Rumors

Here are some of the rumors the characters have heard while spending quality time in the Broken Gnome or heard during their numerous travels around the british isles.

June 1196:

The Tarroo-Ushtey, the black faerie bull, has been spotted again breeding with cows in the parish Santan, near Manannan's chair. The landowner was very pleased, because its like a blessing for the cattle. The local clergy have arranged a hunt for this "diabolic beast".

August 1196:

You heard what the fool of a king, Reginald, is doing? He has hired masons from England to build a castle in Churchtown! It's supposed to be a great keep, built on the ruins of the ancient celtic castle. The old haunted tower in Peel just wasn't enough for him, was it...

August 1196:

The old hermit nearby, Raonull, has announced that because of the sins of people in Port Erin, he is going fast for 100 days and beg for mercy on our souls. Now there's a holy man!

August 1196:

Some villagers in Breasal have said that they have seen some odd nightly activity near and in their village. There's some evil afoot. It all probably originates from the cursed forest.

September 1196:

'To tell you the truth, some of the Magi are pretty impressed that you still hold all three volumes of the Theory of Art. And some are pretty frustrated 'cause they couldn't get their hands on them while you were away. It wasn't for lack of trying though... you got some of the stupidest and foolhardiest grogs here I've ever seen. Say, you wouldn't be interested in selling us a few guys...we keep losing them like fodder to the pigs. ...Now how about another tour of the brewery. All this natter makes me thirsty.'

~Sir Edwin of Hexham at the Autumn Feast

April 1197:

'You know the silent one of the witches? The one who tries hard not to be noticed but smells like a thunder storm just went by... yeah, you know who I'm talkin' about. I hear he occasionally turns himself into a dragon and flies out to hunt for fresh meat...well I don't know what kind of meat, but I'd sure hate to guess. My cousin works on the Calf and he says the guy is creeping around the island most of the nights... Gives me the creeps when he comes to the Gnome...

May 1197:

You heard what happened in Lonan? After Hersir Eoin Murdach had caught the legendary Tarroo-Ushtey, it was freed by some rich strangers who were in town. Just the night before Bishop Roderick arrived to the town with the intend to slaughter the animal! Needless to say, he was pretty pissed off. He propably won't rest until he finds the strangers. Some say they were wizards...

May 1197:

I heard from a fisherman from Douglas that a man wearing the colors of the church and carrying the sword of a templar is traveling to Witches' Isle. A templar, we laughed at that in the tavern! He doesn't even own a horse! Probably just another mercenary!

June 1197:

I've heard that it is true what the sailors have said about that there has been a lot of written approaches from the Calf for even so far as Chester and Anklow in Leinster last year and this one too. Those traders from Dublin told last week that they are going to stop at the Calf when they return from Carlisle. Robert from Laxey even mentioned that there will be a greater trading company sailing to Eire before the autumn! ...Milton, have you noticed by the way that this darn bread is even sweeter and saltier than last spring?

June 1197:

Psst... Masters of Calf... might I interest you in a piece of valuable information for only 2 pennies? Wha... ouch... well of course I would not ask money from such honored Masters of Magick... Well, here is what I know: Thorbrand Finnsson, the Raven of Odin on Isle on Man, has called a special meeting of Vitki. Its held near Peel at Yule like every year, but this time it lasts a whole week! Usually they only do their rituals during couple of days and nights or so.

December 1197:

Salvete Sodales! I am Auritideus ex Mercere, and I seek your hospitality for one night. I'm on my way from Hibernia to Loch Leglean, to report a great disaster: the covenant of Ashenrise has been destroyed by demons! Luckily most of the members are alive, and have sworn to dedicate their lives to fight the Infernal. I thought this might be of interest to you, as your covenant is famous for fighting the forces of evil. Maybe it would be a good idea for your covenant and Ashenrise to exchange knowledges! Lombard covenant sends their warmest greetings also... Damn you have good ale!... What else is new? Well, let me see... The english nobles have pushed on with their conquest of Ireland, they occupy nearly half of the island now. Killing an Irish noble is rewarded, and killing any Irish person can be done virtually with no punishment at all... how vulgar! The damn english and their war have destroyed many great vis-sources and faerie areas. All in all, Hibernia has seen better times.

March 1198:

Salvete again, sodales! I come back from Loch Leglean with grim news. King William the Lion has ordered the execution of three magi, who have gone into hiding. The royal guard is looking for them with the aid of church, as well as many nobles and mercenaries. The king has developed an sudden hatred of magi, propably influenced by his seneschal, Lord Goulis who is rumored to be a servant of satan. It seems that infernal agression cannot be escaped anywhere! The magi of Loch Leglean definitely need to come up with a sensible solution. Perhaps you have a thought how to solve this grave situation? But forgive me, I must now head back to Hibernia, where my sodales need me urgently. Farewell!

September 1198:

Oi! Near Peel they are telling a story of a mighty norse warrior who arrived there two years ago. They say that the man talks in ancient viking tongue, feeds his sword with blood every night and haunts the area around Tynwald Hill and Saurssgrove. Some say he is Cormac the viking hero, some that he is related to the giants, some that he is a hagbui. I don't want to go and find out.

March 1199:

Salvete sodales! I am Calum, a Redcap in Loch Leglean tribunal, and bring you news from the mainland. After your last trip to Scotland, the Church officials did announce that Lord Goulis had been a diabolist, and the king has pulled back the execution orders for the three magi. They found lots of evidence against David Goulis: dealings with the english king, forged plans of a norse attack to Scotland, Diabolic symbols and bones of sacrifices. The word is that a brave Borderlander, his name also David, finally slew Goulis in front of his castle. They tell that such was the power of David's blows, that the diabolist's armor melted! Hahaha... the common folk can be sooo stupid. Of course, many magi in Loch Leglean know how Lord Goulis really met his demise. And for that they are very thankful to you. Caitlin Suil Uaine even said that in the tribunal of 1200, she is going to propose a reward for your covenant's hard work fighting the forces of evil. Good work sodales, and I'd like to thank you also, for soon it will be much easier to travel in the Borderlands wearing a red cap. Now, how about my meal and silver pennies?

december 1200:

You heard? They say the norse gods are being awakened by the rituals of Yule, you know, the norse christmas. The amount of sacrifices this year has been bigger than ever. May God Almighty save our souls when Odin and Thor start marching with their army from Valhalla!

march 1201:

The word is that the Pope Innocentius III has called upon the christian world to arm themselves for a crusade. Hah, as if any manx nobleman would ever be so pious that he would go. Those sheep-robbing, daughter-raping, cattle-thieving norse "noblemen", nothing but petty robbers. The few last years have seemed like the times my grandfather used to tell me about, when the norse overlords had the right to kill any manx man with no threat of penalty.

August 1201:

Masters, have you already heard the news from the north? Traders from Peel told a story of how the norsemen raiders have taken their toll on the wizards from the northern parts of Man! Yes master, Stratus Intimus, that was the place. They attacked the covenant in the darkness of night and many men were there, some even say that highlanders assisted the norse! It is not known were there many casulaties on the Mages, but I've also heard the rumour that one of them disappeared during the raid! Perhaps he died! None of the local norselords have taken credit for this, but I'm sure that the raiders were not from far away...

June 1202:

Sodales, my curiosity got the best of me and I traveled all the way to Laoghchr Moor and investigated the remains of Maighread's sanctum. There are no signs of Cathragguagch's presence. I don't want to incite any fears or unnecessary troubles, but there is a possibility that The Madness Spirit rode away with one of you. Be aware of changes, but do not act too hasty because of wrong doubts.

- Word from Severus ex Merinita of the covenant of Crun Clach