1238, Summer 2

We think about sending our grogs to spy on the secret meetings of the Merinita magi, but the plan falls through when we realise that none of our grogs actually speak Latin. Jack does speak Latin, and he has experience sneaking and spying. However, he isn’t stupid enough to want to try and spy on magi.

Then we realise I could give one of the Grogs the ability to understand Latin, but that would very definitely break the Code of Hermes which forbids the use of magic to scry on other magi.

Day 3

On day 3, it is time for a discussion about what position the Tribunal should take concerning Stonehenge. One group want nothing to do with them, about 60% seem to think that we need to get on with them, but don’t need to do much about them. Some want to build bridges, and then a small number want to burn them. Though the latter are more against the Normans than against the magi. Horsingas used to be leaders of this camp, but Fire Heart are now left to take up the hate, but they aren’t so well organised.

The conversation doesn’t really go anywhere, and eventually a panel is set up to discuss the issue in time for the next Tribunal. This allows the meeting to finish in time for a late lunch.

We have another discussion about what to tell Quaesitor Whitburh Frithowebba, either about those who destroyed her covenant and murdered her sodalis – Dierdre ex Tytalus or the incestuous Merinita twins Ciara and Kian.

We decide to talk to her. The points we cover are that:

• There is a group of people who have been doing ritual magic for some time, who have been continuing the work of Praelix to keep Damhain Alla imprisoned.
• There is a group of magi who are trying to undo these rituals. We think the twins are involved.
• Human sacrifice is involved. Deirdre was also involved. She took out the Stonehenge delegation since they were wanting to cause trouble.

We talk to her in her quarters that afternoon, and have a private conversation. She casts a spell around us to help maintain privacy. Her face goes through various expressions as we inform her of what we know. At the end of it all, we offer her the opportunity to stay with us. She is grateful for our offer, but is trying to rebuild Horsingas and wants to stay on site. 

That evening, I speak to some of the northern magi about the events up in the North concerning the Lidless. Most of the magi didn’t get that involved, and they think it was a mixture of insane people, Slaugh and other things which they weren’t sure about. Some of them had quite a bit of magic resistance. One thing looked a bit spidery.

Day 4

A case brought by Mairead ex Miscellanea against Domhnall ex Miscellanea concerning scrying. She and some friends of hers were bathing in a river, and she claims that Domhnall was using magic to scry on them.Domhnall refutes the accusation. Since she used magic to detect it, he claims that if he had done it, then she was scrying on him so would be just as guilty.

He seems to have a very poor reputation, especially when it comes to abusing his powers over women. All the evidence is circumstantial however. Personally, given that we’re been doing scrying, I’m not sure I want to get involved. However distasteful he is as a person, overreaching interpretation of scrying laws could be used against us.

The general feeling of the Tribunal seems to be similar, and though many magi are willing to stand up and give testimony as to the poor nature of Domhnall’s character, nobody actually wants to vote against him.

Eventually Quaesitor Frithowebba says that there isn’t any evidence, so she can’t find against him. However, if someone wants to declare Wizard War on him, she’d be happy with that.

After a moment of shock, several magi volunteer. Domhnall looks really shocked, and suddenly finds that there’s a gap forming around him. She accepts the requests for Wizard’s War from a couple of magi, and suggests to Domhnall that he starts running. Technically the War can’t be declared until the next full Moon, and won’t begin until the following one, but Domhnall doesn’t seem convinced that such niceties will be upheld, and quickly makes his exit.

There follows several side discussions about what got into Quaesitor Frithowebba. Obviously, we’re aware of why she might be in such an aggressive mood, but don’t share that information with anyone.

There is betting going on concerning tomorrow’s legal case. A number of people think that the two magi might try to reach an out of court settlement, given how the Quaesitor ruled today.

What I have heard is that there are several magic cows involved in the case tomorrow. There has apparently been ‘interference’ with the cows, in a very physical and intimate way.

Myself and several of the Criamon try to explain reality to Maedbh. This might be a good way to stimulate a healthy debate, by getting someone to ask some very simple questions.

Day 5

The next day, it is time for the legal case against Mage Uillean MacGruagach ex Miscellania, however the harmed party has withdrawn this since both parties have come to an agreement.

However, Quaesitor Frithowebba insists that given it involves molestation of the fay, she insists that it continues. Neither party seem particularly happy about that.

Kevin Mac Gruagach says that the complaint that Uillean and his friends came onto their land and made off with their cows.

Is that it? asks the Quaesitor.

They did it by transforming themselves into bulls and sneaking onto their land. However one of the cows was a faerie, and the bulls got rather frisky and ‘had relations’. Rather than leading the cows away, they had a lot of relations. Eventually they did steal the cows, and now the faerie cow is having babies. There is a lot of amusement amongst the Tribunal as the case is related.

Does the accused wish to defend themselves?

Magus Uillean says that whilst he was a bull, the cow looked very pretty. And he may have forgotten to raise his Parma. There is a lot of laughter. The Magus is unlikely to live this down.

It is interference with the fay, but not particularly serious. The youngster does appear to be dying of embarrassment. The Quaesitor rules that he should be charged to look after the offspring. Matters will be allowed to take their course.

Strangely, there is no Any Other Business.

I go to some discussions on Philosophiae with a group of like minded magi,

Day 6

It is the day of the closure of the Tribunal. The usual formalities are gone through, and the Quaesitor confirms that everything was legal. People are relieved that she doesn’t do anything else.

The Praeco declares that the Tribunal is closed.