The old stories, buried in book long out of print and cards fewer and fewer players have read, are often the richest. Issar's recounting of Sarpadia is one such tale. (This article originally ran June 16, 2011.)

Tags: issar roon, Saproling, Sarpadia, Sarpadian Empires, Thallid, Thelon, Thelon of Havenwood, Thelonite

While the other members of the monastery your age spend the day off by the river or sleeping, you decide to visit Issar Roon. His study is not as cool as fresh water in the shade or as comfortable as the grass outside, but you have grown accustomed to the old man’s study. You find [...]

Tags: Brendan Weiskotten, issar roon, Roon's Tales, Volrath

Another heat wave has hit the monastery. With the sudden changes between heat and rainstorms, you find it hard to determine what season it is, and your duties have been difficult of late. Still, you make time each week to see Issar Roon in his study, and tonight is no exception. Hello again. I see [...]

Tags: Brendan Weiskotten, Ice Age, issar roon, Storyline, Tapestry, The thaw, Vorthos

You wake to a silent grayness. Your room, no longer than the height of the butcher’s son and perhaps just a hand span wider, remains dull and somber. The slit of a window above your head frames only silver mist beyond the monastery’s walls. Once fully awake, you inspect the weather more thoroughly only to [...]

Tags: Faerie, issar roon, Pixie, Tapestry, Vaan, Vorthos

The cool air of the outdoors is refreshing in the newly arrived summer heat. With the sun down and the air still, it is difficult to find comfort indoors. You have never enjoyed the humidity in the valley, and this night reminds you why. You make your way across the monastery, passing dark halls and [...]

Tags: Fiction, Phyrexia, Roon's Tales, Tapestry, The Predator, Vorthos

You hurry to the old man’s room after sunset, excited to hear the remaining pieces of his recent story. The nights since the old man first told you of the fallen empires have been filled with dreams of thrulls and merfolk, and you desire more details to enrich your dreams. Your feet move quickly, leaving [...]

You swim through the murkiness of your own mind, aware of a distant sound—a man’s voice. A voice that carries the weight of generations upon it. It calls your name silently between each word spoken. Knowing of no other direction, you pull yourself toward the staccato. Words gain meaning. . . . receding . . [...]

Finding yourself with no responsibilities for the day, you decide to head toward a patch of trees in the distance. The weather is warm and bright, and you hope to rest in their cool shadows, away from the bustling sounds of motion and activity. This particular grove has grown in an oblong shape a short [...]