April Vacation 2026, Session B: The Raven King’s Court

-

April Vacation 2026, Session B:  The Raven King’s Court

This week’s theme draws on Celtic and English myths and lore about the fey folk who inhabit the burial mounds of the British Isles. The rich traditions combine ideas about the Underworld with those of the fey creatures we call fairies, elves, and gnomes. 

We'll look at the story of Bran, the Welsh king who died protecting his sister's honor. We'll learn about his ties to the Tower of London, and the prophesies that came from consultations with his head.

The 19th century brought a flourishing of these old stories, combined with the mythic imaginings by poets and writers -- and this in turn feeds our modern-day fantasy tales about the Raven king. 

We will craft our own Raven kings, queens, courtiers, or other fey creatures who might inhabit the haunted groves of Dunraven Fair – a fictional night fair full of goblins, fairies, and spooky merchants. Gamers will work on a game based on the fairgrounds and all the things that might befall the player whose roll goes awry.

 

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to The Rookery

-
Image
Welcome to Ravenscrawl Studio's The Rookery: Where Myth and Imagination Come to Play! My name is Rebecca McNulty, artist and owner of Ravenscrawl Studio. From 2012 to 2025, I directed the Dragon's Eye Adventures program in Midcoast, ME. The Rookery emerges from that creative crucible of adventure play, art, and mythology.  My idea is to create a haven where like-minded lovers of mythology can gather to make, game, and write about fantasy and myth. This is the mentoring program for teens and tweens that I would have loved when I was younger -- a place where discussions range from world-building to word-crafting, and practical skills are honed. Participants may focus on art and crafting, gaming, or writing -- or take part in all three branches of the program. I envision a place where multiple activities are happening at the same time. Each day becomes what we make of it. I'll have plans, but they can change or be adapted to individual and group interests. Our themes will set ...
Read more

February Vacation 2026, Session A: The Rat Queen's Entourage

-
Image
We will explore the lore of London underground, in particular the legends of the Rat Queen. This picks up on a running theme from Dragon's Eye, allowing us to return to the fun of making more crazy rats. They do tend to proliferate! We'll look at the actual history of Jack Black, Royal Ratcatcher to Queen Victoria, and learn about his connection to a Victorian craze for pet rats in exotic colors (like white).  We will make our own rats, and costume them in Elizabethan costumes as kings, queens, courtiers, pirates or other characters. Gamers will work on a London underground game. Are the rats the villains or the heroes? You decide! Feb 16 - 20, 2026 Theme: The Rat Queen's Entourage -- London Underground Lore 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday thru Friday Current GRades 5 - 10 $350 After Hrs 4 to 5:15 PM, M-F $60/5 days or $15/day Here are some other examples of rats that are possible:    
Read more

Summer 2026, Session 1: Gardeners of the Sea

-
Image
Summer 2026, Session 1: Gardeners of the Sea Sea slugs and other intertidal zone creatures will be the focus of this week’s  creations. We'll share our collective knowledge the creatures who inhabit this zone: sea urchins, sea stars, sand dollars, sea slugs and so many more creatures and plants that make a life in this delicate in-between space. I am working on a how-to book about making sea slugs, so participants are welcome to test out the patterns that I have so far. If you made sea slugs or other sea creatures from Dragon' Eye Adventures, please bring them! We’ll look at sea slugs in modern Japanese animé including Pokémon, so this would be a great week for Pokémon players to bring their cards and games. Writers and artists may bring their inspirations from the world of animé and manga from Japan, Korea, or other cultures with bountiful animations about the sea. July 6 – 10, 2026  Theme: Gardeners of the Sea – Seaslugs and Friends in Animé 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday thru Friday ...
Read more