of meaning and cultural intent hidden within such stories that does it,"

    I think you are right, many of the old stories had a moral and a lesson to teach.

    Marianne
    January 28, 2010
    06:55 AM EST

    Here's a fantastic example of what Aaron refers to, in that movie so many of us claim as a favorite:
    www.yourheroicjourney.com/Reading%20Room...

    Tommy
    January 28, 2010
    06:28 PM EST

    Character Sketch: Gridley Bode, Gnome Bookbinder

    Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:48 AM EST [General]

    Here we see the gnome wizard and bookbinder Gridley Bode and his mouse familiar Hica. Gridley is a fussy, tight gnome who loves the written word, books, poetry and history. As an academic, he sees the world in relation to his profession and the books he so loves. It is his dream to live in a vast library, from which he may shut out the world. He adventures in search of lost tomes, and to raise money for books.

    3.7 (1 Ratings)

    Fantasy Characters: Dr. Dhar Bromine, Dwarf Apothecary

    Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 08:42 AM EST [General]

    This is Doctor Dhar Bromine,a respected apothecary and alchemist in the fair city of Riverton. Dhar has followed his families tradition as an alchemist and apothecary, though in his case this course has led him to pursue magical training in pursuit of the elusive elixer of life. He is very interested in strange creatures, plants and undead, as he is always interested in the peculiar nature of these beings. Hes a good fellow overall, though more than willing to operate in gray areas of the law. He doesn't trust the gods or priests, and thus is looking for alternative means of healing.

    As a dwarf, Dr. Bromine stands just under five feet in height, but is broad and sturdily built. Unlike many dwarves however, the doctor prefers a trimmed beard, as an Alchemists lab is no place for a wild beard.

    3.7 (1 Ratings)

    World Creation: Eastern Lands

    Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 02:38 PM EST [General]

    The Eastern Lands are the primary site of the Terrene Campaign Setting. I will detail places, peoples, races and culture soon, but for now this map will give us a jumping-off point.
    These lands were once the site of a potent empire in the past, though this "Golden Empire" collapsed during the last age and is now a mere shadow of its former self. But from the ashes is arising a land of tough, independent people who are working hard to build a better world.
    The Land Itself: The Eastern Lands are very similar in temperature as central Europe, though slightly warmer (+5 to 10 degrees on-average) and a bit more moisture. Fertile ground abounds here, with excellent crop yeilds and abundant wildlife (and monsters).
    A few places of interest are:
    Aoth: A wild land, full of dragons, giants and other monsters. It is said that bear-worshiping savages haunt the forests and coast here.
    Eturo: Human land of merchant-lords, ruled over by a wealthy elite of "princes". Anything may be bought and sold here.
    Hamj: Rough land of deep pine forests and treacherous mountains and valleys. This land is haunted by a great number of goblins, trolls and worse creatures. Rugged kingdoms of shipbuilders and other merchants cling to the coast here, making brisk trade with Korind and other nations.
    Korind: Last remnant of the ancient Golden Empire, the island nation of Korind is the most cultured human nation in the known lands of Terrene. Now this nation has largely settled in on itself, no longer stretching its hand to aid or restrict its former vassal states. Still, the great Circle of Mysteries, the premier society of Wizardry calls this land home, a fact that keeps this land an entity to respect.
    Midland: A region of small kingdoms originally ruled over by Korind, but left abandoned for many years. It is a region of rugged peoples and noble warriors.
    Shago: Land of barbarian tribes and close allies to the elves. The ruling class here is always of direct relation to elven ancestors.
    Täysï Wáyath: Great nation of Elves and realm of magic. It is here where the greatest number of elves remain on Terrene. The land itself is of outstanding beauty, with deep forests of enormous trees and tall stately mountains.
    Vargu Plain: Vast plains and fertile lands. Small kingdoms and nomadic tribes dwell here.

    3.7 (1 Ratings)

    How delightful! I've always loved maps in my fantasy books... Delighted when they're woven into the story. I see some interesting changes in Plate Tectonics have occurred in this map since the last time I saw it...!

    Tommy
    December 29, 2009
    06:32 PM EST

    Well, this is a different campaign setting than any I have posted before. Its for a new gaming group, so I thought I would have a clean slate so-to-speak.

    Aaron
    December 29, 2009
    08:36 PM EST

    What a cool map!I love how you have thought of the details like the temperature!

    Marianne
    December 30, 2009
    10:55 AM EST
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Latest Comments


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    Hello
    I live in Cardiff, Wales. There's a lot of places in Wales with fairy traditionsas well as lovely scenery.

    Amanda
    February 28, 2010
    12:42 PM EST

    Thanks for your comment about my Orb photo. No I don't have special filters it's a Samsung Digimax530, 5 megapixels camera I bought a few years ago. I just use automatic settings because I don't know much about photography! I just point and click :) All I did to the photo shown was to lighten it a bit using the AutoSmartFix button in Adobe Photoshop Elements which adjusted the contrasts to show the Orbs better. But no other editing. It's an intriguing mystery...I took some more photos last night too some of which have different orbs, others had none. Someone else suggested they may be dust particles in the air refracting back the flash but they are not in every consecutive photo. Like I say in my blog, I studied as a scientist and can quite understand the need to verify what exactly they are...but I am intrigued.

    Suzanne
    December 02, 2009
    05:27 AM EST

    thanks, Aaron!
    It was my own son, named Aaron who sparked the story!

    Jennifer
    September 07, 2009
    10:58 AM EST

    Enjoyed looking at your site just now. Full of imagination! Love your attitude towards bringing out that in kids. It means a brighter future for all. :^)

    Tommy
    August 21, 2009
    03:01 PM EST

    Hi Aaron,
    I love your drawings. Very imaginative and fanciful. Lots of Luck with your books! I know they will be wonderful! Are they available now? Do you have some work in color?
    I love children's books also, and collect old ones. I also share your love of the Movies you mentioned. I agree, the first Neverending Story, and Willy Wonka were great!
    Keep up the fantastic work! You're very talented! Enjoy the rest of the Summer!

    Judy
    August 12, 2009
    09:46 PM EST

    Thank you for your nice comment. I like your drawings. Your characters are so 'alive' and your avatar is just great.

    Laumee
    August 07, 2009
    03:52 AM EST

    Thanks for the lovely compliment, Aaron. I love your work too.

    Valerie
    August 05, 2009
    09:16 PM EST

    Hi, Aaron!

    Thanks for the kind comments regarding my illustration "Amongst Faerie Oaks". It's interesting that it would remind you of the old Dungeons & Dragons art. My influences must be showing again.

    Cheers!

    Richard
    July 27, 2009
    12:57 PM EST

    Thank you for your friend request. I love your drawings! good work!

    Athina
    July 19, 2009
    11:47 AM EST

    Where is the The Kingdom of Apples please?

    Twinkle
    June 10, 2009
    08:05 AM EST

    Hi Aaron,

    Thank you for your kind compliments on me and on my work :) Most kind of you!

    Rebecca
    May 04, 2009
    09:09 AM EST

    Thanx for looking at my art! I do want to write stories about my characters. I would rather have a story written tho and base the images on the story. I'm a little frustrated though with my art because I feel like most of them are just studies and sketches and they aren't finished. I'd like to rework some of my old pieces and make them look more professional. 8 ) Hopefully I will be able to do that this summer! I can't wait to have more free time to do my own artwork outside of school!

    Stephanie
    May 03, 2009
    01:10 AM EST

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