A quarrel, an accusation of cheating or just a misunderstanding.
In these hard times, it doesn’t take much to make frustrations and helpless rage erupt. But when tempers flare and hatred bubbles to the surface, it’s far too easy to end up scolding or cursing one’s peers – cursing them from sheer outrage, but such a curse may be linked to every misfortune that occurs in their lives from now on. Rumours of witchcraft will stick – and in a society based on honour and reputation, being branded as dishonest may have fatal consequences.
The road to the pyre is long for a witch however – it may easily take twelve years for the first vague rumours to lead to an actual trial. Twelve years during which the smallest molehill may turn into a mountain and even the staunchest character may be tainted by reputed wickedness. Accusations may even be put forth and rejected by the local court only to be repeated years later.
The accusations don’t just stem from neighbours and other locals. They may also come from the accused themselves. Under duress, they are compelled to confess all their misdeeds, but also to inform on other witches – members of a larger circle or coven. A third of all accusations of witchcraft are extorted on the boards of the rack.