The Heartland Games was staged on Roak Isle in the Summer Isles to the south of Estragales. I attended out of curiosity more than anything else as I was in the area.

Transport arrangements had been made although a fully operational ritual circle was not provided as I am led to believe is customary on these great occasions although being a wanderer I have never attended the Gathering of Nations being a citizen of non and yet all lands.

The Games have been resurrected from the time of the Great Empire and have not been held for many years and although there was a good number present for the competitions the attendance by the peoples of the Heartlands was not all that it might have been. Orcus and Spittle hosted this event.

Orcus and Spittle and some of the activities of the circus seemed to cause concern to many, particularly to the Guild of Magicians. Of major concern to the magicians seemed to be what they considered Orcus and Spittle's somewhat liberal use of what they refer to as "high magics". Personally I see no problem with this and perhaps it is time that the Magicians themselves looked outwards to what can achieved by true practitioners of the arts rather than the "young pretenders" to the crown who weakness and ineptitude in the true arts is now sorely apparent by the lack of any who can truly weave the strands of power.

There was also a rift to the void behind the stage in the main arena which was a little more worrying as I was not sure what measures had been taken to secure the size and stability of the rift. The final interesting point about the circus was that it seemed a little out of date, 600 years out of date to be precise believing it to be 498 AF.

Murder and Strife.

A member of the Gryphons faction was struck down with a poisoned blade. It has been suggested that the man who died was not the intended target but that the blade was actually meant for Timothy de Wilfsbane. The perpetrator of the crime was a Drow from the Tarantula faction. After some more than acrimonious discussions I believe the culprit was handed over and as a result he too lost his life. It is hypothesised in some areas that another Gryphon had in fact hired the Drow in question for a single Stell. It surely is a sad testament to the treaty signed in 1091 AF that a single small disc of silver is the price paid for the loss of two lives and I am glad to be a wanderer to seek my own enlightenment.

Death and Destruction.

In the early hours Thomas Finn of the Gargoyles and some of his assistants were discussing business matters with the Tarantulas. The demon Golgomoth appeared and utterly destroyed Thomas Finn before setting about his assistants. Golgomoth then left with words to the effect of "and now for Maar". The fate of Maar is still unknown although the bid to form the Gargoyles faction now seems to have collapsed. Since the games I have learnt that Clan McKinnon have re-pledged their services to the Vipers and the other groups supporting the bid seem to be in disarray.

Death of a Master.

Sordelan, the long-standing leader of the Scouts Guild was assassinated late one night. All that appears to be known about the assassins is that one was a large goblinoid who was accompanied by a smaller woman. What is known so far is that this was a murder rather than an abduction and the body was taken away via the transport circle. Other than that facts are currently scarce.

As for the games results themselves I was not there to compete and did not take much part. I believe the final result was victory for "The Oblivious" with "The Exiles" in second place.

The Losers.

However I feel the true losers are the Heartlands themselves. As far as I can see what was meant as a time of celebration and revelry and a break form the politics of the world was anything but with murder and strive seeming to be the order of the day. In this brief report I have mentioned death as much as anything, something that the signing of the treaty in 1091AF was meant to prevent. In this respect it seems to me that the treaty is sadly failing those it was meant to serve. As for myself I care not. I respect no treaty and no boundary and will follow wherever my guardian angel shall lead me.

INCANTATION ... The unfortunate delusion that your former mates in the Otherworld still give a shxt!

DRINK THE UNSEELIE SIDE! ... If you thought the wedges were good you should have seen the pyramid! DRINK TO THE SEELIE SIDE!

So what do you do when a friend says lets go to the games.......You go!

Hoping for a drink with friends before the polotics of the moots was waylaid when, getting to Lyonesse (Teran was not there but I don’t remember travelling there) I find hardly anyone I knew here.

More to the point NO DRINKING FRIENDS!!!!

The first night proved to be a lonley one where in I was propping up the bar and trying to stop it from falling down and closing!

The Lions (To which I had camped with were all in bed by dawn so I went to bed. However the lions had other plans for that when just as I was about to sleep there was a loud roaring noise which persisted for many hours!

On waking there was an air of anticipation for the games to begin! Not being able to wait for the rest I ran down to the Arena, however this proved to be a bad thing. I could smell beer! at 9bells? So followed my nose and there it was the beer tent! Pursuaded the barman to let me in and started to drink!

Hmmm many hours later when it had got dark I realised that I had missed the signing in of the teams...however the beer was good!

Promising myself to go to the games and enter myself for the Gladitorail competitions. Still no campfire singalong or anyone around! Must be going up there at the wrong times!

Same thing happened the following day only this time I managed to go to the guild tent. I talked for a couple of hours to Sordelan and heather of the grey Knights and managed to do a scout test for the sheer annoyance of sitting there for hour’s decifering puzzles!

I was not there when Sordelan died, why is it that it was the same way with Attila?

I did manage to see a couple of events the Dungeon and the jugger ball. But most of it was spent drinking and roaming the nearby forest.

See you at the bar!

Thorin Ironfist of the Lions

MAGIC ... A little reminder to reality that it has no more right to disagree with you than anyone else!

DRINK TO THE UNSEELIE SIDE! ... You'll like this ... A LOT! DRINK TO THE SEELIE SIDE!

The Clan O’Leary would like to thanks the McYokels for the invite to the McYokel Tavern night this year. It was a great time for drinking & twating Picts, Orcs and anything else that was not invited!!!!!

Name: Finn O’Leary (Burp!)

Occupation: Cheify of the O’Leary’s, Pub Owner, Gobo’ Killer & the Holder of the Holy axes of office.

Age: About that old, as old as ya feel, however they keep running away!

Favourite Past time: Apart from Mrs palm & the 5 sisters, Fighting, drinking Beer, Beer…. Wee want more Beer!

What the next question?

I don’t know your asking them!

Favourite Colour: Brownish – The colour of Beer!

Would most like to share a Desert Island with…None of ya business, as she doesn’t know yet!

Would Least like to share a Desert Island with…Raven O’Donnell, the wee Poof! 

Lastly….. who’s the lady then? 

Come here a minute, meet Mister table (Thud!)

Listen to me next time!!! Don’t ask!!!

Rumours abound this month that Matron Mother Xullrae the currently 'misplaced' Tarantula is being held WILLINGLY in Yargon McYokel's Tower. This startling revelation helps explain the strange noises emanating from the tower over the last few weeks. Sounds of clinking metal, implement sharpening, giggling and noise that can only be described as 'fleshy', have been heard by local residents during the hours of darkness. Also smells of burning and leather polish are emanating from the tower.

Further evidence for the debauchery being enacted HERE.....in the Heart of Caledonia include the fact that Yargon has been seen WALKING UNAIDED through the halls of the castle. More unbelievable still when revealed that he hasn't walked into anyone or anything for DAYS. Yargon has refrained from comment thus far. Investigations by this reporter have found that Mungo McYokel; the Clan Blacksmith received an order for 700 feet of high tensile steel chain. An expert in forgeries was called in to study the order form. The slightly shaky handwriting was identified as that of a doddering old git, probably an Incantor judging by the fact that none of the lines are straight.

The game was up for Yargon when the serving girl delivered his breakfast this morning. She attempted to open the door, but was unable to do so because of the chains piled up behind it. Mungo has identified the chains as his work.

Sources close to the Castle today admitted no responsibility for the actions of Uncle Yargon. However several un-named members of the Clan have been quoted as asking if they can join in.

More on this story as and when we pay people to dob Yargon in.

This reporter has refused to be named as this may jeopardise his investigation.

Some of you may have heard that the Great Library of Caledonia has been discovered near the town of Gartness. The Library building was destroyed during the Cataclysm and it's location has been lost until now. Eltha McFey of the Druidic Order is currently investigating the functions of the Library and the damage sustained to the records kept within.

Anyone requiring more information about the Library is advised to contact him at the Faction Moot or Gathering.

It has been over a year now since they were first heard of, from far and wide. However only 2 managed to travel as far to join the Bears, but other reputations of their clan members came too.

Many have been asked by name to agree to join the Bears in celebration, none of them appeared too date..... (Why? - Ed).

News has reached Editor of the clan going in slow ever decreasing circles... is their something wrong with the clan leader? Is he killing off his Kin? Questions need to be asked !!!

Perhaps if you could find the Clan leader, Raven O’Donnell you could ask these questions for the Bull!

Have the McPooh’s found Christopher Robin? Will they ever find him?

Is Nevyen O’Leary (Seen below) sain? Please send answers to the Editor.

Why does master Robyn O’Ship, also know as BOB, talk in such a high pitched voice & find it so hard to grow facial hair? Also it was mentioned that a lot of women’s undies were found in his tent, when asked if they were his he blushed very feminily and hid behind a corset - OOPS sorry - closet. Your guess is as good as mine!

How old is Donald McTottie? And just how many children does he actually have? Also who’s the new lass he is rumoured to have been seen with?

Rumours have been circling that Teran’s niece has been very naughty in the last few months and got herself in a situation (Bun in the oven more like - Ed). Teran is slightly annoyed, as the father is unknown, as Caitlin will not tell.

Durith has stated ... Caitlin said it was not me.......is it.....Um .....no, no.......good !!!!!

Has anyone seen the O’Soups recently particularly Nettle (Pettle/Kettle) O’Soup. She was supposed to be getting married to Morgan MacBain - Has she? And even rumoured to be betrothed to a Lion!!!! (Fancy a cuppa love?). There are also rumours that Shamus killed her after an inter-clann argument! Answers on a banner pleeasse!

Single Caledonia male, Very understanding, able to cope with my complicated & secret 2nd lifestyle. Must like short lassies and have a head for the sea air.

Own boat preferable.

Replies to McYokel Bull Editor.

From Confused & lonely shipmate.

Dear, Confused and lonely shipmate

I’m looking for some full time tottie. Meet me at the nearest ritual circle on the 27th day of the 6th month 1098. I’ll be wearing a silver thistle.

Wear a dress!

Ps. I have large ship! and thats not all !

P.P.s and I’m Caledonian!

I would like to ask the members of the Bears faction to assist me in locating an object which would appear vital to the operation of the Great Library.

Those that would like to help please contact me at the first Faction Moot and I shall supply more information.

My thanks, Eltha McFey,

First High Journeyman of the Druidic Order

With Contributions by:

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