Spaces Available in Summer 2026 Programs!

-

Preparations are underway for the Summer 2026 season of Ravenscrawl: The Rookery! Art supplies are ordered, game design is underway, and the first of Nine Dreamers is coming along as I create the makings needed for our tabletop gaming.

A special thank you goes out to the Maine Founders who joined me for February and April vacation! Thee of them came to both Feb and April, and they shall ever been known as the Three. Their ravens were on display at the Earth Day celebration in Brunswick. 

We had a great time developing the basic character traits for the game, and discussing how it would work. It's similar to the Dragon's Eye Joker's Wild mysteries, with cards participants will make using the themes for each session.

These cards will represent allies, adversaries, challenges, and treasures encountered along the journey. Each story will feature a quest for an artifact that will enhance the ravenmage magic we're using in game. Our three Founders journeyed to the Dunraven Fair, where they met the Raven King. 

He allowed them entry to the fair, even though they are mortals. At the fair, they discovered Sayehmoosh, the ravenmage known as Shadowmouse. She will be the new mentor for the Rookery. She works with shadow and chaos magic, so expect the unexpected in our games.

Development of the game will continue all summer, as we polish and hone the concepts. Each session will add a new layer into the developing story. We start with the Sea Slugs, who hide quite a bit of magic in their minuscule forms. Then we'll add the Dream and Nightmare cards to the mix. Floating eyeballs have to be next, and serpents, of course! And finally, the last touch will be added with the Secret of Secrets: cards that open to reveal something arcane bit of magic or knowledge.

The Three

Here are the things to expect each week at The Rookery:

  • Crafting -- drawing, sewing, sculpting, bookmaking related to the theme
  • Gaming -- sessions for D&D, Magic the Gathering, and other games as requested
  • Wordsmithing & Worldbuilding -- through gaming, bookmaking, and creative writing 

We'll discuss the mythical theme of the week, and look at how that theme plays out in mythologies from around the world. We encourage our players to bring in their games and fantasy books, and we'll incorporate those into the week!

We'll talk extensively about the worldbuilding a Gamemaster does, drawing on participants' experiences with tabletop gaming, and my 30+ years designing live-action mystery plays for Dragon's Eye Adventures. As we develop our own tabletop games, these talks will include elements like the use of random vs planned elements, building suspense, and roleplaying. Players will learn how to create satisfying games that balance luck and strategy, careful planning and improvisation.

 

 

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

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

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 - 8 $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