Explore D&D&History: The Ruby and the Nightingale (August)

$90.00

Embark on an epic journey with this campaign, which weaves together history and adventure.

The desert sun hangs heavy over the Round City, but within the cool marble halls of the Palace of the Tree, a more chilling stillness has taken hold. You have been summoned by the Vizier not as warriors, but as "Invisible Hands;” discreet experts needed to save a miracle. The Mainspring of the Sun, the radiant ruby that breathes life into the Caliph’s legendary mechanical orchard, has vanished on the very eve of a historic summit with the Byzantine Empire. Without its song, the golden leaves hang silent and the silver birds sit frozen, threatening to turn a day of peace into a display of Abbasid weakness. The Vizier’s request is simple yet desperate: recover the heart of the tree before the final prayer of the coming day, and do so without the prying eyes of the ambassadors ever realizing it was gone.

Beyond the reward of gold and royal favor, there is a hum of something far more curious in the air; a mystery that defies the laws of iron and oil. As you step into the silent grove, the gears beneath your feet seem to pulse with a strange, expectant energy, as if the orchard itself is watching your every move. This is a journey that will take you from the hushed, parchment-scented corridors of the House of Wisdom to the deepest brass foundations of the palace. You are invited to sharpen your wits and steady your hearts; the song of the nightingale is waiting to be found, and the peace of two empires rests entirely in your capable hands. Welcome to The Ruby and the Nightingale.

Class Day/Time:

Embark on an epic journey with this campaign, which weaves together history and adventure.

The desert sun hangs heavy over the Round City, but within the cool marble halls of the Palace of the Tree, a more chilling stillness has taken hold. You have been summoned by the Vizier not as warriors, but as "Invisible Hands;” discreet experts needed to save a miracle. The Mainspring of the Sun, the radiant ruby that breathes life into the Caliph’s legendary mechanical orchard, has vanished on the very eve of a historic summit with the Byzantine Empire. Without its song, the golden leaves hang silent and the silver birds sit frozen, threatening to turn a day of peace into a display of Abbasid weakness. The Vizier’s request is simple yet desperate: recover the heart of the tree before the final prayer of the coming day, and do so without the prying eyes of the ambassadors ever realizing it was gone.

Beyond the reward of gold and royal favor, there is a hum of something far more curious in the air; a mystery that defies the laws of iron and oil. As you step into the silent grove, the gears beneath your feet seem to pulse with a strange, expectant energy, as if the orchard itself is watching your every move. This is a journey that will take you from the hushed, parchment-scented corridors of the House of Wisdom to the deepest brass foundations of the palace. You are invited to sharpen your wits and steady your hearts; the song of the nightingale is waiting to be found, and the peace of two empires rests entirely in your capable hands. Welcome to The Ruby and the Nightingale.

Academic Fine-Print for Grownups:Students in this class will make imaginary characters. They will interact as dipolmats, engineers, and inventors to find the missing ruby and restore the magic to the mechanical orchard. Students will be immersed in real-world history via a fictional, fantastical narrative. Optional homework about life during the golden age of Islamic science, 10th century diplomacy, and more. They can gain credit in the game for completing it. Students will gain insight into these topics, as well as teamwork, improvisation, and math skills.


For your Curriculum Records, we will cover: 

  • History

  • Ethics

  • Intro to Academic Research 

Dates and Location: 

Please select your preferred date and time in the drop-down box. Classes will run from the week of August 3 (or August 5 for Wednesday classes) through the week of August 24 (August 26 for Wednesday classes.) All 4 classes will be held over Zoom.


Requirements: Age 8+, or at the instructor's discretion. No prior knowledge or experience of Dungeons and Dragons is required, as instructions for creating a character will be sent ahead of time. Students will be given access to an online dice roller, so physical dice are not required.


Class Etiquette: I expect and require gentle, respectful language in my classes, and ask that all students come to class prepared to treat each other with kindness. These classes are a great opportunity for your kiddos to practice social/soft skills, with the underlying perspective that we’re all in this together.