Tyr's Isle

During a great storm after the failed invasion of Gilneas, at the battle of the Blackwald, Emperor Galen the First was shipwrecked on a small Isle on his return voyage home to Strom. Himself and a handful of his Praetorian Guard were the only ones to survive it, and seeking shelter from the battering rain and wind they found a small cove atop the only hill of the Island. Guided by flickering flame. Inside sat a rugged man, veiled and clothed in burlap rags and hunched over the fire before him, cooking the day's catch of fish.

Making no demands, and humbly asking for hospitality and food, the old man complied. His gloved spare hand stroking his long mustache that fell from the cowl. The men ate well and the sickly were nursed back to health; given silver cups filled with water taken from a nearby well, and with each sip the men were made to feel stronger, clear of head and free of the harassment their wounds bore them from battle.

With the Emperor and his Guard rejuvenated by this Old Hermit, the Emperor bid him ask for a reward, to be given whatever he demanded. The Old Man merely smiled and bid the Emperor depart for his home come first light, to not sway from honour or duty in the face of adversity, to persevere and not be afraid to sacrifice for the greater good.

The men slept, warm and well. Yet when they woke, the seas had calmed and the skies had halted. The old man was nowhere to be seen, only a small boat remained upon the Isle. The Emperor returned home upon it, guided by a strong wind.

The cave is now visited by many folk who follow the teachings of Tyr, and who believe that the hermit was Tyr himself as told by the Emperor Galen. Legionnaires on campaign travel here to seek his gift of warmth and hospitality whilst in Hillsbrad, often lead by their superiors to perform ceremony upon the Isle before the start of the campaigning season. Fishermen come here with the wish of calm seas and safe passage, and others for the wisdom that Tyr bestowed upon Galen during the campfire talk.