Robert Poyton

London - truly one of the greatest cities in the world, with a history that spans thousands of years. Yet with its origins lost in the mists of myth and legend, London presents an enigma. For while it remains a vibrant, bustling metropolis, a centre of science, art, politics and innovation, it also has a darker side. An occult tradition that ranges from King Brutus of the Trojans, through Dee and Kelly, to Blake, the Theosophists, perhaps even the Ripper, and beyond.Here are gathered nine new tales of weird and Lovecraftian London. From the days of Roman ruins, to its heyday as Heart of the Empire. From the terror of the Blitz, to psychedelic Swinging London. And all the way up to the present day, where the fog-shrouded past may still reach out and tap you on the shoulder...The Eye of Jupiter - B Harlan CrawfordFrostfall - Tim Mendees The Song from the Statue - Simon BleakenCell 34- A.D. RadfordWhen Shadows Creep - Robert PoytonWhispered Cadences of Sweet Delirium -Lee Clark ZumpeRag and Bone - David Cartwright Shadows and Echoes - Gavin ChappellThe Piercer of the Veils - John Houlihan448 pages, illustrated

It is 1826, and the august members of the Pickman Club gather for their Annual Dinner. As is usual, members are asked to share any recent strange or singular experiences with the group. And so, dinner done, the assembled gather round the fireplace as each, in turn, narrates their tale.Here are those stories, collated by one who was there, presented for your interest and enjoyment. But be warned The tales within reveal many disturbing secrets about our world and the things that lay beyond and, in some cases, beneath it.Read then, if you will, of beings of the outer cosmos, and of the peculiar traditions of decaying, seaside towns. Learn of cursed family artefacts and the dangers of experimenting with exotic drugs. And hearken to the chilling reality revealed by the digging of the Thames Tunnel... The door to the Pickman Club is open.....ContentsTHE PICKMANITES THE AMAZING THOTH - Miguel Fliguer THE DARK CLIFFS OF BLACK VEN -Lee Clark Zumpe GOODBYE, CRUEL WORLD - Mike Slater THE HUNTERS OF THE HIGHWAY - Tim Mendees EVENTS IN THE CITY OF NORWICH - Tony Bradbury A SINISTER INTERLUDE - Gavin Chappell THE ACCOUNT OF MALCOM CONRAD, - B Harlan Crawford THE FEASTER FROM AFAR - Glynn Owen Barrass THE SHADOW OVER THE SEPULCHRE - John DeLaughter SHADWELL'S TALE - Russell Smeaton THE FITZWYRM LEGACY - John Houlihan THE TRUTH ABOUT DOTHEBOYS - Shelley de Cruz KING OF TIDES - Robert Poyton BIOGRAPHIES

VOLUME SEVEN OF THE WOLF SAGA Five tales from Llorc mac Lughaidh's days pirating on the Southern Seas KATUVA'S MAP - Llorc gains captaincy of his own pirate vessel and begins an epic quest to retrieve the legendary treasure of Katuva, the Sea Tiger. But first the map must be found... and rivals dealt with.ISLE OF THE NECROMANCER - with the Faolch beached, Llorc and his crew accept the hospitality of the mysterious Vyrcolac. But what of his silent, cowled servants, and what secrets are hidden in the chambers below?THE SEA QUEEN'S CROWN - driven by a strange compulsion, Llorc directs his crew to a remote, decaying sea-port. There he discovers the secret of the artefact known as the Sea Queen's Crown, and the terrible price its ownership brings.THE LURKER BELOW - driven by revenge, Prince Sahaludir leads his forces against Llorc and the pirate clans. Yet who can tell which is hunter and which is prey? And what of that which dwells in the depths of the Prince's fortress...PHANTOM OF THE WAVES - adrift and close to death, Llorc is plucked from the sea by the enigmatic Captain Decker. But just who, or what is his saviour, and is there to be no escape from eternal wandering?Pulse-pounding Sword and Sorcery in the vein of Robert E Howard "Great books One of the better Conan-not-Conan series. Poyton does a much better job of nailing the Howardian vibe than most who have tried." - Deuce Richardson

Mythic tales, legends and lore are part of every human culture. From the quests of Greek myth, to China's Journey to the West, from India's Mahabharata to the Anglo-Saxon Beowulf, our histories resound with the clang of swords, and the struggle of heroes and heroines against dark forces and foul sorcery.In the 20th century, Robert E Howard, among others, pioneered modern mythologies which have become known as Sword and Sorcery. This anthology continues that tradition, with eleven new sizzling S&S tales from the pens of the Innsmouth Writing Circle.The yarns within feature a cast of lucky thieves, avenging barbarians, bold swordswomen, and temple plunderers, not to mention sorcerers, necromancers, priests and a range of horrors that would freeze the blood of all but the bravest warrior.So don your chain mail shirt, hoist high your battle-axe, let loose a war cry, and join us in the days of High Adventure....CONTENTSFOREWORDTHE HORN OF TUR - H.R.Laurence TO TAME A DEMON - Lyndon Perry FEAST OF FOOLS - Robert PoytonTHE ROTTING GODDESS - B Harlan CrawfordTHE COLOUR OF DECAY - Ashley Dioses THE LUCKY THIEF - Tim MendeesWIND - Russell SmeatonTHE HAUNTER OF THE CATACOMBS - Gavin ChappellSKYFALL - Glynn Owen BarrassTHE GUIDE, THE GENERAL AND THE PRIEST - Shelley de CruzONE SWORD AGAINST THE GLUTTONOUS GODS -Lee Clark Zumpe

This book gathers together a collection of twelve essays from the first year or so of Innsmouth News.Innsmouth News is the in-house fanzine of the Innsmouth Book Club podcast, a show which covers all aspects of Lovecraftian and weird fiction, film, gaming and art.The essays, all written by Robert Poyton, cover a wide range of topics. From Lovecraftian sites in the UK, to the Roots of Cthulhu. From Tolkien's use of class, to screen depictions of Robert E Howard's Conan the Barbarian.There's a look at Deep Ones, ghouls, Lovecraft's use of music, the Howardian Mythos, HPL on TV and more. All rounded off by a guide to Lovecraft's Providence, and an essay from the Old Gent himself on writing weird fiction.CONTENTSBY WAY OF INTRODUCTIONHPL-UKCTHULHU PSYCHEDELICACLASS IN TOLKIENTHE MUSIC OF HP LOVECRAFT THE OUTSIDER IN DREAMLANDCONAN OF THE SCREENSWHO ARE THE DEEP ONES?HPL - TVTHE HOWARDIAN MYTHOSLOVECRAFT'S GHOULSTHE ROOTS OF CTHULHULOVECRAFT'S PROVIDENCENOTES ON WRITING WEIRD FICTION - HP Lovecraft

Systema has both width in its scope of training and tremendous depth in its application. Unlike many martial arts, however, it has no set forms or kata, no set style of movement and no catalogue of techniques. Given this apparent lack of syllabus, how can we go about teaching Systema? This book is a complete guide, giving the instructor the complete set of tools to set up, run and develop a Systema group.It starts with the basics of selecting a venue, class structure, lesson plans, and learning styles, before moving on to creating drills, dealing with difficulties, running workshops, setting up testing and scenario work and more.Author Robert Poyton draws on almost 40 years teaching experience to give you the framework and tips you'll need to become an effective Systema instructor. Contains invaluable advice not only for Systema instructors, but for teachers of all martial art styles.

A seemingly random shooting in an East London park draws DI "Cab" Calloway into a major investigation. The killing sparks the threat of a major gangland war looms as rival firms muscle in to control the street drug scene.Political intrigue also hinders the investigation, not to mention the appearance of a foreign agent on British soil. And with a rogue assassin at large, nobody can be sure who is the next target...A gripping thriller played out against the backdrop of early Eighties East London.

Self defence is usually the main reason people begin training in martial arts. Systema is ideal for this purpose as it teaches us how to be adaptable in any situation. Rather than set moves, Systema uses a principle-based approach to enhance our skills and develop our abilities.This unique book starts by examining a number of real life self defence situations, from verbal attacks to full on assaults. It then applies Systema methods to each incident, explaining training drills that would help you prevail in similar situations.Topics covered include awareness, timing and distance, de-escelation skills and pre-emptive work. The book also shows the basics of strikes, kicks and takedowns and how to work against kicks from the floor.Legalities and consequences are also discussed, and the book also includes revised material from The Ten Points of Sparring. It explains how to refine your work, along with practical drills on flow state and the OODA Loop. Finally, it describes how to create scenarios in order to realistically test your skills.Easy to follow guide, fully illustrated."Rob Poyton has been training and teaching Systema since 2000. He is a dedicated and talented instructor, knowledgeable on all of the key components of Systema.. Rob presents his teaching in a clear and structured manner through his classes and reading materials." - Vladimir Vasiliev, October 2019.Paperback, 17cm x 24cm 220 pages

Systema is one of the few martial arts than can be practiced entirely for health and by people of all ages.This book gives a comprehensive guide to solo Systema training for the older person. It covers all the basics of breathwork, posture, movement and core exercise. It also show how to improve balance and coordination, even how to fall safely and get up from the floor. As well as this, there is advice on how to structure your training, on diet, lifestyle and developing a positive mental outlook. Age is no barrier when it comes to health, fitness and well-being. Whether you have had a break from exercise or are looking for something more suitable for your circumstances, Systema will put you back in touch with your childhood sense of play and keep you fit and active well into old age.Easy to follow guide, fully illustrated."Rob Poyton has been training and teaching Systema since 2000. He is a dedicated and talented instructor, knowledgeable on all of the key components of Systema.. Rob presents his teaching in a clear and structured manner through his classes and reading materials."- Vladimir Vasiliev, October 2019.

Us humans have held a fascination with cats since the days of the Pharaohs. Within the breast of even the most domesticated moggy burns the heart of a tiger Cats have featured heavily in weird and supernatural fiction, including Poe and, of course, that great lover of cats, HP Lovecraft. This 190 page anthology gathers 13 new works from the Innsmouth Writing Circle with a distinctly feline theme. Tales and poems from Ulthar, from ancient times, the modern day and even the far future. You may never look at that snoozing kitty in the same way again...CONTENTSOF SAND AND DREAMS - Ian DelacroixSYNCHRONICITY - Russell SmeatonWHAT ATAL SAW - Miguel FliguerMOUSER - John HoulihanTHE ODYSSEUS FILE - Robert PoytonROADKILL - Andy JoynesTHE SHADOW OF XIOM-THOGG - B. Harlan CrawfordCHILDREN OF THE NIGHT - Lara PoytonTHE LAST DAYS OF ULTHAR - Peter RawlikTHE CAT AND THE SOMNAMBULIST - Luna Z. MesvellDREAMS IN THE LAND OF - Mike SlaterA GOREY DEMISE - Shelley De CruzLOVECRAFT AND CATS - J DeLaughterTHE CATS - HP LovecraftBIOGRAPHIES

VOLUME FIVE OF THE WOLF SAGA Once again penniless, Llorc journeys south to rejoin his mercenary comrades in the Legion. He finds them on the fortified island of Arilarat, a quiet backwater, as guests of the Order of the Goddess. But war is looming. The Jahari Empire has turned its face west and a vast fleet is being assembled, with Arilarat as the target.Llorc and his friends soon find themselves involved in a titanic struggle between two fanatical enemies. And when the Grand Inquisitor arrives, being inside the castle becomes almost as dangerous as being outside. Spies, assassins, pirates, hidden treasure and defenders outnumbered ten to one... the scene is set for Llorc's most epic adventure yet... Stirring Sword & Sorcery adventure in the spirit of Robert E Howard "Great books One of the better Conan-not-Conan series. Poyton does a much better job of nailing the Howardian vibe than most who have tried." - Deuce Richardson

Martial arts include striking, kicking and weapons techniques. But what happens when we are called on to subdue an attacker without injuring them? Grappling is probably the oldest form of martial art, from which developed many methods to restrain people. This book details the Systema approach to locks, holds and throws.It outlines basic bio-mechanics, shows the relevance of the Four Pillars, then uses simple techniques to teach you how to apply the major principles to your work. It also shows how to utilise items such as chairs and clothing, ways to work with a partner, pain compliance, countering and escapes, drills to refine your skills and clear methods to help you progress into internal work. Far more than a textbook of rote techniques, this book is packed with practical exercises, fully illustrated, with clear and concise instructions based on scientific understanding and personal experience.

VOLUME FOUR OF THE WOLF SAGA Following the defeat of the Reiver, life in Llorc's homeland returns to its usual routines. Restless and bored, the young warrior sets forth again, this time heading into the Borderlands to the south-east. He hopes to find work for his sword in this wild place but instead becomes an indentured guard in the bustling trading town of Livadia.But unknown to Llorc, the town is also the focal point for three sets of treasure hunters - all seeking the fabled hoard of the wizard Sabhar Lal, said to be hidden somewhere in the nearby mountains.And furthermore, the Priest King of Yarlung has placed a price on Llorc's head. A price that a group of warriors from that far-flung Kingdom are determined to collect, even if it means following Llorc into the underworld....Stirring Sword & Sorcery adventure in the spirit of Robert E Howard Reviews of earlier books in the series: "Great books One of the better Conan-not-Conan series. Poyton does a much better job of nailing the Howardian vibe than most who have tried." Deuce Richardson" Action packed and features some solid characters. If you enjoyed the works of Robert E. Howard I believe you will have a fun time with this novel.""Another tour-de-force among the many adventures and tales of terror, all from the fertile imagination of Rob Poyton He writes in a dense style, filled with details of the world he inhabits with fierce warrriors, that wander the worlds channeling the spirit of Conan, King Kull, and Soloman Kane.""Really enjoyed this, it's a good "old fashioned" sword and sorcery tale with a Conan type feel about it.Looking forward to the next in the series "

The Dunwich NIghtmare A savage murder on a bleak Dunwich beach draws DS Marcus Hinds into an investigation that threatens his sanity. Assisted by local reporter Suzy Bainbridge and conspiracy theorist Bob Couzens, Hinds discovers the links between a secret facility, Sizewell Nuclear Power Plant and Nazi occult experiments. Meanwhile, something inhuman roams the desolate Suffolk coastline... The Dunwich Crisis Marcus and his colleagues think the worst is over but the three are drawn deeper into a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of the UK Establishment. Events on the East Anglia coast trigger a national crisis, waking an ancient creature that has slumbered for aeons beneath the depths of the North Sea. And at the CERN project in Switzerland, a more recent evil has returned and is ready to open a trans-dimensional portal, a gateway to the Beyond.... The Dunwich Legacy Marcus and Suzy are forced to navigate the Beyond, a place full of danger and alien life. But even if they can return to Earth, will they find things the same as when they left? For two ruthless powers are locked in a bitter struggle for the very future of the planet. And deep in the Pacific, something stirs.... For the first time, all three novellas published together. A modern take on HP Lovecraft's classicThe Dunwich Horror. Fast-paced mythos action

Stress is unavoidable, we all suffer from it to some degree. The cause may be money worries, work issues or family pressures. Prolonged exposure to even low levels of stress has a detrimental effect on our health. In the UK alone, over 15 million work days a year are lost due to stress-related conditions. This fully illustrated book is a practical guide to dealing with life's stresses, large and small. It shows you how to counter the physical effects of stress with simple breathing and movement techniques. It also outlines a comprehensive range of lifestyle strategies for managing stress, including time management, sleep, diet, how to keep a journal, recognising stress triggers, mindfulness, developing a positive outlook and more. Links are included to MP3 downloads to help with visualisations and breathing exercises. As well as that, there are tips for dealing with grief, controlling pain, overcoming fear and conflict resolution.There's advice on dealing with deeper issues as well as guides to taking any of the methods explained further. An indispensable handbook for dealing with the kind of stress and tension that life throws at you every day. Learn how to restore balance to your life and remember - stress is compulsory, suffering is optional

Following their return from the Copernicus 9 mission, Naylor and the team are drawn deeper into the political crisis on Earth. Meanwhile, the possibility of an internal leak puts the whole unit on edge. When AT5 are tasked to find and retrieve a rogue corporate chemist, thinks quickly go wrong. Stranded on a desert planet, the team find themselves up against not only the Cartel, but also a crack mercenary team... and the hunters become the hunted Volume Two in an eipc new military sci fi series, following the exploits of Special Forces unit Assault Team 5. Amazon reviews for AT5 Vol 1 Naylor's War: "This is an extremely enjoyable adventure novel, a bit like The Dirty Dozen in space " "Solid, well researched plotlines and characters you can actually buy into."

Ancestors - we all have them. Family lines that extend deep into the past and, sometimes, into the future. The works of HP Lovecraft are full of references to twisted family trees, evil ancestors, and degenerate descendants. Inheritance and legacy, rebirth and decay. This anthology explores both prequels and sequels to Lovecraftian tales.Seventeen stories, tales that tell of the descendants of Randolph Carter and of the aftermath of the fateful 1928 Innsmouth raid. You will discover the dark history of the de la Poers, read of the early days of the artist Pickman, learn the secrets of Erich Zann. From Dunwich to distant Venus, from the dawn of time to the far flung future; this unique collection, by authors old and new, seeks to expand and explore the rich Mythos legacy left to us by the Father of the Weird Tale. CONTENTS The Events at Exham Priory Robert Poyton A Brief Delay on the Road to San Bernardino B Harlan Crawford Sympathetic Vibrations Lee Clark Zumpe His Last Summer Russell Smeaton Portrait of the Artist Frank Coffman The Acquisition of Mariah Lieberman Peter Rawlik The Shadow Over America John Houlihan Crepitus Mark Jenkins Whatever Happened to Bobby Lee? Eduardo Peret Bad Dream Chris Halliday The Derelict in the Dock John A DeLaughter The Lullaby of Erich Zann GK Lomax Twilight of the Gods Glynn Owen Barrass Memories Tony Bradbury Nyarlathotep 2030 ( or A Dark Carnival) Ian Delacroix Beneath the Walls of Eryx Dickon Springate The Nyarlathotep Experience Miguel Fliguer