Calum Mathison

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2024

Stories (5)

5 Stories

144 karma pts

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“The Red King's Wrath” by Calum Mathison

Submitted to Contest #281

The fire crackled gently in the rough stone hearth, its warmth fighting a waning battle against the icy wind that howled through the ancient halls of the elven enclave. Snow battered the thick wooden shutters and thick tendrils of frost crept along the edges of the windows. Noel sat in an old rocking chair close to the fire, a thin blanket pulled in close to himself. Around him sat his twelve children, their young faces pale and drawn in the flickering light as they huddled together. The old elf’s silver hair caught the faint glow of t...

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“Shadows Over Ravensgate” by Calum Mathison

Submitted to Contest #277

CW: Strong language/Gore Ravensgate, a city filled with the shit of the world. The desperate, the crooked and the damned - they all find their way here eventually. Some come to make a quick buck, others to bury their secrets six feet deep. Most don’t leave. Not with their dignity intact, anyway. Whether it's dealing with the roving groups of goblin pickpockets or getting on the wrong side of gangs like One Eyed Tony’s crew. Everyone in this city gets what they deserve eventually. I’ve walked these streets for years, stepping over gutte...

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“The Piper's Lament” by Calum Mathison

Submitted to Contest #277

CW: Death and child abduction The man stood gaunt atop the gallows, a spectre of flesh and shadow flanked by two knights encased in blackened steel. Chains clinked softly against his wrists as he shifted, his head bowed low, letting greasy strands of hair obscure his sharp, hollowed features. But not the smile. No, the smile lingered, faint and unsettling as it always did. His clothing stood in stark contrast to his surroundings, with bright extravagant colours. Below, the gathering crowd seethed like a restless tide, their voices rising in ...

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“The Death Father” by Calum Mathison

Submitted to Contest #275

It felt her shift on its shoulders. “What’s the matter, little one?” The girl’s small voice cut through the silence of the road. “Can you tell me a story?” “A story?” it repeated, its voice a dry rasp. A long, thoughtful pause hung in the air before it finally began, “Once upon a time…” “No, not like that!” she protested, scrunching her nose in dissatisfaction and leaning over its skull from atop its shoulders. “Your story.” “Ah… my story.” It shifted as it walked, as if turning the thoughts over in its mind. “I don’t remember most of it.” “...

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“The Grey Pall” by Calum Mathison

Submitted to Contest #274

"Anomaly detected. Altitude decreasing. Warning: collision imminent. Pull up. Pull up. Pull up." - - - A thundering echo in the distance caused Elyse to awake with a sudden gasp as her body jolted against her intact safety harness. The ship, a small short range reconnaissance fighter, Eclipse-class, was silent now, but its alarms still echoed in her ears. She patted herself down, checking for injuries, wincing as her hand pressed to her side. Looking at her reflection in the now shattered safety glass of the cockpit, she could see some minor...

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Author bio

A video game developer and programmer with a love of science fiction and fantasy . A creative writing enthusiast with a passion for creating experiences through immersive story telling across different mediums. I enjoy designing unique worlds and writing for TTRPGS and am constantly trying to improve my story telling. Currently working on my first long form project, Realmfall.