Albion Inkwell Issue 3
Aquired late summer 1126
Librarian’s note: The text below is merely an aid to cataloguing, please view the intact version of this newspaper here:
Parchment Puzzler
Across
5. Picnic Island
6. Renowned hunter follower
8. Western Rocks
10. Words of a sibling who
leads
Down
1. Guild within the heart
2. Connoisseur of grapes
3. Disagreeable Snack
4. Prime
7. Most lost Item
9. Corrupted Nethras
The Hollow Ledger
Editor’s Summary
To those once more holding these ink-stained pages, welcome.
Whether this edition found its way into your hands by honest purchase, generous loan, or because somebody briefly looked the other way, we
are pleased to have your company once again.
Across Albion we have witnessed deeds that, only months ago, would have sounded like the sort of tale a bard tells after accepting one drink
too many. The Black Vines have begun to fall. Great rituals have succeeded where hope once faltered. Entire swarms of rats have somehow
become heroes of the realm. Fire has answered corruption with fire of its own.
And yet…
Victory has a curious habit of asking almost as many questions as defeat.
Why do Vortigern’s own servants appear to destroy the very corruption they once spread? Why do respected guilds leave the Great Edrejan
Fayre with quiet concerns instead of celebration? Why do old names return bearing new meanings? And what comes after the vines?
Within these pages you will find triumph, speculation, humour, warnings, and perhaps the occasional answer. More often, however, you will
find the questions that Albion has not yet finished asking. As ever, this paper belongs not to regents, courts, guilds, or scholars, but to the
people who walk Albion’s roads.
Share your victories, your mysteries, your taverns, your rumours, and your truths. If history is being written before our eyes, then let it be
written by those who were there to witness it.
Until next issue – ink well, stay curious, and remember:
Albion Prevails.
P. Wilston Hollow
Editor-in-Quill, The Albion Inkwell
12
The Games!
Special
Production with
help from
Clarity
Call and
Response
reminder
Odds, Ends
& Enquiries
The Hollow
Ledger
Whispers from
the Hearth
AF 1126 Summer
Issue 3
Clan Hollowtooth Feast Upon The Ivy!!
By Dotty Quimble, Ink-Stained Halfling of Truth (and still uncertain whether this was a battle or a
banquet)
There are moments in Albion’s history that one suspects future scholars will struggle to explain.
This may well be one of them.
At the Great Edrejan Fayre, a remarkable ritual, undertaken as part of the Watchers’ contest, was performed by Shaman Abcessa
Blightweaver, Mother of Mange, together with the Skathen of Clan Hollowtooth and their allies amongst the Harts.
What began as another challenge of skill and devotion soon became something rather more significant.
At its centre lay a most curious relic: a skull once used to drain the power of Vortigern himself. One can scarcely imagine a more
unsettling centrepiece for an afternoon’s work.
The skull was empowered by the Elements of Creation, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water each force carefully woven into the rite.
Morgana, having previously promised aid should the proper rites be observed, answered Harrow’s call and lent her strength to
the silver, empowering it to break the Black Vines’ hold. Thereafter, Daedric called upon Mannanon, Herald of Water, whose
influence flowed into the rite and strengthened the waters turned against the Ivy. Finally, the blessing of the Great Horned Rat
was invoked as the Plaguebearer, called upon to consume the poison and empower the final act of purging all poisons from the
corruption. By all accounts, powers both ancient and divine seemed to turn their gaze upon the gathering.
Even more remarkably, the ritual was performed to perfection, achieving full marks in the Watchers’ Ritual Game. A feat
impressive enough in itself before one considers what followed.
There was a moment, witnesses say, when the air seemed to change. The ritual reached its climax, the blessings settled upon those
gathered, and one could almost believe that history itself had paused to watch.
(Continued Page 2)
1(Continued from Page 1)
And then, in what this reporter can only describe as an
exceptionally Skathen response to a complicated problem…
The Great Horned Rat sent Thousands of Rats across Albion
to eat the Black Vines.
No, truly. You would think this is a Joke! It’s NOT!
Reports suggest that as much as eighty percent of the vines
were consumed by the Infestation.
One witness described the sight as:
“A swarm of fur and teeth.”
Another simply sat down and muttered:
“I don’t think anyone prepared me for this.”
The Inkwell can only agree.
THE FEAST OF HOLLOWTOOTH
The Skathen themselves appear rather pleased with the
outcome.
Indeed, some have already hailed Clan Hollowtooth as
heroes of the Fayre, achieving what many had thought
impossible and striking perhaps the greatest blow yet against
Vortigen and his Black Vines.
It is difficult not to admire a people who looked upon a long
standing thorn in the side and collectively decided it looked
edible.
Yet even amid celebration, questions remain.
As they so often do.
Note from the Author:
“The Inkwell strives for objectivity and therefore feels duty-
bound to report that the Skathen of Clan Hollowtooth were
brave, devoted, and instrumental in the ritual’s success. It
must also report that, from a halfling’s perspective, the rats,
they are alarmingly large, alarmingly numerous, and
alarmingly enthusiastic eaters. I’m not sure how I feel about
this!”
2
FIRE ACROSS ALBION
Witnesses continue to report sightings of great Fire
Elementals within Albion.
These beings are said to have burned away a further portion
of the Ivy, with estimates placing the destruction at around
half of the vines that remained.
Helpful? Undoubtedly.
Explained? Not even slightly.
New reports now suggest that the Elementals were not acting
alone. Several witnesses claim to have seen the creatures under
the command of figures believed to be Vortigern’s Black
Guard.
If true, the implications are deeply troubling.
For years, the Black Vines have been among Vortigern’s most
feared weapons. They choke the land, corrupt all they touch,
and have spread misery throughout Albion. Why then would
his own servants seek their destruction?
Has something changed?
Have the Black Guard turned upon their master?
Do the Vines no longer serve the purpose for which they were
created?
Or, perhaps most unsettling of all, has Vortigern already
obtained what he sought from them?
If so…
What exactly did he need?
And what does he intend to do with it?
One cannot help but wonder if the Vines were never the end of
Vortigern’s design, but merely a means to achieve something
greater and, perhaps, far worse.
If the corruption has fulfilled its purpose, then what comes
next?
What new horror is being prepared while Albion celebrates the
retreat of the Ivy?
And how does one prepare to face an enemy whose plans
remain hidden even as his own servants burn the evidence?
At the time of printing, no answers have been forthcoming.
Only questions.
And, somewhere in the distance, the faint smell of smoke.
THE PEOPLE, THE LAND AND THE THRONE,
ALBION PREVAILS!
A NEW MORDRED? A BLESSED PATH EMERGES
Ancient Name, New Purpose… and an Unexpected Entry in This Reporter’s
Personal Rankings
By Dotty Quimble, Ink-Stained Halfling of the Truth (and presently
reconsidering certain opinions about legendary figures)
There are few names in Albion that carry quite so much weight as Mordred.
For generations, the name has been spoken in hushed tones and cautionary tales.
It conjures images of betrayal, endings, and old sorrows best left sleeping
beneath ancient stones.
And so it came as no small surprise when reports began to spread at the Great
Edrejan Fayre of a new Aspect of Mordred.
Not one of ruin.
Not one of corruption.
But one said to embody something altogether different:
Freedom of Choice.
Those who encountered this new manifestation describe a figure walking a
blessed path, one seemingly untethered from the darker legacies that have so
long clung to the name. Witnesses speak not of menace, but of purpose; not of
bitterness, but conviction.
To put it plainly:
This was not the Mordred many expected.
Naturally, this has caused no end of discussion amongst scholars, priests, and
those who simply enjoy arguing loudly near campfires.
Can a name so burdened by history be remade?
Can an ancient destiny choose a different road?
And if it can… what might that mean for Albion?
This reporter, naturally, remains objective and entirely free of personal bias.
However…
It would be dishonest not to admit that a mysterious knightly figure carrying
themes of redemption, destiny, and freedom of choice is making an unexpectedly
strong showing in my entirely unofficial and wholly unimportant ranking of
Albion’s most admirable knights.
Indeed, one cannot help but wonder whether Ser Robert’s long-held position at
the top of my personal list may soon face serious competition.
I apologise to Ser Robert in advance.
I also make no promises.
For now, Albion watches and waits.
Dotty’s Questionable Humour
If the Great Horned Rat can eat
corruption, perhaps we should point it
towards a few of Albion’s Nobles next.
Sponsor a Kelp Today!
A Small Coin Can Change a Kelp’s Life
Have you ever wondered what becomes of
the lonely kelp washed upon our shores?
The tangled fronds overlooked by society?
The rare and unusual varieties struggling
to thrive?
Now you can help.
For only a modest donation, you can
sponsor one of the many residents of the
Kelp Rehabilitation Sanctuary near
Elane’s Retreat.
Your donation helps provide:
✓ Safe buckets and carefully maintained
habitats.
✓ Proper trimming and daily care.
✓ Research into rare and endangered kelp
varieties.
Whether you sponsor a frond, a cluster, or
an entire patch, every coin goes toward
giving these remarkable plants the love and
attention they deserve.
To learn more, sponsor a kelp, or arrange
a visit to the sanctuary, please speak to
Captain Daedric Sexton
“Because every kelp deserves a second
chance.”
11057602
11Public Notice
The Albion Inkwell wishes to remind readers that eating horticulture is not
presently recognised as an approved method of gardening.
New Call and Response
The Harts are remined that the new Call
and Response is the Official Call to be
used and we no longer use the previous.
Call: Albion Forever!
Response: Albion Forever!
Call: The people, the land and the throne
Response: Albion prevails!
Public Notice
DANGER DO NOT GO TO THE
BLOODWOOD!
WE REPEAT…
DANGER DO NOT GO TO THE
BLOODWOOD!
….OOO AND ALSO…
DANGER DO NOT GO
TO THE BLOODWOOD!
HARTS STORM THE FAYRE!
Third Place Overall, Jugga Glory, and a Heatwave That Stole a Final
By Dotty Quimble, Ink-Stained Halfling of the Truth (and still looking for shade)
The Great Edrejan Fayre has come and gone, leaving behind sore feet, louder voices, and a fresh collection of stories that will
undoubtedly improve with every retelling.
For the Harts, however, this year’s gathering brought not only camaraderie and chaos, but no small amount of success.
When the scores were finally counted and the dust had settled, the Harts secured an impressive Third Place Overall at the Fayre. A
remarkable achievement given the strength of the competition and the sheer number of challenges thrown before the realm’s factions.
Yet if there is one contest likely to be spoken of for some time, it is surely the Jugga Tournament.
SIR EDWIN CLAIMS CHEESE HOLE CROWN!
By Dotty Quimble, Trying Very Hard to Take Cheese Hole Seriously
Congratulations are in order for Sir Edwin of the White Tower, who has been crowned Edreja’s first-ever Cheese Hole Champion
at the newly renamed King’s Curtain Casino.
Displaying remarkable accuracy and a seemingly unnatural ability to land every throw, Sir Edwin emerged victorious to claim the
title and, no doubt, a lifetime of friendly boasting rights.
This reporter cannot help but note that the White Tower’s close proximity to Londinium, home to a great many Skathen, may have
afforded Sir Edwin rather more opportunities to practise this curious game than most.
Of course, no evidence exists to support this entirely reasonable theory.
Regardless of the cause of his talent, The Albion Inkwell congratulates Sir Edwin on making a little piece of Edrejan history.
May future challengers fare better… though perhaps they should consider spending a little more time in Londinium first.
10
To all who entrusted me with their little scraps of worry and wisdom thank
you. They have been received, pondered, and in one case, expressed with rather
colourful language. I trust the author felt better afterwards.
A gentle suggestion, however: if you seek answers, do not keep putting your
questions into boxes. Some of us know rather too much about boxes already, and
they are a terrible way to hold a conversation.
Come and speak. Ask openly. Knowledge is shared more easily between voices
than through folded notes and splinters of wood.
And should any of you feel the need to call me names in person, at least have
the courtesy to bring a more interesting question with it.
No names.
No judgement.
Just truth, inked in confidence.
C + G
Knowledge is a river, dear seeker; it
flows best in both directions. Bring
me a truth and I shall return one of
my own. The mists gather, the air
grows warm, and somewhere a fire
burns where once there was only
cultivation, as though the sower has
decided the harvest is complete. Ask
not only what is burning, but who lit
the flame and why now. Remember,
not every voice in the dark wishes you
harm. Some simply wait for someone
willing to listen.
A
To build an emporium is to believe
that tomorrow will come, and that is
a rare kind of courage. Hold fast to
it. Do not mourn the missing too
quickly; names have a habit of
returning when spoken kindly. And as
for what I am, if I were one of the Fair
Folk, I should be far more mischievous
than to answer so directly. Little
rat, ask better questions and I may yet
have better answers.
3Guilds Quiet as Questions Grow After the Great Edrejan Fair
The events of the Great Edrejan Fair continue to be discussed across Albion. While much attention has rightly focused on the Jackal
attack upon the Lions, conversations in guild halls suggest that something else may have transpired that evening.
What that was, we do not know.
The Albion Inkwell has heard from multiple sources that several guilds have left the Fair with concerns not about the battle, but
about decisions, conversations, or events that occurred while the realm’s attention was fixed elsewhere.
If these rumours are true, what transpired? Why do respected guild members appear dissatisfied?
Perhaps most importantly, what does this mean for the Harts? Long regarded as steadfast defenders of Albion, will they find
themselves drawn into whatever unease now lingers between the guilds, or will they remain the bridge others seek to cross?
For now, there are more questions than answers.
Should any guild representative wish to clarify matters, The Albion Inkwell would gladly offer them the opportunity to do so. After
all, rumours thrive where truth remains absent.
Which Tavern Deserves Albion’s Crown?
Every traveller has a favourite tavern. Whether it’s the warm welcome, the finest ale, the softest beds, or simply the best stories by
the fire, we want to hear about it.
The Albion Inkwell is asking the people of Albion: Which tavern is the finest in the realm, and why?
Send us the name of your favourite establishment along with a few words explaining what makes it worthy of the title. The most
popular choices and the best recommendations will be featured in a future edition.
Raise a tankard, cast your vote, and let the people of Albion decide!
The Box Is Listening… But Should We Be Afraid?
By Daisy Goodbarrel, Scholar of Existential Curiosities, Wondering So You Don’t Have To
From time to time, a curious box appears within Albion. Many readers will have seen it. Some have approached it with questions,
others with caution, and a surprising number with scraps of hastily folded paper. As ever, rumours have been quick to follow.
The Albion Inkwell has spent some time observing these encounters and has made contact itself while we cannot claim to understand
precisely what dwells beyond the conversation, we have found little to suggest that the intentions behind it are anything but sincere
hence why we have been willing to publish what it wishes.
Those who approach with genuine questions often leave with thoughtful, if cryptic, answers. Rarely are they told what they wish
to hear; more often they are given what they need to ponder. That said, this paper feels obliged to offer one small piece of advice.
If you seek wisdom, treat the conversation as one.
Over recent gatherings, some of the notes placed within the box have been… shall we say… less than scholarly. Whilst we applaud
Albion’s creativity, one cannot reasonably expect profound insight after submitting little more than colourful insults or
incomprehensible scribbles.
Indeed, this reporter suspects such offerings have left the unseen correspondent rather more irritable than usual. So, if you should
encounter the box once more, approach it with curiosity, kindness, and respect.
Ask your question plainly. Read carefully and remember that knowledge is more readily shared between friends than demanded of
strangers.
After all, even the wisest voices deserve a little courtesy.
4
Odds, Ends & Enquiries
Notice — Missing Tankard (Update)
The owner of the engraved tankard “Definitely Mine” has now
identified four different tankards as definitely his. The Gilded
Lotus has asked him to stop.
Lost — Sense of Direction (Again)
Still missing. Owner has now somehow become lost while
searching for the original lost notice. Reward offered to anyone
capable of locating either.
Wanted — Rat Catcher
Position unexpectedly vacant. Applicants should possess
excellent reflexes and a willingness to reconsider traditional
assumptions about rats.
Wanted — Hero
Must be comfortable with:
Ancient evils. Mysterious fire creatures. Very large rats.
Unclear instructions.
Lost (Still Stolen) — Favourite Quill
The owner remains convinced the quill is in circulation and has
now begun inspecting the handwriting of strangers.
Free to a home —Little Bird (Urgent)
One chicken. Any and all evidence of scorch marks is not the
chicken but definitely those fire elementals. They were the
cause of next doors farmstead burning down. Please collect
SOON!
Advice — The One Who Heard That Thing
I know what you heard, I recommend you don’t discuss it in a
public place. You know why!
Rooms to Let — Selby
Rent reasonable, Food Included. Avoid wooded area to the west.
Must be comfortable with the local Home Owners Association
Rooms to Let — Winchester
Exceptionally furnished rooms, Would suit visiting noble,
knight, or well off individual. Deposit must be made upfront.
General population need not apply.
Rooms to Let — Leeds
Waterside view of Ullswater, located centrally between
Milford and Keswick. Would make for a good base for any
pilgrims.
Wanted — Cartographer
Must be willing to admit several roads have moved since last
year.
Found — Goat
Answers to “Goatius Maximus” May not actually belong to
anyone. Found near Poynton Keep.
Advice — Nothing Taken
Has anybody noticed large groups of people wandering around
old buildings. Its creeping me out.
For Hire — Professional Mourner
Can cry convincingly at funerals, weddings and Royal Council
meetings.
Lost — Marbles
Last seen 1116 near Chapel Perilous. Several people have
claimed to have found them however they do not appear to have
their own.
Wanted — Firefighters
Applicants must be willing to battle ordinary fires, magical fires
and whatever those elementals are doing.
Advice Required — Hedge
It has started moving. Is this normal?
Wanted — Dragon
For entirely reasonable purposes.
Found — Key
No idea to what it opens. Equally, no desire to find out.
Notice — To Whoever summoned the fire elementals
A polite warning next time would be appreciated.
Submissions to The Albion Inkwell
Those wishing to submit letters, articles, questions, or
complaints are invited to do so via the designated drop-off
point, signposted just a short walk from the Winchester
transport circle.
For timely delivery, contributors may wish to employ a young
adventurer or obliging squire.
11057602
98
Travellers should take note… the rats… they’re everywhere
Let them eat the vines! But what once they are all gone!?!
The Albion Inkwell
In conjunction with
Clarity Bathory
Presents
A Super Duper Really Quick Easy to Read
Guide With Included Drawings to Current
(As of Summer 1126) Ongoings within Albion*
See Clarity for the Full Publication (The Albion Inkwell just pinched bits)…
This is Vortigern… Its believe they have caused majority of
recent problems the Harts has faced
*We Really need to work on this title…
5Clan Hollowtooth Performing their ritual to fight back!
The rats eating vines don’t exactly have
table manners like the above, they’re
more erratic and savage like the below
The Vines multiply rapidly, the
source must be delt with correctly
Report sightings of dangerous looking
plants to the Harts and the alchemists
Excalibur was disappearing
shrouded in mist, reappearing in
someone’s hands making them want
to kill the vines
Vortigern has developed a Poison
Cliff notes:
1 hour till death
Ritual Cure
Not Tailored
6
Evelina was new to court and
sadly Sunday night at the Fayre
succumbed to Vortigern’s Poison
11057602
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