Transforming Mythic Europe Credits

Authors: Timothy Ferguson (Island), Mark Lawford (Fourth Author Biographies Estate), Mark Shirley (Magitech) Development, Editing, & Project Management: David Chart Proofreading, Layout, & Art Direction: Cam Banks Timothy Ferguson is a librarian on the Gold Coast in Aus- Layout Assistance: Michelle Nephew tralia. He first had the idea for this when on a dodgy Publisher: John Nephew canal tour of Chester in the UK, and he’d like to thank Cover Illustration: Christian St. Pierre the presenter for making the trip so boring, and food Interior Art: Jason Cole, Jenna Fowler, Christian St. Pierre, so plain, that the tour group demanded to get out in Gabriel Verdon the rain to see how the lock mechanism worked. As Additional Art: Astrology & Astronomy. Mineola, NY: Dover always: for Linda and Amelia. Publications, Inc., 2006. Castles. Mineola, NY: Dover Mark Lawford lives and works in Eastbourne on England’s Publications, Inc., 2007. Medieval Illustrations. Mineola, NY: sunny south coast. Writing and gaming continue to Dover Publications, Inc., 2001. Mineola, Medieval Life & People. provide an effective balance to the ones and zeroes of NY: Dover Publications, Inc., 2007. his day job but he’s just embarked on some original fic- Ars Magica Fifth Edition Trade Dress: J. Scott Reeves tion to weight it all back in the right direction. Publisher’s Special Thanks: Jerry Corrick & the gang at the Source. Mark Shirley is a zoologist living in Northern England.

First Round Playtesters: Jason Brennan, Justin Brennan, Elisha He admits to being pretty useless with technology: he Campbell, Robert Major; Leon Bullock, Peter Ryan, Chris doesn’t drive, prefers not to fly, and doesn’t have a cell Barrett, John A Edge; Eirik Bull, Helge Rager Furuseth, Karl phone. Nevertheless, he is eternally grateful to inven- Trygve Kalleberg, André Neergaard, Sigurd Lund; Jason tors such as Johannes Gutenberg, Charles Babbage, Fryer, Matt Dyson, Emily Dyson; Donna Giltrap, Malcolm Louis Lumiere, and John Logie Baird who have given Harbrow, Aaron Hicks, Richard Love; Christian Rosenkjaer him things he loves. Andersen, Pelle Kofod Second Round Playtesters: Leon Bullock, Peter Ryan, Chris Barrett, John A Edge; Christian Jensen Romer, Luke Price, Kevin Sides, Thomas Nowell, Lloyd Graney; Eirik Bull, Karl Trygve Kalleberg, Helge Rager Furuseth, André Neergaard, Sigurd Lund; Donna Giltrap, Malcolm Harbrow, Aaron Hicks, Richard Love; Pelle Kofod, Christian Rosenkjaer Andersen; Nicholas Peterson, Jennafyr Peterson, Dan Byrne; MaPhi Werner

Ars Magica players participate in a thriving fan community by subscribing to email discussion lists (like the Berkeley list), compiling archives of game material (such as Project Redcap), maintaining fan-created web sites, and running demos through Atlas Games’ Special Ops program. To learn more, visit www.atlas-games.com/ArM5. You can also participate in discussions of Ars Magica at the official Atlas Games forums located at forum.atlas-games.com. Copyright © 2013–2015 Trident, Inc. d/b/a Atlas Games. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this work by any means without written permission from the publisher, except short excerpts for the purpose of reviews, is expressly prohibited. Ars Magica, Mythic Europe, and Charting New Realms of Imagination are trademarks of Trident, Inc. Order of Hermes, Tremere, and Doissetep are trademarks of White Wolf, Inc. and are used with permission.

Digital Version 1.0

2 Transforming Mythic Europe Contents

Credits 2 The Church...... 25 A New Kind of Politics...... 48 Gaining the Support of the Pope...... 26 Similar Kinds of Change...... 48 Contents 3 Using Guilds as a Model...... 26 Spread Understanding of the Introduction 6 A New Breed of Craftsman...... 26 Supernatural World...... 48 Planning for Long Sagas...... 6 The Supernatural Realms...... 27 Work Within the Church...... 49 Saga Speed...... 7 Service, Tribute, & Fosterage...... 27 Use Gifted Proxies...... 49 To the Future...... 7 Rivals Outside the Order...... 27 The World Changes Saga Style...... 7 The Tools of Politics...... 27 Around the Order...... 50 Future Events...... 7 Writing and Responding to Polemic...27 Taking the Lonely Stand...... 50 Polemic...... 28 Opposing Integration...... 51 Diatribe...... 28 A Change for the Worse...... 51 The Fourth Estate 8 Apologia...... 28 Running Stories The Four Estates...... 8 The Prevailing Wisdom...... 29 on the Verge of Change...... 51 The State of the World...... 9 Winning the Argument...... 29 The Example of the Transformation...... 9 Circulating the Text...... 29 Normandy Tribunal...... 52 The End State...... 9 The Argument Total...... 31 Conclusion...... 53 The Moral Authority...... 9 Responding with Diatribe...... 31 Rights of the Fourth Estate...... 10 Responding with Apologia...... 35 Obligations & Responsibilities...... 10 Taking the Debate to Tribunal...... 35 The Island of the Magicians 54 Why the Order Charters...... 35 Construction: Would Want to Change...... 11 Optional Rule: Charter Strength...... 36 Earth Jacketed In Stone...... 54 The World on Hermetic Terms....12 Grants of Land...... 37 Outer Wall Shapes...... 54 What Prevents the Order from Charters of Rights & Obligations...... 37 Open Ended Cylinder...... 55 Bettering the World?...... 12 Examples of Charters...... 37 Tall Empty Cylinder...... 55 How to Bring About Change...... 13 Using Magic for Political Leverage. ..38 Open Ended Rectangular Prism...... 56 The Process of Change...... 13 Health and Pestilence...... 39 Solid Stone Cylinder...... 56 Leveraging Hooks, Boons, The Care of the Sick...... 39 Ablative Slope...... 56 & Story Flaws...... 14 Living Conditions...... 40 Ornamentation...... 56 Covenant Hooks and Boons...... 14 Longevity Effects...... 41 Fortified Wall...... 56 Character Story Flaws...... 16 Harvests and Livestock...... 41 Sea Gates and Docks...... 57 A Growing Awareness...... 17 Protecting Livestock From Predators...... 42 Statuary...... 57 The Tribunal...... 18 Castles and Cathedrals...... 43 Wall Materials Other Than Stone...... 58 Building Support Before the Tribunal....18 Aegis of the Hearth...... 43 Base Metals...... 58 Supporting Test Cases...... 19 Peace and Governance...... 43 Noble Metals...... 58 Clarifying the Peripheral Code...... 19 Truth and Justice...... 43 Unnatural Stones...... 58 Mundane Testimony...... 20 Binding Agreements...... 44 Biological Substances...... 58 Local Customs...... 20 Inheritance...... 44 Backfilling the Enclosed Space...... 59 Foreign Tribunals...... 21 Protection from Invasion...... 45 Stealing a Rock...... 59 House Politics...... 21 Stories of the Fourth Estate ...... 45 Dirt, With a Layer of Topsoil...... 59 The Grand Tribunal...... 23 Interest From Other Magical Traditions...45 Clay...... 59 In Favor of Change...... 23 Hostility...... 46 Stone...... 59 Against the Change...... 23 Cessation of Hostility...... 46 Cisterns...... 60 Undecided...... 24 The World of Academia...... 47 Rooms and Utility Spaces...... 60 How Politics Effects Change...... 24 Mundane Engagement...... 47 Surface Structures...... 60 Mundane Allies & Enemies...... 24 Responsibilities...... 47 Road works...... 60 Kings and Nobles...... 24 The Old Guard...... 48 Creating Houses & Other Buildings...... 60

3 Transforming Mythic Europe Water Works...... 61 Example Device: Quills of New Spells for Instant Travel...... 108 Surface Life...... 62 Arcane Correspondence...... 93 Bring the Herd to Market...... 108 Creating Fields and Forests...... 62 Description...... 93 A Bridge Without Wood...... 108 How Many Peasants Are Needed?...... 62 Twinning the Quill...... 94 The Messenger’s Shortcut...... 108 Animal Life...... 62 Example Device: The Unsubtle Knife...94 The Mobile Infantry...... 108 Mystical Features...... 64 Description...... 94 The Instant Harvest...... 108 Auras...... 64 The Writing on the Wall...... 94 Rapacious Hand Natural Beauty...... 66 Clairvoyance & Clairaudience...... 94 of the Highwayman...... 109 Ancient Structures...... 66 Example Device: Portage of the Eagles...... 109 The Residue of Great Magic...... 66 Earring of Whispering Voices...... 94 Impede the Impertinent Interloper.... 109 The Lair of Great Magical Creatures...... 67 Description...... 94 Example Device: Lack Of Vis...... 67 A Signal of Intent...... 94 The Gate of Countless Vistas.....109 Trade...... 67 The Ear for a Distant Voice...... 95 Description...... 110 The Surrounding Seas...... 67 Example Device: The Longest Step Made Short...... 110 The Deeps...... 71 The Hermetic Speculum...... 95 Example Device: First Faeries...... 71 Description...... 95 Phylactery of the Cautious Maga...110 Ritual Wards and Summoning the Image of the Distant ... 95 Description...... 111 Other Boundary Spells...... 71 The Scrier Spied...... 95 Acquire the Connection...... 111 Other Boundary Spells...... 73 Example Device: Flee to Safe Refuge...... 111 Location: The North Sea...... 78 The Effigy of the Errant Image.....95 Summoning the Distant Image...... 111 Comparatively Shallow...... 78 Description...... 96 New Spells for Very Fast Travel...... 111 Story Ideas for the Shallow Sea...... 78 The Wandering Eidolon...... 96 Mercury’s Winged Sandals...... 111 Surrounded by Turbulent Kingdoms...78 “I Will Not Use Magic to Scry...”....96 Woolen Steed of Araby...... 111 Picking a Nobleman as King...... 78 Why it May Not Work: Vessel of the Clouds...... 112 Frederick II, Lack of Penetration...... 96 The Chariot of Zeus...... 112 The Holy Roman Emperor...... 78 Societal Impacts...... 97 Form of the Zephyr...... 113 Isabella II, Queen of Jerusalem...... 79 Saga Seed: A Scrying Society...... 97 Warping Gained from Philip Augustus of France...... 79 The Copying of a Book...... 98 Instant Transportation...... 114 Richard, Duke of Cornwall...... 80 Limitations of Hermetic Theory...... 99 Why it May Not Work: Valdemar II of Denmark...... 80 There is No Art A Prohibitive Cost...... 114 William Longespée (Longsword), that Covers Knowledge...... 99 Societal Impacts Earl of Salisbury...... 81 Magic Can Neither of Magical Transportation...... 115 Patrick, Count of Dunbar...... 81 Read Nor Understand...... 99 Transport of Goods...... 115 Jon Haraldsson, Moramor of Copying a Single Page...... 100 Transport of People...... 115 Caithness and Earl of Orkney...... 81 The First Furrow Guides the Second...100 Saga Seed: Public Portals Does it Need to be a King?...... 81 The Copyist’s Puissant Quill...... 100 and Medieval Tourists...... 116 Hermetic Borderland...... 81 Copying an Entire Book...... 100 Creating Wealth with Magic...... 116 Theological Matters...... 81 Resonances...... 101 A Cashless Economy...... 117 A New And Strange Saint?...... 81 Binding...... 101 Flooding the Market...... 118 The Eye of Hell...... 84 Example Device: Example Device: Potent Salts.....118 Three Demons & their Retinues...... 84 The Superb Scrinium...... 101 Description...... 118 Rumael, The False Neptune...... 84 Description...... 102 Alchemical Separation of Brine...... 119 Neqael, The Lady of the Purple Bower, The First Furrow Guides the Second...102 Example Device: The Garland of Corrupter of Lyonesse...... 85 The Lector’s Deft Hand...... 102 Prosperous Harvests...... 119 The Red Knight of Ys: Bringer of The Copyist’s Puissant Quill...... 102 Description...... 119 Requested Inundations...... 87 Stack the Decorated Page...... 102 A Harvest of Figs...... 120 Other Faiths...... 88 Binding the Mundane Codex...... 103 Nourish the Displaced Vines...... 120 A Boom in People and Trade...... 89 Copying Laboratory Texts...... 103 Reducing Covenant Costs...... 120 Alternative Locations...... 89 The Order’s Response...... 104 Fill the Capacious Silo...... 120 The Atlantic Ocean...... 89 Detractors...... 104 Work of a Hundred Querns...... 120 The Baltic Sea...... 90 Neutral Parties...... 104 The Elfin Baker...... 121 The Black Sea...... 90 Proponents...... 104 Storage and Life of The Mediterranean...... 91 Why it May Not Work: Magically-Created Grain...... 121 A Floating Island...... 91 The Cow and Calf Oath...... 104 Consequences of Relying on An Erudite Society...... 105 Magic to Meet One’s Costs...... 121 A Guild of Scribes...... 106 Societal Impacts Magic as Technology 92 Increased Knowledge...... 107 of the Creation of Wealth...... 122 Scrying as a Means of Correspondence... 92 Travel in the Blink of an Eye...... 108 Saga Seed: Hermes Remote Writing...... 92

4 Transforming Mythic Europe Mercatorius & Hermes Furis...... 122 Influence...... 129 Alchemists...... 135 Why it May Not Work: Social Change...... 130 The Augustan Brotherhood...... 136 The Silver Consensus...... 123 Manufacturing...... 130 Mechanicians...... 136 The Principles of the Silver Consensus...123 Charged Items...... 130 The Process of Enforcing the Silver Consensus...... 124 A Hermetic Workforce...... 131 Transforming Mythic Europe...... 136 Other Examples of The Sale of Enchantments...... 131 Prerequisites for Change...... 137 Magical Technology...... 124 Why Hasn’t This Happened Already?...131 Vis...... 137 Mechanical Power...... 125 No-One Thought of it Before...... 132 Magical Engineers...... 137 The Impact of It Didn’t Catch On...... 132 Breakthroughs in Magic Theory...138 Magical Power Generation...... 125 Insufficient Supply...... 132 Early Adoption...... 138 Warfare and Weapons...... 125 The Order Lacks a Single Voice....132 Acceptance and Spread...... 138 Medicine...... 127 Magic as an Widespread Integration...... 138 Further Ideas for Agent of Social Change...... 133 Saga Seed: A Transformed Magical Technology...... 127 Social Consequences...... 133 Mythic Europe...... 138 Technology’s Transformative Nature... 128 I Want One...... 133 Armatura & Lanificaria: Medieval Concepts The Devil Makes Work for Idle Hands...134 Manufacture...... 139 of Technology...... 128 Economic Effects...... 134 Navigatio & Theatrica: The Magus as Inventor...... 129 Disenfranchisement...... 134 Transport and Communication...... 140 Why Should a Magus Pursue Non-Hermetic Inventors...... 135 Agricultura, Venatoria & Medicina: Invention?...... 129 Crafters of Wondrous Items...... 135 Environmental Technology...... 140 Wealth...... 129 The Rusticani...... 135 A New World Order of Hermes.....140 Fame...... 129 Learned Magicians...... 135 The Enemy...... 141 List of Inserts Assumptions about Mythic Europe.....6 Story Seed: The Gifted Student...... 45 The Mavens of Etiquette in the Using Antagonists with this Chapter...9 Simple Spells to Court of the Purple Bower...... 87 Optional Guideline: The Cost Create Permanent Walls...... 55 Story Seeds: Has Someone of Breaking Convention...... 10 A Note on the Columbae...... 56 Else Has Done This Before?...... 90 The Provision of Laboratory Texts....11 Maximum Magnitudes Due Saga Seed: Tartessos Emerges...... 90 The Process in Brief...... 12 to Complexity...... 56 Story Seed: Earlier Floating Islands...91 A Life’s Work...... 13 Story Seed: Attack of Story Seed: Inappropriate Use...... 96 Story Seed: the Giant Magical Snails...... 57 I’m Sorry, Your Call Could Not Charges in a Foreign Court...... 20 A Basic Quote...... 59 Be Arcanely Connected...... 97 Story Seed: The King’s Favorite...... 25 Story Seeds: Acquiring Ancient A Desire for Privacy...... 98 Story Seed: The Proctor of Hermes...25 Structures...... 63 Story Seed: Peeping Tom...... 98 Like Father, Like Son...... 28 Story Seeds: Stolen Things Rego Craft Magic...... 99 Prevailing Wisdom Table...... 29 of Natural Beauty...... 63 Quality Remaining After Copying...100 Correspondences and Other Texts...30 Story Seeds for the Discovering Mistakes...... 101 Example Polemical Texts...... 30 Residue of Great Magic...... 64 Optional Rule: Hazardous Story Seed: Works of Sedition...... 30 Dexithea: a Telechine...... 65 Laboratory Texts...... 103 Winning the Argument Outline...... 31 An Aspect of Phorcys...... 66 Optional Rule: No Magical Example Polemic, Diatribe, Story Seed: A Spare Farthing...... 67 Copying of Laboratory Texts...... 104 and Apologia...... 31 Story Seeds: Faerie Kings...... 67 Rules for a Large Library...... 105 Austerius Trianomae, Manannan Mac Lir...... 68 Optional Rule: Limits on the Opponent of Change...... 32-33 Manannan Mac Lir cont...... 69 Instant Transportation...... 106 Story Seed: The Missing Letters...... 33 Treasures of Manannan...... 70 New Guidelines for Story Seed: Interception...... 33 Tursus...... 70 Instant Transportation...... 107 Protinus Velox of Verditius, Auvekoejaks...... 72 What About The Hermes’ Portal?...112 Supporter of Change...... 34 Strategies For Players Plaustrum Pertinax...... 113 Story Seed: Oath or Contract...... 35 Feeling Swamped By Choice...... 73 Direct Creation of Wealth...... 117 Military Service and Wizard War.....36 Story Seed: Faerie Tribes...... 75-76 Story Seeds: Precious Goods...... 118 Realm Aligned Spells Elemental Spirit of the Waves...... 77 Technological Cost Saving...... 120 and Other Techniques...... 38 Story Seeds For Turbulent Kingdoms...79 Enchantments are Warping While Under Constant Story Seed: The Coronation...... 80 Arcane Connections...... 129 Magical Effects...... 39 Story Seeds for Story Seed: Foreshadowing...... 131 Longevity Story Seeds...... 40 the Hermetic Borderland...... 82 Luddites and Saboteurs...... 133 Can Magi Really Heal Lepers?...... 41 Story Seeds for Theological Matters...83 Inanis...... 136 Story Seed: Who Will Rid Me of A Note on The Powers of Demons...84 The Other Houses...... 139 this Troublesome Magus?...... 43 A Note on Tainted Vis...... 85 Story Seed: The Wicked Boys of The Disagreement of Kings...... 43 the Third Square...... 86

5 Chapter One Introduction

Hermetic magi have enough power those who rule, those who pray, and Chapter Four recasts magi as in- to change the structure of Mythic those who toil. This chapter explores ventors, and the enchantments that Europe forever. Transforming Mythic what happens when the Order comes they create as analogs of technologi- Europe is about what happens when out of the shadows and participates in cal advancement. Transformation of they decide to exercise this power. medieval society. Mythic Europe is effected through the Three chapters in this book propose Chapter Three takes an opposing distribution of these devices to nobles, different ways in which the characters position: what if the Order abandoned clergy, and peasants. can cause such a transformation. Mythic Europe altogether? It is within Chapter Two discusses the full the power of the Order of Hermes to integration of the Order of Hermes create a new land in the middle of the into medieval society. While the sea, a realm in which they could rule Order’s existence is by no means a as they wish without fear of interfering Planning for secret, it tends to distance itself from with the institutions of Mythic Europe. Long Sagas

Assumptions about Mythic Europe The process of transforming Myth- ic Europe is not something that is pos- Depending on the type of trans- Grand Tribunal supersede local law, sible to complete in a few short adven- formation involved, you need to be and the Oath of Hermes supersedes tures. It may be the life’s work of one clear about certain aspects of Mythic both. Furthermore, they believe very Europe and its inhabitants (in partic- much in the Order as a loose soci- or more magi, and may take longer still ular, the Order of Hermes) that are ety of equals, with no kings, justices, to reach fruition. Any transformation is left flexible in the canonical setting or police. The Transitionalists on usually gradual, but once it has begun of Ars Magica Fifth Edition. These the other hand hold that local laws it is probably inexorable. The speed of include, but are not limited to: the should be more adaptable and ca- integration depends very much on the laxity that the Order permits in in- pable of overruling the conclusions innovation involved — there are his- terpreting the Code of Hermes; the of higher authorities, particularly re- torical examples that ably demonstrate spirit of cooperation within the Or- garding interference with mundanes. the capacity for ideas and inventions to der; the availability of vis; and — if They would also like to grant polic- catch on fast, and these can be used as playing in a long-term saga — the ing powers to the Quaesitores and templates. Political or religious move- size and growth of the Order. their agents in order to limit corrup- ments such as Catharism or Luther- Of these, the interpretation of tion. The dominance of either fac- ism, or the Shepherd’s Crusade, could the Code of Hermes is perhaps the tion in a saga could affect the manner inspire ideas for the spread of an idea most important, and is the purview of in which any attempted transforma- among a sector of Mythic Europe. The House Guernicus. Two factions exist tion is received. Traditionalists likely speed at which inventions such as the within the house (Houses of Hermes: True oppose the idea of magi forming a padded horse collar, the waterwheel, Lineages, page 41); neither is canoni- Fourth Estate, whereas it might be and the printing press took off might cally dominant. The Traditionalists welcomed and encouraged by the provide inspiration for the spread of a prefer that local Tribunals only have Transitionalists. The reverse might physical innovation of great worth. jurisdiction over their own local Pe- be true for magi wishing to build Since transformation can be slow, ripheral Code. The rulings of the their own nation out of the ocean. integrating such story lines into a saga perforce lengthens the expected

6 Transforming Mythic Europe span of that saga. This is especially To the Future A world where enchanted items re- true if the transformation is the place technological developments can brainchild of player characters, who As an option, it might be interest- be very similar to the canonical setting want to see their work reap tangible ing to run a few stories — or perhaps or radically different, depending upon rewards. However, it might not be a mini-saga — set in the future, when the number, distribution, and impact of player magi — or indeed, magi at all the transformation of Mythic Europe is the devices. At one end of the scale, a —who begin the process of change, complete or almost complete. It is nec- magical invention such as a device that and these characters might get caught essary to either advance the characters duplicates books can have an important up in it later on. Under this scenario, who could still be alive, or create new impact but not one that makes Mythic the process of transformation could ones to fill in the gaps. Depending upon Europe radically different. However, have already begun when the saga how much change the storyguide can lots of individual inventions such as starts, and its burgeoning spread poses envisage, the players might be shocked instant transportation, distant commu- challenges to the player characters at the change wrought by their innova- nication, and magically powered carts from the start. This option also allows tion, but remember that the characters and chariots could make Mythic Eu- the player characters to oppose the have lived through the transformation, rope resemble a steampunk or alterna- change — for whatever reason — and it is no great wonder to them. This tive science-fiction world. The changes and try to turn back the tide of social sort of story has the greatest impact if can be as big as you want them to be. pressure favoring its further spread. the effect wrought is different from that expected by its initiators. Future Events Saga Speed Saga Style If you are planning a long-term saga Altering the speed of the saga you should consider the impacts that (ArM5 page 218) affects the manifesta- Introducing a transformation into the players’ characters — and the Or- tion of any transformation during play. an Ars Magica Fifth Edition saga can der as a whole — could have on these If you have a slow saga then the change the feel of the game, and the events if they felt like getting involved. troupe need not consider the lasting style of the saga. Of the three concepts Mythic Europe in 1220 is designed to impacts of their transformations, be- in this book, the Order of Hermes as be a recognizable medieval world. Any cause it is unlikely that they will ever be the Fourth Estate perhaps has the least saga for Ars Magica Fifth Edition can seen in game time. Instead, stories focus dramatic impact on the feel of the change the future course of Mythic around the process of change itself, and game. The themes of such a saga in- Europe, but sagas involving elements their attempts to overcome obstacles in clude mundane interaction combined from this book are guaranteed to do so. their way. with politicking within the Order, both Troupes with an interest in alternative In fast sagas, on the other hand, at Tribunal and Grand Tribunal level. history may wish to explore in detail the troupe needs to get a clear picture While the characters are attempting to the impacts of their actions on wider of the wider implications of their enact a major change to the manner in events in Mythic Europe. There are efforts, because the world could change which the Order of Hermes is treated plenty of sources of historical informa- dramatically in a few game sessions. by mundane society, they are doing so tion available about the 13th and 14th Here, the focus could very much be on within the established setting. century; for each major historical event the impact of the innovation as much Creating an island of magicians, on consider what affect the saga’s transfor- as the process that leads to the change. the other hand, is a major working of mation can have. A simpler approach is Sagas involving transformations magic, and suitable for a high fantasy to allow the saga to diverge from his- are ideal for pulsed sagas, where style. The characters are proposing to tory early on, so that the storyguide the characters’ world-changing use their Arts to carve out a whole new need not worry about tracking events. intervention and the resistance offered realm for the Order from the very fab- Something to bear in mind is how the are dealt with in detail, followed by the ric of the earth. If they succeed, then Order of Hermes might be transformed passage of several years in which the they are on par with the major nobles in the attempt to transform Mythic transformation becomes established. of Mythic Europe and can approach Europe. Such processes are rarely one The next game session then tackles the them as equals. The tone of the saga is way, and the Order must actively resist implications that arise from the early similar to medieval fables like the King- change if it wants to remain unaltered stages of transformation, and how these dom of Prester John or the Voyages of John by a transformed Mythic Europe. are resolved, and so on. de Mandeville.

7 Chapter Two The Fourth Estate

Having sworn an oath to the the Order chose to rule lands as the those who rule, and those who toil. In Order, magi are forbidden from mundanes do, to demand rights and essence, these are the Church, the no- interfering in mundane events. There concede responsibilities? How might bility, and the peasant and town class- are seemingly as many definitions of the world change and be improved, es. None of the three can live with- “interfering” as there are magi, and and what might the Order gain and out the others; the Church provides because of the political nature of lose in the process? This chapter spiritual guidance and moral author- Hermetic law and justice, most magi explores the arguments for closer ity, the nobility provides governance err on the side of caution and remain integration with the mundane world, and security, and the working classes withdrawn even where their power the challenges that characters face provide wealth and sustenance. could make a positive difference. in trying to move the Order towards The Order of Hermes does not There is another way, however. that goal, and the stories that arise in fit easily into these existing estates. Magi of the Order of Hermes are the a world where the Order of Hermes They do not rule, except in their own most powerful workers of magic that becomes the Fourth Estate. And in affairs; they do not toil, except in their the world has known. For all their doing so, we see the Order of Hermes own insular studies; and they do not slight limitations, they are able to change at least as much as the world provide services normally associated cast rituals of staggering power and around it. with the Church, such as patronage, craft the most sublime of enchanted education, and spiritual protection. devices. Such things would surely So what space is there for them? benefit the world if only the Order The Four Estates A fourth estate cannot interfere would leave its self-imposed exile. with the nobility’s need to rule. Nor What if the Order threw off its Mythic Europe can be roughly can they usurp the Church’s position protective cloak of secrecy? What if divided into estates: those who pray, as God’s representative. And as

8 Transforming Mythic Europe educated individuals able to wield little say in the matter, although in considerable power, the Order cannot regions where cities are growing Using Antagonists reduce themselves to mere servants. in importance their voices are now with this Chapter As a new estate, they must find a beginning to carry more weight. niche at least the equal of the Church, Antagonists presents a number while maintaining a position that is of well-developed characters who non-threatening to the nobility. The End State act to bring stories to the player covenant, usually by opposing the While individual sagas are free to go covenant’s aims in some fashion. The State of the World only as far as they need to, this chap- While this chapter changes ter has a particular end state in mind: the relationship of the world Some might argue that members namely, the integration of the Order to the Order of Hermes, those of the Order of Hermes are already of Hermes into Mythic Europe as the antagonists can still be used as integrated into Mythic Europe. But in de facto fourth estate, where magi have the face of many of the challenges reality, they frequently avoid mundane the legally-enshrined right of rule over described in this section. justice, choose not to pay taxes that their own lands and the ability to in- In particular, the Barons are due, shun feudal obligations, and fluence the governance of all Mythic Giraud Le Cornu and Geoffroi withhold their power from those in Europe. At the conclusion of this grand D’Arques represent the drawing of need. How many times has a magus political project, magi of the Order of the Order closer to the mundane waved his way past a tollgate without Hermes become recognized members and the nobility’s rising interest paying, or refused counsel to a noble of society. Not only that, but their cov- in the supernatural. Bishop Orris whose lands are in danger? And what enants become legal entities too, and represents the strong distrust of magic and the Order that some of the covenant grogs? To whom do both magus and covenant alike gain the in the Church feel, while Joseph they owe military service? And what benefit of important rights at the cost of Napoli is a reforming character right allows a magus to raise a tower of new obligations and responsibilities. keen to bring the Order into the overnight through ritual magic? While each magus gains respon- Church. And all the while, Galatea Magi of Hermes currently do as sibilities as well as rights and benefits, of House Guernicus may be they please, within the boundaries set individual covenants may gain a cer- watching the covenant’s actions, for them by their Tribunal. tain independence from Hermetic rules looking for signs of crimes to be and politics. The stage is broadened answered for. and covenants can foster political relationships with mundane allies to better support their positions. Once magi The Moral Authority Transformation integrate into the world, questions of land, of income, of inheritance become At its heart, this change to Myth- This chapter guides troupes central to the magus’ mind set. ic Europe recognizes the moral au- through the process of integrating Magi working within society, thority of the Order of Hermes to the Order into the rest of Mythic freed from the constant worry about deal with certain situations. The European society; finding a place for how their actions will be perceived nobility have the moral authority to it where the power that the Order by their peers, are able to make a rule the land as kings and emperors, wields can be used to benefit all, and more prosperous world as they use the Church has the moral authority ensuring that the Order gains legally- their magic not only for their ben- to hold those rulers to account, and recognized rights where it currently efit but for the benefit of their new the peasantry has the moral obliga- has none. liege lords and vassals. Their unique tion to support society through their This is done through a perspective can ensure that the mun- toil. So the Order must seize the au- combination of politics, both internal dane and magical worlds continue thority to deal with the supernatural, to the Order to gain consensus, to coexist without threat to either. principally the worlds of faerie and and externally with the nobility of Their wisdom and power influences magic as and when they touch upon Mythic Europe and the Church. the course of war, either to prevent the mundane world. This is some- Unfortunately, society being what it outright or bring it to a swift and thing that covenants do all the time, society is, the peasantry gets very decisive conclusion. but this change forces society to rec-

9 Transforming Mythic Europe ognize that contribution and give it see revenge as the only recourse. lands and will not have to rely upon the authority it deserves. This turns the magus into a criminal, finding increasingly rare allodial land, This moral authority comes about however, as he has usurped the ruler’s that is land held independent of any when the nobility and the church, and right to preside over judicial matters. superior landlord, as covenants of old by extension their vassals the peasantry, So the magus only becomes legally were able to do. The world is chang- bow their collective knees to the magi protected when Mythic Europe rec- ing, becoming more populous, and of the Order when certain situations ognizes the Order’s right to try its competition for resources is increas- arise. It allows magi to leverage their own members in its own courts. Com- ing. Where the Order finds itself power in a way that the Order has plaints against magi may be made outside of the society it cannot take never done before. And once the Order by mundanes and justice be seen to advantage of society’s legal protec- is part of the societal machine, rather be done, which is again another key tions, but gaining rights over feudal than outside of it, that authority widens protection. The model for this is the lands implies obligation, which we to other matters. This can be achieved right of clergy to be tried and judged will look at below. through compromise: the exchange of by clergy, and this right is then ex- If magi and covenants are to pro- rights and authority for obligation and tended to the Order. vide counsel to Church and crown responsibility. Hermetic apprentices are often alike they will expect dominion over separated from their birth families magical and faerie matters. While lo- and many rarely return to them once cal arrangements can be made with Rights of the Fourth Estate they have been inducted into the Or- individual landowners over individual der. While few may see it such, this is resources, promoting the Order such Through its members at the lo- a loss to the magi concerned and cer- that it has recognized rights over au- cal level and through diplomacy and tainly to the families. For some magi, ras, regiones, vis, beasts, and so on politics at the highest level, the Or- this may impede rightful inheritance works for the benefit of all. This can der gains a say in the running of the of land and title, so the Order gains only be achieved at the highest lev- world. The Order gains influence over rights to both. Magi are not members els, in politicking with kings and ulti- those who truly rule Mythic Europe of the clergy and should not be side- mately the Pope. For this, the Order by becoming advisors, by making de- lined when questions of inheritance needs to appoint people authorized to cisions about the lands they control, are raised. This allows magi to own negotiate on behalf of the Order. Re- and by guiding their liege lords just as and dispose of land, including any relations with kings, princes, bishops, any other temporal ruler does. sulting income, under their own name and cardinals become formalized. The Order only has the ability to and potentially hold title with the Magi are free to engage with city and run its own legal affairs through its concomitant influence and obligation guild alike. relative obscurity. Currently exist- that entails. Covenants become liege lords in ing outside normal society, should a Once integrated into society, their own right with authority over magus be the wounded party in some magi and covenants are more likely vassals of their own. In most cases crime the current order of things may to gain landholder rights over feudal these are simply peasant farmers working the land to provide for the covenant much as they do now. In other cases knights will hold land from the Optional Guideline: The Cost covenant and owe service to magi. of Breaking Convention A magus entering town in clothing flaunting his familiar in public, he suf- Obligations & Responsibilities not befitting a clerk or academic, trailing fers an additional –1 social interaction armed and armored men, and accompa- penalty. This applies to the Gifted and nied by an animal, is going to attract Gentle-Gifted alike. Magi can avoid Nobody within Mythic Europe more attention than may be desirable this penalty by making a conscious ef- has the freedom to do as they will. Ev- and find cooperation harder to come fort to follow convention. It is worth ery member of society is constrained by. Where a magus breaks convention, noting that any character adorned or at- by rules and convention and when the by dressing in a way that is above his tired other than according to his station magi of the Order gain the benefit of station or according to no fashion, or by should also receive this penalty. rights, they must also concede certain responsibilities and obligations.

10 Transforming Mythic Europe

Magi will owe service to those Order take their apprentices from has need of the land what recourse from whom they hold land. Tradi- the world around them. In days gone does the covenant have? tional military service is 40 days per by, when the world was a simpler Even something as simple as year, which essentially represents the place and workers of magic were sumptuary laws determining what time that a magus can leave his stud- closer to that world, their presence class of person may wear certain ies through the year without incur- alone was enough to intimidate a fabrics and adornments, while they ring a penalty. This raises questions, child away from its parents. Things don’t become particularly prescriptive however, where the Order’s attitudes are perhaps not so easy now. More until later in the 13th century, may to women and the elderly are con- and more people are living in cities, cause magi trouble. Being accustomed cerned. Given Mythic Europe’s atti- and many people have become more to dressing how they wish and tude to women, can a maga be con- worldly-wise. Every trade has need perhaps not keeping abreast of sidered to owe the same service as a of apprentices and while parents are fashion or convention, it is easy for magus? How about the elderly? A ma- rightly happy and relieved when their magi to transgress local laws, codes, gus under a longevity ritual may re- son is taken on by a craftsman, they and customs without realizing it. tain his youthful vigor for many more at least expect to maintain contact As for familiars, leaving aside years than a mundane. with the child, and some might the possibility of having to pursue Acting as counsel to a liege is not expect to enjoy the fruits of his a particular beast within lands not counted as part of the service and is labor when they reach their dotage. under Hermetic sway, there are a standing expectation. The wisdom Simply taking a child from his or her questions around whether a magus and insight that a magus might give is parents is criminal and the magi open is permitted to own certain beasts. going to be much valued, even where themselves to charges, something Birds of prey are a fair example, with there would be some distrust at first. that was once unconscionable. increasingly powerful and symbolic This is a key obligation that draws Second, the Order has a birds being restricted to certain the magus into the mundane politi- nominal “join or die” policy that it social standings, none of which cal sphere. Following the example occasionally extends to other workers accommodate the magus, who is of of Normandy, where the presence of of magic, and this could be seen as no particular standing. magi within cities is a recognized fact problematic. While the Order may By leveraging their influence within the Tribunal, magi are freed see this as acting within the bounds of with the nobility, the Order is able from the need to work behind proxies matters that concern it and it alone, to establish rights in all the areas and may take positions of influence the mundane authorities are unlikely and governance. to see it in quite the same way. The The magus gains legal responsi- slaying of another, outside of judicial The Provision of bility for his vassals, both in terms of process, is murder and for a number Laboratory Texts how he must behave towards them of reasons the nobility cannot allow and in taking responsibility for their such things to occur. Laboratory Texts become actions. The magus will be expected Third, covenants generally important to an Order attempting to arbitrate between conflicting vas- occupy lands outside of the feudal to change its ways and engage sals, to ensure that justice is done, and structure but within feudal kingdoms. with society. By ensuring that to keep his vassals in line against the There’s an argument that nobody Laboratory Texts for practical threat of disharmony. truly owns the land, but that argument magic, as opposed to yet another carries little water with kings and wand capable of spouting fire, princes who all expect some kind of are made available one particular Why the Order deference if not outright fealty and barrier is removed. A Laboratory service. There is barely an acre of land Text puts the creation of powerful Would Want to Change in Mythic Europe that isn’t claimed devices within reach of younger by someone. So when a covenant magi, which allows them to pass The Order of Hermes sits outside claims a newly-discovered vis source, the benefits on to those they interact with. So folios of useful Mythic Europe’s legal structure and who are they claiming it from? The and practical magic become more yet its members have the power covenant is interested in the magical common as the effort to integrate to exert influence upon the world harvest, not the mundane ownership, goes on. in several ways. First, magi of the but if the duke, the rightful owner,

11 Transforming Mythic Europe described above: protected legal status, Of course, House Tremere argues that play by House Tremere nor is it the their own courts, jurisdiction over this is for the greater good, that the nightmares of Tytalean magi come areas of magical interest, and grants of House simply provides the structure, true. This is simply how the Tran- lands. So the Order slowly becomes and that the Tribunal itself provides sylvanian Tribunal has implemented a de facto Fourth Estate, separate the authority. its own form of societal change and from the clergy, the nobility, and the Questions of interference, always this is how they implement the moral commoners, but an accepted and vital divisive at Tribunal, are judged some- authority that they have claimed for part of the world. Importantly, and what differently in Transylvania. In- themselves. They have the power and this cannot be ignored, they gain a tent and result are more important that influence to avert conflict, to allevi- natural authority by stepping out of the actions undertaken or the indi- ate suffering, and ensure that justice the shadows and embracing the world viduals interacted with. A magus who and right is done by the mundane in which they live. arbitrates between two warring nobles peoples of the Tribunal. The aims are and brings peace to lands under Her- the same, but the methodology is dif- metic control may be adjudged a wise ferent. And this is a key difference The World on diplomat rather than an interfering between the Transylvanian Tribunal Hermetic criminal. That is, the ma- and the aims of the Hermetic Fourth Hermetic Terms gus is judged on how well the action Estate; Transylvania has seized the pleased the Tribunal rather than by a moral authority to act for the good The Transylvanian Tribunal repre- strict interpretation of the code. of the Transylvanian people from out- sents a Hermetic state that exists beside This model, though appearing au- side society, while this change sees the mundane world, but always slight- thoritarian to outsiders, does allow the Order take it from within. ly distant. While other Tribunals, such for efficiencies. In particular, oppida, as Normandy and Thebes, may enjoy what other Tribunals may recognize a well-defined structure, under House as covenants, are able to specialize to What Prevents the Order Tremere’s influence, the Order in Tran- a greater degree, secure in the knowl- sylvania has acquired the trappings edge that their other needs will be met from Bettering the World? of statehood, with Coeris at its head, by the state. The Tribunal is able to taxes paid by magi under its purview, provide a single point of negotiation With a change to the Code that and magi stratified by status. However, with those mundanes whose lands governs the Order, the proscription these taxes and tithes are of vis, the they walk upon. Finally, the taxation against interfering in mundane mat- service owed is spent as the Tribunal of magi allows the Tribunal to appor- ters can be lifted or clarified, and dictates, and the Tribunal imposes tion resources to projects to the ben- magi can act as open advisors to mun- rules upon covenant membership and efit of all. dane nobles, to churchmen, and to all the rights and obligations of its magi. But this is not some grand power- who come to them for help. Current- ly, there tends to be an assumption that interaction automatically means The Process in Brief interference. This is not enshrined in the Oath sworn by magi but in the in- • Introduce the difficulties of living (see The Tools of Politics) terpretation of the Oath in a history close to yet apart from society (see • Return to Tribunal to seek clarifica- of cases brought to Tribunal — the Leveraging Hooks, Boons, and Story tion on the Peripheral Code in fa- Peripheral Code. Flaws and A Growing Awareness) vor of integrating with society Once the Code has been clari- • Determine the rights and respon- • Negotiate with the nobility and fied, and consensus built within at sibilities in society that the magi the Church to secure the intended least a Tribunal, then magi experi- want to take on rights (see The Tools of Politics) ence more freedom to interact and • Support test cases at Tribunal and • Take the results to another Tribu- improve the world around them. And push for lenient and good judg- nal to gain wider support. in doing so, there are considerable ment (see Supporting Test Cases) • Attend the Grand Tribunal and benefits in store. • Undertake the business of politics argue the case for integration (see to persuade others to the cause The Grand Tribunal).

12 Transforming Mythic Europe

through the various stages that may need to be completed before the Or- der can be fully assimilated.

The Process of Change

The process of change begins with engaging the player characters and showing them where magi could make a difference to the world, and revealing the opportunities to effect change. The detailed sections below provide suggestions for leveraging individual Story Flaws and covenant Hooks and Boons to bring Mythic Eu- rope right to the covenant gates. The player characters then decide upon the particular legal rights that they want, including those they want to secure from the rulers of Mythic Europe and those they want to secure from the Order. For instance, they may want to secure right and title over areas of magical interest How to Bring A Life’s Work Bringing the change about is a second. Persuading a second regional significant saga thread and many Tribunal happens at the third About Change stories will be devoted to preparing opportunity, followed by bringing As with any arc introduced to the for the change, implementing it, and the case to the Grand Tribunal. saga, the player covenant is key, so then living with the consequences. Characters can expect to spend it is recommended that this change The pace of change is left for many seasons writing and distributing starts at a local level with the player individual sagas to determine, but texts, while stories will revolve characters. The magi of the covenant as a general rule it is suggested around gaining the support of allies are confronted by a number of chal- that progress be measured in the and fending off attacks from enemies lenges and scenarios where their pow- passing of Tribunals. With Tribunals both known and unknown. Engaging er could easily help but their Oath held every seven years and a Grand with mundane rulers and the Church Tribunal every 33 years, this saga also forms a significant thrust of the makes for a difficult moral decision. thread could easily take four or player character’s activities. These stories are discussed in more five regional Tribunal meetings Such a project provides political detail below and this section princi- before the player magi have enough characters with a cause to pursue, pally discusses the means by which support to raise the issue at the and one that will bring them the covenant can be drawn into this Grand Tribunal. either fame or notoriety, and with plot, including how to leverage Story A fair pace might see the reasons politics required across the Order, Flaws and covenant Hooks and Boons for integration introduced leading the nobility, the Church, and the to give the characters and their cov- up to the first Tribunal, where test supernatural realms, there are story enant a stake in mundane peace and cases can be examined. Clarifications opportunities for most magi and prosperity. It also draws a rough and changes to the code come at the companion characters. line from the start of the transition

13 Transforming Mythic Europe from the nobility and the Church, the nobility and the Church. The Alienable Land (Covenants, page 19): while clarifying the Peripheral Code world must be prepared before the Covenants supported by alienable such that they may sit in parliaments Order formally introduces itself and land may see it sold or mortgaged and councils, and provide counsel picks up the reins of responsibility. to outsiders formerly unconnected to the lords they hold the magical With such a change across Myth- with the covenant. This land from. These rights need not be ic Europe, the world’s other inhabit- immediately draws the mundane exhaustive, but each case consists ants must be engaged. With one of world into a direct relationship with of a series of rights that need to be the key aims being protecting su- that covenant. The new owners secured, balanced by obligation or pernatural places from mundane en- of the land may want to leverage responsibility. And where those re- croachment, it is important for the the particular abilities of their sponsibilities appear at odds with the Order to find representatives of the neighbors, or the land or property Peripheral Code then the agreement supernatural realms and negotiate may already have some kind of of the Order must be gained. with them. magical effect in place. So the This agreement is gained by influ- Once done, however, the Order covenant, through no action of its encing the Tribunal. To begin with, of Hermes is freed from its self-im- own, must engage with or confront the Tribunal could be persuaded to posed exclusion and is able to en- the mundane world. It must set vote leniently and exercise good gage with the mundane world, me- terms or withdraw whatever magical judgment in cases of interference diate between magical and mundane, advantage the newcomers might brought before it. Storyguides can and bring a growing prosperity to gain from their new acquisition. use such cases to highlight the op- the everyone. Beholden (ArM5, page 73): Both portunities that magi have to make a Minor and Major versions of this positive difference in the world while Hook allow for the covenant to be showing the difficulties of treading a Leveraging Hooks, beholden to nobles or clergy. This fine legal line. This phase also gives relationship is ideally reciprocal the player characters a view on their Boons, & Story Flaws and on agreeable terms, but this potential allies and enemies and al- could be used by the covenant’s lows them to build political will. Covenants and individual political enemies to cast aspersions New rules are provided for the characters alike provide means and on the covenant’s activities, which writing of persuasive texts that help motives for closer integration with in turn prompts the player magi magi to prepare their audience ahead the mundane world than some in the into defending a position of inte- of arguing their case at Tribunal, Order might be comfortable with. gration at Tribunal. as the next stage is to persuade the The sections here take a brief look at Castle (Covenants, page 12): Many Tribunal to clarify or change the Pe- these story hooks and how they force covenants are built within what ripheral Code. These changes allow covenants to interact and integrate could be described as castles, the magi of that Tribunal to engage with wider society. These are the kind and occupying such an overt with the mundane world more freely of situations and dilemmas that most statement of influence and power is for the benefit of magus and mun- covenants face and most likely remain automatically of concern to nobles dane alike. quiet about at Tribunal. in that region. It may be important The same is done at foreign Tri- for the covenant to enter into bunals to build wider support before agreements with neighbors as to the Covenant Hooks and Boons bringing the matter to the Grand nature of their actions, or to define Tribunal. This gives the player char- clear boundaries of influence. This acter the opportunity to politic at The following sample Hooks and kind of negotiation, and particularly the highest level of the Order and Boons provide motivations for cov- the building of trust between persuade the primi of the Houses to enants to engage with the mundane magical and mundane, could be their way of thinking. world and they tend to make that case important when the Order looks to This is the path to persuading the that covenants cannot simply exist in do the same with the nobility and Order of the need for change, but isolation; circumstances are thrust the Church. there other opinions to be won over. upon covenants and they must cope Dumping Ground (Covenants, page The player characters must engage with the situations they are given. 19): While covenants could be with the mundane world, principally persuaded to provide care for old

14 Transforming Mythic Europe

and infirm members of the nobil- Protector (ArM5, page 73): The Tame Nobleman (Covenants, page 18): ity, allowing their heirs to move Protector Hook, when applied to This Hook is probably the clos- them sideways while they take up a village or other mundane place, est that many covenants can get the reins of power, with Hermetic implies that some agreement to outright breaking the Code magic there is often little reason for or responsibility is already in without actually crossing the line. the old and infirm to stay that way. place and that the covenant must The tame nobleman provides the Magic can restore health; it can make good on that commitment. front for the covenant’s rule over also restore strength to mind and This again provides something some or all of their lands and this limb alike. And so, covenants that that may need to be defended raises a number of questions. How have taken in elder members of at Tribunal and is something is this defined by the laws of the the nobility may soon face charges that could provide the case for land? If the nobleman actually has of interference if they do restore beneficial intervention. If this legal title to the land and is able these elders to a state where they Hook is applied to a magical or to dispose of it according to law, could return to power and thereby supernatural place or resource then surely the covenant can be move their heirs aside. it provides the catalyst for said to be little more than a coun- Fosterage (Covenants, page 19): agreement to be reached between cil of court wizards. But if the Magi given responsibility for the the covenant and a mundane power covenant’s position is enshrined education and well-being of a that intentionally or accidentally in law, is the noble not simply re- young noble have the opportunity threatens that resource. A good duced to the status of a bailiff or to start a new philosophy within example might be the home of a reeve? And if this noble has a right the nobility: specifically, that woodland spirit. The covenant to his own lands elsewhere, could magic as practiced by the Order has promised to protect the spirit magical aid given to him be seen of Hermes is something to be and its home, but the land belongs as further interference? A situation accepted and leveraged. This to the Church and it wants to like this begs for the Order to find understanding is a double- clear the woodland for farmland. some way to protect its members edged sword. This young noble The covenant must now not only from magi and nobles alike who is by turns friendly towards the engage with the Church but also might try to exploit this dubious Order and then demanding of find an accommodation. legal position. the magical aid that he knows is Road (ArM5, page 74): The Minor Urban (ArM5, page 74): For easily within the Order’s power. version of this Hook places the covenants based within towns A character whose origin is in covenant on a major road, river, and cities, any action designed to Hermetic fosterage could be a or sea route and guarantees the protect themselves from mundane strong catalyst, pleading the case covenant contact with the mun- or magical assault is likely to for the Order to intervene and dane world. And, for the most automatically extend to their benefit society. part, those mundanes they meet mundane neighbors. So is this Heavy Cavalry (Covenants, page 18): want something. As an example, provision of magical advantage As with the Castle Hook, any imagine a covenant on a large accepted or condemned by the covenant that maintains heavy river. When that river floods, does Tribunal and the Order? cavalry, or any recognizable mili- the covenant help those nearby Writ of Crenellation (Covenants, tary force, must maintain good to save their lost crops? Or to page 15): As with the Castle relations with neighbors for fear rebuild the homes swept away in Hook discussed above the of the obvious distrust escalating the deluge? If so, does this not as- covenant, or their legal front, into conflict. sist one group of mundanes to the has gained permission to fortify Mundane Politics (Covenants, page detriment of others not fortunate their residence. Apart from the 21): A covenant deeply embroiled to be so near a covenant? This is statement that makes, it does raise in mundane politics — by blood, the kind of moral challenge that the question of what has been inclination, or position — must is inherent to the theme of this granted in return. This may be the either keep their activities from transformation. The covenant source of the Beholden Hook and the Quaesitores or gain political may indeed by interfering in the the finished fortifications used as support across the Tribunal for natural order of things, but argu- leverage against the covenant. A their involvements. ably justifiably so. covenant forced into this position,

15 Transforming Mythic Europe

lied upon a noble or church connection, the Dependent Story Flaw is considerably more open. The dependent character is usually weak, which is an opportunity to show the poorer strata of Myth- ic Europe’s society. Such a dependent can be used to demonstrate the effects of failing harvest, illness and plague, and the effects of poor governance. And this is the moral background against which the Order’s non-interference can be judged. Enemies (ArM5, page 53): Nobles and senior clergy make for effective enemies, but the resolution of these stories does not need to involve violence or death. Present- ing a character with an enemy and letting them fi nd common ground is just as rewarding. In the context of this transformation, it forms proof that differences can be set aside and the Order and society can fi nd common ground. Favors (ArM5, page 54): There are with an unscrupulous mundane by greater powers. Does the few Story Flaws that can so di- political opponent on one side covenant interfere by protecting rectly engage the covenant in and the Oath on the other, would a member of one faction from mundane affairs as the Favors do well to seek advice from the another? Could this contribute to Flaw. Having benefi tted from the Tribunal. Such a session could an escalation where hedge wizards actions of others in the past, the clarify what kind of interactions or even other Hermetic magi character is now beholden to re- that covenants can engage in. become involved? In any case, this spond in kind. Whether magus or hook speaks very much to those companion, the fulfi llment of the who would see greater separation debt may include the use of magic, chArActer story flAws from the mundane world rather either directly or indirectly. In any than integration. case, it will most likely involve Individual magi or companions also Close Family Ties (ArM5, page covenant resources, which imme- draw the mundane world towards the 52): Applicable to magi and diately implicates the covenant. Order of Hermes and confront cov- companions alike, close family Feud (ArM5, page 54): Another clear enants with diffi cult decisions. ties often draw the covenant example of the covenant being closer to the mundane world than dragged into mundane business Black Sheep (ArM5, page 51): While its members may like. This kind through the familial obligations of estranged from his prestigious of connection is ideal for bringing its magi or companions. By favor- family, this character can still be home the reality of a harsh world ing one faction over another, the used to bridge the gap between the to a community, in the covenant, covenant is interfering, but there’s Hermetic and mundane worlds. that can very effectively shelter an opportunity to use the cov- Enemies of the character’s family itself from hardship. enant’s infl uence to fi nd an accom- may choose an apparently easy Dependent (ArM5, page 53): While modation between the feuding target only to fi nd him protected many of the other hooks have re- factions, which may be families,

16 Transforming Mythic Europe

guilds, religious orders, or almost der up a scapegoat? becomes involved when its own anything else. • Having been seen collecting vis costs rise as local markets have Heir (ArM5, page 54): Any covenant in woodland near to the cov- less to sell. At the heart of the that shelters or supports an heir is enant, the magi receive sum- story is a vengeful faerie queen by default committing the sin of mons to explain why they have testing the knight’s loyalty to interference, but they are not nec- been thieving and to then make his wife; she wants him to be her essarily committing the crime of recompense. The woodland does king and is punishing him for bring ruin on their sodales. In fact, not belong to the covenant and his rejection of her by stealing often quite the opposite. As with is, in fact, owned by an influential his fertility and that of his lands. the Fosterage covenant Hook, knight who grants rights of for- The covenant can very easily deal the magi have the opportunity to age to his tenants. The magi must with the situation; they destroy shape the heir’s thinking towards negotiate for the right to collect or banish the queen, or otherwise the Order and the supernatural vis in the woods, ensuring that lift her curse, which then restores world as a whole. they limit their obligations. the knight’s fertility. Doing so True Love (ArM5, page 59): There • The new bishop of the covenant’s aids one noble to the detriment is nothing one would not do for diocese exerts his control over the of his rival however who would, one’s true love, no matter the con- region, which for the covenant init should be remembered, have sequences. So, here again is an op- volves greater scrutiny over taxes expanded his own holdings. portunity for characters to become and even a request to see the char- • Reports of a strange dead involved in the mundane world, in ter granting permission to found creature reach the covenant. The ways that have significant impact, and maintain the covenant. body of a flying serpent has been while retaining the sense of moral recovered and is being kept at right. And that is important. The Importantly, once the player a priory, on whose land it fell. Order does not wish itself brought covenant has experienced the above It was apparently killed during into conflict with mundane soci- events and navigated its way through a fight between the serpent and ety, but resolving stories that arise them, they are able to advise other a bird with feathers the color from Story Flaws such as True covenants suffering similar problems. of fire. Investigating, the magi Love shows that there may be a This helps to show how close society discover that the serpent is an need to become involved and, is getting to the Order, and reinforces iaculus, a large venomous snake perhaps, that there is a need for a the need to find an accommodation. with feathered wings that it uses new philosophy. The following story suggestions to fly from trees onto its victims. show the good that a covenant can The body contains neither vis nor do if it is prepared to weather accusa- blood. The witnesses can take A Growing Awareness tions of interference and the benefits the magi to the site of the battle of formalizing relations with the no- and describe how the bird sliced The covenant must first see the in- bility. The hooks into the following the serpent with its razor-sharp herent benefits of engaging with the stories should be tailored according wings and that all the iaculus’ mundane world over staying with- to the covenant Hooks and character blood drained into the field drawn and the problems of continu- Story Flaws currently in play. where it fell. Could this spot, ing to buck convention. The follow- where the iaculus fought with the ing events highlight the problems • When all the harvests from farms fabled alerion and died, become a that society may have with the ac- owned by a local knight fail for recurrent source of vis? If there’s tions of magi. three seasons running, the knight a chance, how does the covenant is on the brink of selling land go about securing the right to • Some time after the characters rid to his rival in order to maintain gather vis from the prior’s land? a parish of its corrupted priest, his family and their estate. What might he ask in exchange? the priest’s bishop and the par- The knight and his tenants are • A nobleman, aware of the Order ish’s lord try to bring charges of enduring increasing poverty and the longevity of its members, murder against those responsible. while the rival noble enjoys the approaches the covenant to Do the magi fight the case, try to prospect of running the knight request that they use their magic prove just cause, or do they ren- into the ground. The covenant to prolong his life and that of his

17 Transforming Mythic Europe

wife. In return, he is willing to sign signed to educate the Tribunal, House, can help him and that he should over the income from a moderate or Order, the final debate must be held put forward his case. fief to the covenant while he and at Tribunal. For this, the debate rules • A magus asks the covenant to his wife live. It is a simple request presented in Houses of Hermes: Societates, support him in rebutting a case with potentially a large monetary page 91 are very useful. If an argu- of mundane interference to be reward. But should the magi do ment bonus has been generated prior heard in a special council. He it? While the income has been to Tribunal, it can be applied to any has been charged with aiding a signed over, what happens if the debate which encompasses aspects of minor mundane noble in killing a nobleman changes the use the the polemic philosophy. As far as this rival over the love of a woman. land is put to and the income falls? chapter is concerned, any case touch- The magus makes a strong and What if the income generated by ing upon the interference in mundane reasoned case that the knight he the land actually increases, but affairs is suitable as is a debate on clari- assisted is a long-time companion this is not considered part of the fying the Peripheral Code itself. and that he gifted him only with bargain by the nobleman? such magic and support as might • A famous knight and tournament be expected. That his dread rival Building Support champion is accused of disgracing died is incidental, and only good Before the Tribunal a noblewoman while her husband can come of it. But the covenant was away. The noble and his wife bringing the case received the want justice but both plaintiff and The following story seeds directly income from some small plot of accused owe fealty to the same introduce elements surrounding cases land as long as that knight lived. lord, who suspects there is more brought to Tribunal. They charge that the magus’ in- to the case than either side claims. terference caused the death of He asks the covenant to divine the • Having lost a case at Tribunal the knight and thereby deprived truth of it and tell him which side is and faced with the imposition of them of due resources. lying to him. It is a task easily done a fine, the covenant is secretly • The covenant receives representa- by the magi, but can they turn away approached by a bound spirit. tion from a local landholder de- and allow justice to fend for itself? The spirit has been sent by a ma- manding that the murderer of one If they do become involved, they gus of the Tribunal with an offer of his tenants be handed over so effectively determine the lord’s to pay any fine resulting from the that justice may be done. It be- judgment, thereby interfering in case. The conditions are simple; comes apparent that the victim of the natural order of things. the covenant continues work- this murder was a hedge wizard ing towards integration with known to the landholder. Nobody The sample encounters above are society, and the donor remains within the covenant knows any- simple enough, but they introduce the anonymous. Can the covenant thing of any murder, but when the two key questions that face the Order: trust the offer? Is this a sign that landholder describes the appear- what kind of help is appropriate, and they have support, or is someone ance of the killer and the manner how does the Order secure agreement trying to manipulate them into of the death it is clear that a magus with the mundanes? All of the story committing more crimes? of the Order was behind it. Inves- seeds above, depending upon the • A magus from a nearby covenant tigating further, the covenant finds actions taken by the covenant, have visits, bringing a retinue with him. the killer who simply says he of- the potential to be raised at Tribunal The talk is amiable and agreements fered the hedge wizard the option as charges of interference in mundane are made to exchange Laboratory to “join or die.” The wizard’s deci- affairs, which provides the covenant Texts and vis, but during the eve- sion was final. Literally. So what the opportunity to defend its actions ning’s feasting it becomes clear that happens now? The magus’ actions and promote controlled integration. there is an ulterior motive. One of seem to be within the Code but he the nobles in the retinue needs has brought an angry noble look- aid. His lands are suffering under ing for justice and recompense to The Tribunal a plague and he cannot fulfill his the gates of another covenant. feudal obligations to his own liege While preparatory work may be or feed his tenants. It turns out that The story seeds described above done through the writing of texts de- he has been told that this covenant help the player magi to look deeper

18 Transforming Mythic Europe into questions of interference and integration; where are the lines drawn and how far can one covenant go on their own? They also introduce other magi and covenants wrestling with much the same questions, only, as they are not the covenant at the center of the saga, they are not in a position to deal with matters head-on. So this phase should allow the player covenant to build some support by assisting others. supporting test cAses

Whether the rulings in any cases resulting from the above stories (or those you use in their stead) go against the covenant or for it, other magi and covenants in the Tribunal look to the player covenant for advice on engaging with the mundanes and in presenting their cases at court. These are likely to be less-influential covenants, perhaps those with few members or very few resources. Helping these covenants with their own entanglements allows the sodales are brought against a ma- could seek clarification of the Periph- player covenant to support peers gus who liberated a powerful en- eral Code, for instance where the and build a political faction around chanted item from a landowning code uses language such as “without themselves, a faction inclined to knight. As a result, the knight has due cause” or “without excess,” to de- greater integration. accused a nearby covenant of theft scribe mundane interactions, the Tri- and demands the return of the bunal can be asked to clarify in favor • One covenant uncovers plans by item and recompense made. There of the looser interpretations. The Tri- another to disrupt the assarting — was no evidence that the item was bunal could be asked to make amend- or clearing — of woodlands by a a danger to the knight, his neigh- ments to the Peripheral Code. These noble intending to expand his ag- bors, or the Order, but the magus amendments can take the form of ricultural holdings. The woodland insists that magical power is not adding new clauses, removing restric- concerned includes a Magic aura for the use of mundanes. tions already in place, and changing and is home to a small woodland certain provisions now viewed as too drake. Should one covenant suc- The next stage is to go back to Tri- restrictive. The Tribunal could even ceed the Magic aura will be lost bunal and clarify the local Peripheral vote in extremis to suspend certain and a vengeful drake unleashed, Code with regard to interference. provisions of the Code for a time. A but should the other succeed then region damaged by fl ood, famine, or the Tribunal condones disrupting drought may require intervention ei- clArifying the peripherAl coDe the rightful actions of a landown- ther on moral grounds or at least on er. Is there a third way? Can an the grounds of protecting Hermetic accommodation be made to pro- After having proved the point interests, but doing so is a clear in- tect the landowner’s rights and the with test cases, the next stage is to tervention. The Tribunal may decide drake’s home? seek some level of amendment to that such intervention is permissible • Charges of bringing ruin to one’s that Tribunal’s Peripheral Code. Magi but only for a year or two years.

19 Transforming Mythic Europe

The nature of these amendments considered far from regular, but their dom within the long years that is best driven by the player magi and presence and their insights may be magi enjoy and he argues that saga events. For instance: useful. In purely mechanical terms, as such wisdom should be used to per Houses of Hermes: Societates, page 93, guide and advise those who rule • A Verditius may want to clar- the testimony adds +1 to the argu- the land. He is hiding a secret, ify the number of devices that ment strength, but there is inherent however. His superiors knew of can be sold to mundanes in story potential in bringing a mundane his attendance at Tribunal and the Tribunal or the number of to the Tribunal in order to support a have stripped him of his office. pawns that may be used to en- case or proposition. The following Can the opponents of change use chant such devices. suggestions may be useful. this to discredit his testimony or • A Jerbiton may want to act as is it an example of selfless sacri- patron to an aspiring artist, giv- • Opponents to the change bring fice for a cause? ing him an advantage over the a number of witnesses to testify competition, so he may need and each is a worker of some As far as the debate rules go, the Code to confirm that as the minor tradition or other. None bringing mundane testimony does not artist has no political influence, of them are Gifted, but they all add a huge bonus, but it does present assisting him is permitted. make a living through the work- a roleplaying opportunity. • A Flambeau may argue for the ing of their magic: a blacksmith right to use his magic freely touched by the magic realm Local Customs at tournament and to provide here, a folk healer there, and so service to the highest bidder. on. They all complain that they The elder magi may balk at would have no living to make Most Tribunals are resistant to the prospect of such service, if the magi took their jobs, but change, which can make it difficult but if the magus can success- when the magi are anonymously for a magus to bring the debate on fully argue that he favors no informed that the blacksmith’s integration to the Tribunal in the particular noble he may win talent springs from the Infernal, first place. But Tribunals have their the amendment. do they attempt to use this infor- own identity and their own factions. mation against their opponents, Normandy accepts that magi must or is this some new mischief? sometimes live within cities and their Mundane Testimony • A priest, understanding of the Peripheral Code contains clauses that Order and its workings, stands provide guidance on how these magi Few Tribunals have restrictions before the council and calls for should conduct their business. The against mundanes attending Tribu- the magi to involve themselves. Rhine Tribunal is at the heart of the nal and offering testimony. It may be He recognizes that there is wis- debate between those who want to shape the Order’s relationship with the mundane world. The conflict- Story Seed: Charges in a Foreign Court ing Ash and Apple gilds seek a bold presence in the world and an accom- Magi from a neighboring Tri- upon them and that without funding modation respectively. Tremere-dom- bunal where the Code has not been they cannot pursue their studies as inated Transylvania already provides clarified to allow magi to act as coun- they would like. The case is complex selors to mundane rulers cross the as it involves two distinct interpreta- a strong structure that closely resem- border to bring charges of interfer- tions of Hermetic law. In truth, the bles a Hermetic state, and the magi ence against a covenant in this Tribu- foreign magi would be content with of recovering Thebes and war-torn nal. They allege that the magi influ- recompense and are not vindictive. Iberia each have their own view on enced the inheritance of substantial But it would not occur to them to relations with mundanes, shaped by estates on both sides of the Tribunal engage with the mundane nobles in ongoing occupation and conflict. border, which in turn dispossessed their own Tribunal. Perhaps the play- Regardless of the prevailing wis- the plaintiff covenant of lucrative er magi can intercede on their behalf dom, or the specific clauses of the sources of income. They charge that and teach the neighboring Tribunal a Peripheral Code, the Tribunal is the this interference has brought ruin new way of thinking. place to negotiate agreements with like-minded magi. There is much

20 Transforming Mythic Europe to be said for forming a coalition of minded magi and use them to spread Keeping track of these for each magi who all agree to turn a blind eye their message. Tribunal is an unwieldy task but the to misdemeanors of interference. If If the aim is to change the Order’s general character of each House sug- enough magi adopt the policy then attitude, then success in more than one gests the default response. The de- charges of interference and bringing Tribunal is needed; the actions of one scriptions below provide these default ruin that appear before Tribunal are Tribunal alone may be overlooked, positions, while later in this chapter unlikely to succeed; the code, in this even those of two or three outlying we will look at the motivations of the respect at least, becomes unenforce- Tribunals, but if there is a suggestion leaders of each House in the context of able. And on the back of that, the Tri- of a determined political change then the Grand Tribunal. bunal develops its own local customs the Grand Tribunal cannot ignore it. not covered by the Peripheral Code. If you want to short-cut to the • House Bonisagus is undoubt- In the sweep of the saga, this puts Grand Tribunal, you may want to edly one of the most resistant to the player characters at the heart of a consider whether to use some of the change from a political perspec- power struggle with the Quaesitores Tribunals not yet covered by Ars tive. The Oath and its provisions and other traditionalists attempting Magica Fifth Edition, such as Loch are deeply linked to both Bonisa- to rein in these local customs, with Leglean, Iberia, or Rome, as places gus and Trianoma. The Oath, as the player covenant the driving force where interference is rife and goes with the Code that derives from behind them. If your story takes this unchallenged. Doing so allows the it, is a work of genius and it has route, just getting the matter de- player Tribunal to be the one that served the Order well for nearly bated at Tribunal is a major victory. finally escalates the issue to the 500 years. To change it would be If the debate does not take place, as Grand Tribunal. disrespectful and dangerous. long as the coalition holds then the • House Bjornaer is able to view customs prevail. the argument from another per- Once this way of life starts to nor- House Politics spective. While some Houses op- malize within the Tribunal, foreign pose or endorse integration for Tribunals start to take an interest. Hermetic politics is a complex idealistic reasons, House Bjornaer Houses start to make unilateral rul- affair. Covenants may be expected is able to ask “what’s in it for us?” ings, perhaps applying pressure to the to reach consensus among their With its connection to the ani- player characters to cease their ac- members, but this consensus may mal world, the House can see the tions or providing tacit support. And differ between covenants of the same threat that mundane expansion with the player magi at the heart of Tribunal. The prevailing opinion poses to the magical and the wild the action, other covenants come to in one Tribunal may be anathema places of the world. If agreements view them as useful resources when to their neighbors. The Houses of can be made with the nobil- forced to defend their own actions. Hermes have their own political ity and the church, then certain leanings, which one could expect lands can be protected. A change to transcend Tribunal boundaries. to the Oath and to the Code may Foreign Tribunals But it doesn’t stop there. Houses be a worthwhile compromise. have divisions, such as the Bjornaer • House Criamon, as might be If the magi have successfully septs or the ideological split within expected, is a complex balance. supported test cases, built a coalition, House Merinita. And Tribunals often The House philosophy does not or even managed to move their own have loose political factions, such elevate magi above the rest of Tribunal’s Peripheral Code to a more as the gilds found within the Rhine humanity and the House sees accommodating place, it is time to Tribunal. In particular, the Apple abandoning humanity to its fate take the message further abroad. All Gild in the Rhine is particularly in as a sin. This might then suggest the considerations discussed above favor of closer integration with the support for greater integration still stand when visiting foreign mundane world and significant allies with the world, but the House Tribunals, but there is the added could be gained through approaching is dominated by a quest to grasp problem of needing some kind of them. The Encroaching Dominion and understand the Enigma and sponsor. It is not politic to simply scenario presented in Tales of Power is its members are unwilling to be attend a Tribunal uninvited, so the particularly apt for use or adaptation distracted by lesser concerns. If magi need to connect with like- in this respect. anything, the most likely out-

21 Transforming Mythic Europe

come of approaching House Cri- teract with the mundane world. well, House Tremere could be a amon is that the House is roused Jerbiton magi frequently recon- very supportive ally. into affirmative inaction. nect with their mundane birth • The opinions of House Tytalus • It is too easy to categorize House families, which are often drawn are likely to be somewhat frac- Ex Miscellanea as being apoliti- from the nobility, and they often tured and votes at council are cal, and maybe the House as a support or sponsor other mun- probably available in return for single entity is, but many of the dane organizations. These Jerbi- favor in other matters, but the traditions and lineages within ton magi, acting as a bloc within magi aegroti — or leper magi the House have a deep bond to Tribunals, can make charges of — found in House Tytalus may the mundane world. By the terms interference very hard to enforce. provide the most consistent view. of the Oath and the Peripheral • With very few Gifted members, They are skilled healers and usu- Code, many of the Ex Miscel- House Mercere already has ar- ally specialize in Corpus magic or lanea traditional roles would be guably the closest relationship Longevity Rituals, and these gifts frowned upon at best and in- with the mundane world of all are not restricted to magi and vite potential censure at worst. the Hermetic Houses. The red- their companions. As lepers, af- Change could be welcomed by caps live and work in the mun- flicted with a dread disease, they many within these traditions. dane world. They see the effects are usually treated with distrust • House Flambeau demonstrates of hardship upon the world as and disdain, which gives them a the coming together of idealism they travel between covenants, unique perspective on the lives of and pragmatism. On the one hand and then they see the magically- the downtrodden. its members are all too ready to maintained comfort and riches in • Many view House Verditius hunt down those Marched by the which the Order keeps itself. If as a greedy and venal House Order, but on the other they stand there is a moral case to be made, only interested in the profit by their principles even where this House Mercere is able to argue it. and acclaim that their craft can leads them to break the terms of • House Merinita shares much with generate for them. In many cases the Oath. Loosening the restric- House Bjornaer. Though perhaps this is entirely justified. Their tions with regard to engaging in distrustful of the mortal world, work is effectively held back by mundane affairs would benefit the Merinita magi recognize the vi- the conventions of the Order House by providing causes that tality that mortals give to the fae. and they are held at arm’s length the House can swing behind. And they also recognize the loss from the mundane craft guilds • From the founding of the Order, of lands given over to faeries and that could further their collective House Guernicus has placed the the continued encroachment of crafts. Of course there would be Oath and the Code at its heart. the Dominion. If, like Bjornaer, more profit if certain constraints While there are factions within they could use integration with were lifted, but every device has the House that call for stricter the world to protect these places a purpose and at present too few or looser interpretations of the then they could be persuaded to can be put to use where they are Code it seems unconscionable lend support. most needed. that provisions of the Oath would • The Transylvanian Tribunal domi- be removed. Similarly, the House nated by House Tremere pro- The characterizations above are would object to the Peripheral vides a model for a Hermetic broad and do not reflect the feelings Code being so clarified as to ef- state, which shows that House of each individual, which are of course fectively trivialize the Oath, Tremere is broadly supportive all determined by both the storyguide but the House is not concerned of magi taking responsibility. In- and the players. They do at least pro- with tradition, simply good gov- deed, the notion of an exchange vide default starting positions from ernance leading to a protection of rights for responsibilities is which individuals must be persuaded, of the Order. Thus, suggestions central to the Tremere mindset. and this should be useful when deal- that promote this good gover- And, as Transylvania shows, the ing with such characters within stories. nance and seek to protect the House judges interference with Storyguides should determine how Order may be enough to sway mundanes leniently, preferring to widely understood these opinions are the House. judge the venture by its outcome but any Order of Hermes Lore rolls re- • House Jerbiton already actively rather than according to a set of quired should be against an Ease Fac- defends the rights of magi to in- rules. If the change is presented tor of 6, or 9 at the outside.

22 Transforming Mythic Europe

The leanings of covenants, magi must get themselves selected ties. Any measure that would al- gilds, septs, lineages, or cults are for to attend the Grand Tribunal or they low Andru to continue making individual troupes to determine but must fi nd a champion in one of those the world a better place, protect- given the increasingly secret nature magi who are to attend. If they can ing works of art and promoting of these organizations rolls against fi nd this champion, they may appear good governance, while reduc- Order of Hermes Lore will require before the Grand Tribunal to argue ing the risk to those in his House higher Ease Factors, and rolls against their case. would have Andru’s support. specifi c House or Cult Lores may be If the player characters can gain • The Verditius Primus Stouri- required instead. admittance to the Grand Tribunal, tus: Stouritus’ concern is for the they may succeed in convincing the wealth of his House, something most senior of their Order. And if that can be vastly improved by The Grand Tribunal they do, the Order changes. allowing magi to increase the number of enchanted items that Eventually, the matter is brought can be sold to mundanes. in fAvor of chAnge to the Grand Tribunal, likely not for the fi rst time, and the player char- AgAinst the chAnge acters once again become central to • The Flambeau Primus Garus: the cause. Political alliances need to Garus is a leading member of the be forged and arguments need to be milites, a Flambeau faction that • The Bonsisagus Primus Arch- won, as changing or clarifying the promotes chivalry and service to magus Murion: Unscrupulous, Code is not done lightly. the Order. He was also a merce- scheming, and conservative, Mu- This being the Grand Tribunal, nary and tournament champion rion seeks little but to re-estab- the politics of the event should be in his youth, but his grip on his lish House Bonisagus’s power and paramount. No matter how good the own House is loose as it does reputation among the Houses. preparatory work, the decisions here not have a unifying goal. If Ga- She will not do that by being the are made essentially by the seniors of rus could win concessions on the primus who tore down the guid- the Houses. It is these senior magi, role of House Flambeau in mun- ing principles upon with Bonisa- archmages, and primi that the player dane warfare, thereby offering gus’ Order was founded. magi must infl uence. his House a purpose, he could be • The Criamon Prima Muscaria: As described in ArM5, page 14, a valuable ally. Muscaria understands her three representatives from each • The Jerbiton Primus Andru: An- role within the House to be Tribunal attend the Grand Tribunal dru and his House are already removing anything that might held at Durenmar, in addition to involved in the mundane world, distract other Criamon from the the twelve Primi. Either the player albeit through clandestine activi- continuing quest for the Enigma.

23 Transforming Mythic Europe What greater distraction would ion on whether the mundane world Mundane there be than being at the beck can be trusted or not. and call of a mundane princeling? • The Merinita Primus Handri: Allies & Enemies Though young, she is pragmatic Handri has a problem that he may and politically astute enough to not have noticed. He is a secretive To be clear, leaders of the mun- see through lies. man, more concerned with faeries dane world are unlikely to support • The Guernicus Prima Archmaga than magi, and surrounded by a cad- any move by the Order of Hermes to Bilera: An arch negotiator, Bilera re of trusted advisers. However, Vi- integrate itself into society without is currently trying to heal the rift naria, the former prima, has returned there being some clear benefit to them between the Traditionalists and to the scene and has begun working and their heirs. Openly acknowledg- the Transitionalists within her on her relations with the other primi. ing members of the Order means af- House. Any change that reduces In truth, it may be Vinaria that the fording them the respect they are the power of the Peripheral Code player magi need to court as her in- due, recognizing certain rights and or the Oath would be explosive fluence over the Grand Tribunal may relationships, and ensuring that their to House Guernicus, and she be greater than Handri’s. political inclinations are accommo- cannot support the measure. • The Tremere Prima Poena: Poena is dated. All in all, it is potentially too an advocate of a Hermetic state ex- much effort even before the thought isting within the mundane world just of entertaining magi as guests at the Undecided as has been implemented in Transyl- feasting table. vania. She would be supportive of What might the commoners, rulers, • The Bjornaer Prima Falke: Young other Tribunals adopting the same and priests of the mundane world want? and struggling with the responsi- model, but would she support a vi- bility of leadership, Falke tends sion different to that demonstrated Kings and Nobles towards an isolationist policy, by House Tremere? more through apparent indeci- • The Tytalus Primi Buliste and sion than a strong ideological po- Harpax: House Tytalus may have There are few problems that a king sition. She of course would want two primi, but they have a single can’t solve through the application to see the wilderness protected vote between them at the Grand of manpower and money. They have from mundane encroachment, Tribunal. The task may not be to been building near-impregnable but there is a large faction within persuade either to a given cause but castles for generations, they have her House that would resist for- maneuver both into agreeing a proxy sponsored chapels and cathedrals mally engaging with those same able to vote on behalf of the House. alike for the preservation of their mundanes. For more information immortal souls, and they have but to on Falke, see Guardians of the For- command it to set several thousand ests: The Rhine Tribunal, page 96. men on the path of murder. If they • The Ex Miscellanea Primus want to increase their revenues, they Ebroin: Ebroin is in truth a How Politics tax their populace harder. If they Magus Orbus, though his House want a fleet of ships before winter sets of origin is left for each saga to Effects Change in, they hire more shipbuilders, who determine, so his loyalty may hire more carpenters, who buy more still lie with his former House We have looked at the need to lumber. All these things they have, and its primus. change attitudes within the Order and if they take these roles away • The Mercere Prima Insatella: Insa- and later we will look at some of from their populace, by using magic tella is concerned only with the run- the magical effects that can be to gain them for instance, then their ning of her House, its obligations to leveraged in negotiations with populace starves. the Order, and its commercial activi- mundane society. Now, however, we What kings and nobles may value ties. As an unGifted member of the look at the negotiations with those more is guidance. They need to know Order she sees her House’s role as mundanes and with the denizens of whether the path of murder is justi- important but separate from the af- the supernatural realms. fied. They need to know whether fairs of magi. She is likely to abstain the fleet of ships is needed to defend from any vote but can provide opin- their coast or to reclaim their foreign

24 Transforming Mythic Europe estates. Magi are able to divine the and expelled so that the noble does But would doing so make a mock- answers to many such questions and not need to repay. ery of the economy? Such a service that makes their service highly valu- Magi can provide an alternative, creates an endless supply of money able to the nobility. Persuade such a however. It is known that creating too but with the danger that costs associ- noble of the benefit of having direct much silver can overbalance a local ated with goods and services become and true information, of avoiding economy, lowering the relative value meaningless. misunderstanding and of knowing of money by putting too much into the real motivations of his rivals, and circulation. However, funds could be mundane testimony can be gained for created temporarily. A noble could ap- The Church the Tribunal. proach magi for a loan of certain funds, Ultimately providing that service which the magi can provide by conjur- Across Christendom and the East, is a politically tricky thing, however. ing an amount of silver. They take pay- learning and education is principally Who in the Tribunal should advise ment for the vis used in the summon- the preserve of the religious class. Ca- a king? What about the sheriff of a ing and then the money is given to the thedral schools and universities alike county or shire? The older that magi noble. As the noble pays the silver back are staffed and run by those who have get the more warped they tend to the magi have the option to destroy it, at least taken minor orders. They ex- become, and this is likely to be more taking it out of circulation. They don’t cel at teaching worldly topics: philos- unsettling than even the effect of The need it and it was never theirs to begin ophy, the liberal arts, law, theology, Gift. Thus, such advisers are likely to with — they just conjured it up. Doing and medicine. Magi, however, can be relatively young (for magi) and bear this allows money to be spent as need- reveal the wonders of the supernatural a Gentle Gift. Advisers to prominent ed, and then to be removed from the world. They can supplement theo- figures, such as kings, princes, or arch- economy when times are better. logical study with experience of the bishops, should be appointed by the Tribunal with agreement from those they are to serve. The egalitarian ways Story Seed: The King’s Favorite of the Order may suffer as it would break social convention for a woman The Tribunal has decided upon How did the king even know of to serve on a council, so the Tribunal a new counselor to the king, and the characters? And why would he may need to compromise on its values. he is due to take up his position in appoint them? What political game Of course, there are regional dif- the spring. The king, however, is has the character found themselves ferences. The kings of Christian Spain displeased; he appoints one of the involved in and how can they get may look to magic for the means to player characters to his council. themselves out of it? accelerate their reconquest of the Ibe- rian peninsula, or to defend against duplicitous allies. The English nobles in Ireland may ask for the means to Story Seed: The Proctor of Hermes secure their hard-won lands against the Irish. And the kings of far-off The Church supplement introduced presenting petitions on behalf of Novgorod may soon be looking for this story seed. It is reproduced here magi to the curia, and ensuring defense against the oncoming horde. given its relevance: that no petitions that negatively Moneylending is something that Quaesitors approach a player impact on the Order are successfully is looked on unkindly by the Church character (ideally a senior magus brought by other parties. The and relied upon by the nobility. Tra- with the Gentle Gift) and explain position requires a magus so that he ditionally the purview of Jews, mon- that they want him to act as proctor may resist both the Commanding for The Order of Hermes in the papal Aura of church officials and any eylending — in the sense of provid- curia. The character will become a efforts of other magi to interfere in ing loans with interest — funds much Quaesitor and travel to Rome. His church processes. of the large-scale activity of knight, task is to ensure smooth relations Father Joseph of Napoli, noble, and king across Mythic Eu- between the Order and the Church. presented in Antagonists, would make rope. When those in debt decide that He can do this by intercepting an ideal counterpart to seal the repayment is too onerous, the money inappropriate petitions from magi, relationship from the Church’s side. lenders are frequently dispossessed

25 Transforming Mythic Europe celestial on Earth. They can explore ety embracing the Order of Hermes, page 49) allows a magus to imitate the philosophy of the created world then surely the Order would have the skill of a mundane craftsman, but through reference to the kosmokra- greater weight in their negotiations doing the work of days, weeks, or tors, the great magical spirits set to with the nobility. months in an instant is very difficult govern the turning of the world. And Securing the pope as an ally is and the results can often disappoint. they can give deeper insights into potentially a saga thread on its own, In game terms, this is because medicine through the use of direct complete with its own antagonists, the quality of the produced item is applied magic. protagonists, and challenges. dependent on a Finesse roll against an Magi can increase the scope of hu- Ease Factor that is always at least 3 man experience much more here than points higher than that needed by a Using Guilds as a Model they can through barons and princes. mundane craftsman. The magi educate the students, who If the Order allows for more become masters themselves and edu- Guilds may provide an attractive magical tools to enter circulation, cate yet more students. And so the model and an easy way to explain jobs become easier and quicker Church, or at the very least its in- covenants to society. They exist for but as the quality is almost wholly struments the schools and universi- the benefit of their members, they dependent on the Finesse Ability ties, must be persuaded of the ben- take and teach apprentices, and they score of the item’s user, suddenly efits. If they can be, if the world can have the capacity to provide services Finesse becomes an important skill be shown to be so much more, then for payment. for a new breed of craftsmen. mundane testimony can be gained for Towns and cities may be Mundanes can learn Finesse the Tribunal. welcoming to covenants if they from all the usual sources — As learned men, magi of the Order understand them to be like guilds, teachers, practice, books — and it is should have little difficulty in making especially as it allows them to conceivable that rather than tending it clear to the Church that they are regulate their activities by the to magical crafts themselves, magi not trafficking with demonic forces granting of charters. The Order would introduce specialists in the use when they cast their magic and that is used to setting the prices for its of magical items to serve them. in fact there is common ground. Most services (House Verditius acts as a Given the inherent difficulty of magi, as tenuous members of — and guild for its members ensuring that matching mundane craftsmanship drawn from — the society around no magus undercuts another), but with craft magic, magi may seek them, follow the faith of their birth. they may now need to compromise out those with an affinity for using As such, they are under the spiritual and have its prices influenced by enchanted devices and those who protection of priests, imams, and mundanes. show a natural flair (represented by rabbis. And while God has seen fit The quality of any enchantments the Affinity with Finesse and Puissant to create Magic auras that help magi may also be enforced: charged items Finesse Virtues respectively). They cast their spells and practice their must not spoil, enchantments must would be an educated class, able to arts, God also grants them humility last a lifetime, and so on. In return, study Finesse from books as well as by showing them the power of the of course, a covenant gains freedoms from a tutor and perhaps even write Dominion. There is extensive material within its towns or city, including their own tractatus that could be of in The Church supplement to support rights on dress, familiars, the benefit to others that may not have as this position. taking of apprentices, the keeping much experience with enchantment. of laboratories, and to any vis that Additionally, enchanted tools might be found in lands controlled may allow craftsmen to express Gaining the by the town. their creativity like never before. Support of the Pope An adze that allows two great oaks to be spliced together as firmly as if The kings of Christendom, A New Breed of Craftsman they were a single tree might allow though they may balk at the thought, for taller and strong ship masts, and hold their position by the grace of Hermetic magic is hugely flexible stone could be crafted as fine as God. God’s representative on Earth is and it does many things adequately, glass without losing its strength by the pope. If the pope himself can be but it rarely does anything entirely enchanted hammers and chisels. As persuaded as to the wisdom of soci- well. Rego Craft Magic (Covenants, these tools spread outwards from

26 Transforming Mythic Europe covenants and craftsmen learn their recognize the value of the alliance. nature. This may be the covenant’s first use, Mythic Europe starts to take on The same could be done with magical step in learning of a threat that the a fantastical appearance. and faerie entities. Imagine the spirit Order is unaware of. of the wind offering the fosterage of Discovering the Brotherhood his son, in the form of a swift horse, actually provides an incentive for The Supernatural to a prince in return for dominion the Order to place their own agents over a certain mountain or range. The within the courts of Mythic Europe Realms prince gains a horse beyond compare in order to monitor their actions, who may become a life-long and loyal learn their motives, and oppose them One of the principal reasons for companion, and the spirit of the wind where they run counter to the inter- the Order becoming the fourth es- protects his domain. ests of the Order. tate is the protection of magical and Magi would be instrumental in On the other hand, the Brother- faerie spaces. It seems prudent then brokering these agreements and hood may reveal themselves, placing to engage the representatives of those mediating when things go awry. themselves openly the under the pro- realms in the project. If a noble or a If favorable terms can be arranged tection and influence of their mun- city is to preserve ancient woodlands between a supernatural entity and dane allies in order to protect them- under its control it will expect some- a mundane, terms that result in the selves against the Order’s ultimatum thing in return. protection of a magical or faerie to join or suffer the consequences. space, then the magi earn both supernatural and mundane testimony Service, Tribute, & Fosterage for the Tribunal. Vis sources, however, may become The simplest transaction is one of more contentious as mundanes start to The Tools service or tribute; the woodland spir- understand their value to those who it, or the faerie king, or the grey lady work magic. Mundanes could misapply of Politics of the river provides something of their knowledge with dangerous value to the mundane rulers in return results, destroying sources rather than This section introduces two new for dominion over their supernatural nurturing them or withholding access activities: the writing of politically auras and regiones. in order to gain leverage over magi. persuasive texts, and the recording of Most magical entities of power agreements in binding charters. are able to reason somewhat objec- tively and make their own minds up Rivals Outside the Order with regards to alliances. Faeries are Writing and more problematic, however, as they Rival Magic presents a faction of are usually constrained by the role Gifted wizards who have already en- Responding to Polemic they inhabit. A mischievous robber sconced themselves in the service of faerie is probably powerless to offer Mythic Europe’s nobility: The Augus- It’s a difficult thing to go to Tri- safe passage along his road because tan Brotherhood. Although not pres- bunal and secure a shift in the under- conflicts with his nature. It would ent in every court, they may be pres- standing of the Order’s place in the certainly be within the roles of most ent in any court. Operating as they world. It is unrealistic to expect such faerie kings and queens to act as kings currently do beneath the notice of a change to be accepted when it goes and queens should, however, and en- the Order, they are unwilling to share against everything that those magi ter into treaties and agreements. It their influence. While the player char- at Tribunal have known. Any magus may be too early to consider dynastic acters forge links with cities, nobles, attempting such a foolhardy case is matches, but ultimately this is pos- and the clergy, the Augustan Brother- likely to gain a poor reputation. So sible if relations between the faeries hood likely work against them, spread- what can be done? and mundanes mature. ing lies and misinformation. The seeds of change need to be It is common to seal alliances However, those followers of Virgil sown early. The arguments must be through fosterage, entrusting a son who operate openly as court wizards, publicized and discussed prior to the or daughter to the care of the ally. while still keeping their true allegiance council or Tribunal. The magus needs The act of trust ensures that both secret, find it hard to hide the magical his argument to be heard, discussed,

27 Transforming Mythic Europe and for others to be persuaded to his as inflammatory. The intent behind cause. This can be done on a story- diatribes is to damage a philosophi- by-story basis for individual magi, cal position, discredit the position’s but while debates play themselves out proponents, or frequently both. Dia- at Tribunal, to effect such a change tribes are the most immediate and ef- across the Order is the job of long- fective response to polemic texts and term persuasion. This can be done their use is discussed further below. through publishing argument and Diatribes are written either as counterargument in a series of texts. summae or tractatus, as per ArM5, There are three forms of writing page 165, on the same Ability as the that should be taken into account: po- polemic they have been written to lemic, diatribe, and apologia. refute. Each tractatus counts towards the normal limit on the number of tractatus that the author may write. Polemic

The object of polemic is to explore Apologia and explain a philosophical position such that it is shown to be superior If diatribes are the attack, then ap- to its logical counter position. This ologia form the defense. The apologia is the bedrock upon which the magus are the rebuttals written to refute the looking to incite change builds his attacks of others, to show up the lies, arguments. These works provide misinformation, or inaccuracies evi- the basis for new thinking and it is dent in diatribes aimed at either the through these works that the wider author or her philosophy. In showing Order is most likely to experience the weaknesses of the opposing argu- this new thinking. ment, the author intends to strength- Polemic is written as a summae or en the original proposition. tractatus on a knowledge Ability. In Apologia are written as summae the case of influencing opinion with or tractatus, as per ArM5, page 165, regards to the Order and its place on the same Ability as the diatribe in the world either Code of Hermes they have been written in response or Order of Hermes Lore would be to. Each tractatus counts towards the appropriate. Area Lore appropriate normal limit on the number of tracta- to a given Tribunal may also be used tus that the author may write. with the agreement of the troupe. As described in ArM5, page 165, texts have a Quality and a Level. For the Like Father, Like Son purposes of these rules, tractatus We all tend to learn from our have a Level of 5. These take on parents, and in the case of the special significance as described Hermetic apprentice he leans below when these works are used to from his parens. Opinions held persuade others. by the teacher are most likely passed to the student at least until the student is advanced enough Diatribe to explore further. To represent this, it is safe to assume that any Diatribes take a critical look at a character gaining his first level in position and then deconstruct it in or- a knowledge Ability through read- der to point out its flaws. Such works ing polemic shares the author’s are usually direct and scathing in their views on that subject. approach, and they can often be seen

28 Transforming Mythic Europe

The Prevailing Wisdom Prevailing Wisdom Table The Order holds certain opinions Reach Level more firmly than it does others. Concerning a Magus The higher of 3 or the magus’ reputation Opinion may be relatively easily Concerning a Covenant 6 swayed where it concerns a single Concerning a Tribunal 9 magus or a covenant, but ideas Concerning a House 12 concerning the governance of entire Houses or the Order itself are much Concerning the Order 15 harder to move. You should first determine the Prevailing Wisdom Examples level of change that the character are looking to effect by taking a Ease view on the breadth of the effect Topic Factor Reason and comparing it to the nearby Existence of a secret mystery cult 6 Larger than a single magus, but smaller than a Tribunal table. The number determined by Origin of Magic Theory 6 Largely concerning Bonisagus, but the level of change provides the base involving more than one magus difficulty of altering opinion through Provisions of the Peripheral Code 9 As this is restricted to a Tribunal the written word. Existence of the Order of Odin 12 Treated as another House Existence of the Order of Suleiman 12 Treated as another House Winning the Argument The Corruption 12 Principally concerning House Tytalus The object of polemical texts is Provisions of the Oath 15 As this concerns the oath taken by to persuade an audience to a way of every member of the Order thinking ahead of a given debate. It is Schism War 15 Central to the Order’s history an opportunity to flex and explore the ideas behind the polemic and ensure that arguments and counterarguments Circulation Total: are prepared. The success or failure of Circulating the Text Magus’ Reputation + Summa Level a particular argument or philosophy (or 5 in the case of tractatus) can only be determined in open In order for the polemic to be + Simple Die debate (as per the rules in Houses of effective, it must first be circulated. Hermes: Societates, page 91), but a well- Six copies are sufficient for a Tribunal, Ease Factor: prepared argument that has gained nine for circulation through a House, 15 (Tribunal), 18 (House), sufficient recognition can provide and 18 copies for circulation through 24 (the Order) bonuses to the standard debate totals. the Order. Once each season after To write a polemic, the author these copies have been released, The book must gain a degree of rec- writes a text on the knowledge that sets the player makes a Circulation Roll ognition, through recommendation, or out their position. Authors have some vs. Ease Factor 15 if the work is by being referenced in other works, be- flexibility in the level they choose to circulated to a Tribunal, 18 if the fore its message can be heard. Circulating write to and the level should be high work is circulated to a House, or 24 a text in this way involves writing letters enough that readers are enticed to for the Order. This roll is based on of introduction, producing copies, pro- read it; few magi are prepared to waste the highest of the magus’ reputations viding translations, and so on. This work a season reading something beneath (good or bad), or any applicable is treated as a distraction in each season them. Polemical tractatus are treated as House acclaim, plus the level of the the magus is engaged in distribution: five level 5 for the purposes of circulating polemic summa, plus a simple die. days for a Tribunal, ten days for a House, them. However, the quality of the A magus other than the author may and fifteen days for the Order. text contributes a bonus to debates on work on circulating the text. For Each season spent circulating a the subject, so it is important for the instance, a sponsor may take the lead text provides a bonus of +1 to the author to find the right balance. during this phase, which allows him next Circulation Total. to leverage his reputation. On meeting the Ease Factor, the

29 Transforming Mythic Europe

Correspondences and Other Texts Story Seed:

Covenants introduces the use of cor- able to refer to his own copies of the Works of Sedition respondences, letters written between correspondence. A player Quaesitor is ap- magi and their associates to explore Magi may choose to combine their proached with a complaint of certain topics. The arguments and vit- polemic, diatribe, or apologia works corruption made against a well- riol found in diatribe and apologia also with other texts to make the texts known magus. It appears that the find their way into correspondence be- themselves more attractive and their magus in question has been pro- tween the quarreling magi and provide distribution easier. A particular volume viding books of a seditious nature a 1 experience point benefit towards may contain more than one item, such to impressionable young appren- the target Ability each season as de- as a tractatus combined with a labo- tices across the Tribunal in an at- scribed in Covenants, page 90. ratory text, or a summa paired with a tempt to sway the next generation A magus engaged in such a writ- tractatus that expands the argument, of magi to his political thought. ten debate may also present the letters for instance. For each other new item, There are enough magi angry as supporting testimony, proof of the i.e. one that has not been circulated beat this deceit that the Quaesitor inaccuracies perpetrated by his oppo- fore, the polemic, diatribe, or apologia feels pressured to act, but how nent, in debate for a bonus of +1 as gains +1 on attempts to circulate the has the magus broken the Code? described in Houses of Hermes: Societates, text. All copies of the work to be cir- What could he be charged with page 92. The effect of this is likely to culated must have the same contents in and what would the appropriate be negated when the opponent is also order for this bonus to apply. punishment be?

Example Polemical Texts

The following texts are known to Diatribe Apologia the Order and include works that have been influential in its development. The Application of Vim to the Supernatural Hu- The Journey not yet Complete. Trianoma; Trac- mors. Conciatta of Bonisagus; Tracta- tatus, Order of Hermes Lore, Quality tus, Magic Theory, Quality 7. Op- 8. In Favor of Admitting the Order Polemic posed to the researching of new Arts Miscellanea to the Order of Hermes. for each of the supernatural realms. On Alliance with the Offspring. Hariste of Hariste alone could not sway the House Tytalus; Summa, Order of Conciatta of Bonisagus played a entire Order in the Matter of Pralix Hermes Lore, Lvl 3, Quality 9. In crucial role in expanding Hermetic un- and her followers, but Hariste secured Favor of Admitting the Order Mis- derstanding across all four supernatural the early support of Trianoma herself. cellanea to the Order of Hermes. realms, but she found herself unable to This was the first of several short trac- control the argument, forced instead tatus that Trianoma wrote in favor of When Pralix renounced her House to produce texts that argued against inviting Pralix back into the Order and the Order and instead became the prevailing wisdom of other theore- and recognizing her great achieve- head of the Order Miscellanea there ticians in House Bonisagus. ments with status equivalent to a were many in the Order of Hermes This is her first significant work Founder. The argument clearly harks who spoke only of condemnation and that gained widespread renown, and it back to Bonisagus and his efforts in punishment. Hariste, however, recog- did so through a clear point-by-point unifying the disparate traditions, and nized an opportunity to user Pralix’ refutation of works by more senior effectively paints Pralix in similar col- ambition to strengthen the Order rath- magi. Other works quickly followed ors. The original manuscript can be er than weaken it. This work, distribut- and built upon the principles laid found in Durenmar and there are ru- ed throughout every Tribunal, proved down in this volume, but none ruffled mors that the text there differs from persuasive and with the support of as many feathers as this work. that ultimately circulated through the Trianoma the Order Miscellanea ulti- The work is still highly-regarded, Order. mately became House Ex Miscellanea. despite its archaic nature. Build Points: 8 Build Points: 18 Build Points: 7

30 Transforming Mythic Europe

work has been circulated to the desired audience, which allows its content and Winning the Argument Outline the opinions of the author to gain recognition. The author of a successfully • The argument is defined and • Rival magi are free to write and circulated polemic gains a new Reputa- assigned a level according to circulate diatribes, the Quality tion: Supporter of (ideal) 1 (Tribunal/ the prevailing wisdom it is of which is subtracted from the House/Order), or 5 experience points affecting. argument total. toward increasing that Reputation if he • The proponent of the argument • The authors and their rivals write already has it. writes the polemic text, further apologia and diatribes determining Level and Quality to strengthen and weaken the as usual. argument respectively. This can The Argument Total • The author circulates the work, be repeated until the parties making a check for circulation cease or the matter is brought each season. before Tribunal. Once the work has been circulat- • Once circulated, the author • At Tribunal the argument total ed, the author generates a base Argu- generates an Argument Total. is used as experience points ment Total: Authors can write and circulate to buy a bonus (if the total is supporting apologia, the positive) or a penalty (if the Argument Total: Quality of which is added to the total is negative). This modifies Text Quality – Prevailing Wisdom Level argument total. the proponent’s debate scores.

This total is modified by further texts as described below. When the case is brought to Tribunal, the final Example Polemic, Diatribe, and Apologia Argument Total acts as experience points toward buying a debate bonus Robert de Charteris, sponsored season already spent and rolls 10 for by Protinus of Verditius, writes a a total of 18. The book is circulated. as per the Art progression table on polemic exploring the benefits of his Looking at the prevailing wis- ArM5, page 31. This bonus is used Tribunal integrating with a changing dom table, influencing something on all Attack and Defense rolls within mundane society. Robert has a +2 central to the actions of a Tribunal that debate. A negative value is used Communication, Latin 5 (Hermetic has a base level of 9. The polemic to buy a penalty on the same scale. use) and Code of Hermes 10. Rob- Quality of 11 gives Robert a slight This bonus or penalty is cumulative ert sets the level of the polemic at 4, advantage of 2, enough to buy a de- with those presented on pages 92 and one less than the maximum he can bate bonus of 1. 93 of Houses of Hermes: Societates. manage as he wants to focus on the When word of the polemic If you are not using the debate quality of his argument. The polem- reaches Austerius he is incensed rules from Houses of Hermes: Societates, ic has a Level of 4 and a Quality of and immediately writes and circu- you should apply the Argument Total 11 (based on Communication of +2, lates a diatribe. It has a quality of 11 as a bonus to Ability rolls you use to + 6 as standard, and +3 for reducing (Communication of +2 +6 +3 from model the debate. the summa Level). It takes Robert a his Good Teacher Virtue), which year to write. reduces the advantage to –9, which Protinus then spends the next translates to a penalty of –3. Responding with Diatribe season trying to get other magi in With the Tribunal coming up the Tribunal to read and understand fast, Robert writes an apologia and In order to counter the opinions his argument. Distributing to a Tri- Protinus prepares and circulates sev- put forward in a polemic a magus bunal has an Ease Factor of 15. Pro- eral copies. Given his proficiency as must first study that work for at least tinus has a reputation of Reformer a scribe, book binder, and illumina- a season, regardless of whether the 3 (the Tribunal). So the total is 3 tor, Protinus adds a total bonus of +3 magus could normally gain benefit (Reputation) + 4 (polemic Level) + for a total of +2 (Communication) + from that particular text. The magus 3 (die roll) = 10. Despite the effort 6 + 3 (bonuses) = 11. This swings then writes a diatribe refuting the (five days of distraction that season), the advantage back to Robert for an material explored in the polemic and Protinus needs to work another sea- Argument Total of +2, a debate bo- makes copies available, using the son. This time he gains a +1 for the nus of +1 on the day.

31 Transforming Mythic Europe Austerius Trianomae, the Opponent of Change

Austerius is one of the Trianomae Difficult Underlings, Enfeebled; ests), Finesse 3 (precision), Folk within House Bonisagus, a skilled Fragile Constitution, Slow Cast- Ken 4 (magi), Guile 4 (elaborate politician and commentator on the er, Unpredictable Magic, Weak lies), Infernal Lore 2 (curses), history of the Order, the Houses, Characteristics Intrigue 5+2 (alliances), Latin 5 Tribunals, and factions found within * House Virtue (Hermetic usage), Leadership 3 them, and the laws they abides by. He ** New Virtue described in insert (intimidation), Living Language has made a career out of re-educating Personality Traits: Irritable +3, 5 (poetry), Magic Lore 3 (magi- those with ideas contrary to his Authoritarian +2, Aggressive +1 cal traditions), Magic Theory 8 view of the Order. He is ruthless Reputations: Bonisagus House Ac- (inventing spells), Organization in his support of the status quo and claim (House Bonisagus) 4, Lore: Order of Hermes 5 (poli- unflinching in his criticism of those Scholar On The Code 4 (The tics), Parma Magica 5 (Mentem), who stand against him. Austerius Order) Penetration 4 (Mentem), Phi- makes the ideal opponent for any Combat: losophiae 4 (moral philosophy), characters keen to bring about the Dodge: Init –1, Attack N/A, Defense Teaching 3 (Code of Hermes), integration of the Order into Mythic –1, Damage N/A Theology 3 (heresy) European society. Fist: Init –1, Attack –1, Defense –1, Arts: Cr 25, In 17, Mu 10, Pe 9, Re Damage –1 16, An 9, Aq 8, Au 8, Co 15, He Characteristics: Int +3, Per –1, Pre –2, Soak: –1 12, Ig 10, Im 14, Me 24, Te 8, Com +3, Str –1, Sta –1, Dex –1, Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Vi 15 Qik –1 Unconscious Twilight Scars: Faint smell of funer- Size: 0 Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6– ary incense; Shadow moves on its Age: 130 (75) 10), –5 (11–15), Incapacitated own; Flames dim and extinguish Decrepitude: 3 (16–20), Dead (21+) entering a room Warping Score: 8 (20) Abilities: Art of Memory 4 (Tribunal Equipment: Austerius does not carry Confidence Score: 1 (3) rulings), Artes Liberales 5 (rhet- equipment as he has servants and Virtues and Flaws: The Gift; Her- oric), Awareness 2 (alertness), other hangers-on to do that for metic Magus; Gentle Gift; Book Civil and Canon Law 5 (papal him. As a senior magus of note Learner, Famous, Good Teacher, laws), Code of Hermes 10 (mun- he expects access to whatever he Hermetic Prestige, Puissant In- dane relations), Concentration needs wherever he goes. trigue*, Quiet Magic, Reserves 5 (reading), Dominion Lore 3 Encumbrance: 0 (0) of Presence**, Subtle Magic; (saints), Faerie Lore 2 (faerie for-

32 Transforming Mythic Europe Austerius Trianomae, the Opponent of Change, cont’d

Spells Known: outside of the laboratory as he measure. He is a staunch opponent Opening the Tome of the Animal’s Mind rarely casts spells. He can draw to any integration with mundane (InAn 25/+25) on considerable sums of vis of all society and has not ventured into The Gentle Beast (ReAn 25/+24) arts when needed, however the world for many, many years. He Cheating the Reaper (CrCo 30/+48) Appearance: Austerius is a visibly never created a talisman nor bound The Leap of Homecoming (ReCo 35/+30) elderly man with spindly veined a familiar, considering both a both- Converse with Plant and Tree (InHe fingers, sparse white hair, and a ersome distraction. He took appren- 25/+28) prodigious white beard. His bent tices, the last of whom calls himself Lamp Without Flame (CrIg 10/+34) and bowed frame is far from in- Abacus. Austerius treats Abacus like Communication of the Heroes (CrMe spiring but he can occasionally a burdensome and dull student, de- 55/+57) *** summon up the energy to stand spite his seventy years. It is a rela- Intelligence of the Heroes (CrMe 55/+57) straight, cast aside his walking tionship that is manifest in Abacus’ *** stick, and throw off the weight of Tormenting Master Flaw and in Aus- Sight of the Transparent Motive (InMe years that holds him down. His terius’ Difficult Underlings Flaw; 10/+40) robes conform to no mundane Abacus is always eager to show his Frosty Breath of the Spoken Lie (InMe convention and while simply cut master up as the senile fool he con- 20/+40) they are embroidered with what siders him to be. Posing the Silent Question (InMe 20/+40) looks like an entire tractatus on Peering into the Mortal Mind (InMe the Code of Hermes. 30/+40) New Virtue: Calm the Motion of the Heart (PeMe Austerius is perilously close to Fi- Reserves of Presence 15/+32) nal Twilight and his Longevity Rituals As with the standard Reserves of (ReMe are now harder to maintain, and yet Aura of Rightful Authority Strength Minor Virtue (ArM5, page 20/+39) he will not concede quietly. He has 48), once per day your character is (InTe invented rituals to return his powers Stone Tell of the Mind that Sits able to draw on internal strength and 30 +24) of intelligence and communication / add +3 to her Presence characteris- (InVi 30/+31) and it is his intention to use those for Odor of Lingering Magic tic for the duration of a single scene. (InVi 20/+31) as long as he can. He is a bully and Piercing the Magical Veil The effort is potentially tiring and *** Personal versions of spells first pre- refers to people, events, and things your character must make two fa- sented in as “wearisome,” “tiresome,” “trouble- Houses of Hermes: True Lineages tigue rolls at the end of the scene in Vis: Austerius has little need for vis some,” and “meddlesome” in equal addition to losing the +3 bonus.

Circulation Total as above. The diatribe quality is deducted Story Seed: Story Seed: from the current Argument Total, The Missing Letters Interception which may in turn result in a new negative total. Preparing for an important de- With the debate due the season Any number of magi can write bate and planning to confront his after next, Austerius is bound to pull diatribes refuting the argument opponent with his own words by his usual trick of publishing a dia- and, while they must be circulated way of testimony, the magus dis- tribe close enough to the Tribunal independently, they each modify the covers that the correspondence that there is no chance to respond. has been stolen. The magus and same base Argument Total. If he does, he’ll take the advantage. his allies must find the stolen let- And so his opponents resolve to steal On writing or circulating a dia- ters before debate begins, but when the texts, or delay their publication, tribe, the magus gains a new Reputa- the trail points to someone closer or intercept them and change them tion: Opposed to (ideal) 1 (Tribunal/ to home the magus must consider in some way. All they need to do is House/Order), or 5 experience points whether he’s right to pursue the learn how and when he is circulating towards increasing that Reputation if matter further. the manuscripts. he already has it.

33 Transforming Mythic Europe Protinus Velox of Verditius, Supporter of Change

Protinus is a rarity within House Combat: Piercing the Magical Veil (InVi 20/+31) Verditius: a somewhat selfless magus. Dodge: Init +0, Attack N/A, Defense +0, Gather the Essence of the Beast (ReVi 15/+23) Only “somewhat,” as he is still con- Damage N/A Vis: Protinus has a private supply of vim cerned about his own well-being, but his Fist: Init +0, Attack +1, Defense +0, vis worth four pawns per year, the principle means of supporting himself Damage +0 source of which he keeps secret. is through supporting others. He wants Soak: +0 Appearance: A tall and confident ma- to see the restrictions on interacting Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, gus armed with a wry smile and a with wider society loosened as he can Unconscious dry wit, he seems unflappable and see the market for magical devices and Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), shows little emotion, except perhaps services, and views so much of it as un- –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), an amused detachment. His thinning tapped. This would principally benefit Dead (21+) hair is still dark and his grey eyes still those in his House, and if he can claim Abilities: Artes Liberales 4 (astronomy), retain a striking presence. He has a some of the credit at the vital moment Awareness 2 (alertness), Bargain 2 somewhat grey pallor though, the his stock within his House will rise. So (magical services), Charm 3 (being result of the magical accident that he is willing to lend tacit support and witty), Code of Hermes 3 (mun- turned his blood to ink. encouragement to any who take up the dane relations), Concentration 4 cause. A skilled scribe and bookbinder, (lab work), Craft: Blacksmith 2 (en- Protinus knows that he has crossed his magical crafts are most effectively put chanted items), Craft: Bookbinding the line when it comes to selling devices to use in Intellego magics, at which he 5 (books for enchantment), Finesse to mundanes. Across Mythic Europe excels, though he does a good trade in 5 (craft magic), Intrigue 3 (alliances), there are barons and bishops alike with his famous “spell books,” which contain Latin 5 (Hermetic usage), Leader- books that allow them to see and hear various enchantments that allow com- ship 3 (laboratory work), Living Lan- what is happening in a remote place, panions to go about tasks without the guage 5 (local dialect), Magic The- there are knights able to read illnesses oversight of magi. ory 12+2 (enchanting items), Parma and injuries into their opponents before Magica 3 (Mentem), Penetration 2 tournaments, and there are merchants Characteristics: Int +2, Per +2, Pre 0, (Corpus), Philosophiae 5 (laboratory who seem to have their rivals’ ledgers Com 0, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex +1, Qik 0 work), Scribe 4 (copying Lab Texts), open in front of them. And what’s more, Size: 0 Teaching 1 (bookbinding), Verditius each of these books has pages free for yet Age: 75 (50) Cult Lore 4 (initiating others) more enchantments. So Protinus is keen Decrepitude: 0 Arts: Cr 13, In 19, Mu 10, Pe 11, Re 11, to have the Peripheral Code clarified in Warping Score: 6 (15) An 5, Aq 5, Au 5, Co 11, He 5, Ig 15, favor of integration somewhere and he Confidence Score: 1 (3) Im 5, Me 7, Te 10, Vi 12 is willing to support those who will do Virtues and Flaws: The Gift; Her- Twilight Scars: His blood has been it for him. metic Magus; Major Magical Focus turned to ink. He uses a series of quills as his (Books); Affinity with Magic Theory, Equipment: Quills and other writing casting tools. As he casts a spell he Personal Vis Source (Vim), Puissant implements, an enchanted tome draws the quill through the air, which Magic Theory, Reforging Enchanted which can reproduce most of Proti- leaves an inky trail that dissipates with Items**, Skilled Parens, Social Con- nus’ spell effects. the casting. However, his difficulties tacts (magi), Verditius Magic*; Dark Encumbrance: 0 (0) with actually casting spells means Secret (frequent sale of enchanted Spells Known: that he normally relies on great tome books to mundanes), Magic Addic- The Inexorable Search (InCo 20/+30) enchanted with most of his spells. His tion; Averse to Risk***, Hubris, Lim- Pilum of Fire (CrIg 20/+28) familiar is a large pristine male swan ited Magic Resistance (Mentem) Tales of the Ashes (InIg 5/+34) who is not above surrendering the * Free House Virtue Ward Against Heat and Flames (ReIg 25/+26) odd feather in order to make quills for ** Verditius Inner Mystery The Ear for Distant Voices (InIm 20/+24) particularly important projects. *** Flaw gained as part of Mystery Summoning the Distant Image (InIm 25/+24) Protinus is the kind of man who Initiation The Miner’s Keen Eye (InTe 20/+29) seems to know everyone and his social Personality Traits: Generous +2, Hubris The Crystal Dart (Mu(Re)Te 10/+20) contacts may prove useful to those +2, Manipulative +1 Scales of the Magical Weight (InVi 5/+31) seeking broad support for grand ideas. Reputations: None Piercing the Faerie Veil (InVi 20/+31)

34 Transforming Mythic Europe

Responding with Apologia Story Seed: Oath or Contract Apologia may be written in response either to diatribe or to the A Quaesitor, alerted to a growing while the bishop concedes right and original polemic to further strengthen closeness between a covenant and responsibility over all magical and the argument. In both cases, the the bishop of their lands, finds faerie happenings and places within magus spends a season studying the the magi working closely with the his diocese. The contract is signed Church. In all respects the covenant with the covenant’s seal and none of associated work before writing either appears to be at the bishop’s beck the magus’ names appear on it. summa or tractatus in defense of the and call, but there is no denying the This may skirt the right side original argument, which must then prosperity, resources, and respect of the Code, but when the bishop be circulated as described above. the covenant seems to enjoy. awards them the income of a vis Apologia need not be written by The covenant explains that they source that belongs to another the polemic’s original author. If others have entered into a contract with covenant has the contract now can be persuaded to actively support the bishop: the covenant provides deprived another magus of his the cause their works can be used “counsel” and “beneficial action,” magical power? instead, demonstrating the true value of spreading the word. By recruiting others to the cause, and persuading them to write in favor texts also carries over to subsequent covenant, is in a position to agree cer- of the motion, a potentially higher Tribunals, including debates held at tain rights granted by the mundane bonus can be brought to Tribunal. If foreign or even the Grand Tribunal. rulers of the region to the Order, and non-player characters are used in this If the debate is lost however, at either obligations owed in return. As we manner their involvement should be the original or subsequent Tribunal, have seen above, many of the activi- the result of story interactions. Player then the bonus is lost and cannot be ties that magi take for granted are characters are of course recruited by applied in future. likely to be of questionable legality if the usual means, as is appropriate for Importantly, while the victory undertaken by mundanes, and these the player group. may not be enough to have the need to be enshrined as rights. This, On writing or circulating an apo- motion carried at that Tribunal, the after all, is at the heart of this change logia, the magus gains a new Reputa- percentage of parties neutral and to Mythic Europe: the provision and tion: Supporter of (ideal) 1 (Tribunal/ hostile to the motion that were protection of rights secured from the House/Order), or 5 experience points persuaded remains and should be mundane rules of Mythic Europe. towards increasing that Reputation if recorded. This becomes the starting The principle means of recording he already has it. position for future debates within agreement between parties is the that same arena. charter. Most often these charters There is no special experience are written from a position of Taking the Debate to Tribunal point benefit from taking a debate to power (whom we’ll call the superior trial, although winning the debate is signatory) and grant certain rights The cycle of diatribe and apologia certain cause for experience. to subordinates identified within continues until all magi involved in the charter (whom we’ll call the the cycle cease contributing or the subordinate signatory). debate is brought to Tribunal. Charters Each charter begins with a formal The proponent of the argument address, which clearly identifies both may choose not to debate it at the Mythic Europe is a place governed the superior and the subordinate next Tribunal, in which case the work by rights and obligations. The feudal signatories. This is followed by a of persuading the Tribunal through structure is one in which vassal bears series of declarations, or clauses that the written word may continue and an obligation of service to his liege, outline the rights and obligations any argument total generated so far and the liege grants rights of freedom, of both parties. All charters must be carries over. support, and justice to his vassals. witnessed, so the charter concludes Where the debate is won, Once the Order has determined with a list of those present who indicated by a positive Argument to change its stance on involving it- witnessed the agreement. Finally, Strength at the end of the debate, self in the mundane world, the Order, almost all charters bear the seals of any bonus from circulating the or more likely each Tribunal or even at least the superior signatory and

35 Transforming Mythic Europe

charter strength, and the subordinate Military Service and Wizard War charter strength. The superior score represents the Charters of rights and service members of House Flambeau, position of strength gained by the su- between mundanes and magi the position of the Order may be perior signatory to the charter. The inevitably involve some form of difficult to determine. The conduct subordinate score represents the posi- military obligation. It is simply one of Wizard War is something for tion of strength gained by the subor- of the expectations of the liege-vassal each Tribunal to rule upon in their dinate signatory to the charter. relationship. But, for all their power, own Peripheral Code, however the Development of a charter is a sea- the battlefield is not generally the core interpretation is that notice of a sonal activity undertaken by one or place for magi. It is dangerous, sets lunar month must be provided before more notaries or clerks skilled in Civil a deadly precedent, and is likely hostilities commence. and Canon Law (or Common Law in to cause unearthly carnage, not to Despite this, a given Tribunal may England), each representing one of mention the prospect of coming face- view Hermetic participants in battle to-face with a Hermetic opponent to have forfeited any protection the the signatories. assisting the other side. So how does Code provides. While this pushes The principle notary on each side the Order approach this problem? the responsibility to the magi generates a charter strength score: Firstly, military service does not themselves, mercenary magi may have to be provided in person. The attempt to take advantage of this and Charter Strength: obligation is to provide service in the settle old scores on the battlefield, Intelligence + Civil and Canon Law + form of a number of armed men or to pay secure in the knowledge that their Stress Die scutage to the liege so that mercenaries actions are legal. can be hired. Individual Tribunals may Alternatively, the Order may There is a default of three botch rule that magi must avoid providing continue to take a very dim view of dice for this roll, reduced by one service in person. They may also rule on such things and may bring charges for each notary assigned to the task the nature of scutage paid, with some against any magus attacking another beyond the first, and a botch reduces Tribunals mandating silver and others outside of formally declared Wizard the Charter Strength for that side allowing minor enchantments. War regardless of the situation. It to zero, essentially meaning that it But for those magi intent on is for individual sagas to determine provides no legal defense. entering battle, such as certain their preferred approach. Once complete, the charter is binding. Each side may seek weaknesses in the charter, however, potentially the subordinate. All of land, taxation, commitment to in order to justify acting against signatories usually then receive their service, betrothal, and so on — and certain provisions. For example, a own copies of the charter as proof of magi increasingly find themselves charter agreeing the inheritance of the agreement. entering into these contracts with the certain lands may not take account Charters exist between parties nobility as the Order engages with of local laws or customs prohibiting with a clear difference in power, the mundane world. females of the line inheriting land such as a king and his barons, or a ahead of male cousins. landowner and his tenants. Examples To look for such weaknesses, Optional Rule: may be the granting of a market to a the signatory or his agent spends a Charter Strength town by the king in return for certain season examining the charter and taxes, or an agreement by the king to the supporting legal texts and then uphold the provisions of an earlier For the most part, once a charter makes an Intelligence + Civil and charter. But they also exist between has been agreed and signed by all af- Canon Law stress roll against the parties of similar influence, such as fected parties the charter is binding, opposing side’s charter strength. If charters agreed by noble families but the astute politician may try to the roll is higher than the opposing ahead of a dynastic marriage. hide weaknesses within the provi- charter strength then a legal Any agreement, the details sions of the charter that allow him loophole has been discovered and of which need to be formally more freedom than the charter at first the signatory has legal justification recognized, is written, signed, and appears to provide. To represent this for breaking one or more provisions communicated as a charter — grants a charter has two scores: the superior of the contract.

36 Transforming Mythic Europe

Of course, if a charter is breached upon which to build and as magi could not be consumed by the Jews too frequently, both sides may start have a preference for land bearing a to be sold to Christians. to consider it worthless and then Magic aura any grant is going to be While the Bishop of Speyer gave either side may feel the need to quite specific. Second, as vis sources away certain rights he also imposed a renegotiate a new charter. are found, magi need to at least se- condition, an obligation to pay rent cure access to the site and collection on the land. In this way charters de- rights. They may also want to secure fine the obligations on both sides. Grants of Land assurances that the land remains in The feudal contract, for instance, en- its current state and is not built upon sures that the knight provides service Charters granting rights or title or otherwise harmed. to his liege and also that the liege of lands are common. They are fre- All of this applies in the same protects the interests of his vassal. quently used by the nobility to gift manner to other Magic and Faerie Magi may want to the right to land to the Church, or to some other auras. Without agreement as to how take apprentices enshrined in some lay person or organization. certain lands are to be treated, Magic form of charter. Similarly, magi may Rather than giving the land in and Faerie auras remain at risk. want the right to own any kind of its entirety, the income from certain familiar to be protected. They may land or a certain feature such as a mill also want the right for allegations Charters of or a toll gate can be granted instead. of wrongdoing by magi to be heard Rights and Obligations This can be granted in perpetuity, for in their own courts. However, the a set number of years, or until some Order currently restricts what they condition has been fulfilled. The Bishop of Speyer extended can offer back. These grants may also have cer- both land and rights to the Jewish tain conditions imposed that the community in 1084. In particular, he beneficiary must meet, or restrictions set aside some land for their use on Examples of Charters upon the grant’s use. For instance, condition that they paid rent total- land may be given to the Church so ing three and a half pounds of silver The Concordat of Worms signed that a new chapel may be built upon annually. He also granted the right in 1122 bound Pope Calixtus II and it, or farming rights extended to the of rabbis to hear cases between Jews, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry V people of a certain village. for the Jewish people to change gold to a division of rights. Among other For magi of the Order, the grant and silver, and to buy and sell what- terms, Calixtus conceded that Henry of right and title over certain lands ever they wished. There was even a had the right to grant secular power and resources would be increasingly provision supporting Jewish dietary to bishops and that they would owe useful. First, covenants need land laws, which allowed such meat as fealty to him on that basis. In return,

37 Transforming Mythic Europe

Realm Aligned Spells and Other Techniques

One of the challenges that There are two likely alternatives. Spells or Devices magi face when attempting to use Legends of Hermes details the work of their magic within society is the the maga Bonisagi Conciatta. Her Magi are quite used to enchant- deleterious effects of the Dominion. lost research provides a means of re- ing devices that they can then give God’s grace is prevalent throughout ducing the penalties imposed by au- or sell to someone else. Once done, Mythic Europe and the East and all ras including the Dominion. If it can the magus can move onto other magical powers are affected. Magi be found, her work should provide projects while the device’s new may want to find ways around the enough insight to integrate what she owner can go away and perform problem that don’t involve the years learned back into Magic Theory. their own minor and restricted of self-sacrifice and piety needed to Lastly, Hedge Magic Revised Edition miracles. But if a covenant, House, gain Holy Magic. introduces learned magicians and or Order wants to build a place for Houses of Hermes: True Lineages pro- they, too, have a means of overcom- itself in society it must think care- vided a number of sample Hermetic ing the effects of supernatural auras fully about such tactics. Breakthroughs that any research- through their Entreat the Powers If a magus gives a noble a device inclined magus might pursue. One Virtue. This can be investigated and that can mature a crop in a single of those was “realm-aligned spells.” integrated with Magic Theory using day, the magus receives payment This allows a spell to be designed the rules in Ancient Magic. once. However, if the noble relies such that it ignores the penalty of an Troupes may prefer to concen- upon the magus attending his aura that might be detrimental to a trate on the political aspect of cre- fields and casting his magic each normal spell. As described in Houses ating a Hermetic fourth estate, in time, the magus receives payment of Hermes: True Lineages, page 34, this which case you can assume that some each time and the noble becomes is a Minor Breakthrough. However, or all of the above initiatives are be- accustomed to the dependence he this still does not allow Hermetic ing worked on somewhere else in the has on the magus. spells to overcome the Dominion. Order. There are stories to be had in This does not apply to all devic- Sagas keen to allow this may set this dealing with the integration of such es. After all, a magus does not want as a Hermetic Breakthrough, requir- effects and they are worth visiting to attend every tournament with his ing a significant investment in time upon your player characters from patron, so enchanted arms and armor and resources. time to time. may be appropriate.

Henry conceded that he did not have III of England grants the university the power to appoint individuals to in Cambridge the right to discipline Using Magic clerical office. its own members. Tacit in the Perhaps the most famous charter charter is recognition of its status as for Political is the Magna Carta signed by King a university. John of England and his nobles in Papal Bulls are types of charter Leverage 1215. The intention was to limit issued by the Pope but they are the powers of the king and restore usually unilateral in nature and The transformation is principally a proper feudal rights and obligations concern any matter on which the political one and does not directly rely to the land. The charter very quickly Pope finds it necessary to make a on magic of any kind; the hardest task proved unenforceable, however, decree. For instance, Pope Honorius is persuading the Order to change. with even Pope Innocent III III issued a bull forbidding the But once the Order does decide to releasing John from its obligations. study of civil law in Paris, intending involve itself in the world, there Later versions, produced after John’s to promote theological studies are responsibilities that can be met death, were more successful. in its stead. The terms of the bull through magic. Magic can be used Assuming that history remains ultimately proved unenforceable. as a bargaining tool to persuade the the same in your saga, King Henry nobility and the Church to support

38 Transforming Mythic Europe the development of a fourth estate. For instance, the hardship of a fail- Warping While Under Constant Magical Effects ing harvest can be alleviated through The following tables show the impact on targets subject to enchantments that magic. Hospitals can be enchanted have been designed to improve the living conditions modifier by +1. They assume or use enchanted tools and materials. that the effect’s targets have no prior Warping Points. The first table assumes two Great cathedrals can be made bigger level 20 enchantments. and more impressive through the efforts of magical craftsmen. Courts can Year Points Gained Warping Score Notes determine the truth of events more 3 6 1 Gain a Minor Flaw easily. Magic can permeate the world. 15 30 3 Gain a Minor Flaw All these things can be done through 38 76 5 Gain a Minor Virtue standard Hermetic magic and the op- 53 106 6 Gain a Major Flaw 70 140 7 Gain a Major Flaw portunities are limited only by the troupe’s collective imagination. The second table assumes a single level 40 enchantment producing five warping The categories below avoid di- points per year. rectly engaging with and advising the nobility. They all provide services to Year Points Gained Warping Score Notes the population without forcing any 1 5 1 Gain a Minor Flaw particular governance upon a king 6 30 3 Gain a Minor Flaw or local lord. Given the beneficial ef- 15 75 5 Gain a Minor Virtue fects, however, those in power would 21 105 6 Gain a Major Flaw do well to take advantage of what 28 140 7 Gain a Major Flaw their Hermetic neighbors can offer. Note that as per Realms of Power: Magic, page 132, matter may spontaneously This provides the Order with consid- rarify and form an elemental when that matter reaches a Warping Score of 5. erable political leverage when negotiating rights with the nobility. Appropriate Virtues and Flaws Successful displays of magic, wherein the magus makes a positive A warped building may gain Virtues and Flaws that affect the building itself, or difference to the lives and well-being modify its surroundings in such a way that the effects are passed on to its inhabitants. of a population, are likely to build his For instance, the building may become Offensive to Animals (ArM5, page 57), in reputation in support of closer inte- which case animals try to avoid it. Or it could gain Poor Eyesight or Poor Hearing gration between the Order and the (ArM5, page 58), representing a low and clinging mist that dulls sound and is hard mundane world. to see through. The effects of these two obviously apply to those within and around Once the magus has published the building. a polemic in favor of the Order When the building gains its Virtue through Warping, Luck (ArM5, page 45) integrating itself into society, any may be appropriate, or some kind of Study Bonus (ArM5, page 49). Alterna- device containing an effect of sixth tively, magical Qualities (Realms of Power: Magic, chapter 2) can be selected. The magnitude or more given over to a building may become Gigantic or gain a Personal Power (an effect of Personal Range OR constant duration of up to 25 levels). community or noble (or a spell of similar magnitude cast to the same aim) earns the magus one experience on farming. After seeing that magic and injured. Their success is often lim- point towards his Proponent of can alleviate these fears, mundanes ited by the somewhat variable knowl- (ideal) Reputation. start to look upon magi of the Order edge of those who staff such places, more kindly. however. Magic can provide a much more reliable means of curing disease and healing wounds by supplementing Health and Pestilence The Care of the Sick the efforts of mundane physicians. Along with war, the threat of While not catered for in this chap- pestilence and plague ranks with the Local priories and chapels across ter, it is not just mundane healing prospect of failed harvests as among Mythic Europe provide hospitals in that Hermetic magi can assist with. the biggest fears for a society reliant some form or other that tend to the sick There are many minor magical tradi-

39 Transforming Mythic Europe Longevity Story Seeds

The following seeds are appropri- Oil of Snake and der’s good name? Or an angel come ate where mundanes have been given Those Who Trade in Such to test the bishop? Perhaps the ques- longevity potions. tion is, which one would be worse? A bishop approaches a covenant half in anger and half in concern on Too Long an Inheritance a matter of some delicacy. He paid The Need for an Heir a magus handsomely for the secrets The son and heir of one of the The noble who only four years of longevity and while he has been covenant’s companions brings a ago gained his Longevity Ritual suf- carrying out the ritual daily and as complaint against the covenant for fers the tragedy of losing his only instructed, his skin seems to thin, his depriving him of his due inheritance. son. He now wants to father an heir eyes to line, and his girth to increase. They have bestowed a Longevity in the years he has left for fear of his Why has his longevity failed him, he Ritual upon the noble’s father and lands being torn apart by squabbling asks? It doesn’t take the magi long to he sees his inheritance slipping away brothers and nephews. If the magi realize that the bishop is not under from him; while he ages, his father cannot help him, can they broker any Longevity Ritual and never has does not. He demands recompense a deal with a faerie or some other been. Who is the fraud that has cast from the magi in the form of lands or wizard gifted with fertility magic? If the Order in a bad light? A faerie income equal in value to those taken they don’t, the Infernal lies in wait to come to show up the venality of the from him by the magi. offer a solution to the problem. rich? A charlatan trading on the Or- tions, such as the Ba’al Shem (Realms certain days in order to supplement This, of course, comes at a cost: of Power: The Divine Revised Edition) and the colony’s income. The Church things under such long-term en- the Folk Witches (Hedge Magic) who often grants indulgences to those who chantments gain Warping over time. often act as healers to their communi- help. Magi, if they are to take their It is not just people or animals that ties. If the Order of Hermes wishes to place as a fourth estate, should also gain warping, their surroundings do engage with mundane society in this show willing and can do so through as well. As described in ArM5 page way, it would be sensible to embrace their magic. 168, targets under two level 20 en- these other traditions too for fear of chantments gain two Warping Points displacing them and causing unwant- each year. Targets under a single level Living Conditions ed resentment. 40 enchantment gain five Warping Art & Academe provides a lot of useful Points per year. information on medicinal magic, Hermetic magic cannot currently The nearby table shows the including new spell guidelines for the directly improve the living conditions progression of the Warping over treatment of disease and techniques for modifiers used in aging roles, except time including the points at which magical surgery. Supporting a hospital, through the provision of longevity ritu- those targets gain Flaws and then or providing cures and treatments als. Magic can be used indirectly how- a Virtue. Some may view this as an for wounds and diseases, may be a ever and, as Covenants pages 111 and acceptable trade-off. Of course, politically astute move. It proves 121 describes, it has been used by magi mundanes unfamiliar with the notion that magical power can be applied in their own laboratories. of Warping or its effects may not pay responsibly, assists others who are For every 40 levels of spells or en- attention to the risks and request engaged in similar work, and addresses chantments used to improve the target such enchantments regardless. a real and present fear. living conditions, residents gain a +1 liv- The careful magus ensures that Though rare, leper colonies can be ing conditions modifier. any effects designed to enhance found across Mythic Europe. These A magus could create devices that living conditions do not target the are charitable institutions that show drive away rats, balance out the tempera- individuals themselves but always their the mercy and compassion of their ture, dispel foul odors, or keep meat from environment. An enchantment that benefactors. As well as providing spoiling. As long as the effects are power- makes the castle temperate all year funds, those with power often grant ful enough, they all contribute to improv- round does not affect the inhabitants, rights to the lepers to collect alms on ing the living conditions modifier. but it may affect the castle itself.

40 Transforming Mythic Europe

Longevity Effects Can Magi Really Heal Lepers? Longevity Rituals created for those without supernatural abilities Although most are not aware of it, are things that could be done. The ma- from any realm are less effective than there are at least two forms of leprosy gus can improve the living conditions those created for magi. The rules known in Mythic Europe. The first is modifier of the colony through magic on ArM5, page 101 apply for this. Hermetic leprosy, which in essence is to keep the air clean, fresh, and of a suit- little more than the symptoms of lep- able temperature, or a ward to keep rats In short, the magus needs a Creo rosy. It is created by magic, though the and other vermin away. By improving Corpus Lab Total of at least 30. The learning of such spells is hard to justify. the living conditions, the magus coun- vis cost is one pawn of vis for every The second form is true leprosy and is a ters some of the effect of the disease, five years that the recipient has lived Divine curse. which imposes a –2 living conditions (rounded up) and the benefit is a It is for your saga to decide whether modifier and does most of its damage +1 bonus for every ten points (or a magus can cure such a curse, but there during aging crises. fraction) of the Lab Total. There is nothing to restrict a magus from striking a deal with the vests and potentially increase their that the trees bear no fruit at all. wealthy and influential to provide yield or frequency is a huge bargain- Crops grown from seed, such as Longevity Rituals, and on the face ing chip. Increasing yield may not al- roots like turnips and radishes, leafy of it there seems to be no undue ways be a good thing, however. The crops such as cabbage or lettuce, and political influence. But there are third estate, those who toil, already grains like wheat and barley, do not three factors to consider. toil quite hard to produce what they blossom in the same way as trees. The first is the obvious cost of do. And while it is true to say that and thus variants of this spell are of Warping; the beneficiary of the there is never as much of anything limited value. Longevity Ritual gains one Warping as some would like, there is always Such spells are powerful and, Point per year. As discussed under more than enough work that needs unless they are designed with improving living conditions, doing. particular orchards or fields in mind, Warping soon aggregates to form The year of those who work the they give each plant within the Flaws that could cause real problems lands turns with the seasons. They target group one Warping Point with to the unprepared. There is no have seasons of hard toil in the fields, each casting. guarantee ahead of time what those and then other times to rest, recuper- An alternative approach is to put Flaws will be and Hermetic magic, at ate, repair what’s broken, and then a similar effect into an enchanted de- least, cannot control them. prepare for the cycle all over again. vice that works on a single tree at a The second problem is that The following magical effects time but with multiple uses per day. people start to outlive their welcome, are useful to both covenants and This allows a mundane farmer to walk or rather the patience of those in mundanes alike as they allow the the orchard and bring trees to blos- waiting grows short as they see what fields and orchards to provide their som as he passes. This is another ex- they consider their rightful positions normal yields out of season and to ample of how magic can flow down to remaining filled by the incumbents. reduce wastage due to failed crops or those who work the land. And the third, of course, is the illness among the livestock. (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +2 loss of fertility that comes with for size) extending one’s own life. This may not be an issue for magi as they The Unexpected Blossom pass their legacy on through their ReHe 40 A Harvest By Morning knowledge, but a noble’s legacy is R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Group CrHe 50 passed through blood. This spell instantly brings a small R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Group orchard to blossom regardless of the Creo magic brings a thing closer season or the conditions. This does to its ideal, and being a mature plant Harvests and Livestock not bring the fruit, and a further is more ideal than a sapling, so this spell of the same design parameters spell brings a target group of plants Harvests are vital to the economy is needed for this. If that spell is not to full maturity over the course of and the well-being of the population. cast, the elements take their natural the spell’s duration, which must be- Magic that can, at least, protect har- toll on the blossom, which may mean gin as soon as the sun goes down.

41 Transforming Mythic Europe

Sight of the Wolf InAn 33 R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Special This effect treats an enclosed paddock or sheepcote as the equivalent of a room and the size increase allows for an area ten times the size of a standard room. The effect detects the presence of wolves within this space, which may then trigger a number of secondary effects. The Target is based on Room +1, as described in ArM5, page 114. (Base 3, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +3 Special Target, +1 Size; +3 triggered at sunset)

The Unerring Slingshot PeAn 58 Pen: 1/day, +0 R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Special Triggered by the Sight of the Wolf effect, and thereby triggered when a wolf enters the enclosure, this effect instantly strikes dead all wolves within the enclosure. Only targets While The Unexpected Blossom makes a Protecting identified by the Sight of the Wolf group of trees blossom, it must have Livestock From Predators are affected. mature plants to work on, which this The Target is based on Room +1, spell provides. The other half of the farming as described in ArM5, page 114. (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +2 landscape is the livestock out in the (Base 30, +1 Touch, +3 Special Group, +2 size) fields. There are many threats to the Target, +1 Size; +3 triggered by Sight safety and wellbeing of livestock, of the Wolf) Similar spells to these might be from illness to predators. Wolves and used to bring animals to maturity over dogs on the loose are a real threat to the course of a single night: sheep and goats, but magic can pro- Wolves in Sheeps’ Clothing tect them. Wards may seem an obvi- MuAn 48 ous answer; simply ward the sheep in Pen: 1/day, +0 A Herd By Morning and the wolves out. But circular wards R: Touch, D: Diameter, T: Special CrAn 45 are easily disrupted, meaning they are As an alternative to simply striking R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Group unreliable unless tended. the wolf dead, this effect, also trig- This spell brings the target group The effects suggested below can gered by Sight of the Wolf, changes of up to a hundred base individual an- be enchanted into a device, which the sheep within the enclosure such imals to full maturity over the course is then built into a fence or pen. that they each gain the fangs, claws, of the spell’s duration, which must be- Variants of the effects below can and ferocity of a wolf. gin as soon as the sun goes down. be invented to protect pig sties and The target is based on Room +1, (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +2 chicken coops, though the prospect as described in ArM5, page 114. Group, +1 size) of fanged and vicious chickens may (Base 15, +1 Touch, +1 Diameter, cause some concern. +3 Special Target, +1 Size; +3 triggered by Sight of the Wolf)

42 Transforming Mythic Europe Castles and Cathedrals erie threats, and importantly it does not Warp those living within it. Ex- Story Seed: Who Hermetic Projects provides extensive tending the offer of the Aegis of the Will Rid Me of This material supporting the construction Hearth to those of influence is cer- of large buildings. This includes a tainly a way to build trust and can be Troublesome Magus? number of device effects that allow used as leverage in future bargaining. After many disagreements masons to build faster and to a higher Protecting a castle with the Aegis is over the rights of magi within his quality. These could be leveraged by a trivial matter as most covenants are kingdom, the king rages against magi to follow a profession as an ar- of similar size to mundane castles or the Praeco, culminating in the chitect or mason, or as a supplier of manor houses. Protecting anything rhetorical question “who will rid me tools and services to the same. larger, such as a village, town, or city, of this troublesome magus?” These This allows magic to influence the requires additional size modifiers to private words reach the ears of both look and structure of towns, castles, be designed into new variants. the player companions and a trio of cathedrals, and even smaller settle- ambitious and loyal knights. Can ments and buildings. With construc- the companions safely assume the tion made easier and quicker, build- Peace and Governance words to be the product of harmless ings can become taller and more frustration, or are the players now impressive with the same outlay on The Order cannot take on the role tasked with foiling a murder that labor. This changes the skyline as of governance as the fourth estate, nobody wants or the death of three buildings compete. City walls also but it can lend its magic to make the knights seemingly acting on the become taller and thicker, beyond decisions behind governance easier. orders of their king? even the needs of defense: indicators There are three main areas that magic of status and power. can assist with: the deliverance of jus- Parish churches, at least those sur- tice; the enforcement of agreements rounding covenants providing such and contracts; and the verification of as to the truth of certain statements. assistance, become larger. This may inheritance. The social effects of The Gift can- serve to influence the piety of the pa- not be underestimated, however, and rishioners and strengthen the effect magi would do well to consider means of the Dominion in the local area. Truth and Justice of countering it, such as providing Using Creo rituals, or Rego craft written testimony. magic, castles and cathedrals can be There are many Intellego Men- Compelling a witness or the ac- built in moments, creating structures tem spells that a magus can use to cused in any way would certainly instantly where investments of years determine the truth of an individual’s seem to be against the laws of natural would have been necessary. The qual- statement. That is, there are many justice to us, but in Mythic Europe it ity of such buildings suffers as with spells that can be used to determine any magic reliant on Finesse rolls (see whether the individual considers his ArM5, page 77 for details on the Fi- statement true, which is not always Story Seed: The nesse Rolls used for Creo magic), but the same thing. With the ability to Disagreement of Kings there is nothing stopping a magus converse with trees, spirits, ghosts, creating the base structure so that animals, and even stones, a magus in- After the death of the Praeco, mundane craftsmen can complete the creases the number of witnesses that two kings with lands in the same work. Indeed, making the structures they can call upon to when making Tribunal clash over who they want simple yet sound actually reduces the their own judgment as to the facts of as the next praeco. This is not how complexity of the spell. a given case. the Order does things; the position But as members of the fourth es- of praeco is granted by right, not tate, separate from those who govern, elected. Can the player magi, acting Aegis of the Hearth magi do not themselves hold court as envoys to the kings, come to an (unless so appointed by the legitimate accommodation? Does this issue The Aegis of the Hearth ritual rulers of their lands). At best their tal- risk breaking the trust that had can be cast annually, offers protec- ents can be called upon to provide ad- been so hard-won? And what has tion against many magical and fa- ditional testimony or to pass opinion the pope to say on the matter?

43 Transforming Mythic Europe is likely to be seen as entirely appro- Potential heirs can swear upon relics erations separate the individuals, priate. While doing so opens the ma- and give testimony and account of who are cousins, and how much of gus to accusations of undue influence why they should stand next in line to the line’s blood runs in their veins. (nobody but the magus knows what inherit, but the final decision is usually Again, this spell is limited as it spells he has cast), courts may pay a matter of judgment. However, cannot differentiate between legiti- handsomely to know the thoughts of assuming the mundane parties choose mate and illegitimate children, nor those before them and devices with to trust in wizards, Hermetic magic can it gain any information about such powers could fetch high prices. can assist even here. The following those not present, a crucial part of spells are designed specifically with inheritance law. So this spell is useful questions of inheritance in mind and for assisting in determining a poten- Binding Agreements additional variants may be possible tial heir from within a group rather for Merinita using the Bloodline than identifying one outright. Unlike the detection of lies target (ArM5, page 92). (Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Group) and deceit, most Hermetic magic has no direct way of enforcing oaths and agreements, but there may be From This Line Descended Summoning the Ancestor Spirit Mysteries known to cults of Houses InCo 30 ReCo 45 able to place conditional curses on R: Arcane Connection, D: Momen- R: Arcane Connection, D: Ring, their targets. tary, T: Individual T: Individual, ritual There are faeries known to have such This spell reveals whether the target One way of determining the powers (Binding Oath in Realms of Power: represented by the Arcane Connection rightful heir to an inheritance is Faerie, page 56), and the Gruagachan is descended from a particular bloodline to defer to someone or something hedge tradition are able to enforce also represented by either a further that already knows the answer. The Geasa (Hedge Magic Revised Edition, page connection or a known member of that magic realm is replete with spirits 63). Perhaps the investigation and bloodline in the caster’s presence. The representing every aspect of God’s integration of this magic might make connection or member of the bloodline creation including, conceivably, for an interesting breakthrough (as per is treated as the root of the family tree spirits of a given bloodline. Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, page 26, and the caster gains knowledge of how Magical spirits of blood can or Ancient Magic, page 7). Researching strong that blood is within the veins be summoned through the form or integrating a particular faerie power of the target. This helps the caster to of Corpus using a base 15 effect as might be a Minor Breakthrough, judge the validity of any claims to explained in The Mysteries Revised while allowing freedom to vary the inheritance. What it can’t do is confirm Edition, page 28. This is something parameters and create similar spells a target’s right to inherit, as this is that all magi can do and is not reliant may be a Major Breakthrough. dependent on other factors, not least on any Mystery initiations. Alternatively, magi of House the existence of other claimants and the The caster often prepares a Merinita may be called upon to bring inheritance laws in question. warding circle and then summons human and faerie together and allow (Base 5, +4 Arcane Connection, the target spirit into that circle. the faerie to extend its power over +1 complexity) The Arcane Connection used must all parties, or for a Gruagach to be intimately relate to the target similarly employed. How this would bloodline; a crown for a royal line, be received, though, is for the story Divining the True Heir a sword passed from father to son, to decide and there is a risk of offense InCo 20 earth from a family estate, and so on. to all involved. R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Group Once summoned, the spirit can be With the various claimants pres- questioned or commanded as normal ent the magus casts the spell upon and if it is powerful enough it should Inheritance the group and learns the relative re- have knowledge of the true heir to lationships between the targets of the the line. Inheritance is a deadly serious spell and the target bloodline as rep- Should the magus wish it, he matter for those of noble blood resented by an Arcane Connection or may also be able to command as questions of blood can decide known member of the familial line. other information from the spirit between wealth and servitude. The caster learns how many gen- concerning those who share its blood.

44 Transforming Mythic Europe

(Base 15, +4 Arcane Connection, (Base 15, +1 Touch, +3 Moon, +5 +2 Ring) special based on Boundary) Stories of the Fourth Estate Protection from Invasion Deny Them the Bridge ReTe 30 The achievement of a fourth Hermetic magic allows for powerful R: Touch, D: Concentration, estate is not the end of the story; it warding effects that can protect places T: Structure is the beginning of a new paradigm. and individuals from harm. This spell lifts a stone bridge, As such, the saga continues with the including its foundations, clear of the same mix of stories as before with river and places it in some spot that the addition of those that arise from The Impassable River the magus can see. the Order engaging with society and ReCo 60 A Perception + Finesse Stress a more relaxed attitude on questions R: Touch, D: Moon, T: Special, Ritual roll is required against a base Ease of interference. This ritual turns a river into a Factor of 9. Larger bridges, up to magical boundary that cannot be the maximum size manageable with crossed by man, woman, or child. It this variant, increase the Ease Factor Interest From Other cannot be crossed from either side by +3. Failing the roll means one and those who try may reach mid- check for damage as per City & Guild, Magical Traditions way before they are turned back. page 77, for each point by which the Neither bridges nor fords offer any casting roll failed. While the local environment and opportunity to cross. They are, Use of this spell allows the magus political situation can be made better however, left unharmed by the magic to withdraw major bridges from the through magic, there are wider and they may be used once the spell enemy, controlling their ability to considerations. Magical traditions ends. Variants can be created with the cross rivers in numbers. from elsewhere in the world — such Until (condition) duration or Year, (Base 3, +1 Touch, +1 Concentra- as the sorcerers of the Levant and the though both of these increase the tion, +3 Structure, +1 Stone, +1 size) level by one magnitude. Magi can create spells with non- Story Seed: standard Targets quite freely, though The Wizard’s Chevauchee they are generally not as optimized PeHe 50 The Gifted Student as if they had first researched the R: Sight, D: Momentary, T: Group The covenant becomes aware required Target parameter. In this Wizards should not be angered. of a student studying at a nearby case, a river is a special form of With this spell, the caster lays waste cathedral school who, from all boundary and the target is particular to any and all living plants that he accounts, exhibits signs of The to this spell so the parameter is can see, for around sixty acres. As Gift. Investigating, they find treated as Boundary +1, as described a free cosmetic effect the plants that the student is indeed Gift- in ArM5, page 114. are consumed by a magical fire that ed but that he has apprenticed This ritual is designed to protect races across the ground as the caster himself to one of the cathedral lands from invasion or to place a shifts his gaze. The fire is selective school masters, who is an un- barrier in war’s path by disrupting and leaves dead plants, wood, and all Gifted learned magician. the ability of one side or the other other things untouched. It is clear that the student to travel. Magi working with nobles There can be little excuse for isn’t aware of his own potential, involved in the dispute may cast casting this spell and even less for but he’s glad to finally find some- such things, even uninvited, to enchanting it into a device and giv- one who appears to understand prevent the loss of life and to give ing it to mundanes. However, the what’s wrong with him. What parties the opportunity to talk. The threat of it may be enough to keep right does the covenant have unscrupulous may use this to cut off covenant lands free from the inter- to take the student against his lines of retreat, hemming enemies in ference of others. wishes and those of his master? and preventing their escape. (Base 5, +3 Sight, +2 Group, +4 size)

45 Transforming Mythic Europe

Cessation of Hostility

All hostilities, God willing, come to an end. Who better to negotiate peace than the player characters who negotiated a fundamental change to the Code? If the Amazons are defeated, if Iberia is surrendered, and if the horde is stopped in its tracks then peace accords must be drawn up. This phase allows the player characters to flex their negotiating and political prowess as they look for common ground with their enemies, prepare for betrayal, and watch for treachery from within their own ranks. In extreme cases, such as the defeat of Amazonia, or the absorption of the Augustan Brotherhood, the Order may find new recruits.

• With the fall of Amazonia and final end of Viea, the defeated Amazons agree to join House Flambeau. The player magi are dispatched to negotiate terms between the warrior sorceresses East or the Scandinavian traditions covenants of Hermetic magi may and the Flambeau. But there are of the North — may see the Order see the Muslim cause in Iberia as elements within Houses Tremere combined with the mundane world their calling, which in turn sets up a and Bonisagus with grave as a stronger threat. This increases Tribunal divided. misgivings. A new and secret the danger to the Order from these Elsewhere, thanks to its newly- vexillation has been formed and forces and sagas may play out this won closeness with mundane its members have no thought but escalating tension. society, tales of the Amazons (see to wipe out every last Amazon or Here are some guidelines for Rival Magic) reach the Order with die trying. How high up does the including this in your sagas. more immediacy. With alliances at conspiracy go and can the player stake, magi are pressed into action to characters put an end to it? protect those near Amazon territory. • It is a decade since House Hostility And far to the East, a dark cloud is Tytalus absorbed the Augustan gathering, and soon the Mongol Brotherhood and it comes as a The reconquista in the Iberian horde will bear down upon Mythic surprise to everyone when the peninsula is likely to take on a new Europe and a mundane population, House decides to move its domus dynamic. Christian kings may expect powerless before it, will call for aid. magna to the Rhine Tribunal more from their magical allies now These options provide for action- and elect a former Virgilian the that they can act more openly. The oriented sagas where the Order new primus. Has the Order been retreating Muslim sorcerers may has a responsibility to protect the outmaneuvered? Looking back seek more dangerous bargains with mundane population and in doing through the records, a number the spirits they summon. Some may so faces mundane armies, magical of prominent opponents to the fall to corruption as demons take enemies, and the politicking of the Brotherhood’s joining the Order advantage of their need. Other mundanes they are trying to help. have died in the last ten years.

46 Transforming Mythic Europe The question is, is there a pattern? Mundane Engagement Responsibilities If so, who is next and what is the Brotherhood planning? In return for magical aid and the Covenants are used to managing benefit of their wisdom, mundane estates and businesses alike, though nobles start to treat covenants more day-to-day affairs are usually left to The World of Academia like abbeys, bequeathing lands, grant- trusted consortes. But the charters ing fiefs, and providing patronage. that grant the magi rights over lands The world of academia is changed. Covenants and magi start to acquire may stipulate their involvement. Sud- As magic is now so central to the “parishes” that they have a responsi- denly, the overseeing of local justice world, academia starts to explore the bility for and magi become embedded is a distraction from their studies. The realms, both intellectually and physi- into the world around them like never entertaining of nobles is more fre- cally. Philosophers and adventurers before. At a local level this does two quent than the visits of redcaps. And seek out strange new worlds within things. First, there may be resentment attendance at tournament is a manda- the Magic realm, or look for long-lost from the hedge wizards who have tory political gesture. loves in the Faerie realm. And they all served that area for years without be- need magical assistance. ing noticed by their noble masters. • A strange thing happens to one Perhaps more insidious, it occurs And second, these parishes, with the of the covenant’s magi. In letters to more than one noble that the lands increase in the overt use of magic, from his neighboring landowners of magic are untouched by man and develop new places where magic or he finds references to jokes he did that any man may make a kingdom in faerie powers flourish. not make and advice he did not such a place. give. The notes are all warm and • A pack of Nightwalkers (Hedge gracious, however, so he thinks • The noted Franciscan scholar Magic Revised Edition, page 103) little of it. Until one day at tour- Walter Van den Zande asks succumbs to the sin of envy and nament, in a trough of boredom, the player magi to accompany becomes corrupted. They turn he looks across the arena and sees him on a voyage to the Magic from protecting the land to let- himself conversing merrily with a realm. He produces some notes ting their spite run free upon it. number of mundanes who appear that he found in Paris, which The magi are faced with failing to be hanging on every word. he understands shows a place harvests and spirits that steal the Whoever it is, who is it and what where the world of men and the fertility from the land, from the is he doing? It seems that it is a world of magic touch. He pleads beasts, and from the very popula- faerie who is trying teach the ma- with the covenant to assist him. tion itself. Can the magi discover gus the art of fitting in. Does the Having opened the eyes of men the cause of the malaise? Can magus undertake to learn from to the wonders of the world, can they help the Nightwalkers find the master or does he find just the they refuse him? redemption? And having been right spell to make him stop? • A jealous and disaffected noble corrupted, can they ever be trust- • Dispensing justice tends to be seeks a way into the Magic realm ed to protect the land again? easy when with a glance and a where a man such as he can • A noble chances upon a clutch of hushed utterance a magus can carve out a new kingdom. But his dragon eggs in magical woodland determine who is lying and who arrogance and greed have been within his estates. He approaches is the aggrieved party. But when snatched up by a faerie, who has the covenant for help in rais- an innocent man is accidentally driven the noble to the Faerie ing the creatures when the eggs revealed to be the victim of pos- realm. There he has been granted hatch. He intends to ride the session, the magus is suddenly a kingdom, a queen, and subjects. beasts and needs help training forced to rethink what he’s been In his deluded state, the noble them. In the old days, this would doing. How many of those who sends his army to attain yet more have been unconscionable, but have appeared before him were land. Only this time, the land is now that the rules have changed possessed? If it becomes known in the mundane world. And it the knight and his men may be- that the magus has been fooled belongs to the covenant. come the first to tame and ride in his own court, his judgment these fantastical mounts. may never be trusted or respected

47 Transforming Mythic Europe

again. There’s only one thing to expect to be called to account and like the king and appreciate his do; raise wards around the court dragged into cases that ultimately own status, leaves the arrange- and sit through every case again they have little connection with. ments in the hands of the player and judge each upon its merit. Such encounters should be characters. How do they enter- infrequent, but there is a backdrop of tain a king at Tribunal? Of course, the goal in making the political briefing against the player huge compromise in the Code is to characters and they are aware of their arbitrate between the magical and the enemies before they strike. mundane. Stories should arise showing how the world and the Order ful- Similar Kinds fill the contract. A New Kind of Politics of Change • A Magic aura is waning, as with Each Tribunal has its own take nothing to anchor it the aura is los- on politics; the Rhine has its gilds, The aims of turning the Order ing its power. Already, one of the the Theban Tribunal its phylai, and of Hermes into the fourth estate are regio levels has collapsed, perhaps Hibernia has its own cultural divide. threefold: allow the use of magic to lost forever. With a responsibility to But they all have a Praeco, generally make the world better, secure rights husband the aura, the covenant per- the most senior magus in the Tribu- for the Order in society that is rapid- suades a hippogriff to make its nest nal. And Tribunals all tend to employ ly changing, and improve the world’s in the aura as a way to anchor it and some form of democratic process, understanding of the supernatural stem the loss. When it starts to hunt however differently it may operate. world and thereby protect it. on the estates of a certain knight, Integrating with society across The following changes do not however, the magi must find a way Mythic Europe and the East may take the Order all to way to the to keep the peace. And then the prompt some changes to this, how- fourth estate but they each address hippogriff comes into season and ever, and entertaining mundanes at at least two of the above aims. the males arrive, hungry and ardent. Tribunal may only be the start of it. • The covenant receives a request from a knight living as a vassal • A priest, given leave and support- Spread Understanding of of a neighboring covenant. He ed by his bishop, brings charges claims that they have been der- of wounding against a magus. the Supernatural World elict in their responsibility to As is proper, the priest accepts protect his land and his family that the magus is given his right The Order could increase from harm. It seems that a small to hear the charges at Tribunal, awareness and knowledge of the four dragon has taken to eating his but the priest is unwilling to wait realms; it only takes an understanding cattle and the covenant has al- three years for the next gathering of Magic Lore to be able to enrich lowed the situation to continue. of magi. The Quaesitors must be objects of Virtue, which is a strong He asks that his liege covenant seen to address the case, but the accompaniment to the experimental be held to account. Code says nothing about wound- philosophy practiced by academics. ing, much less what the punish- These enriched objects could ment should be. So is the magus become more common and their The Old Guard to be charged with “bringing use potentially improve the lives of ruin”? Or is the case dismissed those living in Mythic Europe, or Achieving the fourth estate does out of hand? at least improve the lives of those not instantly quiet the defeated • With the Tribunal meeting mere with wealth and power enough to skeptics. If anything, they may months away, the king has let it afford such items. But such a change, become more active in rooting be known that he intends to be though raising the profile of magic in out failures, finding cases where there. This is a break with pro- the world, does little to protect the integration has damaged society or tocol and something that the Tri- activities currently carried out by the Order. As the drivers behind the bunal has never seen before. The those in the Order. change, the player characters can Praeco, a man known to both dis- As an alternative, magi could

48 Transforming Mythic Europe also use their experience with Mys- dioceses and parishes. And with a specific mandate. The Oath tery Initiations to empower com- them come relationships of influence already carries a precedent for panions with various supernatural with the nobility and direct contact granting certain rights to one abilities, acting through these prox- with the peasant classes. House and not to others: the ies to achieve similar aims to those In short, the Church already has rights of House Bonisagus with presented above. Empowering their the top-to-bottom social connection regard to apprentices allows trusted companions reduces the need that could be beneficial to the Order. them to do something that would to actually be involved in working If a House or a series of dedicated arguably be against the code if with mundanes, as the companions covenants took holy orders, began to attempted by a magus of another have a greater capability to act on work alongside and within the Church, House. If this new House of Au- behalf of the magi. could they form a bridge between the gustus could be tasked with, and The cost of this of course, how- Order and the Church? What would coerced into, implementing the ever, is the identification or the de- the ramifications be? will of the Order, then the nobil- velopment of a means to grant com- Holy magic is known within the ity could be influenced without panions autonomous power of their Order, so a lack of piety is not an issue, the majority of the Order getting own or supply them with suitable en- but it would mean ceding members of their hands dirty. chantments. And there is the added the Order to the Church, losing direct • The Order could take an active danger that once the companion has influence and governance over their interest in individual members the power or the devices needed to actions. Though they may be useful as a of the Brotherhood and apply effectively guide or support a mun- bridge between the two organizations, pressure directly upon them to dane faction, the reliance on the it may show that a magus cannot serve ensure that their messages are Order is reduced, which may dilute two masters. conducive to peace and stability. the influence that the Order is able The chapter describing Joseph of Clearly a dangerous prospect to exert. Napoli in Antagonists provides more given the little that the Order material that may be of use to magi currently understands of the looking to work with the Church. Brotherhood. Work Within the Church • Hermetic magi may inject themselves into the Brotherhood in an While interfering in the mundane Use Gifted Proxies official capacity, extending an of- world or serving as a court wizard fer to work with the Brotherhood may push the Order too far, perhaps The organization known as the Au- to realize their aims in exchange accommodations can be made with gustan Brotherhood described in Rival for a reciprocal agreement. the Church. This is a classic idea Magic is already embedded within the that comes up quite frequently, so it’s courts of Mythic Europe, and they al- Implementing this kind of worth spending some time looking at ready provide intelligence and service change, while aiming at the same the options. to the nobility. It may be politically goal, is a very different prospect to It is too simplistic to characterize more palatable to leverage these exist- internal political change. It requires the Church as a single organization ing relationships, but the question is the Order to make contact with the with a single set of aims, given the one of approach. Augustan Brotherhood and persuade all too frequent rivalries between The Augustan Brotherhood know of them, through any means possible, orders and even the occasional the Order, but the reverse is not gener- to place themselves under the Oath schism. But there is usually a single ally true, which means that this option in some fashion. A certain degree of figure of authority in the pope, and is difficult to exploit. However, should resistance can be expected so diplo- his proclamations and bulls are noted the Order gain sufficient knowledge of macy is important. Rival Magic con- across Mythic Europe. If members the Brotherhood, they could exert pres- tains more information on the magic, of the Order of Hermes could work sure in a number of ways: structure, and aims of the Augustan closely with the Church, they would Brotherhood as well as inspiration on inherit a pre-existing hierarchy of • They could push to bring the encountering and building a partner- influence in terms of archbishops, Brotherhood into the Order as a ship with them. bishops, priests, and their associated new House and give that House

49 Transforming Mythic Europe The World Changes they wish. We have already seen that there are a number of Story Flaws Around the Order and Covenant Hooks that embed magi and the covenant deeply within The Order is not the only magi- mundane affairs, so some degree of cal tradition in Mythic Europe and, involvement is inescapable. So what as the Augustan Brotherhood has is the cost of favoring one noble over shown, it is only a matter of time be- others? Why should not a magus sup- fore one or more traditions take their port his cousin or agree a charter places at the side of those who rule. giving favorable terms to both sides? Even unGifted hedge wizards, such And if that ally is threatened in some as learned magicians and elemental- way, perhaps by the need to provide ists, can use their talents to advise martial service, or by financial dif- those in power and to grant them ficulties, what is wrong in ensuring some measure of dominion over the their well-being? And in return the magical world in return for certain covenant might be afforded a place rights. at the noble’s court. If a covenant What recourse does the Order can ensure that their activities do not have if the vis source they assumed bring ruin to their sodales, then they was secret and safe is suddenly grant- can defend their position at Tribunal. ed to a learned magician, a member The Peripheral Code differs from of prince’s court? Does the magus Tribunal to Tribunal, which means need to bow before the elementalist that what might be acceptable in when he acts on behalf of the arch- the Roman Tribunal is deemed irre- bishop on magical matters? And if sponsible several miles to the north the Augustan Brotherhood extend in the Tribunal of the Greater Alps. their reach into academia, what hap- Ech region can set its own empha- pens to any Gifted students that sis on mundane involvement. Each might be found there? Tribunal can determine what is Society is changing. No man nor right and wrong for itself. Effecting covenant can exist within a vacuum, the change across the Order most but if the Order will not take its likely goes through a phase of local place in society, those of lesser tradi- change, of having persuaded the Tri- tions will. And from the concessions bunal that integration is better than they wring from their masters they detachment, and if the magi driving may slowly take what the Order con- the change do not have designs upon siders belongs to it by right. the Order then this is the level at which their ambitions rest. Perhaps the most dangerous Taking the Lonely Stand change to the Order would be that of a single House opting to flout con- Most of the options that we vention and embrace society. Houses have looked at involve collabora- Mercere, Jerbiton, and Verditius are tion across covenants, Tribunals, and the obvious candidates, and Bjor- Houses. This need not be the case, naer and Merinita may see oppor- however. Covenants have effective tunities to further their own House free rein on how they manage their aims. A single House or a coalition affairs locally and as long as their of like-minded Houses determining actions do not affect others of the their own rules of engagement with Order they may be free to act as society could see a new schism. Un-

50 Transforming Mythic Europe like covenants or Tribunals, which governance or see the House and influence of the mundane world, are geographically distinct from the withdraw from the Order. in seeking to protect the last areas of rest of the Order, the Houses have magical power, the Order could sacri- members all across Mythic Europe. fice itself. The following story suggestions help Outside of politics, a population describe how such a withdrawal may accustomed to magic may feed Hell’s take place: Opposing ambitions; when the mundane world sees the advantages available through • The House meets and decides Integration magic, corruptible individuals may ac- that not enough is being done cept the false powers granted by de- to find and train apprentices. Having spent much of this chap- mons, learning how to wield their own Officially, the concern is that ter looking at how the player char- magic in an attempt to raise them- the House is losing its identity acters can influence the Order and selves to the level of magi. Just as the through not following closely the bring about a change in favor of inte- Order begins to operate more openly, traditions of the Founder. How- grating with the mundane world, this so Hell’s influence may follow. ever, the player characters learn section places the player characters that something else is at work. in the roles of those, just like Auste- • After a magus Bonisagi exercises rius described above, who are oppos- Running Stories his right to take up a student aping the change. But why would they prenticed to one of the House, oppose such a change? Most players on the Verge of Change members of the House in the tend to be fairly progressive in their Tribunal are privately urged to outlook, which often carries over to The player characters are, or make their displeasure known. the characters they play, and there’s should be, the heroes of the saga. It isn’t long before a mercenary barely a troupe playing today whose That means that they will tend to magus from outside the Tribunal characters haven’t bent the non-in- occupy the most reasonable ground is engaged and declares Wiz- terference rules to some degree. in a world that confronts them with ard War against the Bonisagus. extremes. So the key is to make the Thinking the player covenant change an unreasonable one and to have an ally, the Bonisagus and his A Change for the Worse the player characters protecting the apprentice ask for sanctuary. Order from itself. • Ahead of the Tribunal meeting, Becoming the fourth estate brings The following story seeds subvert the House holds its own coun- with it obligations. The player magi some of those we looked at earlier as cil. The Primus is asking his may recognize these as the thin end reasons for integration with society: magi in each Tribunal to seek of the wedge, small concessions that out House covenants, or create soon build towards servitude and debt. • A hedge wizard adviser to an them where there are none. The They may also recognize that engag- archbishop has identified a House is asked to stand togeth- ing with the mundane world will cause considerable source of vis on er at Tribunal and request leave the Order to lose what focus it has; the his lands, amounting to a rook to found a new covenant. What pursuit of magic for magic’s sake will each year, and the archbishop does this mean for the player be the preserve of a few fortunate or has decided to accept offers characters? Does it affect their senior magi, while others are forced to for collection rights. Having members or their resources? contend with the difficulties thrown received notification, the • With dedicated covenants now up by their new mundane peers. covenant appoints someone with in place across Mythic Europe, Perhaps worst of all, in moving authority to negotiate and sends the House declares its rejection closer to political animals such as bish- the delegation to the meeting. of those parts of the Peripheral ops, archbishops, counts, and princes, The other interested parties Code that seek to separate magi magi and their covenants will lose af- include a second Hermetic from society. The Tribunals are finity with the Order and slowly gain covenant, a representative of a given an ultimatum; clarify the affinity with their mundane paymas- council of hedge wizards active code in favor of freedom of self- ters. In seeking to control the spread in the court of a nearby noble,

51 Transforming Mythic Europe

and an enigmatic man of wealth supposed to do? By working who clearly exudes The Gift. for the bishop he gains free Perhaps the Order does need to • When the local parish asks passage and recognition in the integrate more with society. Perhaps the covenant to pay its tithe estates across the diocese. The there are advantages of working with on all properties and incomes, argument seems reasonable, mundanes rather than pretending that including vis, the covenant has but the redcap’s loyalties have such concerns are immaterial. But the two choices: pay and be saved, been called into question and Order must tread carefully if it is to avoid or refuse and be damned. If members of the Order that he losing itself. The answer to a changing they concede the tithe, do they is bound to serve have suffered. society may not be in acquiescing, but in open themselves for more taxes What can be done with him? standing aloof and ensuring that nobles from nobles keen to fill their • A pious magus arrives at the and clerics alike know that the Order is coffers? And if they refuse how covenant, the covenant of his not to be trifled with. do they deal with the eventual apprenticeship many years escalation? How does the before, to divest himself of all covenant make clear to those his magical assets. Everything he The Example of around them that they will not has worked for, all the books he the Normandy Tribunal play these games? has accumulated, the devices he • Having seen little of their has made, the vis he has stored, The Normandy Tribunal is poor in redcap for the last few seasons he gives back to the covenant vis, with much of it in the Tribunal’s the covenant discovers that the that gave him his path. His gift and its magi forced to engage in unGifted redcap has been acting reason? He is turning his back contests to earn their share. Many as an adviser and informant on the Order and entering the magi of the Tribunal live near or to the bishop, a man known Church. This is not some idle within cities and the Normandy for his intolerance of those dotage to be spent in retirement Peripheral Code makes provision of lapsed faith and contempt and contemplation; the magus to help magi skirt their Oath to the for those outside the faith. In is still vigorous and feels that Order. Some may view the proximity confronting him the magi learn his faith and his experience between magi and mundanes as that his traditional red cap belong in the Church. After responsible for the loss of magical is not the protection it once ritually shedding himself of the resources and some of those may was; the Order is little more trappings of magic he renounces seek to reverse the situation. than a story and its members the Order, just as the Quaesitor In this case, player characters seen as distant and ineffectual. arrives to discover the truth of may take a stance opposed to fur- What, he argues, was he the rumors she has heard. ther integration, opposing any new

52 Transforming Mythic Europe covenant that seeks to establish it- robustly argued in the Order’s favor. self near a city, and arguing against Land, authority, and immunity can all Conclusion changes to the Code that allow magi be secured, ensuring that the Order to openly associate with cities. They is recognized by the world and its The need for Hermetic magi to could promote rulings that try to position respected, but without the be granted and enjoy certain rights return magic to the world and give onerous responsibilities. is something that can be introduced magi the guidance they need to fos- With these measures, Magic auras into most sagas. Not every saga ter new auras. Ultimately, magi could can rise once more, drawing magical will want to to follow the full path be prohibited from siting their cov- beasts from the Magic realm to the detailed in this chapter, but it does enants in or near cities, with some world for a time, and faeries will be provide for covenants that want to being given the support they need able to feed upon the fresh vitality integrate more closely with society, to to relocate. They may even seek to of magi regaining their heritage. The protect themselves from the jealousy have a covenant dedicated to the example of the Normandy Tribunal of nobles and churchmen alike, and cause of re-establishing Magic auras shows that closer integration with to argue in defense of their actions at in key locations, thereby proving the mundane world, including aping Tribunal. Magi following this course that the Order is not at the mercy of its knights and tourneys, has done gain officially recognized rights from mundane society. nothing to preserve magic, and it those who rule the lands around Politics with the mundanes and could be the responsibility of the them, new respect and recognition, the Church need not be abandoned, player characters to pull the Order and are able to better influence the but the content of any charters is back from complacency. good governance of the region.

53 Chapter Three The Island of the Magicians

The Code of Hermes does not cient land to establish a country with- prevent magi ruling land; it prevents out angering a king, risking war, and Construction: them from contesting its sovereignty defying the Code. with noblemen, and thereby harming In this saga seed, a group of magi Earth Jacketed other magi. In some parts of Mythic sidestep this restriction by creating Europe, like England, this means that a country for themselves, not by magi cannot own land, for all land be- claim or conquest, but through Creo In Stone longs to the King and is held in vas- Terram rituals. salage. In other places, like southern This chapter describes in detail The spells and calculations given France or Hungary, covenants which the creation of one such land: an here are for a relatively simple island, predate the current royal houses hold island in the North Sea, made from but they also provide a good basis for their land free of royal claim. There a circular stone wall that jackets an more complex shapes and materials, if is nowhere in western Mythic Europe, infill of earth. your troupe would prefer to customize however, that a magus can claim suffi- their own land.

Outer Wall Shapes The first step in this model of construction is to create a thick stone wall, which protects from erosion the earth placed behind it. Walls made by magic are faultless, unless the sigil of the magus mars them. A conventional wall is made of blocks that have been quarried, so can be no larger than what can be handled by teams of men with cranes. A Hermetic wall is, therefore, far stronger, or far thinner, than a conventional wall. In the spells given in a nearby insert, the walls are designed as monoliths two paces thick. A thinner wall might be cracked by wave action, a ship striking the wall in a gale, or the furious bite of an undersea monstrosity. The walls are supported by fill, described later. The walls in the spells are designed as 30 paces high. This is satisfactory for the ocean’s depth

54 Transforming Mythic Europe in much of the southern area of the Open Ended Cylinder • A level 30 spell creates a wall 30 North Sea. If you want taller walls paces high, 2 paces thick, and just and don’t want to use a calculator, The open ended cylinder is a simple over 3 miles in diameter. then just increase the height of the design, and has many features attractive • A level 35 spell creates a wall 30 wall in fractions, and reduce the to player characters. It creates a circular paces high, 2 paces thick and just diameter of the wall similarly. For boundary, which can be used for Circle over 30 miles in diameter. example, if the wall is a third higher, and Ring spells. It creates a larger living • A level 40 spell creates a wall 30 then the diameter is a third smaller. space than fully enclosed shapes. It does paces high, 2 paces thick, and just The figures in the spells have a little not require excavation into the bedrock over 301 miles in diameter. leeway in them, and troupes shouldn’t of the North Sea, like an inverted cone, be too concerned about claiming or a design that uses pillars. Tall Empty Cylinder every last square inch of area. If your A better alternative is to create characters are designing their island the wall as a hollow conical frustum: and it seems too small for their needs, like a cone with the tip bitten off. For A tall cylinder is suitable for living an extra 5 spell levels increases the the sale of simplifying calculations, in the deeper parts of the North Sea, area incredibly. Remember, also, that troupes are encouraged to just use the and mocking the highest of waves. a covenant could create an island cylinder calculations, and remember, in chain, of a group of small filled circles play, that the sea wall slopes slightly. • A level 30 spell creates a wall within a larger circular wall, used only A frustum suffers less erosion than a 240 paces high, two paces thick, as a spell target and parapet. vertical wall, as described in the ablative and just over a third of a mile in slope section, later. diameter.

Simple Spells to Create Permanent Walls

Spells to create simple geometric als have a minimum level of 20 as per An Expansive & Permanent shapes are well understood by the Or- ArM5, page 114 , so magi could in- Wall of Protecting Stone der, and have been used for fortifica- crease the Range or Size without cost. tion since the time of the Founders. (Base 3, +1 Touch, +2 size)) CrTe 30 The following spells create sufficient R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind, Ritual stone to create monoliths of the indi- As Permanent Wall of Protecting Stone, cated shape and size. Efficient & Permanent earlier, but with four additional mag- Wall of Protecting Stone nitudes spent on size. This creates one million cubic paces of stone, which is CrTe 20 Permanent Wall sufficient for a wall 30 paces high, 2 R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind, Ritual of Protecting Stone paces thick, and just under 9.5 miles Creates a wall from a single piece in length. CrTe 20 of unmortared stone, which gives it far (Base 3, +1 Touch, + 6 size) R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind, Ritual greater durability than conventional Creates a wall 25 paces long, 4 walls, unless the caster has a sigil which paces high, and 1 pace thick, which is degrades its composition. Vis is used to The Wedding Ring of Gaea a total of 100 cubic paces of stone. Vis prevent the wall disappearing after the is used to prevent the wall disappear- spell ends. CrTe 35 ing after the spell ends. Walls made in Due to the quirk of Hermetic magic R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind, Ritual this way are made of single pieces of that makes all Rituals fourth magnitude As Wall of Permanent Protecting Stone, unmortared stone, which gives them spells or greater, there’s no advantage earlier, but with five additional mag- far greater durability than conven- to a magus who casts a spell to create nitudes spent on size. This creates tional walls, unless the caster has a a permanent, unornamented, wall of ten million (10,000,000) cubic paces sigil that degrades their composition. stone smaller than 10,000 cubic paces in of stone, and a circular wall 30 paces (As ArM5 page 153, modified for volume. That creates a wall 167 paces high, 2 paces thick, and just over 94.5 permanent creation of walls. The level long, 30 paces high and 2 paces thick. miles long. rises from 10 to 20 because all Ritu- (Base 3, +1 Touch, + 4 size) (Base 3, +1 Touch, +7 size)

55 Transforming Mythic Europe

• A level 35 spell creates a wall of the low conical frustum is a better choice the striking objects. This can be same height and thickness, but 3.8 of wall shape than a cylinder, so a py- prevented by coating the base of the miles in diameter. ramidal frustum is also a better choice wall with a slope of mud or sand, • A level 40 spell creates a wall of than a rectangular prism. Players are which acts as ablative armor against the same height and thickness, but encouraged to just use the formulae the waves. 37.6 miles in diameter. for right rectangular prisms, recalling The size of ablative slope needed in play that the sea wall slopes slightly. varies depending on the wall it is protecting, but for empty cylinder Open Ended • A level 30 spell creates suf- walls, the spell to create an ablative Rectangular Prism ficient stone to make walls 30 slope is three magnitudes lower than paces high, 2 paces wide, and a the spell that creates the wall. This A rectangular prism suffers greater top square with 4,166 paces (2.4 creates a slope of dirt equal in volume ablation from the sea, and lacks the miles) per side. to the wall itself, which is excessive charming circular shape, so prized in • A level 35 spell creates sufficient for most requirements. Ablative Hermetic magic, of the cylinder. It is stone to make four walls, each slopes can be larger if desired, so however, a shape that some characters 30 paces high, 2 paces wide and that they require less maintenance, may prefer. It is, for example, very 41,666 paces (23.6 miles) long. or can be created by Rego magic that easy to map, and to plan out the later • A level 40 spell creates sufficient resurfaces the sea floor. use of land. Its walls form lengthy stone to make four walls, each 30 quays, which can be used directly for paces high, 2 paces wide and 416 mercantile industry. 666 paces (236.7 miles) long. Ornamentation For the same reasons that a hol- Characters creating a massive wall Solid Stone Cylinder to jacket their island may prefer that A Note it not be a simple geometric figure. on the Columbae A stone cylinder is a single mono- They can alter the initial spell to cre- lithic block of stone. Characters can ate many of the following effects by One group of magi, the quarry into it, using Perdo magic or increasing the spell level. Alterna- Columbae, specialize in magi which some conventional techniques, to cre- tively, they can create the wall as a affect circles and rings. They are ate rooms. simple shape, and then retrofit it with described in Houses of Hermes: Societates, Rego Terram spells, or the work of from page 113. A Columban magus • A level 30 spell creates a stone cyl- mundane craftsmen. is not required to create the magical inder 30 paces high and 206 paces island, but the assistance of one in diameter. Fortified Wall might prove valuable. • A level 35 spell creates enough stone to create a cylinder 30 paces high and 651 paces across. The sea wall protecting the island Maximum • A level 40 spell creates enough could, if the player characters wished, stone to create a cylinder 30 paces be designed with fortress-like features. Magnitudes high and 1030 paces across. These include: Due to Complexity Crenellation: A wall that has been de- Ablative Slope Troupes should consider capping signed with crenels (gaps) and mer- the number of magnitudes that lons (upward projections) allows complicated additional features Wave action batters small stones soldiers to take cover between firing add to the wall. They might, for and pieces of sand against sea walls. missiles at enemies. Adding crenel- example, agree that after adding This causes scouring of the walls, lations adds a magnitude. three magnitudes for complexity, the and undermines them at the base, A Fire Step: A fire step is a Hermetic magus can manipulate his creation where heavier objects strike the wall invention, probably pioneered dur- into any shape he wishes, without with each wave. This problem is ing the Schism War. Unlike a cren- adding extra magnitudes. worst on vertical sea walls, as they elated wall, a wall with a fire step do not deflect any of the energy of is complete, but has a raised step

56 Transforming Mythic Europe

behind it. This allows the defend- foot of the wall, by defenders still sels, called lighters, transport cargo from ers to step up, see the foe, launch a protected by the wall. This adds vessels to the dockside. spell, and then step down. This ob- a magnitude. Another alternative The dock area is not exposed to scures the defender far better than is to leave beam holes in the walls the hammering action of waves, so it standing behind a merlon, or even so that wooden galleries, called does not suffer erosion like the sea wall an arrow slit, protecting her from hoardings, can be hung out over does. It does not require a thick stone Sight ranged spells. Tremere magi, the walls, from which similar at- jacket. If the player characters just add particularly, have spells which allow tacks can be made. These don’t the sea gate, it adds 1 magnitude be- them to create one-way windows add to the spell level. These cause it has some metal parts, but rein walls, which help them to keep defenses are rarely seen on sea quires no added material. If they add track of their enemies between cast- walls, as direct attacks on sea the sea gate and the internal harbor ings. This doesn’t raise the level: it walls are rare. wall, it still only adds one magnitude, just uses up additional fill. but requires material, depending on Greater Height: Any wall is an ob- the size of the harbor the magi create. Sea Gates and Docks stacle, but one that’s too high for climbing lines to be thrown to the Statuary top of it is the most secure. Add- A sea gate allows ships to pass ing height to the wall doesn’t add through the island’s wall into a sheltered to the spell’s level: it just takes port. This area, filled with seawater, can If the player characters wish to more stone and so reduces the di- be sealed at high tide by closing the create statues atop the wall, or have ameter of the final circle. gate. This allows vessels to remain at an relief figures carved in its surface, this Machicolations: These are holes be- optimal height compared to the dock- is free if they are an expression of tween two wall supports (called side, which allows for direct unloading the sigil of the caster. If they are an corbels), which allow missiles to of cargo. This is far faster than the meth- artistic motif, they add a magnitude. be dropped onto attackers at the od used in most ports, where small ves-

Story Seed: Attack of the Giant Magical Snails

Characters creating a stone jack- to die to soak up the attacks of the Soak: +6 (partially covered by a eted island may attract predators predator, so that its swarm-mates stone shell) that find magically-created stone can surround and kill their foe. Fatigue Levels: OK, 0/0/0, –1, –3, tasty or useful. One predator of this The character guide below gives –5, Unconscious type is the Sarmatian sea snail. For- sufficient detail to use them as re- Wound Penalties: –1 (1–6), –3 (7– tunately the snails eat so slowly that sources or foes in combat. They are 12), –5 (13–18), Incapacitated the player characters can remove not suitable as player characters. (19–24), Dead (25+) them before the wall is breached. Abilities: Awareness 9 (predators), Magic Might: 7 (Aquam) Brawl 5 (bite), Swim 5 (ocean). Characteristics: Cun –2, Per +4, Pre Vis: 2 pawns Aquam, shell. Sarmatian Sea Snails: –2, Com –2, Str +6, Sta +3, Dex Appearance: These giant snails are A Character Guide –1, Qik –4 the size of a small pony each. Sarmatian sea snails are magical Size: +1 They differ from garden snails animals found around the coasts of Virtues and Flaws: Magic Animal, 9 in that they have hook-shaped the North Sea. In the same way that x Large. feet, and a long, brightly col- normal snails eat limestone and chalk Personality Traits: Hungry +3, ored, tail. Each also has a rack of to obtain the nutrients they require Patient +2 tentacles atop its head, each ter- to grow their shells, these snails Combat: minating in a glowing, globular seek out magical stone. Sarmatian Bite: Init –4, Attack +5, Defense +5, eye. These snails have a fringe snails usually travel in large swarms, Damage +10 of whiskers about their mouths, and if attacked, fight by crowding This bite is made using a tongue which give them the appearance the foe. Each individual is willing covered in tiny, rasping teeth. of being mustachioed.

57 Transforming Mythic Europe Wall Materials the volume. This means that for a man seeking mercenaries to invade spell creating a circular wall, 30 paces the magical island. Players may prefer Other Than Stone high and two paces thick: to jacket a stone wall with a thin layer of precious metal, which can be sim- The sea wall comes into contact • A level 45 spell creates a wall 1.1 ply achieved with Rego spells. with seawater, so stone — which miles in diameter does not corrode and resists impact • A level 50 spell creates a wall 11 Unnatural Stones — seems the best choice of material. miles in diameter Magi may, however, choose many • and so on other materials. By adding a Muto requisite to the Whether a wall of base metal ritual used to create the wall, magi needs to be two paces thick depends can create stone with unnatural prop- Base Metals on the hardness of the metal. Troupes erties. These strange effects often re- should discuss the correct thickness quire further Requisites, which makes Base metals which are made from for the walls of their island. researching the spell which con- copper or its alloys (bronze or brass) structs the wall more difficult. For ex- form a layer of corrosion which ample, a wall which perpetually burns Noble Metals protects the wall from further harm. requires an Ignem requisite. A wall This corrosion is generally green that heals itself requires a Requisite of in color, is called verdigris, and is Walls made of valuable metals one of the living Arts: Animal, Corpus used in the production of colored are three magnitudes more difficult or Herbam. Of these, Herbam is the ink. Copper is also poisonous to to create than walls of base metals of least disgusting: plants do not bleed most lichens, so it does not become equivalent size. Silver and gold are and scab while healing. fouled with seaweed, as stone walls not highly corrodible. Players may do, although this not widely known think silver corrodes easily, but this Biological Substances in Mythic Europe. Base metals which is because most silver is mixed with are alloys of iron (such as steel) lack copper, to make it harder and more the useful property of being protected durable, and this coper corrodes, The wall can, theoretically, be by layer of their own corrosion. making the silver appear tarnished. built of wood or bone. Each of these Base metal walls are more difficult Walls of silver and gold are, there- substances has specific predators in to create than stone ones. The base fore, possible, with spells of high the North Sea. This makes them poor spell level is two magnitudes higher, level. They are, unfortunately, a spec- choices unless wards are later cast to while the base Individual of is 1/27th tacular advertisement for any noble- prevent damage to the wall. When

58 Transforming Mythic Europe calculating volumes, stone, animal bone, and wood are equally difficult A Basic Quote to produce. Wood and animal bone So, if your troupe decides they An island 300 miles across walls may alter the roles of the faer- want a circular island thirty miles requires a level 40 spell to create the ies which come to the island. Human across, with a standard wall and filled wall, and a level 50 spell to create bone is about as difficult to make as with soil, then that requires just two the fill. It costs 18 pawns of vis and base metal, and would attract dark fa- spells, a level 35 and a level 40, and takes an extra 45 minutes. An “island” eries and demons. Muto requisites can 15 pawns of vis. A maga can cast both of this size can easily join Britain to toughen these building materials. spells in under four hours, if the long the Continent and leave sufficient term fatigue levels lost in the first material to create a defensive range casting do not need to be recovered of hills along the old coastlines. Backfilling the before the second ritual commences. Enclosed Space • For a cylindrical island 30 miles Clay The space within the enclosing wall across, 65.7 billion cubic paces of can be filled in various ways. soil are required. In this model, the characters back- • A tall cylindrical island 3.8 miles fill the enclosure with magically created across requires 8.43 billion cubic clay. Clay created by Hermetic magic Stealing a Rock paces of soil. is perfect. That is it lacks the bubbles, • A tall cylindrical island 38 miles gravel and biological matter which There are quite a few large, uninhab- across requires 843.1 billion cu- can cause pottery to catastrophically ited, rocks in the North Sea. If the wall bic paces of soil. misfire. Clay is also waterproof, which is placed around on of these, it makes • A square island, built as a rect- means that even if small cracks do occur filling the circle slightly easier, and also angular prism, with a side of 2.4 in the wall, the water table of the island provides stone foundations for the con- miles, requires 535 million cubic will not fill with seawater. struction of large, stone buildings. paces of soil. Clay is as easy to create as soil. For It may also prove useful in • A square island, built as a rectan- fill which is topsoil on the upper two providing an aura for the magi to gular prism, with a side of 23.6 paces, and clay the rest of the way to develop laboratories within. See miles, requires 51.7 billion cubic bedrock, just calculate as soil. the later section on auras for more paces of paces of soil. information. Claiming a rock may Stone also make it easier to spread life across For a Creo Terram Ritual, with Touch the island, which is also described in a range and Momentary Duration: later section. Stone is more difficult for Her- • A level 20 spell provides 10 mil- metic magic to make than dirt or clay, lion cubic paces of soil. but its use as fill for limited areas of the Dirt, With a Layer of Topsoil • A level 25 spell provides up to enclosure is likely. If the magi wish to 100 million cubic paces of soil. build large stone structures upon the In this model, the characters note • A level 30 spell provides up to 1 island, like watchtowers, castles, or that the roots of plants, even great billion cubic paces of soil. mountains, it is sensible that pillars of trees, rarely go deeper than two paces • A level 35 spell provides up to 10 stone be placed within the enclosure, into the earth. It therefore matters billion cubic paces of soil. to act as foundations. little what worthless rubbish is used • A level 40 spell provides up to Characters creating stone may se- to fill the enclosed space, save that it 100 billion cubic paces of soil. lect what type of stone appears, except supports two paces of rich topsoil. • A level 45 spell provides up to 1 if they have a sigil which makes a par- trillion cubic paces of soil. ticular variety the only suitable choice. • For a cylindrical island 3 miles Stone is three magnitudes more across, this requires just under Spare soil can be used to create an difficult to create than soil of the 657 million cubic paces of dirt ablative slope around the sea wall, or same volume. If the characters choose and soil. to craft geological features like hills. a variety of stones – for example some

59 Transforming Mythic Europe soapstone for implements, and some as part of the spell which creates the enough to require an extra magni- marble for civic buildings, and some sea wall. This is more difficult than it tude, then either increase the level tin ore because they want to attract initially appears, however. This meth- of the ritual, or shorten the road to faeries – then that adds one to the od of creating the island first makes 0.4 miles. Generally creating a bridge magnitude for complexity. the stone wall, and then makes the is not sufficiently complex to require earth fill. To make the buildings and an extra magnitude (there is none, for waterways of the island at the same example in Bridge of Wood, Ars Magica Cisterns time as the wall requires either that page 135) but at the troupe’s discre- the houses and canals have tall stone tion, creating a system that has many The magical island, having no foundations, or that the earth fill that bridges may require one. natural spring, must get its drinking supports them be created at the same (Base 3, +1 Touch +4 size) water via magic or rain. The vast sub- time as the wall. It is easier for most terranean spaces of the island are per- magi to create the island, and then al- Creating Houses fect for creating cisterns which store ter its surface. and Other Buildings this water. This allows it to be drawn up through wells. Cisterns might also Road works be created on the higher parts of the There are many ways of creating island, perhaps replenished using housing on the island. The simplest magically powered pumping systems, Roads have three basic forms way, in a mystical sense, is to leave to allow plumbing in houses to gain in medieval Europe: packed earth, sufficient stone over from the creation pressure via gravity. gravel, and paved. Hard packed roads of the wall, to allow mundane crafters effectively create themselves, as the to raise houses with their own skills. users and their draft animals pack the The wall of the island can be de- Rooms and Utility Spaces earth. In Hermetic magic, gravel is signed as a huge shell keep. That is, treated as stone, so there’s no particu- the wall, in addition to the width The space beneath sea level in the lar advantage in creating gravel roads. required to make it sea proof, can island can be filled with workspaces. This leaves only paved roads, but in be extended into a wide room, that This is a little counterintuitive, be- Hermetic magic it is easier to create partially, or even fully, encircles the cause when the island is first created a road out of a single piece of stone island. This reduces the size of the the magi have enormous amounts of than out of individual pieces. island’s outer wall, the degree of dimi- available space, and the resources to nution being dependent on the size create vast storage spaces on the sur- and internal complexity of the shell face level. There are, however, some A Network Reminiscent of Rome keep’s rooms. If they go all the way to specialized rooms which are better CrTe20 the bedrock, they take up a great deal underground. Magi may choose to fill R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Individual, more material than thin walls which the underground of their island with Ritual create a single story structure on the wine cellars, larders, magical furnaces, Medieval roads vary in design, so surface. When calculating the volume hypocaustic systems, catacombs, and in this spell the road is based, rough- of material for a single story struc- laboratories. Conjuring the Mystic Tower, ly, on the dimensions of Roman roads, ture, add a little extra to account for a spell which creates a single tower, which are just under three paces wide. the bracing required to suspend the adds 3 magnitudes for elaborate de- For simplicity’s sake, the road is as- rooms until the backfill can be added sign, so a system which fills even larg- sumed to crown slightly, but average to support them. er areas of the island requires a spell half a pace thick. If the player characters use a ritual of even greater complexity. Negotiate In Hermetic magic, all perma- to raise a series of identical houses, within the troupe. nent creations spells are rituals, and the level of the spell is dependent all rituals are, at minimum, level 20. on their number and complexity. A This means that for a simple shape, useful trick is to leave thin pieces of Surface Structures like a road, it’s no easier to create a stone connecting the houses, as this permanent road ten paces long than means they can be created as an In- Magi who are highly skilled in one of the maximum length for this dividual item, rather than as a Group Creo Terram might, in theory, create spell, which is 3.78 miles. of houses. the superficial buildings of the island If the road’s design is complex

60 Transforming Mythic Europe

Creation of the Every additional magnitude mul- es in water level than those found Walls of Simple Cottages tiplies the number of cottages by 10. elsewhere in Mythic Europe. This al- CrTe 20 An additional magnitude allows lows large cargoes to be transported. R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Indi- the characters to create a mass of A limiting factor is that canal boats vidual, Ritual. non-identical cottages. require power, and lacking magical This spell creates a series of iden- (Base 3, +1 Touch, +4 size, +2 assistance, this is usually provided by tical stone enclosures each suitable, complexity. These cottages must be the canal’s current, the wind, or by once roofed, shuttered, and portaled, linked by thin pieces of connecting animals on towpaths. A single horse for housing a family. Assuming each stone, to allow the Individual Target.) can draw 30 tons of cargo on a barge, cottage is internally 30 feet long, 15 but larger cargoes require teams of feet wide, and has walls that average horses or oxen. 6 feet high and 1 foot thick, each re- Creation of a Magi may consider the current in quires 540 cubic feet of stone. That is Well-Appointed Town the canals they create. The stronger 20 cubic paces of stone (although that CrTe 30 the current, the faster goods travel makes no allowance for doorways or R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Indi- downstream, but the more difficult it windows). vidual, Ritual is for animals to drag cargoes against Hermetic magic requires that This spell creates the well-ap- the current. On many Mythic Euro- spells of permanent creation be ritu- pointed cottages described in an ear- pean rivers, for example, goods are als, and that all rituals be 4th magni- lier spell, the road between them, and floated downstream on rafts, which tude. This spell requires a magnitude the sewage and water pipes which are are then broken up for lumber since it for doing complex things, because it contained within the road. At this is uneconomical to reuse them. Magi creates multiple objects in a precise level, the spell creates 8 cottages. Ev- may, for example, create parallel ca- series. This means that it’s as simple ery additional magnitude multiplies nals with opposing currents, either by to create one cottage in this manner the number of cottages by 10. magic, or by strategic design of their as to create the maximum possible, An added magnitude allows the island’s geography. which given the amount of stone pro- magus to create a series of cottages duced is 5. Every magnitude added which are non-identical, creating a to the spell multiplies the number of town less regimented in appearance. A System of Narrow Canals cottages produced by ten. (Base 3, +1 Touch, +4 size, +2 CrTe 20 (Base 3, +1 Touch, +2 size, +1 complexity) R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Indi- complexity. For this spell to be cre- vidual, Ritual ated, thin connecting pieces of stone In this spell, it is assumed that the Water Works must run between the houses, to allow canal is stone-lined, 2 paces deep and the Individual target. A Group Target 5 paces wide. It has straight sides, and would add 2 magnitudes.) Water can be stored in cisterns or has no locks. The wall of the canal is lakes, can be channeled in aqueducts half a pace thick. or rivers, or can be used to create ca- Due to the Hermetic restriction Creation of a Legion nals. Canals and lakes can be used to which makes all rituals level 20 spells, of Appointed Cottages raise freshwater fish, to irrigate crops, there’s no advantage to a magus who CrTe 30 and to rapidly transport goods. They chooses to create canal network of R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Indi- can also be used as sewers, or sepa- less than maximum length, which is vidual, Ritual rate pipes or trenches can be created 1.26 miles. This spell creates a series of iden- for waste disposal. Canals, unlike (Base 3, +1 Touch, + 4 size) tical houses, each fitted with a stone streets, can be washed clear daily, by roof two inches thick, a stone floor a the action of the tide. This removes Slightly more powerful spells can foot thick, and stone doors and shut- evil airs. Cities built on canals, like create far larger canal systems. A level ters each an inch thick. The moving Alexandria and Ravenna, have been 25 spell creates 12.62 miles of canals, parts are on stone pivot points. Each praised for the purity of their air, and a level 20 spell creates 126.26 miles of house has stone plumbing for water the health of their residents, since Im- canals, and so on. and sewage. Each cottage requires perial times. Note that this spell can also be 110 cubic paces of stone, allowing the Canals built by magi can be wider, used to create irrigation ditches and construction of 9 cottages. deeper and less constrained by chang- roadside drains.

61 Transforming Mythic Europe Players who have chosen clay fill for The Creation of a Forest How Many their island must make their own calcu- CrHe 40 lations, as a clay bottom is waterproof R: Touch D: Momentary, T: Group, Peasants Are Needed? and does not need to be lined with Ritual stone. Player who have chosen stone This spell creates a thousand ma- A typical manor, for a landed fill for their island can reclaim some of ture trees (Size +2). Each added mag- knight, is 600 acres. This includes their material by including canals. nitude multiples this number of trees a mixture of land types, and highly by 10. fertile land can reduce this by a An added magnitude allows the third. This provides 20 Mythic Canals that Accommodate magus to precisely mix the varieties Pounds of income, before expenses, Seagoing Vessels of plant he creates. each year. Such a manor requires CrTe 20 (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 big initial between 5 and sixty peasant families, R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Indi- individual, +2 Group, +3 size) depending on which industries they vidual, Ritual pursue. This means: The average seagoing vessel in the northern waters of Mythic Europe The Creation of Acorns Aplenty • An island 3 miles across, with carries 20 tons of cargo. It has a draft CrHe 20 land of average fertility, can sup- of about 2 paces, although larger and R: Touch D: Momentary, T: Group, port about 10 manors, which is heavily laden vessels may have a draft Ritual the equivalent to a small county. of just over 3 paces. It is about 6 pac- This spell creates a vast pile of • An island 30 miles across, with es wide, although far larger ships are acorns, totaling 1 000 cubic paces in land of average fertility, can sup- known. A canal which could accept volume. An added magnitude (or report about 755 manors. such a vessel, (14 paces wide to al- duction of the volume to one tenth) • An island 300 miles across, with low vessels to pass each other, 4 paces allows the maga to precisely mix the land of average fertility, can sup- deep and half a pace thick), created varieties of seeds she creates. The port 75,428 manors. by this spell, can be up to 909 paces maga may use other Creo spells – not long. rituals this time – to mature each tree, By way of comparison, about An added magnitude creates a ca- or can use a vast ritual to mature every 1,500 manors in England are held by nal just over 5 miles long, two added plant within the Boundary the wall warrior knights, and another 1,500 magnitudes creates a channel 51 miles creates. are held by gentlemen who could belong, and so on. (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 Group. come knights, but don’t want to pay This spell can also be used to cre- +3 size) the related taxes. There are many ate stone lined riverbeds. other, unlanded, knights in the ser- (Base 3, +1 Touch, + 4 size) vice of landed nobles. The Creation of Verdant Grassland Animal Life Surface Life CrHe 10 R: Touch D: Momentary, T: Group, Having created an island the player Ritual There are no native animals on characters need to develop it, so that it This spell covers just under 1.25 the island, unless the sigil of the cre- is something other than a desert of soil acres of land with thick grass about ating maga causes their spontaneous and stone and structures. a pace high. Wheat is, of course, a creation. They rapidly appear even grass. Characters making an island 3 without the assistance of the player miles across have just over 6000 acres characters. Most insects are self-gen- Creating Fields and Forests of land. Player characters adding 4 erating in Mythic Europe. Birds and magnitudes to this spell can cover just bats rapidly colonise the island, the Forests and fields can be created over 12,000 acres of land. precise varieties being influenced by with a single spell, since both are with- (Base 1, +1 Touch. +2 Group, the placement of the new land, and in the purview of Herbam spells. If the +1 size) prevailing weather patterns. If there characters wish to create them sepa- are no elevated and hidden places on rately, they can use the spells below. the island, the birds and bats settle

62 Transforming Mythic Europe around human habitations. Once ships begin to arrive, mice, rats and Story Seeds: Stolen Things of Natural Beauty cats are introduced to the islands. Larger animals may be introduced Some areas of fantastic appeal retreats, so the player charac- by magi, but may also be introduced are tethered to the Magic Realm, ter, riding his stolen hill, may by faeries. and skilful magi can simply steal find he has company. these areas and move them to their island. Doing this may pro- A Pile of Rotting Beef voke various forms of resistance: A Careful Removal CrAn 35 of a Perfect Landscape • Many magical sites have spirits R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Group ReTe 35*, Ritual which dwell in, and protect them. Bees, which are vital for the pro- R: Touch, D: Moon, T: Boundary* • Characters moving chunks of duction of most crops, are gener- This spell slices off a piece of the countryside are creating and ated by the decay of the corpses of countryside, and allows the magus to crossing boundaries, and pro- cows. Player characters who cre- float it through the air, at the speed of viding unique opportunities ate too many bees before they have a running horse. The magus can ride for faeries. flowers must watch them starve, but on the piece of land, if he wishes. • The owner of the land is likely players who have flowers, and no (Base 3, +1 Touch, +3 Moon, +4 to treasure it, and may seek out bees, must watch them wither. For- Boundary, * remember to add further the thieves of his land. tunately, things generated by magi- magnitudes to increase Boundary size.) cally created animals persist even if • Some beautiful sites are hermit the spell’s duration ends. Clever magi

Story Seeds: Acquiring Ancient Structures

Many ancient structures might erful tether for the new island. Stonehenge suit the player characters, but most There are several powerful forc- are valued, and therefore guarded, es that resist the theft of the stone. Stonehenge has already been moved by the magi of the surrounding Tri- These include: once. The Giants’ Dance, as it was origi- bunals. A few exceptions exist, and nally called, since it is made of petrified player characters who make a Magic • The Redcaps of London, who giants, was originally in Ireland. The sor- Lore or Area Lore roll against an are likely to resist its removal, cerer Merlin moved it, to act as the grave Ease Factor of 9 can describe them and blame any downturn in marker of Uther Pendragon. to their sodales. their trade on its loss. Player characters might take inspira- • The faerie spirits of London, tion from this, and move it a second time. who see it as the true center The Stone of London of the town, on which all binding promises are made, The Second Remove In a street in the middle of Lon- so its loss shatters the local of the Giant’s Dance don is a stone which is said to be courts and ignites a general linked to the prosperity of the city. ReTe 35, Ritual war among the faerie nobility. It was an altar to Diana, used by R: Touch, D: Moon, T: Structure • The Romans, who saw it as Brutus, prince of the Trojans, when This spell allows the magus to up- the stone from which every he landed on the island that now root a structure and float it through the distance in Roman Britain was bears his name. This means that it air, at the speed of a running horse. measured; now the ghosts of is a portable object associated with The magus can ride the structure, if it the Romans — and whatever the founding of nations and sov- is sufficiently strong to take his weight. vestiges of the spirits they ereignty magic, that is at least ten (Base 3, +1 stone, +1 Touch, +3 served that remain —prize the centuries old. Stealing it is one of Moon, +3 Structure) stone and its significance. the easiest ways of gaining a pow-

63 Transforming Mythic Europe

can simply strew their island with dead cows, using Sun duration spells like this one, and the bees which arise from these corpses are natural. This spell creates ten cow carcasses. Magi wanting to absolutely ensure they have bees can add a Perdo requisite, to make the corpses rot as they wish. Alternatively they can use spells like Growth of Creeping Things, bees being one of the insects created when destroying beef. (Base 10, +1 Touch +2 Sun +2 Group)

Mystical Features

After the player characters create their island, and deal with the immediate problems of housing themselves, their chattels, and their followers, they face a greater problem. The is- Story Seeds for the Residue of Great Magic land is new and artificial; Magic auras, and the vis which arises in them, The residues of great magic can a ritual, which is opposed by the Spirit tend to be found near sites of ancient come to the island in two ways. Player of Place with all its power. Spirits of magic or natural beauty. characters can seek out ruined sites of Place, listed under the Latin name of If the characters realize this great mystical significance and trans- Genius Loci, are described on page 106 problem in advance, they can make port them to the magic land. They of Realms of Power: Magic. preparations. If they do not prepare, might instead attract magi who per- then they must ameliorate. form great works. Magi who Perform Great Works Theft of a Auras Place of Great Works Player characters can ask great magi from other Tribunals to travel to Magic auras develop in four main When moving the superficial fea- the island, and perform great works ways. Areas of great natural beauty tures of a place which contains the resi- while guests. The player characters develop auras through their innate due of great magic, the aura is usually may lobby other covenants in their connection to the Magic Realm. An- left behind. This is because the spirit Tribunal to accept a Dedication, a legal cient structures slowly develop magi- of the place is tied not to a particular recognition of the covenant as a place cal tethers. The residue of powerful physical feature, but to the location it- given a particular task. This draws spe- rituals can create an aura. Magical self. This can be overcome by a Rego cialists in the field, or at least their ap- creatures live in Magic auras, and Vim spell, or a Vim requisite as part of a prentices, from across the Order. This whether they create the aura, or larger Rego Terram spell which moved eventually allows the creation of new merely strengthen them by their con- the landscape’s features. This spell is rituals, which as they are tested create tinued habitation, is unclear. usually complicated enough to require magical residue, tethers and an aura.

64 Transforming Mythic Europe Dexithea: a Telechine

The telechines were a small group Toxic Visage), Greater Immunity: Powers: of titans who fought on the Olympi- fire; Master of Aquam Creatures, Stygian Waters, 5 points, Init –4, Aquam. an side during the first Titanomachy. Master of Terram Creatures, Mi- The telechines, betrayed by the They were wizards and smiths. They nor Virtues (Good Teacher, 4 x Olympians, were the first race to created the sickle of Cronus and the Great Characteristic, 5 x Improved create a weapon of mass destruc- trident of Posideon who was, accord- Characteristics, Keen Vision, Lesser tion. They found that by mixing ing to some, their foster-son. After the Immunity: all weapons contain- Stygian water (which is Perdo vis) first Titanomachy the home of the tel- ing copper, Puissant Smith, Tough, with sulfur they could create a poi- echines, Rhodes, was invaded by the Ways of the Deep Earth, Ways of son fatal to all men, beasts, and followers of Athena. The telechines the Waters), Personal Power (Hu- plants. This power requires vis to hid within Poseidon’s realm, for he man Shape), Voice of the Waters use, but produces sufficient poison was always their ally and was a rival * This power represents Dexithea’s to kill ten thousand men, or a vast of Athena’s, and created a new weap- ability to craft magic items, but she number of plants and animals. The on. The telechines emerged from the has a stockpile, so she doesn’t nec- telechines can use their mastery of ocean and used a terrible poison to essarily need it each time she gives storms to spread this poison. blight the land. This weapon, which a mortal an item. She recovers from (Base: CrAq 25, +1 Touch, +4 could kill even gods, terrified and the creation of permanent items additional doses) repulsed the Olympians. They de- only slowly, although she can speed Toxic Visage, 5 points, Init. –4, Corpus stroyed the fortress of the telechines her recovery by consuming vis. or Animal. People or animals who with lightning. Combat: catch sight of the true face of the What happened to the surviving Bite: Init +1, Attack +15, Defense +8, telechine die. The telechine is such telechines is unclear. Some say they Damage +5 a competent shapeshifter that it can were all killed. Other writers report Dexithea is perfectly capable of alter just its face, and for just a mo- that they were scattered and took biting, but prefers to simply kill with ment, so that a single person in a refuge in the depths of the sea. Many her looks. group conversation dies. others says a single telechine was al- Soak: +5, if unarmored. Dexithea has (Base PeCo 30, +1 for Animal requi- lowed to live. The reasons they give some fantastic bronze armor made site, +1 Eye, +2 Sun) vary: was she the wet-nurse of Posei- with Grant Virtue, which adds +12 Vis: 9 pawns Aquam, body don? She went into exile, and made a to her Soak. Appearance: In her natural form, Dex- home for herself deep in the sea, but Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, ithea looks like a human torso with she sometimes wanders the world, Unconscious flippers for hands and feet, the head garbed with human contours. Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), of a dog, and flaming eyes. The –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), sight of her, in this shape, is fatal for Magic Might: 45 (Terram) Dead (21+) most people. She is an exception- Season: Winter Abilities: Ancient Greek 5 (fisherfolk), ally skilled shapeshifter, and may Characteristics: Int +5, Per +2, Pre 0, 5 x Area Lore 2 (some old place take any human form she wishes. Com +2. Str +2, Sta +2, Dex +5, of hiding), Athletics 5 (running), Dexithea can perfectly replicate a Qik +1 Awareness 5 (fairies), Bargain 5 particular human, if she has time to Size: 0 (faeries), Brawl 5 (bite), Carouse examine his or her features. Virtues and Flaws: Magic Human; 2 (fisherfolk), Charm 2 (fisher- Death Prophecy; 3 x Improved folk), Craft: Smith 10+2 (bronze), Blood of the Telechines Characteristics, Strong Willed; Dominion Lore 2 (attitude to ti- A character who has the blood of Magical Monster; Plagued by tans), Faerie Lore 2 (Olympians), the telechines adds +1 to her Dexter- Olympian Faeries; Proud (Minor). French 5 (fisherfolk), Imperial ity and gains an additional Major Vir- Qualities and Inferiorities: 4 x Focus Latin 5 (fisherfolk), Infernal Lore tue, usually Ways of the Waters. All Power (Crafter of Terram, Bringer 2 (smiths), Intrigue 2 (faeries), telechines, and their descendants, are of Storms and Snows, Self Trans- Leadership 2 (zealots), Magic hated by faeries that claim descent formation at level 50), Grant Major Lore 5 (other telechines), Swim 5 from Olympians, and have the Super- Virtue (Create Magic Item*), 2 x (ocean), Teaching 5 (smiths). natural Nuisance Flaw. Greater Powers (Stygian Mixture,

65 Transforming Mythic Europe

Natural Beauty An Aspect of Phorcys Sites of great natural beauty can Phorcys was the Lord of ** includes +5 fire damage from provide the tether for an aura. These the Barren Sea before Poseidon torch. can be incorporated into the magi’s usurped the kingdom. He was Soak: Spiky chitinous shell +4 island by finding an uninhabited rock offered sacrifices because he was Wound Penalties: –1 (1–11), –3 (12– which has an aura, and then wrapping the God of Death in the Sea, and 23), –5 (24–35), Incapacitated the island about it. Alternatively, the Father of Sea Monsters, but he (36–47), Dead (48+) the player characters can find a wasn’t a terribly responsive god, Abilities: Ancient Greek 5 (fisherfolk), place where the actions of the wind so his worship sharply declined Aquam Resistance 5 (magic), Area or waves are archetypal. These after faeries began to meddle. Lore: The Sea 8 (barren areas), tethers are outside of the island, but The occasional ruined temple to Awareness 4 (victims), Brawl 10 conveniently close for the purposes of Phorcys can still be found about the (claw), Faerie Lore 2 (Olym- Mediterranean. If player characters pians), Folk Ken 3 (fisherfolk), the magi. can design a spell that summons French 5 (fisherfolk), Magic Lore Finding places of archetypal an Aspect of Phorcys, he may be 5 (his monstrous children), Sin- elemental action is easiest in the convinced to stay in the waterways gle Weapon 10 (torch), Swim 5 Atlantic, which is the epitomic of the island. Alternatively, if (ocean), Ocean, and so has majestic waves of the player characters destroy the Powers: incomparable size. This may provide Dogger Bank, and so make much of Crafter of Water, 1–3 points, Init. 4 – a weak tether, and an accompanying the North Sea sterile, an avatar may Might cost, Aquam: Duplicates weak aura. be automatically generated. Such any Creo Aquam or Rego Aquam an avatar is inclined to be friendly spell of level 35 or below at the Ancient Structures toward the magi, much as a titan of cost of 1 Might point per magni- bees would favor magi who create a tude of the spell. flower thirty miles wide. Enliven the Gross Water, 4 points, Init. Structures gain mystical –13, Aquam: Creates and controls associations slowly. As a general rule, Magic Might: 40 (Aquam) an elemental of Might up to 39, each century adds 1 to the strength of Season: Winter or a pre-existing elemental, the tether. Structures can, however, be Characteristics: Int +1, Per +1, Pre although this requires the power moved, and still retain some of their +2, Com +1, Str +17, Sta +1, Dex to Penetrate. magical potency. Player characters +3, Qik –3 Master of Water, 1–3 points, Init. 4 – who seek to create an aura on their Size: +6 Might cost, Aquam: Duplicates island using ancient structures need Virtues and Flaws: Magic Spirit; any Muto or Perdo Aquam spell to acquire and transport these — Daimon; 2 x Great Character- of level 35 or below at the cost sometimes tremendously large and istic, 5 x Improved Character- of 1 Might point per magnitude ungainly — stone objects. istics; Magical Monster, Super- of the spell. natural Nuisance; No Fatigue, Vis: 8 pawns Aquam, body Proud (minor) Appearance: Phorcys is an The Residue of Great Magic Qualities and Inferiorities*: 2 x Fo- enormous merman covered in cus Powers (Crafter of From and a spiny red shell. Long straight Magical tethers are created by Master of Form), 5 x Gigantic, horns crown his brow. He rituals of level 45 or higher. The Ritual Power (Enliven the Gross carries a tremendously large rituals required to create the wall and Water); Aquam Resistance, 3 x and – strangely considering his the fill are not of sufficient power to Improved Attack, 2 x Improved environment – perpetually lit create a preternatural tether, unless Damage, 2 x Improved Initiative torch, which he uses as a weapon. the characters have elected to create * 6 spare Qualities He has two large claws, on extra a vast island. More detail on mystical Combat: arms, which join his torso where Torch: Init+2, Attack +21, Dee +13, his hips would be, if he did not tethers is found in Realms of Power: Damage +27** have a huge tail. Magic, page 10. Player characters can, 2 claw feet Init 0, Attack +21, Defense however, still seek the residues of +13, Damage +24 great magic as rewards in stories.

66 Transforming Mythic Europe the lAir of greAt mAgicAl creAtures Story Seed: Story Seeds: A Spare Farthing Faerie Kings Places where potent spirits dwell eventually develop auras. Potent spirits The greatest treasure with The player characters may usually prefer to live in Magic auras, so a link to the North Sea is that of wish to attract a powerful faerie to this strategy is best used once one of King John. His baggage train was the island. This great being is able the other methods has created a weak lost in a tidal surge as his forces to maintain some control over the aura that the spirit can inhabit. crossed the Wash, just over three many minor spirits which follow Two creatures who might be years ago. No part of the treasure settlers to the new land. If the convinced to come to the covenant has been recovered, save one tiny player characters do not appoint and make their lair among the magi piece. A little, fl at crown, a hand a mortal king, it is possible that a are provided nearby: a telechine and span across and made of gold, was faerie simply usurps that role. an aspect of Phorcys. found by a laborer in the bog. It In nearby inserts two faerie was perhaps the golden rim of a kings are detailed: the fi rst must cup. This element of the hoard be courted, the second comes as Lack Of Vis might act as an Arcane Connection an invader. Manannan Mac Lir is to the rest. Sadly, the Redcap who an Irish faerie sovereign known Vis tends to form in areas which heard the story of the fi nd, from to anyone familiar with the faerie have Magic auras, and, as noted in the reed cutter, says that man sold lore of Ireland or the Isle of Man. the previous section, these are rare on it to a passing merchant for a far- Tursus is a ferocious god of nort- newly created islands. Characters may thing. How do the characters fi nd ern merfolk, likely to accompany get the vis they require through trade, the merchant? waves of invading Norse. by hunting it in nearby areas, or by calling faeries to the island. trADe

Characters lacking spare vis may trade for it, but vis is valuable, and what can the magi of the magic land offer in exchange for it? One possibility is to design the covenant so that it provides services to magi from surrounding Tribunals. the surrounDing seAs

The lack of readily available vis sources on land may force the magi to seek it on the surrounding seas. Some vis is generated by natural events, like waves and storms, the epitomize their type. Other sources have a more obscure origin, like ambergris and am- ber, washing ashore. Rumors of ghosts ships and strange natural phenomena become story hooks.

67 Transforming Mythic Europe Manannan Mac Lir

Sometimes thought of as the god Personality Traits: Mercurial +3, (As Crafter of Imaginem and Master of the Isle of Man, Manannan was, Proud +3 of Imaginem, with an added Virtue before the coming of Saint Patrick, Combat: to raise spell level) the god of Irish sailors. Faeries claim- Giant Flaming Wheel* Init –2, Attack +11, Distant Eidolon: 0 points, Init –1, Imagi- ing the role have been found in many Defense +8, Damage +10 ** nem: Allows the creation of an illu- areas around the Irish Sea, responding Size 0 Human form (Fatal Sword***): Init +2, sory form to give messages. Manan- to stories bought by Irish traders or set- Attack +14, Defense +12, Damage nan often uses this form to converse, tlers. When Manannan was cast out of +7 **** which gives him an Arcane Con- the Isle of Man by Saint Patrick, a fa- * In terms of physical combat, this is nections to those he speaks with, erie set up a court on the Isle of Arran. perhaps Manannan’s most danger- under some circumstances. The faerie wizard-king no longer dwells ous form. It does, however, prevent (Costs 35 spell levels: Base 2, +2 there, having withdrawn to Faerie cen- him using his terrible sword and move at direction, +4 Arcane, +2 turies ago. The island is now claimed impenetrable armor. In this form he Sun, +1 intricacy of effect, +2 intri- by a clutch of Criamon magi who study has +8 Strength, –2 Quickness due cacy points to reduce cost. Manan- regiones. The covenant on the Isle of to his Size (+4) aan could theoretically also produce Arran can, however, show the player ** In addition to the damage of being this effect with his Focus Power, but characters the path to Mannanan’s struck, Mannanan’s flaming form that would more than double its realm, which is called Tir Tairngire (the does +15 damage. Since this is part Might cost.) Land of Promise), or Emain Ablach (the of his body, rather than a Power, it is Extended Glamor: 0 points, constant, Isle of Apples, or the Isle of Women, or not resisted by the Parma Magica. Mentem: Grants awareness of ev- Avalon, depending on your translation). *** For every +1 Size, add +2 Str and erything that happens within the Manannan is not designed as a –1 Qik (and also therefore +2 Dmg bounds of a specific domain chosen player character. and –1 Init and Dfn) by the faerie. In essence, the faerie **** In addition to this damage, the is coterminous with its associated Faerie Might: 55 (Corpus) touch of the sword allows the use of landscape feature, so it is present Characteristics: Int +5, Per +2, Pre +2, the Stroke of Death power. simultaneously everywhere within Com 0, Str +2, Sta +1, Dex +1, Soak: +21 in his magical breastplate, its boundaries. The faerie’s Might Qik +1 +11 in his flaming wheel form; in score determines the size of area Size: Manannan is a shapeshifter of his environmental forms his Soak is possible: Mannanan gets his island such skill that his Size is whatever basically limitless. or any other large Boundary, should his passing fancy makes it. To rep- Wound Penalties he choose to leave the island. resent this he has been given the Size 0 human form: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), The area controlled by the faerie Huge Virtue and the Growth and –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), can produce a yearly harvest of Shrinking Focus powers. Assume he Dead (21+) (Might/10) pawns of vis of an ap- can take any form between size 6 Giant flaming wheel form: –1 (1–10), –3 propriate Form, which manifests and –6, and that he can use illusions (11–20), –5 (21–30), Incapacitated as physical objects within the con- to appear even bigger or smaller. (31–40), Dead (41+) trolled region. Removing this vis Virtues and Flaws: At least 4 Grant Ma- Powers: does not harm the faerie if it is bar- jor Virtue (each of his magic items), The powers below assume Manan- gained for. This is the power that 6 x Focus Powers, 9 x Greater Faerie nan is in size 0 human form. If he allows faeries to extend auras about Power, Highly Cognizant, Extend changes shape so that his Qik score themselves: in Mannanan’s case he Glamor, Huge; External Vis (all of declines the Init of his powers is simi- can create an aura of 6, and can his treasures), Faerie Sight, Faerie larly reduced. open gates to Faerie (using his Spirit Speech, 10 x Increased Might (mi- Lord of Imaginem: Magnitude/5 points, Away power). nor), Sight Beyond Sight; Tradition- Init –Magnitude+1, Imaginem: This (Special) al Ward (Dominion)* Focus Power, which requires three Fleet of Woodchips or Rushes 3 points, Init * Although he cannot face down the Greater Virtues, allows Manannan –4, Imaginem: Dominion, he often pretends to be to use any Imaginem effect that is On many occasions, Mannanan has a monk, to trick people into doing not a ritual and lacks requisites, so created fleets out of woodchips or virtuous things. long as it is level 40 or below. by weaving little boats out of rush-

68 Transforming Mythic Europe Manannan Mac Lir cont.

es. With these, he has scared away around it, gives him very broad lati- the island. invaders from his islands. This spell tude in the use of this power. Costs 35 spell levels (Base 4, +4 creates an illusory fleet of one hun- (Focus powers act like spontaneous Arcane, remembering that faeries dred vessels, crewed with soldiers. spells, assume he can cast any ap- can create Arcane Connections Costs 45 spell levels: CrIm Base 2 propriate spell to level 25, and that easily, +2 Sun, 2 intricacy points (sight, sound), +1 Touch, +2 Sun, it costs him 1 Might per magnitude) spent on cost) +3 Structure, +2 size of group (100 Shift Human Shapes: 0 points, Init 0, Cor- Transform into Impenetrable Fog: 0 points ships), +2 move at command, 2 in- pus: Allows the character to change Init –3, Auram: Transforms the fa- tricacy points spent on cost.) its appearance to any human con- erie into a great cloud, which can be Grant Lost Love Flaw: Init –9, Vim: Manan- figuration, although this cannot be used to hide the island. nan can shake his cloak between used to replicate the features of a Costs 40 spell levels. (Base 30 +2 two people and ensure they never specific person. Manannan uses this Sun, 4 intricacy points spent on cost) meet again. Being a cunning faerie, to roam the countryside, perform- Transform into Tide: 4 points Init–3, he has allies with potions of forget- ing tricks. Aquam: Transforms the character fulness, which he administers after Costs 5 spell levels (Base 3 +2 Sun, into the upper layer of the sea, so using this Ritual Power temporar- 1 intricacy point to reduce cost) that he can carry boats as he wishes. ily. This allows him to lift the curse Spirit Away: variable points, n/a, Vim: Transform into Thunderstorm: 4 points Init and recover his Might. His wife, for allows Manannan to act as a –3, Auram: Transforms the character example, underwent this procedure. threshold guardian, as described into a vast, black bank of thunder- (Special) in the Faerieland Chapter of Realms clouds. Allows him to blow tempes- Growth and Shrinking: Magnitude/5 of Power: Faerie. Indeed, Irish faeries tuous winds and drive hail at his foes. points, Init –Magnitude+1, Corpus: think he’s the one who showed the Costs 40 spell levels. (Base 30 +2 The character can reconfigure the rest of them how to enter Faerie in Sun) matter and magic in its body into the first place. (Special) Transform into Wheel of Flame: 4 points Init a series of increasingly large, or in- Stroke of Death: 0 points, constant, as tar- –3, Ignem: Transforms the character creasingly tiny frames. get: This is the power that makes into a wheel of flame. (Focus powers work like Spontane- Manannan’s sword lethally sharp. Costs 40 spell levels. (Base 30 +2 ous spells: these two powers, each The high level of effect would Sun) bought as a separate Virtue, allows tend to make this spell ineffectual Pretenses: Many, including Brawl 9 (gi- Manannan to use any spell of level against the Parma Magica, but sto- ant flaming wheel), Charm 9 (get- 25 of below that alters his size. Each ryguides and players with Faerie ting people to talk to him), Penetra- use of this power costs 1 Might per Lore are reminded that Manannan tion 9 (Stroke of Death power), and magnitude of the effect. Remember can craft Arcane Connections to Single Weapon 9 (short sword) also, that Mannanan’s Shift Human anyone who speaks to him while in Vis: 11 Rego vis in a shattered Celtic Shapes power resets his size to +0, if combat (multiplier 2), who eats or crown. he wishes it to. This is unusual.) drinks anything on his isle (2), who Appearance: Manannan’s shapeshifting Manifestation: Magnitude/5 points, Init – is wounded (3), or who has sex with powers are such that he may ap- Magnitude+1, Form as appropriate. one of his servants (varies). pear however he wishes. He uses This power manifests the faerie’s Base 30 (minimum for immediately fatal his shapeshifting to a degree that’s consciousness among animal and effects), +1 Touch, +1 constant, +8 extraordinary. When he chooses to plant life its glamor touches, tempo- intricacy points to reduce cost to 0. look human, he is a tall, elderly man rarily controlling their actions. This Summon the Rider of the Waves: 0 points, Init of noble visage and wealthy garb. power allows the character to simu- –1, Aquam: Similar to Push of the Gen- He sometimes looks like a king, late any Creo Animal, Rego Animal, tle Wave (ArM5 page 124), but has and for other audiences dresses as a Creo Herbam, or Rego Herbam a longer effect, allowing the faerie wizard. Since the stories of wizards effect with a value of 25 spell lev- to appear to upturn small boats, pull his viewers are most familiar with els or less, targeted at the animals objects across the sea, or swim as- are those spread by Jerbiton magi, within its glamor and suiting its mo- sisted by a magical current. Despite Manannan’s magus form wears a tif. Manannan’s motif, that he’s the the name, Manannan can also use pointed hat and a blue cloak, with wizard king of the isle and the seas this power to force ships away from astrological symbols upon each.

69 Transforming Mythic Europe Treasures of Manannan

Manannan is reputed to have ei- which travels as swiftly as he • And, according to some, a hel- ther four or five magic items, which wishes, regardless of the wind. met which grants him perfect he may lend to those who serve him. This appears wherever Manan- invisibility. Treat this as a Perdo Even if these items are lost, they are nan wants it to appear. Imaginem effect, level 40, Pen- so closely tied to his legend that he • A horse named Enbarr (Splendid etration 15). If Mannanan wants instantly has them available again. Mane), which runs faster than his helmet, he’s wearing it. Sometimes he seems not to know the wind, and trots across water. they were ever destroyed. The items Splendid Mane is always nearby. are, probably, expressions of his fa- • A cloak that can have any col- Relation to Other Faeries erie powers. His items are: or, make him invisible, shelter Celtic faeries who acknowledge a place in fog, and prevent two Manannan’s role believe that he: • A sword named Frangarach (An- people from ever meeting again.

swerer) which always kills his • A bag of crane skin, which con- • Is the most powerful magician in opponent. Its effects are noted tains the External Vis Sources of their courts. in Manannan’s combat statistics. dozens of dead Irish gods. Each • Gave them the power to become Manannan’s sword appears in his grants a Virtue to a mortal user, invisible, and so can see them hand whenever he needs it. and gives the god a chance to re- when they are so hidden. • A breastplate that no weapon form a body. If Mannanan loses • Gave them the hidden lands in can pierce. This armor has a this item, he cannot reconstitute which to dwell, and so knows Protection score of +20 and the External Vis sources of other how to enter each. changes size to accommodate gods in the way he can recall his • Made them immortal, and can all of Manannan’s human forms. other treasures. take the feast of youth away if If Manannan is not wearing his • A cup which breaks if a lie is he wishes. armor and combat begins, it ap- told by one who drinks from it • Can make humans into faeries. pears instantly, if he so wishes. (but which reforms as Manan- • Is a gatekeeper between the • A ship, named Wave Sweeper, nan wishes). mortal and immortal lands.

Tursus

Tursus is almost a faerie god: he Faerie Might, Faerie Sight, Faerie 24), –5 (25–36), Incapacitated is the lord of beaches festooned with Speech; Monstrous Appearance, (37–48), Dead (49+) seals and plundered for walrus ivory. If Incognizant, Traditional Ward Abilities: Awareness 3 (foes), Brawl 5 the player characters have created an (Norse sea chants to him). (bite), Carouse 2 (drinking), Fa- island with an internal harbor, then he Personality Traits: Belligerent +3, erie Speech 5, Leadership 3 (mor- wishes to raise his throne in its center Brave +3, Greedy +1 tals), Single Weapon 6 (pole axe), and have his minions, the Auvekoejaks, Combat: Thrown Weapon 3 (rocks). enslave nearby human settlements. Brawl (fist) Init –7, Attack +8, Defense Vis: 8 pawns Rego vis, in a walrus tusk Tursus is not designed as a player –2, Damage +20 embedded in a fish. character, although he could be made Brawl (tusks) Init –7, Attack +12, De- Appearance: Imagine a vast walrus, a substitute for a magus by balancing fense 0, Damage +25 but with a human torso, and arms his Virtues with Flaws. Pole Axe: Init –6, Attack +13, Defense 0, instead of foreflippers. Then add Damage +25 a crown of corals and shattered Faerie Might: 40 (Corpus) Thrown Rocks Init –6, Attack +6, De- ships across his pinnipedial brow. Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre 0, fense –3, Damage +16 Tursus attempts to intimidate his Com 0, Str +14, Sta +3, Dex +1, Soak: +7 (thick leather armor made foes by slapping his chest on the Qik –7 of thousands of seal skins sewn to- ground and roaring, which may Size: +7 gether.) require a Brave check, but is not a Virtues and Flaws: Huge, 7 x Increased Wound Penalties: –1 (1–12), –3 (13– supernatural power.

70 Transforming Mythic Europe

The Deeps

The bottom of the sea is a wilderness, little explored by Hermetic magi. Vis on the ocean floor is so difficult to collect that there may be great reserves awaiting harvest. Some magi have developed bathyspheres to allow the exploration of the bottom of the ocean, but many other techniques can be researched which allow characters to access the sea floor. One possibility is to have rooms within the fill of the island that lie on the sea floor. These rooms have access to the ocean, but are Warded so they do not flood. Simple magic items allow player characters to walk along the seabed, encountering elemental spirits, faeries, and the ghosts of sailors.

First Faeries

Faeries are troublesome neighbours, but their presence is valuable for magi. tration roll of 6+ per round. The pos- tice that their island lacks faeries, their Faeries are made from vis. Some can sibility of botching a roll, coupled with associated auras, and vis sources. distil vis. The most powerful faeries also the possibility of someone crossing the Circle of Beat Warding (ArM5 page create Faerie auras, which aid spellcast- circle during the casting and making 120), Ward Against Faeries of the various ing and laboratory work. Player charac- the risk pointless, cautions against their elements, and Ward Against The Beasts of ters can draw faeries to the island delib- use. Spells with the Boundary Target Legend (ArM5 page 120), may be useful erately, but even if they make no effort, require vis, and are rituals, but are in a during individual stories. A Ward’s level faeries will follow the human settlers sense easier and safer to cast. is selected by the caster, but the Touch that the magi recruit. Player characters can place wards Range, Sun Duration and Boundary when the wall is first made, or can Target add 35 levels. install them later in the development Ritual Wards and of the island. Some wards may be repeatedly renewed installations, like a Weather Made Good Other Boundary Spells ward against demons, while others may MuAq 40*, Ritual be created temporarily. For example, R: Touch, D: Moon, T: Boundary One advantage of a land which is before agriculture starts on the island, This spell prevents rain falling on completely encircled by a wall is that its the player characters may choose to the island for a month. It may prove jacket can act as the target for Warding ensure the weather is always good, particularly useful when first settling spells. The circular shape of the land’s while houses and other facilities are the island, as it allows peasants and wall makes it suitable for Ring and Cir- being constructed. supplies to lie unprotected without cle wards, but these are difficult to cast. The Aegis of the Hearth (ArM5 page suffering damage. As per ArM5 page 112, a magus must 161) is an obvious choice of ward. Many * remember to add further magni- trace the Ring or Circle, cannot move magi may wish, initially, to cast about tudes to increase Boundary size. faster than 10 paces per round, and the whole island. The player characters (Base 4, +1 Touch, +3 Moon, must make an Intelligence + Concen- may reconsider this, however, if they no- +4 Bound)

71 Transforming Mythic Europe Auvekoejaks

This tribe of northern merfolk is Ivory-tipped javelin (thrown): Init +1, At- more vicious than their southern cous- tack +5, Defense +3, Damage +5* ins. When the two types come into * Does not include Damaging Effect contact, they often make war on each Soak: +5** other. The relationship is, deliberately, ** Sealskin armor similar to the relationship between the Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), Vikings and the southern nations. As an –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), extension of this, a race of Norse faer- Dead (21+) ies might invade the lands of the Saxon Abilities: Awareness 2 (riches), Brawl 3 and Celtic faeries. This may send mer- (underwater), Faerie Speech 5, Ca- folk noblemen to the court of the magi rouse 2 (singing), Single Weapon 5 as refugees, perhaps followed by whole (axe), Swim 3 (endurance). Thrown tribes of their subjects. Weapon 3 (javelin). Auvekojaks never run out of ammu- Powers: nition. They usually carry five javelins Damaging Effect: 2 points, Init –2,: Ter- and their quivers refill each time they ram: Increases the damage of one of sink beneath the surface of the waves. the faerie’s weapons by +5 for two They strongly prefer to murder their minutes. (Base 5, +1 Part, +1 Diam- enemies with ambushes, by sniping, or eter: note that the Base is lower for by gathering in ranks and maintaining faeries than humans.) rolling fire. Push of the Gentle Wave: 2 points Init –1, Auvekojaks are suitable as replace- Aquam: Similar to the spell of the ments for player character companions, same name (ArM5 page 124), but although their Virtues and Flaws need has a longer effect, allowing the fa- to be balanced, and a Social Interaction erie to appear to upturn small boats, Virtue needs to be selected. A higher pull them out to sea, or swim, as- Might would be useful; the Feast of the sisted by a magical current. Costs Dead Virtue is particularly suitable for 15 spell levels (Base 4, +1 Touch, this type of faerie. +2 Sun) Conversing with the Sea: 3 points, Init –2, Faerie Might: 5 (Corpus or Animal de- Aquam. Allows the faerie to ask pending on type of merfolk) questions of their local part of the Characteristics: Int, 0 Per 0, Pre +1, ocean. Similar to Voice of the Lake, Com 0, Str +1, Sta +1, Dex +2, ArM5 page 122, except that faer- Qik +1 ies can converse with portions of Size: 0 genuine lakes and seas. Costs 25 Virtues and Flaws: 2 x Greater Fa- spell levels (Base 15 +1 Touch +1 erie Powers; Faerie Sight, Faerie Concentration) Speech, Hybrid Form, Personal Transform into Human: 3 points, Init: –2, Faerie Power; Restricted Might (on Corpus. This is treated as a level 25 land), Sovereign Ward (Priests); effect, easier than a complete trans- Aloof, Incognizant. formation into a fish (level 30). Personality Traits: Rapacious +3, al- Equipment: Weapons, armor, buckler though if they conquer an area, this shield, stolen treasures. changes to Greedy +1 Vis: 1 pawn Animal, seal skull. Combat: Appearance: Thse merfolk are seals, Axe and small shield: Init +2, Attack +11, or perhaps walruses, from the Defense +7, Damage +7* waist down. They also wear thick, Brawl: Init: +3, Attack +5, Defense +3, leather clothing, apparently made Damage +5 of sealskins.

72 Transforming Mythic Europe Strategies For Players Feeling Swamped By Choice

Player characters may seek the strategy takes its name from the in- • Create the island. advice of older or wiser magi when as- dependent cities of Northern Italy. • Settle it, however they wish. sessing the many issues which emerge To complete this strategy, the play- Perhaps they create a cadre of from their plot. If they seek out that er characters must (in any order): servants who scour Europe, find- sort of aid, the following scenarios ing the right people for their new could be described to them, to give • Create the island. kingdom. them options to discuss. • Give it mystical features by • Make the land either self-suffi- calling faeries or attracting cient, or able to meet its needs magical spirits. with limited trade. Fitting Into • Settle it and develop industries. • Develop methods for the limited the Current System • Create a political system which trade required. In this strategy, player characters try emphasizes military service by the • Arrange cultural traditions which to make their land seem like a mortal citizenry, and train them in the minimize the harm from predict- kingdom. This allows it to take a place massed use of weapons like the able breaches of secrecy, caused by among the mortal kingdoms, by allow- pike, crossbow, longbow, or war- the True Love flaw, for example. ing surrounding mortals to react the ships. Determine how the magi control the commune. way they would to any other monarch. The Warm Oasis To complete this strategy, the play- • Arrange a place in the hierarchy of the Church. This is harder than if er characters must (in any order): In this strategy, the characters the players have a king who has place their realm in the far north, and negotiated his crown with the • Create the island. use weather control spells to make pope, but support in any of his • Give it mystical features by call- it pleasant, or even habitable. If the many wars may aid the player ing faeries or attracting magical realm is close to Scotland or Denmark, characters here. spirits. then the players may use the Fitting In • Settle the concerns of the Quae- • Settle it and develop industries. strategy. sitores and surrounding Tribunals. • Nominate a king, and have him To complete this strategy, the play- accepted by surrounding kings. er characters must (in any order): Negotiate alliances. The Secret Kingdom • Arrange a place in the hierarchy of • Create the island. the Church. This strategy is based on making • Give it mystical features by call- • Settle the concerns of the Quae- a kingdom, but keeping it secret from ing faeries or attracting magical sitores and surrounding Tribunals. surrounding realms. spirits. • Rule through a puppet dynasty. To complete this strategy, the play- • Settle it, develop a social system, er characters must (in any order): and develop industries if desired. • Arrange methods of trade, if The Commune Model • Arrange methods of hiding the wanted, which make the location island. of the land deniable. In this strategy, the player char- • Give it mystical features by • Arrange a local priesthood, if desired. acters defy the conventions of feu- calling faeries or attracting • Rule directly if Gently Gifted, or dalism, but make destroying them magical spirits. through intermediaries if not. too difficult to be contemplated. The

Other Boundary Spells ously. This means that the player An example of this is The Shrouded characters need to have these Glen, which only works if the vic- There are three considerations for spells prepared — at minimum tim crosses the ward before they magi wanting to use the island’s wall written on a casting tablet – be- see the island. Similarly spells as a Boundary for spell casting. fore they are required. which make the sea rough, or • Some wards need a marked control the winds, need a second • Boundary spells are Rituals, and boundary between the thing they marked Boundary, outside the Rituals cannot be cast spontane- are protecting and the outside. walls, to act as their target.

73 Transforming Mythic Europe

• The basic Boundary is only 100 are seeing. A magus who is not looking Makes the wall, and everything paces wide, so islands created for a particular thing can simply within it, invisible, no matter what using the methods described in this ramble through the impressions of the residents of the island do. The chapter require spells with additional nearby animals. A magus seeking a residents can see the contents of the magnitudes for the size of their particular thing in these perceptions island, so long as they do not step targets. As examples, a circular island must make a Perception + Awareness outside the Boundary. Enemies who with a diameter of 3 miles requires roll vs. an Ease Factor of 12 to fi nd still reach the walls are able to see the 2 added magnitudes, a 30 mile what he seeks. contents of the island normally once diameter island requires 3 added A level 45 version lasts a day. the Boundary has been crossed. magnitudes, and a 300 mile wide * Remember to add further magni- * Remember to add further magni- island requires 4 added magnitudes. tudes to increase Boundary size. tudes to increase Boundary size. (Base 10, +1 Touch, +1 Conc, (Base 4, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +4 +4 Bound.) Bound, +1 requisite, +1 changing image) The Command of Every Beast ReAn 20*, Ritual R: Touch, D: Conc., T: Boundary Fumigant of Minor Demons Murderous Woodland This spell allows the magus to PeVi General*, Ritual ReHe 55*, Ritual give a command to every beast on the R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Boundary. R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Boundary island. Commands for large groups A variant of Demon’s Eternal Oblivion Wakens and mobilizes every tree of animals can be no longer than a (ArM5, page 160) designed to destroy on the island, forcing them to fol- sentence, because there are simply all of the minor infernal spirits on the low simple commands. The trees can too many minds to control. island. The demons affected have a walk at human pace, and fight using A level 25 version has D: Sun. Might equal to the spell’s level –25, their branches. * Remember to add further magni- lower if the Boundary is larger. * Remember to add further magnitudes to increase Boundary size. * Remember to add further magnitudes to increase Boundary size. (Base 2, +1 Touch, +1 Conc, tudes to increase Boundary size. (Base 10, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +4 +4 Bound) (Base effect (Gen), +1 Touch, Bound, +2 size of plants) +4 Bound)

The Eyes of Every Beast Remembered Messages InAn 40*, Ritual The Lost City MuMe 20*, Ritual R: Touch, D: Conc., T: Boundary PeIm 45, Ritual R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Boundary This spell allows the magus to R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Boundary*, To use this spell successfully re- sense what the animals of the island Req: Rego quires a little preparation, because

74 Transforming Mythic Europe Story Seed: Faerie Tribes

Merfolk and selkies, both described Size: +3 Damage and Damaging Effect. in Realms of Power: Faerie, are both found Virtues and Flaws: 2 x Huge; Faerie Soak: +15 (Strange scale armor) in the North Sea, and so are obvious Sight, Faerie Speech, Hybrid Form, Wound Penalties: –1 (1–8), –3 (8–16), candidates for stories set about the 2 x Improved Characteristics; Less- –5 (17–24), Incapacitated (25–32), fishing grounds. Rather than repeating er Power, Incognizant, Sovereign Dead (33+) creatures well known to players, sto- Ward (Code of Honor) is common: Pretenses (as Abilities): Athletics 4 ryguides may prefer something a little a faerie with this Flaw that breaks (long-distance running), Aware- more unusual, such as the beings below. its code is destroyed as its glamour ness 3 (noises), Thrown 5 (javelin), unweaves. Brawl 2 (kick), Carouse 2 (drinking), Personality Traits: Brave +2, Chivalry +1 Chirurgy 2 (centaurs)*, Craft: any 1, Icthyocentaur Warriors Combat: Faerie Speech 4 (oratory), Hunt 2 Each icthyocentaur has a Single (humans), Single Weapon 5 (club or This is a tribe of faeries who, in a Weapon Pretense with a score of 5 lance), Survival (grassland) 2 distorted way, copy the chivalric rul- and a specialization bonus of 1. Each * Like most faeries, centaurs heal su- ing class of the surrounding kingdoms. centaur also has Brawl, with a score of pernaturally quickly. They don’t, They do not need to breathe, but have 2 and a bonus of 1 for specialization. however, notice. all the appearance of amphibiousness, The statistics below assume the cen- Equipment: Weapons including gills, webbed fingers and taur is specialized in each weapon. For Vis: 1 pawn Animal, coral encrusted ar- plates of scales over their bodies. Their a specialized brawler, add 3 to Attack mor. scales are similar to armor plates, and and Defense for Brawl (fist) and Brawl Appearance: Like all centaurs these the strange crests on their heads are (kick), and subtract 3 from any one are a composite of horse and hu- almost like the helm crests of knights. other weapon. man, joined so that the human torso Individual icthyocentaurs have various Brawl (fist): Init –1, Attack +4, Defense emerges where the neck of the colorations, much like the colored ca- +2, Damage +11* horse would usually connect. They parisons of cavaliers. Brawl (hooves): Init +1, Attack +6, De- differ in that they are more heavily Icthyocentaur warriors may take the fense +4, Damage +12* armored than the rest of their kind, place of companions, if the characters Single Weapon (club and round shield): Init and have amphibious traits. can negotiate a peace, or the service of 0, Attack +9, Defense +8, Damage a particular errant. The icthyocentaur +20* below has two Virtues too many to sub- Single Weapon (lance and heater shield): Init Inverted Fishers stitute for a companion. The Improved +1, Attack +11, Defense +8, Dam- with Nets & Boats Damage, Faerie Speech, or Faerie Sight age +20* Virtues could be removed. An adoles- The Inverted are merfolk who have Single Weapon (short spear and round shield): cent centaur, Size +2, could retain these been placed on land. They are con- Init +1, Attack +9, Defense +8, powers but trade away one pick of the tinuing, in a twisted way, to do what Damage +20* Huge Virtue. The icthyocentaur needs humans think merfolk probably do, in Thrown (javelin): Init –1, Attack +9, De- additional Flaws, including the Social their kingdoms deep below the sea. The fense +5, Damage +16* Status Flaw of Monstrous Appearance. Inverted Men may serve as the peasant * Includes +5 for Damaging Effect. These creatures take advantage of their class for icthyocentaur nobles — in Powers: size and the innate powers of a faerie which case the icthyocentaurs should Damaging Effect: 1 points: Init –7, Terram form, rather than additional powers perhaps be given Flight — or may form (supernaturally sharp) or Animal that cost Might to use. The Pretenses of communities on their own. (fish spines), 2 intricacy points this icthyocentaur are correct for a be- The inverted fishers form small vil- spent on cost. This is designed as ginning companion, but players could lages near high places, mountains if they a Lesser Power. More powerful modify them to emphasize, or reduce, are available, structures they build with centaurs may have this as a Greater the character’s skill in combat. their glamour if they are not. About the Power (Cost 2, Initiative –3, high place they keep their boats, which, possibly with the cost adjusted Faerie Might: 5 (Animal) as props for faeries, float in the air as down using intricacy), or may have Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre 0, Com part of the Flight power used by these Improved Damage on preferred 0, Str +6, Sta +3, Dex +1, Qik –1 creatures. The inverted fishers regularly weapon, or may stack Improved

75 Transforming Mythic Europe Story Seeds: Faerie Tribes cont’d take to their sky boats, and sail out of * Resolve as a grapple attack (ArM5, more a herald of death, like a banshee. sight, returning with their nets filled page 174) Regardless, it seems that slaying the with flocks of brightly colored birds. Powers: shark, or driving it off, can do the ill These they kill, salt, eat, and sell, much Flight: 0 points: constant person no harm. as fishers do with sea life. These creatures have the ability Death sharks are not suitable for Sometimes the inverted catch to fly while in their boats, and some player characters. strange creatures of the air in their nets. can swim through the air. Many can- Medieval people believe that every land not swim, and float off into the upper Faerie Might: 5 (Animal) animal has a reflection in the sea, even airs if they fall from their boats while Characteristics: Cun +1, Per 0, Pre –2, down to fishes that look like monks. on a voyage. This power also allows Com –5, Str +2, Sta +3, Dex +1, These faeries take their cue from these the javelins and nets of these faeries to Qik +1 myths, capturing cloud-like sheep, float weightlessly in the air, allowing Size: +3 winged pigs, and floating deer. casts over supernatural distances (as per Virtues and Flaws: 2 x Lesser Powers, Inverted men are suitable as alterna- Realms of Power: Faerie page 62. 2 intricacy Monstrous Form, Incognizant, tives to Companions. to reduce cost.) Personality Traits: Patient +3, Fero- Soak: +3 (Leather jerkin) cious +2 Faerie Might: 5 (Corpus) Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), Combat: Characteristics: Cun 0, Per 0, Pre 0, Com –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), Teeth: Init +3*, Attack +12, Defense +11, 0, Str +, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik +1 Dead (21+) Damage +16** Size: 0 Pretenses (as Abilities): Area Lore 2 * prefers to attack with surprise, for a Virtues and Flaws: Humanoid Form, (village and surrounds), Awareness +3 Initiative in the first round. Faerie Sight, Faerie Speech Lesser 3 (dangers), Thrown 5 (net or jav- ** Includes +5 for Damaging Effect. Power; Incognizant, Sovereign elin), Brawl 2 (knife), Carouse 2 Powers: Ward (Water). (drinking), Craft: Fishing (sky) 5, Damaging Effect: 0 points, Init –2, Personality Traits: Vary. As a group Craft: Any Other 4 (related to sky Animal they mimic the population of a fishing), Faerie Speech 4 (trade), This creature’s bite is incredibly small village. Each has one exagger- Survival (air ocean) 2, Swim 2 powerful (as per Realms of Power: ated trait, so one is the town mayor, (through the sky).* Faerie page 58. 2 intricacy to reduce one the town priest, one the scribe, * If designing as a player character, cost.) and so on. The inverted often refer add an extra Ability with a score of 1. Hound: 0 points, Init –2, Corpus to each other by role, rather than Equipment: Fishing gear that floats su- Allows the shark to know the dis- name. pernaturally. tance and direction of a particular Combat: Vis: 1 pawn Auram, discarded fishing human, usually the one who is dy- Each invertee has a Single Weapon gear ing, so that it can follow and loom Pretense with a score of 5 and a spe- Appearance: Each of these creatures in the harbor regardless of where cialization bonus of 1 in net or javelin. looks superficially human, but they the character flees to (as perRealms Each also has Brawl, with a score of have strange, colorless eyes and skin of Power: Faerie page 59. 2 intricacy to 2 and a bonus of 1 for specialization. mottled with smoky marks. reduce cost.) The statistics below assume the crea- Soak: +2 ture is specialized in each weapon. For Wound Penalties: –1 (1–8), –3 (9–16), a specialized brawler, add 3 to Attack Death Sharks –5 (17-–4), Incapacitated (25–33), and Defense for Brawl (fist) and Brawl Dead (34+) A death shark is a psychopompic (kick), and subtract 3 from any one Pretenses (as Abilities): Awareness 3 faerie, which comes into the shallows other weapon. (dying people), Brawl 6 (in water), near a village where a person strongly Brawl (knife): Init +1, Attack +6, Defense Hunt 4 (the dying), Swim 5 (ocean) connected to the sea is sick. It stays until +4, Damage +4 Vis: 1 pawn Aquam, pieces of shark the ebbing of the tide, and then departs Net: Init –2, Attack +9, Defense +4, tooth jewelry as the human dies. Some people think Damage +7* Appearance: A shark, but with white that the shark carries the life of the dy- Javelin: Init+1, Attack +10, Defense +7, skin and red eyes ing person away, while others think it Damage +7

76 Transforming Mythic Europe each target needs to be prepared with a memory that can be altered Elemental Spirit of the Waves with little trouble. For example, at sporting or cultural events, everyone Deep within the waters are po- Combat: may be asked to repeat the recipe for tent elemental spirits. If the char- Bludgeon*: Init+5, Attack +32, sea urchin soup, or memorize a string acters construct their island by first Defense +5, Damage +52** of flags. casting up a great wall of stone, it * Includes Ways of the Waters When this spell is required, the is possible that one of these crea- (+3) memory of the recipe is replaced with tures will be penned inside. It ** Water elementals can only cause a single useful piece of information, or must be dealt with because it has Scuffle damage (seeArM5 , p 175) the flags are replaced with a single use- the power to shatter the wall in its Each round the elemental can ful image. For example, an evacuation quest for the open sea. The char- split this attack into as many attacks plan can be distributed in this way, or a acters may only discover the crea- as it chooses, retaining the same series of mustering points for militias. ture exists if they cast spells to fill Init and Defense for each smaller * Remember to add further magni- the space inside the wall, and find psedopod, but dividing the Attack tudes to increase Boundary size. a great well, caused by the Magic and Damage pools as it wishes. De- (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, Resistance of the creature, divert- cide the division before the Attack +4 Bound) ing the infill from landing upon it. roll is made. A powerful water elemental en- Soak: +12 closed in a tube of earth like this is Wound Penalties: –1 & 1 Might Speech of the Warding Ring both dying and furious. point (1–5), –3 and 3 Might points (6–10), –5 and 5 Might InTe 35 Magic Might: 35 (Aquam) points (11–15), Incapacitated & R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind. Season: Summer 5 Might points (16–20), Dead & Stone Tell of the Mind that Sits (ArM5, Characteristics: Cun +2, Per +2, all Might points (21+) page 153), the most popular Hermet- Pre –7, Com –9, Str +9, Sta +7, Immune to blades and piercing ic spell for interrogating rocks, does Dex +1, Qik 0 weapons; sources of fire that do not work on the stone jacket of the is- Virtues and Flaws: Magic Thing; less than +35 damage are harm- land solely because the spell’s target is Ways of the Waters; Poor Mem- lessly extinguished. limited to a square pace cubic in size. ory, Short Attention Span, Sim- Abilities: Awareness 5 (surface), Characters using this spell can speak ple Minded Brawl 7 (pseudopods), Swim 7 with far larger stones. Qualities and Inferiorities: Great- (ocean) (Base 20, +1 Touch, +2 Sun. This er Power (Crafter of Aquam), Powers: spell uses the wall, but a mind is an Greater Power (Drown), Split Crafter of Water, 1–3 points, Init 4 Individual target.) Attacks**; 14 x Improved At- – Might cost, Aquam: Dupli- tack, 14 x Improved Damage, cates any Creo Aquam or Rego No Fatigue, Temporary Magical Aquam spell of level 35 or be- Strange Tricks Might.* low at the cost of 1 Might point Using Canal Contents * Wounds decrease the Might per magnitude of the spell. MuAq 25 pool of the elemental by sepa- Drown, 0 points, Init –2, Aquam Af- R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Boundary*, rating part of its material form. ter a successful melee attack the Ritual. Each wound reduces the Might elemental can engulf a target of This spell transforms the water pool by the Wound penalty. If smaller than Size 12, necessitat- in the canals of the island into an- the creature manages to recon- ing a deprivation roll (ArM5, other natural liquid. Oil, tar, turpen- nect its parts, it regains that pages 180-181). Each victim tine, treacle, honey, wine, vinegar or Might. Sections chipped off like may attempt to escape each whatever else suits the magus’ fancy is this contain vis, in proportion, round by Grappling (ArM5, possible, save blood which requires a which may be used before the page 171) Corpus requisite. creature is defeated. Vis: 7 pawns Aquam, body * Remember to add further magni- ** See note after Combat Appearance: A stormy stretch of tudes to increase Boundary size. belligerent sea (Base 2, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +4 Bound)

77 Transforming Mythic Europe

A Spell for the Defense of the the folklore of fishermen, can be up to also lack the infrastructure to rapid- Realm Against Expected Invasion 20 paces higher in the deeper parts of ly create large, modern fleets. In the MuCo 50* the North Sea. Low areas around the North Sea, naval battles do occur, but R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Boundary, North Sea are sometimes inundated by are comparatively rare, because king- Ritual. flood tides. It’s wise to allow for regular doms have land boundaries with their Adds +3 to the Soak score of all wave action, but seasonal storms can adversaries, and these are the theaters humans on the island, for the rest of be warded against magically, or just al- of conflict. the day or night. The spell makes the lowed to wash over the wall, provided On a deeper level, the kingdoms flesh of the targets tough and insensi- the land behind is high enough. surrounding the North Sea lack Med- tive, so they suffer a –1 penalty on all iterranean-style war fleets because sea dice rolls requiring sensitive touch. trade is less well developed, and be- Story Ideas for the Shallow Sea * Remember to add further magni- cause they are not internally unified. tudes to increase Boundary size. The cost of keeping nobles in line (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, A covenant which covers much of prevents kings from spending money +4 Bound) the Dogger Bank destroys the fishing on ships. This suits troupes, because it industries of most of the countries allows player characters to meddle in surrounding the North Sea, leading the surrounding kingdoms. to famine and war. Conversely, a covenant which raises the sea bed in the Location: deeper parts of the North Sea may increase the size of these fertile fish- Picking a The North Sea ing grounds. Either of these situations can cause waves of migrants to wash Nobleman as King The North Sea has been chosen as the into the covenant’s kingdom. Can site for this example for several reasons. the magi accept these settlers, and The player characters, if they wish how do they deal with the problems to select a king, face the least resistance of housing, maintaining and policing if they select one from a family already Comparatively Shallow their communities? noble in the surrounding lands. Most There are legends of various fa- noble families have a genealogy, Constructing the magical country erie tribes which dwell in the depths however spurious, which links them in a shallow sea allows magi to have a of the sea, particularly in the area of to some ancient hero or other, greater area of land above the surface the Dogger Bank, because it is visit- giving them an apparent authority. for any volume of created earth. ed by so many fishermen. When the Selecting a peasant as a new king is area of sea that the magi rework be- possible: there’s some precedent in • The Dogger Bank is the shallowest comes land, these faeries are forced history for the sons of farmers and part of the North Sea, between 17 into new roles. Some aquatic faeries tanners becoming emperors, but it’s and 33 paces deep. are able to come onto land, like selk- not as easy as promoting a nobleman. • The rest of the North Sea south of ies and some merfolk. Others take on Ultimately, any king needs to prove the Shetland Islands is between 22 entirely new roles, to meet the ex- his mettle, but moreso if his blood is and 33 paces deep. pectations of the humans coming to considered base. • The Dover Straight averages 33 colonize this new land. Some interesting historical figures paces deep. that the player characters might select • Excepting the great sea trenches, as their ruler follow. the northern part of the North Sea Surrounded by is between 110 and 219 paces deep. Turbulent Kingdoms Frederick II, And added complication is that The Holy Roman Emperor these average depths do not take into From the perspective of the player account wave heights. The North Sea is characters, the kingdoms surrounding Frederick’s center of power is in troubled by seasonal storms which regu- the North Sea make good neighbors, Sicily, so characters who become his larly create waves 4 paces higher than because they lack naval forces of their vassals must either be granted self- this, and some freak waves, according to Mediterranean counterparts. They government by him, as many cities

78 Transforming Mythic Europe are, or accept an appointed governor. Frederick is fascinating because he Story Seeds For Turbulent Kingdoms is a patron of the arts, has a court in A saga set on an island in the their families, in distant courts. If which friendly contacts with Arabic North Sea can harvest mundane story a group of young noblemen arrive scholars may be made, and is all but seeds from Tribunal books for Stone- in the country of the magi, what do an atheist, which leads him into per- henge, Loch Leglean, the Rhine, and the player characters do? The young petual trouble with the Church. Normandy. noblemen may expect to swear fe- The North Sea is often used by re- alty and be allowed to create manors, Isabella II, Queen of Jerusalem bellious noblemen or deposed princes but do the magi want their island to to flee to the court of another ruler, be feudal? If all of the young men are and from there plot a return. French from a particular faction, for example Isabella is a seven year old in and English nobles, for example, are the pro-Scottish faction in the English distant Outremer, so her demands often in the court of their traditional court, does accepting them place the are few. Her lands are, however, foe, but flight to Denmark or the magical country in danger of taking considered to be part of the great courts of the German princes also reg- sides in foreign wars? Crusading project, and, so long as ularly occurs. When the magi create Medieval kingdoms occasionally magi continually send her funds, it a powerful and officially neutral king- expel the Jews, when religious ma- would be difficult for surrounding dom, at a far safer and more comfort- nia turns against them, or the debts kings to invade their lands without able sailing distance, it is the obvious the noble classes owe them get too censure from the Church. place of flight for dispossessed noble- high. Consorting with magi is a sin, men lacking family in other courts. according to some interpretations of If such a nobleman arrives, what Jewish law, but fleeing to the magi- Philip Augustus of France do the player characters do? If assas- cal country might give Western Jews sins or ambassadors arrive from the surcease from persecution. If the char- The great master of politics in court of his or her nominal ruler, what acters discover a pogrom is coming, Western Europe, the player charac- then? What if the refugee is arguably can they negotiate with the leaders ters need to deal with Phillip in some the rightful queen of a coastal state? of the Jewish community, overcome way, so vassalage might suit. Phillip Will the magi allow her to create a their suspicions, and carry the Jews has already doubled the size of his court in exile? away to safety? They need to time this personal lands, shattered the rivals on Some noblemen, knowing the im- perfectly: in many kingdoms farming his southern border, and wrecked the portance of having a place to flee to the Jews is a privilege of the king’s, so economy of England by fueling civil if politics goes sour, establish their whisking them away before they are war and invasion. His interests are younger sons, or cadet branches of formally expelled is theft. held most strongly by these powerful

79 Transforming Mythic Europe Story Seed: The Coronation If the player characters do create a theoretically can modify that. coronation gives vassals the op- king, and have him recognized, then The Church will convene an ad portunity to renewal their oaths they need to arrange coronation for hoc convention to decide these of fealty, and prevents them later their puppet. A coronation must oc- matters, and the king’s advisors saying that the coronation was cur, and must involve a vast panoply are welcome to attend. irregular. The presence of many, of people, and require great expense. • A huge church. A king can be wealthy, vassals is also required Coronations cannot be simple. The crowned somewhere else, but to impress the ambassadors from only king in the region who has had eventually some sort of ceremony foreign kingdoms. a simple coronation in the last few must occur in a large church. This • Royalty or ambassadors of other centuries was Henry III, and the pope does not need to be a cathedral, realms. These people are present forced him to do it again, properly although it may be. If the player to negotiate alliances, marriages, this time. characters lack a beautiful church and trade links on behalf of their At minimum, a coronation requires: of tremendous size, then they kingdoms, and to take stock of need to build one, or find an al- the strength and unity of the new • At least one bishop to lead the ternative which others will accept. court. Before the ambassadors, ceremony, and preferably an For example, whisking the court it’s important for the new king archbishop or papal legate. If magically to Jerusalem or perhaps to seem wealthy, wise, and com- a new kingdom arises, there is Santiago would be suitable. manding. Magic can be useful for bound to be some church politics • A lengthy ceremony, where the each of these. over who has the right to crown king is anointed with holy oil, the king, crown the queen, and and where strange rituals dem- Alternatively, if the player charac- host the coronation of the new onstrating the historical power of ters can arrange for the pope to per- realm. The outcome of these ar- the throne are performed. Since sonally crown their candidate in Rome, guments is likely to be a compro- the new realm does not have sim- then they don’t need bishops, a vast mise, so that different bishops are ilar traditions, the player charac- chapel, nobles or ambassadors. A lesser, given each role. A fourth prize is ters must design them. later, ceremony, when the king returns the right to inter the bones of the • The attendance of a large number to his realm, is, however, required, to royal family, but the king himself of churchmen and vassals. The impress vassals and ambassadors.

states, but his land is primogenitural, history he eventually purchases the during civil wars and succession which means he’s perpetually looking title of Holy Roman Emperor. crises. If he becomes king of the new for land for his sons to inherit. If the His brother, King Henry of realm he might be persuaded that he island seems poor, the ruler he ap- England, is ostentatious and fickle. now needs to administer what he has points is a cousin, or loyal follower Richard, in contrast, is a fine taken, a decision he takes, in real- from his wars. If the land seems rich, administrator, and is enormously world history, after a kidnapping in he appoints one of his younger sons patient for a Plantagenet, a family 1223. If he has the greater security of as the ruler. Philip Hurepel, who is not known for its ability to delay magical defenders, however, kingship nineteen, landless and arguably a bas- gratification. of the new land might merely give tard, might be appointed. him the resources to fish in troubled waters on a grander scale. Valdemar II of Denmark If the player characters do go to Richard, Duke of Cornwall war with a surrounding kingdom, The King of Denmark is an Valdemar will be tempted to claim Although still a teenager, Richard expansionist, and an experienced lands from whichever side is weaker, is already showing the flair and crusader, with a broad swath of and has sufficient naval power to intelligence which, if your saga’s territory in the Baltic lands, much interfere with his enemy’s trading and history follows real life, will make conquered by himself. He usually fishing fleets. him the richest and most cunning strikes when he senses weakness in politician in Western Europe. In real surrounding lands, grabbing territory

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William Longespée The Earls of Dunbar believe they a magical island placed in the center (Longsword), Earl of Salisbury are the descendants of Duncan Bad of it becomes a contestable space. A Blooded, MacBeth’s predecessor, and Grand Tribunal ruling on the status of Henry II once claimed his bastard so have a right to the throne. Since the Isle of Man, which indicated that son was a finer prince than any of his primogeniture is now practiced in the island belonged to whichever Tri- legitimate sons. Given that one of his Scotland, this is not considered bunal could settle it, gives the char- legitimate sons was Richard the Lion- important: Patrick instead is a acters precedent to join whichever heart, that’s quite a commendation. powerful noble with land on either surrounding Tribunal they wish, pro- William, unlike all of his legitimate side of the border between England vided that Tribunal accepts them. brothers, remains alive in 1220. He and Scotland. He is experienced as a is known for his loyalty, for his skill lawgiver, and judge in the Debatable as a general, for leading a naval raid Land between the two kingdoms. Theological Matters against a French invasion fleet, for the tremendous wealth seized in that raid, The Roman Church claims univer- Jon Haraldsson, Moramor of and his obvious nobility of blood. sal power in Mythic Europe, and al- Caithness and Earl of Orkney As a useful addition, his mother is though it is contested in the East and the wife of the Earl of Norfolk, one of Africa, player characters who create a the most powerful of nobles of Eng- Jon holds land from the kings of new country must come to terms with land, whose lands are heavily popu- Scotland and Norway, and would the Church in some way. lated and face the North Sea. If your make a suitable king if the characters game’s history follows that of the real place their land in the icier parts of A New And Strange Saint? world, the Earl of Norfolk dies in the North Sea. John has a great deal 1221, and his young son is placed in of support from his people, but if your his half-brother’s care. game history follows actual history, in The player characters have cre- Selecting William may lead to 1222 he is implicated in the incinera- ated, for all intents, a kingdom, and trouble with England, however, be- tion of a bishop. so it will be granted a patron by God. cause he hates and is loathed by Peter This bishop may have been a faer- Which patron he chooses is up to the de Roches, the churchman who has the ie. Bishop Adam was found as a baby in troupe, but here are some options: care of the young king and all but rules a basket on the church’s step. The final the country. William went missing straw for the people who killed him Saint Brendan is a patron for Irish sail- once, shipwrecked while crossing the was his insistence that they all pay a ors, and is arguably intercessor for English Channel, and de Roches tried traditional tax of butter on their herds, islands in the Ocean. to force William’s supposed widow to even though this meant he had far The Blessed Cyprian may perform a marry one of Peter’s relatives. When more butter and far less coin or meat miracle sufficient to have him rec- William arrived back, having been than any sensible person could want. ognized as a Saint. In life he was a stranded on an island for less than a penitent magician, and House Jerbi- month, it almost shattered the fragile ton has been waiting for this miracle peace between the Normans (the fami- Does it Need to be a King? for centuries. lies who had come over with the Con- Saint Nerius was a Criamon magus. He queror) and the Poitevins (who came Independent counts and princes is the saint of pious magi. He has to the realm with King John’s wife, and are found in many areas of Mythic not been recognized by the Church. are currently in the ascendant.) Europe. They do not require a papal Saint Nicholas is the patron of sailors. coronation and gain less Magic Re- He’s an interesting choice, because sistance from the process than king. players are so used to Santa Claus, Patrick, Count of Dunbar They also have less diplomatic pres- and the medieval saint varies from tige than kings. him so remarkably. Saint Nicholas The wearer of the crown of is, in many local traditions, fol- Scotland has often been determined lowed by a little demon that tor- by civil war. The current line Hermetic Borderland ments naughty children. descends from Malcom Big-Head, Someone the magi choose. If the play- who defeated MacBeth the Good and The North Sea is treated as a natu- er characters quest for the relics of a his adopted son, Lulach the Unready. ral border by Hermetic Tribunals, so particular saint, they may draw her

81 Transforming Mythic Europe Story Seeds for the Hermetic Borderland Each of the surrounding Tribunals little of the reserve of the older • Settling a covenant on the new has factions which would support, Rhineland covenants, provided country. The Tytalus magi claim and others which would oppose, the it seems sympathetic to their there’s no precedent for a cov- addition of a huge territory to the desire to secede. enant claiming exclusive use of Tribunal. • Even if it is in the southern part such an enormous piece of land, of the North Sea, the covenant and so they are free to settle part that creates the magical king- of it. They can be forced to leave • Stonehenge has not been dom might choose to join the with Certamen, or convinced to defined in this edition of Loch Leglean Tribunal. Other leave by challenging them to an- Ars Magica, which leaves an Tribunals include large expans- other, suitably amusing, contest, interesting space for troupes to es of sea between their compo- with their departure as a stake. design factions who react to the nents. Loch Leglean’s magi tend Alternatively, the player charac- creation of the island. to keep to themselves, so magi ters may pursue them through the • Normandy is a Tribunal deliber- wanting to join that Tribunal Tribunal system, perhaps claiming ately kept turbulent by the large will need to assist their sodales that since the land was created us- number of Tytalus magi there. with a series of local issues. ing vis, to steal it is, effectively, Covenants form feudal relation- • A group of twelve magi could, stealing vis, which is a crime. ships, and the magical country theoretically, create their own • Creating sufficient land to make could find admittance easier if Tribunal by dividing into four the island connected to a sur- it selected the right overlord. covenants, invoking an an- rounding kingdom. If the lo- House Tytalus is divided be- cient Grand Tribunal ruling cal noble then claims the land, tween two claimants for leader- from when the Order was less since it is obviously now part of ship, and the player characters populous. It would need to be his domain, what do the player may be forced to support one accepted at Grand Tribunal, characters do? over the other. The covenants which would require the cul- • Creating bridges from the in this Tribunal regularly en- tivation of votes from the del- magical country to two nearby gage in contests to determine egates of lesser tribunals, and kingdoms, which are rivals. All who has the right to use certain from the primi. This Tribunal roads and bridges in England resources from a common prize could be promoted as a neutral can theoretically be claimed by pool. It might be resented that area, in which magi from sur- the king as his personal prop- a covenant which has nothing rounding tribunals could nego- erty, so can the magi destroy the to lose, since no local resources tiate and sign treaties. bridge without angering him? If are in the prize pool, partici- • To take the above a step further, the bridges become a pilgrimage pates in these contests. the player characters might route, creating the usual pattern • The Rhineland is riven by mul- divide into four covenants, of Divine and Infernal along the tifaceted factionalism, but one as above, but prefer to have road between them, how do the obvious fault line is between one covenant join each of the player characters manage? the older, more conservative neighboring Tribunals. A Grand • Creating a smaller version of the covenants and the Lotharingian Tribunal ruling could be sought magical country, on the Dogger group in the north who wish so that part of the island had a Bank. Do they player characters to break away and form a new special role in Hermetic culture, claim it, accepting the blame for Tribunal. The magical kingdom and was answerable to represen- the damage to fishing? Do they is welcomed by the conserva- tatives of each of the Tribunals. leave it so that the Tytalus can tives if it seems loyal to them stir up surrounding kingdoms to and brackets the Lotharingians, fight over it? Do they allow it to since the Order has not accept- When the player characters be seized by whoever is strong ed geographically discontinu- begin to settle their island, a group enough to take it? If it becomes ous Tribunals. It is welcomed of Tytalus magi from Normandy infested with pirates, what do by the Lotharingians, since its decide to stir them up. Their the player characters do? method of formation shows strategies include:

82 Transforming Mythic Europe Story Seeds for Theological Matters The pope claims sovereignty over of an archbishop is that it was evan- issues, by bribes not to him, but to the entire earth, theoretically, but in gelized by people from his see, and his family’s welfare. Of course, any practice lets kings rule. As a display that the early churches and congre- appointee from his family is a spy, of this, newly baptized kings from gations looked to his predecessors for both for Pandulf and the Pope. previously pagan lands often gifted leadership. When the player charac- There is a conspiracy against Pan- with a crown by the pope, demon- ters suddenly create land without dulf, by the Archbishop of Canter- strating his acceptance of the king’s an archbishop, it’s an obvious ploy bury and some of the senior nobles right to rule. to send a team of priests to found a of England. They plan to petition the The pope is not a fool: a powerful church and lead the congregations of pope that, when Henry reaches his monarch who suddenly appears, and the people. The problem is that this majority in 1221 (an arbitrary time of asks for a crown, gets one after some ploy is obvious to the archbishops of their selection), the legate’s embassy haggling. The players characters York, Canterbury, Nidaros, Rouen, should end, and no new legate be need to haggle for the crown. Will and Bremen, and the bishop of Saint appointed. Pandulf has fallen suffi- the pope get a penny per head per Andrews. They all send missions: dis- ciently in the Pope’s estimation that, year and all the usual tithes? Will he putes break out. unless the player characters alter get an extra contribution to the cru- God Himself seems to take a events, the legate will lose his role. sade, or the foundation of churches hand in lands lacking churchmen, Pandulf may not be aware of this, but and abbeys? and often dispatches saints to evan- once it becomes known, he’s far more If the player characters take no gelize and found churches. Player willing to make agreements. steps to have a king accepted by the characters can oppose these saints if In July 1220, a second legate is pope, he may be convinced to give they like, but when the druids tried appointed, taking all of Pandulf’s the crown of their land to some other that with Saint Patrick, it didn’t go legatorial responsibilities outside nobleman, or may conclude that the well for them. of England. The new legate, James, new land is part of an already estab- Outranking the bishops and takes five months to travel to Brit- lished kingdom. The player charac- archbishops, the pope sends special ain. After Christmas, James arrives ters may first hear of this when their envoys, called legates, to represent to act as legate to Scotland and the king arrives. his authority in distant realms. A leg- Isles. He is the Pope’s chaplain, but The spiritual welfare of the ate is the perfect person to negotiate linked to the church of Saint Victor people of Western Europe is in the with, since they have most of the in Paris. hands of the bishops of the church. powers and authority of the Pope, One of James’ duties is to arrange New sees are created as the pope but are nearer and not surrounded by a method of managing the Scottish thinks necessary, and have senior- the bureaucracy of the Vatican. Brit- bishops. They are independent of ity as he, and his predecessors, ain is so far away that in late 1220 any archbishop, and ten indepen- have decided. This means that there are two active there. dent bishoprics together is unknown some politically autonomous areas Before July, Pandulf Marca, an in the Church, outside northern have churches that are governed by Italian by birth but now bishop of Italy. James is authorized to create bishops from neighboring, hostile, Norwich, is the legate to Britain, Ire- special dispensations, allowing bish- kingdoms. Examples of this are the land and the Isles. He is the chairman ops so distant from Rome to appoint bishops of Scotland, who are almost of the Council of Regency which their own leaders, pending the ap- all directly dependent on Rome with runs England on behalf of Henry III. proval of the Pope. no intervening archbishop. This has Pandulf would prefer that, like Eng- If he sees the magical land as not stopped agitation by the Bish- land, the king of the magical land an “isle of the sea,” which places op of Saint Andrews, the Bishop of gave it to the Church, and received it within his remit, he can stretch Glasgow, the Archbishop of York, it back as a fief. Pandulf has many tal- the dispensation to include the the Archbishop of Canterbury, and ents, but one of them (Intelligence + magic land’s bishops. In exchange the Archbishop of Nidaros (now Church Lore against an Ease Factor he wants to appoint all of the bish- Trondheim in Norway) for them to of 15) is finding useful and well paid ops, and to make sure the church be recognized as suffragans. jobs for his family members. He does has substantial tithe lands, prefer- One argument in favor of a par- not betray the Church with his nepo- ably tied to the Augustinian Order, ticular area being under the authority tism, but he can be swayed, on fringe of which he is a member.

83 Transforming Mythic Europe

attention and special favor. Someone new. If a person of great piety A Note on The Powers of Demons dies during the foundation of the Many demons have powers which person a temporary Personality magical land, God may grant that are variants of those gathered here. trait equal to the number of person powers of intercession. The points spent, and at the next player characters may wish to cam- Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, opportunity the victim must make paign for the formal recognition of Corpus: Allows the demon to a roll, opposed by any suitable their local saint. manufacture a solid body from Personality trait, to avoid doing the ambient, unformed matter something self-degrading. If the of the universe. It may only Obsession fails, the temporary The Eye of Hell take the form described in its trait is lost. If it succeeds, the trait Appearance. Manifesting takes is acquired permanently. There is a demon appointed for (Might) rounds, but dissolving the subversion of every kingdom in again requires only one round the world. Some say that these are of concentration. A demon Demon Weaknesses all Watchers, who fell when they in spiritual form may not use Each demon in this chapter married into the Race of Men. These its physical Characteristics. has a Weakness. Characters know are described on page 64 of Demons are forced to abandon Realms of this weakness if they are aware the this form on Holy Saturday. Power: The Infernal. For the sake of this demon exists, consult a relevant Envisioning; 1 point, Init +0, Mentem: story, two other varieties are used. A source, and make an Intelligence The demon uses this power to demon claiming suzerainty over this + Infernal Lore roll against an Ease appear in, and distort, the dreams new realm rises in the Infernal hier- factor of 9 + (Might / 5). of mortals. archy. If the weakness is a material, Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init –5, Vim: A horde of demons, majors and then in the presence of their weak- When a person is committing minor, rush to the kingdom, each ness these demons must flee. They a sinful thought or deed, the vying for superiority. The two most cannot regain Might while their demon may impose its Obsession powerful claimants are already the weakness is present. If the weakness Trait if this Power Penetrates patrons of kingdoms, but are the least is a protected group, the demon can- Magic Resistance. This gives the of their kind, because their kingdoms not harm members of that group. have fallen into the sea. They use the other demons, human servants, and even the magi, as pawns in their battle sic education in the Artes Liberales will Order: Lord of the False Gods to become the patron demon of the notice that Atlantis was reported by Infernal Might: 40 (Aquam) new land. Each has minor demons as the Greeks, and was ruled by Poseidon. Characteristics: Int +2, Per +1, Pre personal servants. Rumael is either unaware he’s using the +2, Com 0, Str +4, Sta +4, Dex wrong version of the god, or includes +4, Qik +4 this flaw in his story to mock the stupidi- Size: +3 Three Demons ty of humans, being blinded by his pride Confidence Score: 5 (5) to the possibility that he’s not so clever, Personality Traits: Proud +6, Taunts and their Retinues and they not so stupid, as he imagines. foes with clues that are obvious +2 He is served by the Wicked Boys of Hierarchy: 5 These three demons are particularly the Third Square, a race of tiny demons Reputations: Patron of a Kingdom appropriate to oppose player characters that take the form of men with the heads of That No Longer Exists 2 (Infernal) who create islands. Their retinues are horses (see nearby insert). Each has a pitch- Combat: also described below. fork (or perhaps trident) design on its back. Trident: Init +6, Attack +15, Defense Rumael has many powers that aid his +13, Damage +9 pretense, controlling water, storms and Soak: +8 (metal scale armor) Rumael, The False Neptune horses. It is unusual for False Gods, but Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, 0, –1, –1,, –3, these powers have small touches to them –3, –5, Unconscious. This demon claims to be the god which make clear that they are Infernally Wound Penalties: –1 (1–8), –3 (9– Neptune, the creator and destroyer of tainted. This may be a further manifesta- 16), –5 (17–24), Incapacitated Atlantis. Magi with even the most ba- tion of Rumael’s hubris. (25–32), Dead (33+)

84 Transforming Mythic Europe

Abilities: Various, including Single Weapon 8 (trident) Powers: Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, Corpus. Envisioning; 1 point, Init +0, Mentem. His Master’s Voice: Points equal Might, Init +1, Vim. This power summons lesser demons, although it does not control them. Rumael is intimidating enough that he can rule his minions without mystical compulsion. Master of Storm and Sea: 1 point per Mag- nitude of simulated spell, Init +1, Aquam or Auram: This power allows Rumael to create effects similar to Hermetic Creo, Muto or Rego spells that affect storms. Rumael may not create spells of level 41 or higher, nor ritual spells. Obsession, 1 point, Init –5, Vim. Syco- phancy. Shroud the Stench of the Pit, 1 point per level of affected power, Init +3, Vim: This power can make an Infernal power appear magical, faerie, or mundane. The Wealth of Nations: 3 points, Init 0, Ter- ram: This spell summons wealth from wherever its absence will cause the When Rumael appears he is accompanied most trouble. Rumael can call forth by a horse, sometimes with the tail of a A Note up to 40 pounds of gold, or the equiv- fish, He is occasionally accompanied in- alent in value, with each use of this stead by a dolphin. on Tainted Vis power. The wealth created is never Detailed information on tainted directly useful: for example it cannot Neqael, The Lady vis can be found in Realms of Power: create materials suitable for craft- of the Purple Bower, Infernal, on pages 18 and 19. Those work. It calls forth only those sump- Corrupter of Lyonesse troupes not using that set of rules tuous goods which tempt to avarice. might instead assume that all Weakness: Vulnerable to fire (the touch tainted vis: of any flame causes a Light Wound.) This demoness takes the form of Vis: 8 pawns Aquam vis sordida in teeth. — and spreads through her mortal • Adds 5 instead of 2 to casting Appearance: As suits his role, Rumael servants a reputation as — a faerie- totals. uses his Infernal powers to appear blooded but mortal noblewoman of • Adds three botch dice per as a bearded man in a white robe, great wealth and wisdom. She is a pawn, for non-Infernally armed with a trident. His teeth are corrupter of etiquette in the courts aligned users. thin needles, like those of a fish. of the nobility. Her particular vice is • Causes a temporary Personal- Rumael could correct this, but does the corruption of the emerging prin- ity trait of 1, in a sin appro- not. The same strange urge which ciples of courtly love. Her pleasure is priate to the original demon, forces him to use the wrong name to suck the meaning out of fine amor, in any person who carries the when pretending to be an ancient making it a sham, and a mask for adul- tainted vis for a year. This Greek sea god prevents him. tery and fornication. trait becomes permanent if When False Gods appear, they are ac- Neqael corrupted, but did not de- the carrier successfully acts companied by an animal which is really stroy, the half-imaginary land of Lyo- on the Trait. an extension of the body of the demon. nesse. Most people who are aware of

85 Transforming Mythic Europe The Wicked Boys of the Third Square

This tribe of small, evil spir- Hierarchy: 1 one round, but may trigger the its serves Rumael. They delight in Combat: power each round to prevent Trident: Init +2, Attack +10, Defense flickering into solidity. racing across the decks of ships, or +6, Damage +6 Obsession, 1 point, Init –5, Vim. De- through the streets of towns, wreck- Soak: +2 (metal scale loincloth) structive japery. ing things. While racing they carry Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –3, –5, Un- Weakness: Vulnerable to fire (the off prizes. They value beer highly, conscious. touch of flame causes a Light and also, for reasons which are un- Wound Penalties: –1 (1–3), –3 Wound.) clear, hats. Occasionally a captain (4–6), –5 (7–9), Incapacitated Vis: 1 pawn Aquam vis sordida in eyes. among these creatures is slightly (10-12), Dead (13+) Appearance: These little sprits look more powerful (Add title of Master Abilities: Various, including Athlet- like small men, very muscular, to Order, 5 Infernal Might, Reputa- ics 8 (acrobatics) Single Weapon with the heads of horses. Each tion 3, Hierarchy 3, Qik +2, Imita- 5 (trident) wears a pair of bronze plates, tive +2, Defense +8). He also has a Powers: joined by a shell encrusted belt, fancier hat. Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, Corpus. as a loincloth. Each also has a Envisioning; 1 point, Init +0, Mentem. thick collar of shells about its Order: Evil spirit A Little Hop, A Little Jump, A Little neck. Although the creatures Infernal Might: 5 (Aquam) Skip: 1 point, Init +5, Corpus have the heads of horses, they Characteristics: Int –1 Per +1, Pre and Animal. This power allows lack the passive expressions +1, Com -2, Str +1, Sta +0, Dex the demon to step through a of most of those animals: they +2, Qik 0 solid object, like a wall, or an bare their teeth, flick out long, Size: –2 opponent in combat. The evil discolored tongues, and flick Personality Traits: Selfish +6 spirit remains intangible for their manes.

Lyonesse think it was swallowed by Order: Lady of the Spirits of Deceit Dead (21+) the sea as a divine judgment on the Infernal Might: 40 (Imaginem) Abilities: Various, including Brawl 8 wickedness of its inhabitants. In truth, Characteristics: Int +3, Per +2, Pre +4, (dagger), Charm 8 (nobles), Eti- it was destroyed by the demon now Com +2, Str +1, Sta +1, Dex +1, quette 8 (nobles) known as the Red Knight of Ys. He Qik +2 Powers: and Neqael hate each other, and each Size: 0 Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, Corpus. would ally with the magi for the op- Virtues and Flaws: Great Characteris- Envisioning; 1 point, Init +0, Mentem. portunity to humiliate, injure, or ban- tic, Improved Characteristics Forked Tongue of the Serpent: 3 points, Init ish their foe. Each is aware that many Confidence Score: 5 (5) –1, Mentem: The target believes magi refuse to deal with demons, and Personality Traits: Deceitful +6, Trust- any lie until he or she relates it to each can pass for human with care, so worthy -3 someone else. An hour after the they simply may not inform the play- Hierarchy: 5 lie is told, the hearer may make er characters of their nature. Reputations: Mistress of a fallen realm an Intelligence roll against an Ease The Lady of the Purple Bower is 5 (Infernal), Mistress of etiquette 2 factor of 9 to disbelieve it. The served by a strange tribe of succubi (nobles). hearer may reroll every hour. who cannot attack people who have at- Combat: Obsession, 1 point, Init –5, Vim. Unre- tempted to seduce them. They are unable Dagger: Init +2, Attack +12, Defense quited passion. to have sex with mortals, and so instead +11, Damage +4* Change Form, 0 point, Init 0, Corpus must manipulate their victims. Humans * Venomed: as per asp bite in Arm5, or Animal: May take any animal are usually seduced in pairs, each using page 180. or human form. The demon’s the body of another victim as their in- Soak: +1 form is not resisted by the Parma strument of sin. Some of these creatures Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Un- Magica if the demon makes a instead select a particular human to act as conscious. physical attack. their champion, and train him or her in all Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (5–10), Summon Mavens of the Purple Bower: the techniques of courtly seduction. –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), Points equal Might, Init +1, Vim.

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This power summons lesser de- The Red Knight of Ys: Bringer treacherously. Even a rival covenant, mons, although it does not con- of Requested Inundations though it betrays the Code to call trol, them. Neqael usually calls on him, is not sufficiently intimate a particular type of demon, and The Red Knight is a demon who a betrayer to allow the Red Knight rules her minions without mysti- delights in drowning his victims. to crack the wall and send towering cal compulsion, using a mixture of His proudest achievements are the waves against the player characters’ pleasure and threats. destruction of whole kingdoms, like island. The family member of a magus, Trust of the Innocent, 1 point, Init +1, Ys and Gwenolod, but he similarly an apprentice, a familiar, a lover or a Mentem: The victim believes a is responsible for some of the towns trusted servant could all give the Red single, plausible lie until evidence now covered by lakes in the Alps, for Knight leave to destroy the land. The to the contrary is presented. An Italian merchant ships lost at sea, and Red Knight prefers to kill the mortal Intelligence roll against an Ease for many thousands of people whose who gives him permission to cause Factor of 6 allows a character to heads he has held in a rainwater butt. great inundations. If this cannot be resist this effect. The Red Knight is, however, under a accomplished he sometimes selects, The Serpent’s Oracle: 2 points, Init –3, strange compulsion: he can only harm as his next temptee, someone who Vim: The demon can duplicate people once he has been given per- hates the survivor. the effect of any Intellego spell, or mission to, by a mortal. He destroyed Some tribes of merfolk, around can gain an understanding of the the kingdom of Ys after its prin- the coasts of France, and even further immediate consequences of any cess, in exchange for a kiss and the afield if interacting with Breton specific act. unspoken promise of his love, gave sailors, claim to be descendants of Weakness: Protected group: nuns him the key to the kingdom’s sea de- the people of Ys. They say they were Vis: 8 pawns Imaginem vis sordida in fences. He claims his victims deserve changed into merrow as an act of clothes their punishment, and that he acts as mercy by God, when the sinners of Appearance: The Lady of the Purple God’s chastiser, but this is false and Ys were killed. These merfolk have a Bower is fairest by candlelight, or in he knows it. traditional, intergenerational hatred the dappled light of her bower, with The mortal who grants the Red of the Red Knight (or, at least, they milky skin, fair hair and grey eyes. Knight permission to destroy his believe they do). They will gladly In direct sunlight her skin looks yel- victims must have a social connection die to see him destroyed. Characters lowed, and her eyes hollow. to them, such that by giving the who make an Intelligence + Faerie permission, the mortal is acting Lore roll against an Ease Factor of

The Mavens of Etiquette in the Court of the Purple Bower

Short Sword: Init +1, Attack +10, De- A demon can switch gender at will. These courtiers are sexual demons fense +6, Damage +8 Obsession, 1 to 3 points, Init –5, Vim. Se- who are, strangely, entirely chaste. Knife: Init 0, Attack +8, Defense +6, cret desire. They teach courtiers a distorted moral Damage +3 Trust of the Innocent, 1 point, Init +1, code, and the techniques of seduction. Soak: +4, clothes. On rare occasions, Mentem: The victim believes a armored (+8) single, plausible lie until evidence Order: Tempters Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), to the contrary is presented. An Infernal Might: 5 (Corpus) –5 (11–50), Incapacitated (16–20), Intelligence roll against an Ease Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre +3, Dead (21+) Factor of 6 allows a character to Com 0, Str +1, Sta +3, Dex +1, Abilities: Brawl 5 (knife), Charm 8 resist this effect. Qik 0 (teaching), Etiquette 8 (teach- Weakness: Protected group: those Size: 0 ing shallow manners), Folk Ken 3 who have offered to have sex with Virtues and Flaws: Improved Charac- (nobles), Single Weapon 5 (short the demon. teristics, Weak-willed sword) Vis: 1 pawn Corpus vis sordida in the Personality Traits: Selfish +6, Emotion- Powers: private organs. ally voyeuristic +5, Deceitful +4 Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, Corpus. Appearance: Elegant women in lace Hierarchy: 1 Envisioning; 1 point, Init +0, Mentem. and fur. Languid men with rip- Combat: Mutable gender; 0 point, Init +0, Corpus: pling muscles in leather trousers.

87 Transforming Mythic Europe waves. The Knight cannot create 12 know that some merfolk claim the island has been thoroughly spells of level 31 or higher, nor rit- Ysian descent. This number may be driven underground, then red- ual spells. To this there is a single lowered by circumstances such as a caps traveling through distant exception: the Knight may create Breton upbringing. cities send urgent reports to a single great wave, of level 60 or their superiors, who use magic to below, for each temptee. Order: Lord of the Avengers of Evil transport messengers to as close Weakness: Protected Group (those Infernal Might: 30 (Aquam) whom he has not been invited to to the covenant as is possible. Characteristics: Int +1, Per 0, Pre +2, harm by a traitor) The player characters, if they ca- Com +2, Str +3, Sta +4, Dex +5, Vis: 6 pawns Perdo vis sordida in pitulate speedily, can prevent the Qik +3 mustache crusade, which is expensive and Size: 0 Appearance: The Red Knight dresses time consuming to prepare, from Confidence Score: 5 (5) impeccably, in enameled armor or being launched. Alternatively, Virtues and Flaws: Venus’ Blessing. costly scarlet clothes. He has red the player characters may use this Personality Traits: Relentless +5, Ma- hair, a jaunty mustache, and arch- time to bolster their defenses. nipulative +4, Mentions his mus- ing eyebrows. He’s roughish and • A crusade against one covenant tache far more than necessary +3, charismatic. Unlike the other two could easily expand to include Flirtatious +2, Merciful –5 major demons given here, he does all. Crusades against distant pa- Hierarchy: 5 not have Infernal servants. He often gans, for example, are always Reputations: A demon of shipwreck travels with a human squire or valet, accompanied by the widespread and mass drowning 5 (Infernal) who appears unaware of his nature. abuse of Jews (who are still unbe- Combat: lievers but are militarily weaker Bite: Init +4, Attack +16, Defense +11*, and conveniently close.) If it Damage +11 is clear that the crusade will go * +2 if using his shield Other Faiths ahead, powerful figures in Houses Soak: +10 in armor, +4 without Player characters might choose Guernicus, Tremere and Jerbiton Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Unconscious. settlers of a different religion, or of contact each other and discuss Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (5–10), a Christian sect considered hereti- how to clean up the mess, can- –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), cal by the papacy. The current pope, vassing options up to killing the Dead (21+) Honorius III, is strongly in favor of player characters and submerg- Abilities: Various, including Carouse 6 the crusading movement in the Baltic, ing the island again. The player (with women), Charm 6 (potential the Reconquista in Iberia, the crush- characters are tipped off by their sexual partners), Single Weapon 7 ing of the Cathars in southern France, allies, and have time to convince (sword) the Latin Empire in Constantinople, an emergency Tribunal not to Powers: and the invasion of Muslim lands in cast them out. Coagulation, 1 point, Init –1, Corpus. Africa. One more theatre of war won’t • The player characters may decide Change Form, 0 point, Init 0, Corpus or bother him. to sidestep this whole issue by Animal: Allows the Red Knight to creating a race of inhabitants al- manipulate his shape so that his ar- • The pope’s first move is to send ternative to humans. This idea is mor immediately congeals about him. evangelists to have the land come more fully developed in The Bro- Envisioning; 1 point, Init +0, Mentem. to the faith by conversion. If he ken Covenant of Calebais. A kingdom This demon uses this power to pre- considers it necessary, he will of intelligent, magical animals pare his temptees for meeting with send members of the Order of has strange effects on the politi- him while awake. Preachers (later called the Do- cal and theological development Obsession:, 1 point, Init –5, Vim. Infatu- minican Order) who are trained of Mythic Europe. ation with the Knight. to preach in vernacular language, Inundation, 1 point per Magnitude of endure great hardship, and be As a counterpoint, the pope’s re- simulated spell, Init +1, Aquam martyred if necessary. sources are thinly stretched. Offers of or Terram: This power allows the • If that fails he has no compunc- assistance, with any of his many cam- Red Knight to generate effects tion about preaching a crusade. paigns, may sway him to allow the similar to Hermetic Creo, Muto The player characters, if there player characters nominate a king for or Rego spells that allow him are any priests on the island, hear him to appoint, may add luster to the to break sea defenses or call up of this. If a Christian presence on reputation of a particular candidate

88 Transforming Mythic Europe for the role of bishop, or convince • The player characters may under 226 miles in diameter him of the need for immediate report- design their kingdom as a great • A level 55 spell creates a ring ing to Rome rather than suffragancy emporium of the north, although 2259 miles across. By way of to an archbishop. in time this may lead to conflict comparison, it is slightly over Honorius is implacably opposed with Venice. Venice lacks the 1500 miles from London to Con- to Jews or Muslims working in the power to send a war fleet into stantinople. Filling such a ring administration of any Christian the North Sea in 1220, but it would be a mammoth task. king, particularly in roles which has sufficient money to bribe the involve handling money. If the player nobles of surrounding nations Characters wanting a rock to wrap characters promise to not employ Jews into declaring war. As a corollary, their island around have a few options or Muslims directly, and to aid the if the player characters can prove in the Atlantic. Order of Preachers in their peaceful this has occurred, then there are conversion, Honorius can be convinced many covenants with interests • The almost-mythical Purple Is- not to demand their expulsion. in Venice, one of which may lands, which are discussed in be pleased to aid the player Ancient Magic are one possibil- characters in reprisal, in exchange ity. Player characters investigat- A Boom in for some other favor. ing them may discover Magic and Faerie auras aplenty, a reli- People and Trade able supply of vis, and valuable trade goods. These islands are Many of the kingdoms surround- also ruled by a caste of magi- ing the North Sea are experiencing Alternative cians, so taking control of them explosive population growth, and by force arguably doesn’t breach rapid urbanization. In Great Brit- Locations the Code. ain, the population is predominantly • The Scilly Isles, off the tip of along the North Sea coast. In France, There are many good reasons to Cornwall, are owned by the Ab- Paris, which connects to the North place the magic land in the North Sea, bey of Tavistock in Devon, fol- Sea by the heavily-trafficked Seine, is but player characters may prefer one of lowing a royal grant by Henry I. the largest city in the west of Myth- these other locations. The abbey founded a small mo- ic Europe. In the Baltic, alliances of nastic community at Tresco, on merchants, and between towns, are the islands. The characters can forming, allowing them to prepare for The Atlantic Ocean buy the islands off Tavistock Ab- greater adventures of commerce and bey, although the king must ap- speculation than ever before. The depth of the Atlantic acts as prove, and be paid a portion of a complicating factor to creating a the final price. To remove the • Many story seeds regarding trade truly massive island, as it is somewhat Scilly Isles from the kingdom can be found in City & Guild, the over 4000 paces deep, on average. would require a far larger bribe. Ars Magica supplement dealing The Wedding Ring of Gaea, given in an • The St Kilda Archipelago, with merchants. earlier insert, creates a wall of stone the largest island of which is • Once the characters have estab- 4000 paces deep, two paces thick, and called Hirtir, lies to the far west lished a settlement, many towns just under 1250 paces long, which is a of Scotland. It has perhaps a send merchant adventurers to as- circle 398 paces in diameter. The Wed- hundred inhabitants, of Viking sess what the inhabitants want, ding Ring of Gaea is, however, a level stock, and is not claimed by any what they produce, and what 35 spell, and some Hermetic magi are outside power, with the possible prices are available in their port. able to cast spells of far higher level exception of the petty rulers of This is completely dependent on than this. the Outer Hebrides. The people how the player characters design there are Christians in name, but their country, but even if they • A level 40 spell creates a ring just incorporate many pagan practices choose relatively normal com- over two miles in diameter. into their religion. Megalithic modities, like wool or lumber, • A level 45 spell creates a ring 22 sites can also be found on many they are closer than other sources miles in diameter. of the islands. of supply. • A level 50 spell creates a ring just • There are many islands off the

89 Transforming Mythic Europe

west coast of Hibernia which Story Seeds: Has Someone may be suitable, but some of Else Has Done This Before? these may have been claimed by Hermetic covenants already. When House Diedne disap- Moors invaded Iberia, seven bishops peared, leaving an unambiguous mes- and their followers fled to sea. sage of eternal hatred and a threat of They were washed up on a The Baltic Sea revenge, many magi believed they great island, which had, through sailed into the West, and Arcadia, sheer coincidence, seven ports, and The Baltic Sea averages 60 paces in where they died. each bishop founded a city. The depth, which means: It’s entirely possible that if they odd thing about the island is that, had just a handful of vis, they could when mapped, it is clearly a vast • If magi use The Wedding Ring of Gaea, have created an island the size of Eu- rectangular prism 350 miles long and a level 35 spell, it creates a ring just rope in the depths of the Atlantic. 135 miles wide. Its capital lies at one under 15 miles across. There is nothing inherently impos- short end, like a father at the head of • If magi use a level 40 spell, it cre- sible in the idea that the Diedne have a family table, with its six other ports ates a ring 150 miles across, which built themselves an entire civilization, equidistant along each of the long is rather too large for the Baltic Sea. somewhere in the west. sides. The capital’s harbor is a vast As another alternative, maps from and perfectly symmetrical bay with a The islands of the Baltic are, for the slightly after the game period record perfectly straight breakwater. Each of most part, owned and claimed by vari- an island, called Antillia, or the Isle of the other cities rests on an identical ous kingdoms. That being noted, with Seven Cities, which lies in the Atlantic trefoil bay of precisely the same size. the obvious exception of Gotland, most opposite Iberia. The island’s history, as Somewhere in the depths of Antillia, can be purchased from their current ruler, reported by a group of sailors washed is there a record of which magus built for a large enough fee. Bornholm is cur- there in a storm, is that when the it, and why? rently contested by the King of Denmark and the Bishop of Lund. The Ertholmene Archipelago is uninhabited, but perhaps lacks sufficient sea room about it to make Saga Seed: Tartessos Emerges it a viable choice.

Tartessos, as described by the language, who barter away rich ancients, was a rich port at the goods for apparent trifles. The Black Sea furthest inhabited edge of the world. • As time progresses, the tired Phoenician traders who landed there story of Tartessos becomes revi- The Black Sea is an interesting choice could gain such cargoes, and realize talized, and the intrusions of the as site, located on the edge of the Her- such profits, that they could plate their Faerie port become more overt. metic world and lying between the The- anchors in silver before their return. • Whole suburbs change on an- ban, Transylvanian and Novgorod Tribu- Tartessos no longer exists — it may cient, sacred days. nals. This sea averages 1420 paces deep, perhaps have been in Iberia — but the • Strange ships, with faerie crews which means that: memory of it, the dream of it, persists. dressed in Cathaginian robes arrive, to trade fish sauce, gold and • A spell of level 35 gives a ring 1120 • When the player characters cre- dye for local wares. paces (0.63 miles) wide. ate a rich port at the edge of the • The people sleepwalk to build • A spell of level 40 gives a ring 11200 world, the old Gods of Tartessos temples, filled with fire, bulls and paces (6.36 miles) wide. rouse from their slumbers. bronze. • In the depths of the night, misty • A spell of level 45 gives a ring 112000 buildings can be seen and strange Do the player characters oppose paces (63.63 miles) wide. songs heard. the return of Tartessos, or find a way • A person who turns down an un- to communicate with the Faerie gods, There are hundreds of faerie islands known street may find a bazaar and parley with them? For inspira- in the Black Sea, only one of which is filled with strange, but friendly tion, an alternative version of Tartes- geographically stable. Snake Island is de- traders speaking an unknown sos is found in Rival Magic. scribed in greater detail in Against the Dark: The Transylvanian Tribunal.

90 Transforming Mythic Europe The Mediterranean Mercury on the site currently oc- cupied by the largest mosque in the Story Seed: Earlier The Mediterranean requires more island chain. Magi who seize these Floating Islands powerful spells to create an island of a islands might be able to make peace particular size than the North Sea, lack- with other Arabic states, since none The island of Delos, in the ing that body of water’s strange shallow- effectively controls the islands re- Aegean Sea, was once a floating ness. On average, the Mediterranean gardless of their claims to suzerain- island. Zeus, lord of Olympus, is 1630 paces deep, with lower wave ty, and a successful crusade might tethered it to the sea floor with, height than the Atlantic. The Wedding gain them cachet with the pope. depending on which source you Ring of Gaea, given in an earlier insert, • All of the islands off Greece are prefer, great chains or thick pillars. creates a ring of stone 1,640 paces deep, claimed by the Theban Tribunal’s Player characters intent on creating two paces thick, and just under 970 pac- many member covenants, and their a floating island may wish to go to es (0.55 miles) in diameter. innate conservatism is unlikely to Delos, to see how it comes to float. If claiming an island as a core for the welcome an innovative land con- Is it natural, is it the handiwork of magical land, there are a few candidates: struction project. ancient spellcasters, or is it the cre- • Vis harvesting rights to all of the is- ation of creatures with supernatural • Three small islands to the south- lands off the coast of Dalmatia are powers? Delos is the meeting place west of Sicily, Lampedusa, Linosa, claimed by House Mercere, under of the Theban Tribunal, so charac- and Lampione, are close enough the stringently enforced rules of the ters may find collaborators in their to be contained in a single magical Transylvanian Tribunal. research, or locals who do not want land. Lampedusa was settled by the the mysteries of their region ex- Romans for a time, as a manufac- posed to outsider eyes. tory for fish sauce, so perhaps an A Floating Island ancient temple or other structure can be excavated, providing a weak Player characters may prefer to Steering A Vast Stone Dish Magic aura. Lampione was, in local create an island which is mobile. They ReTe 40 myth, a stone dropped by a cyclops, can do this by changing the shape of R: Touch, D: Ring, T: Circle so it may have a Faerie aura. A new the wall into a circular cap, and mak- This spell allows the player char- land here would, however, be a di- ing it from pumice, a strange type of acters to direct the voyage of a small rect neighbor to the Holy Roman stone which floats in water. floating island whose wall has been Emperor, whose court is in Palermo created with a level 30 spell. The is- in Sicily, and to the strange Arabic • A level 30 spell creates a circular land travels at the speed of a running sorcerers of Tunis. cap that, if 35 paces at its deep- horse, which is about 50 land miles • Malta is currently ruled by a count est point, is just under 800 paces per hour. An island with a wall cre- who owes fealty to the King of Sic- wide. ated using a level 35 spell requires a ily, who happens to be the Holy • A level 35 spell creates a circu- level 45 spell to steer, and one creat- Roman Emperor. Claiming his land lar cap around 2500 paces (1.4 ed by a level 40 spell requires one of is an act of war, and after such a mis- miles) across. level 50. Larger islands, if steered by a take only adroit diplomacy can save • A level 40 spell creates a circular single spell, can only be maneuvered the player characters. cap around 14 miles across with rituals. • The Balearic Islands are an in- This spell does demonstrate the dependent taifa in 1220, and al- Characters who create a floating difficulty of steering with simple though their Christian neighbors island must find a way to steer it. If spells, however: a Ring 800 paces look on them covetously as an they have the aid of one of the vast across requires over 250 concentra- eventual prize of the Reconquista, magical monsters described earlier tion rolls to draw. Wise player char- none have plans to make an actual in this chapter, then smaller float- acters would, instead, invest this spell attempt. The Balearics have been ing islands can simply be towed, if in an invested device that maintained settled since before the arrival of the creature will deign to perform Concentration for them. the Romans, and megalithic struc- such labor. Magic items may be used (Base 2, +1 Touch, +2 Ring, +1 tures from that time survive. The to push, drag or teleport the island. Circle, +6 Size) islands were a Roman province for Alternatively, spells to control the is- a time, complete with a temple to land are simple to create.

91 Chapter Four Magic as Technology

Mythic Europe is a world of Ar- if the troupe tries to introduce such distances, a practice to which the istotelean physics, where magic ma- anachronisms to society at large. A term “scrying” is rightly applied, al- nipulates the natural forces of the key aspect of a technological soci- though the Code of Hermes also uses universe. Technological development ety — which Mythic Europe is not, at this term to designate a proscribed is unlikely to develop down the same least by modern standards — is that use of magic (more on this later). paths as historical Europe, since the the technology not only exists, but The utility of such enchantments differing laws of physics make some the benefits of its existence are felt need not be explained to most play- scientific developments impossible, by many. This chapter is not about ers, but the impacts that they might and others yield contrary results. equipping a magus with a magical have on a medieval society should Magic is bound to be an integral part version of a mobile phone, but equip- be carefully considered. The popu- of the future development of Mythic ping nobles, merchants, and even lace of Mythic Europe has very little Europe, and the most powerful wield- priests with them. exposure to people or places further er of magic in the thirteenth century This chapter focuses principally than a week’s travel from their home. is the Order of Hermes. on four inventions as examples of en- Language is a barrier to all but the Magi of the Order of Hermes chantments that could change the face educated classes who speak Latin; form a subclass of society: they are of Mythic Europe. These are intended communities on different sides of well-educated in the main, and versed to serve as paradigms of the kind of mountains — or in some places, on in subjects of mundane study such impact that magical technology could different sides of a river — speak dif- as philosophy and the liberal arts, have on society. These examples are ferent dialects or even languages, and and yet they also wield the terrify- discussed first, and then the rest of these varied tongues are kept distinct ing power of magic. A third and oft- the chapter is a more general discus- by the lack of cultural exchange. forgotten function of the Hermetic sion of the effects that magical tech- Among the changes that first occur magus is as a craftsman, a producer nology can have on Mythic Europe. with increased communication be- of items of great interest to peasant, tween distant places is a gradual glo- merchant, and prince. This chapter is balization of language and culture. about developing this third role for It may be that some covenants magi beyond a simply artisan position already have devices permitting com- and into the realms of the magus as Scrying as munication between distant allies. an inventor and producer of marvels Scrying devices become agents of in great demand by those who can af- a Means of transformation when they become ford them. commonly available to mundanes Troupes often try hard to avoid rather than just between members of anachronism in Ars Magica Fifth Edi- Correspondence the Order. tion, both in terms of maintaining an accurate historical setting and in Considering the ubiquity of mo- avoiding the introduction of mod- bile phones in the modern era, it Remote Writing ern concepts and equipment in the should be no surprise if players of Ars form of “magitech,” largely because Magica Fifth Edition want their magi The subtlest form of magical technology has a major transforma- to invent magical analogs of these correspondence is an enchantment tive effect on the society that uses it. devices. This technological break- employing remote writing, where This chapter explores what happens through is about communication over a message written at one location

92 Transforming Mythic Europe also appears at another. There are a vices, one must be made within the secure communication to several number of ways in which this can be Aegis of one covenant and given to targets simultaneously. achieved, two of which are described the other covenant, and vice versa. The below. Remote writing is less useful items could still be made by the same Description for conversations and more useful individual at both locations, as long for imparting information, asking for she was included in both Aegis rituals help, and sending news. A key advan- or granted token(s) for the duration Two perfectly matched goose tage of this type of magical technolo- of her work. quills from the left wing; each is a gy is that it cannot be misconstrued as A variant of this device is a pair snowy white feather. The quills are scrying by a Tribunal, or accidentally of enchanted bone styluses, which are equipped with silver nibs for greater used to commit a Hermetic crime. It used to inscribe on wax tablets. This endurance, as a quill otherwise has a also presupposes that the intended re- version has the advantage of not re- limited lifespan. Each quill is a Lesser cipient can read — a safe assumption lying on an inkwell in precisely the Enchantment, each using two pawns if the message is for a Hermetic ma- right location, but has less flair, thus of vis. The Arcane Connection to gus, but this can be more restrictive if less appeal, than the version using a the other quill was fixed with a fur- intended for mundanes. quill. Quills are also superior because ther pawn of vis. If this enchantment they offer a +7 Shape and Material is modified it can potentially be used Bonus to scribing. to write multiple books at once, al- Example Device: This device could be expanded though not being able to see the in scope by linking several quills remote text makes for poor quality Quills of Arcane together, each with an Arcane reproductions. Substitute the char- Correspondence Connection to either a master quill acter’s Finesse score for Profession: or to each other. The invested effect Scribe, but with a –3 penalty, and This item is usually designed as would need to have Target: Group, reduce the Quality of any remotely- two identical magical devices: a pair but the resultant device would permit written text by 3 points. of perfectly matched goose quills. In- side the hollow shaft of each quill is an Arcane Connection to its partner; these Arcane Connections have been fixed in the laboratory to extend their durations indefinitely ArM5( , page 94). The enchantment within ensures that whatever is done with one quill is copied by the other, including dip- ping the pen into ink and writing on a page. Each item is typically left in a carefully prescribed position, lying on top of a sheet of parchment with an inkwell exactly placed and always filled with fresh ink. Failure to follow these procedures may mean that the message is not reproduced at the other location, either because the parchment was not registered correctly or no ink was picked up by the pen. Only one quill needs to be enchanted if one-way communication is all that is desired. These devices would be more common in the Order were it not for the Aegis of the Hearth. If two covenants desire to be in contact using such de-

93 Transforming Mythic Europe

Twinning the Quill of a defeated enemy. The knife must and Material bonus of +5 to hearing be in contact with an Arcane Connec- effects. Occasionally these items are ReAn 19 tion to a location during the writing. made as a matched pair with an in- Pen 0, 12/day The message appears at that location, tegrated Arcane Connection to the R: Arc, D: Conc, T: Ind and persists until the sun next rises or other user, and these allow two peo- When the effect is triggered, any sets. Because of Atrox’s sigil, the mes- ple to communicate with one another movements of the enchanted quill are sage appears to be written in blood. no matter what the distance between exactly mirrored by the other, which (Base 1, +4 Arc, +2 Sun, +1 clear them. The owner of a paired device is usually left atop a sheet of parch- letters; +2 3/day) who does not want a conversation ment with an open inkwell in a pre- overheard would do well to remove cisely defined position. Errors must be her earring and place it in a box or bag. crossed out rather than scraped from Clairvoyance Since the key effect of this device the parchment in the usual fashion. A must Penetrate Magic Resistance to concentration roll is required every and Clairaudience work, it has been designed with the few sentences. Arrangements are usu- ability to create a brief noise to indi- ally made to change the parchment Scrying is technically the use of cate the activation of the device, so and refill the inkwell. Intellego spells at Arcane Connection that a magus can suppress his Parma (Base 1, +4 Arc, +1 Conc, +1 pre- Range, although for legal purposes Magica so that he can be heard. Oth- cise control; +4 12/day) the Code of Hermes has extended erwise, the device must be entrusted the use of the term to cover the use to servants who can be relied upon to of any magic to spy or aid spying into relay any messages. Example Device: a magus’s affairs (Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, page 52). When magi talk of Description The Unsubtle Knife scrying however, they are normally thinking of clairvoyance (viewing Invented by Atrox of Tytalus, this things from a distance) or clairaudi- This decorative piece of jewelry device allows him to issue orders to ence (hearing things at a distance). consists of a short cylinder of silver any of his agents, who are scattered Items involving scrying magic of- with a slit that admits the ear lobe. across the region. He keeps an Arcane ten employ similar Shape and Material It is closed by applying gentle pres- Connection to each agent’s home as a bonuses. Rock crystal is perhaps the sure. It was invented as an Invested matter of course. most potent, granting +5 clairvoyance Item prepared for enchantment with (ArM5 page 110). Electrum is an alloy six pawns of vis. Three pawns of en- of gold and silver that grants +3 scry- chantment space have been used. Description ing (Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, page The two effects could be made as 137), and silver offers a +2 bonus to two separate Lesser Enchantments — A simple silver knife, as common- Intellego effects (The Mysteries Revised perhaps as a conjoined two-part early carried for eating or for trimming Edition, page 33). Mirrors are a popular ring — taking only two seasons of quills. This item was made as a Lesser shape for scrying: not only do they in- laboratory work (rather than at least Enchantment with three pawns of vis. clude silver, they also grant a +6 bonus 3) and only three pawns of vis in total to effects that display images within (rather than nine). the mirror (Houses of Hermes: True Lin- The Writing on the Wall eages, page 139). A Signal of Intent CrIm 22 Pen 0, 3/day Example Device: Earring CrIm 8 R: Arc, D: Sun, T: Ind Pen 0, 6/day The effect is triggered by writing of Whispering Voices R: Arc, D: Mom, T: Ind a message with the tip of the knife This effect creates a brief sound at on a suitable flat surface; in the past Perhaps the simplest of all scrying the location designated by the Arcane Atrox has employed ink on a parch- devices, this enchantment takes the Connection. The exact form of the ment, carved his message on a tavern form of a piece of jewelry — usually an sound is between the inventor of the table, and cut an order into the flesh earring to make the best of the Shape device and his sigil, but a bell’s note

94 Transforming Mythic Europe is usual. This effect does not need to has a Hermetic Speculum themselves, The Scrier Spied Penetrate the Magic Resistance of the The Scrier Spied effect is activated by target; the sound may be heard by the contactee’s device, signaling InVi 29 anyone in his vicinity. that someone either wishes to talk, Pen 0, constant effect This effect is used to signify to the or else is eavesdropping in on the R: Per, D: Sun, T: Smell recipient that the device’s owner has conversation. This spell operates like The Invis- used (or is about to use) The Ear for a ible Eye Revealed (ArM5, page 157): the Distant Voice. If made as a paired de- Speculum responds whenever a spell Description vice to allow two-way conversation, of 30th level or lower is used to spy it is usual for the recipient to trigger on whoever is carrying it. Note that the same effect in his own device to A sphere of rock crystal filled this spell can detect the presence of indicate his own ability to hear the with flaws, creating many mirror-like scrying spells that have failed to Pen- words of the listener; otherwise the surfaces within the body of the crys- etrate its bearer’s Magic Resistance be- first user cannot be sure his words are tal. A small crystal is traditionally cause it can “smell” such spells within being received. mounted on a chain worn at the belt; a three pace radius of its location. A (Base 1, +4 Arc, +3 6/day) for an enchanted device this chain is detected scrying spell is signaled by often made of silver. Larger crystal a soft golden light filling the crystal; spheres are too unwieldy to carry like this is a cosmetic effect indicating The Ear for a Distant Voice this, and are instead provided with a that the power has been triggered. stand on which they sit; these stands (Base effect, +1 to increase Dura- InIm 12 can be made of orangewood, which tion from Conc to Sun, +1 to increase Pen 0, 3/day provides a +5 bonus to sight-related Target to Smell; +1 2/day; +3 environ- R: Arc, D: Conc, T: Ind effects (Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, mental trigger) The user of the device can hear page 137). Because flawed rock crystal the voice of the person to whom she is enchanted as hard stone, a chain- has an Arcane Connection. She can- born crystal would be a small object Example Device: The not hear anything else from the vicin- prepared with eight pawns of vis, and ity of the target other than his voice. a free standing Speculum is a medium Effigy of the Errant Image The effect is triggered by touching object needing twelve pawns of vis. the earring with the forefinger while Five of these pawns have been used up. This is perhaps the most effective holding an Arcane Connection to a type of device for distant communica- person or place in the same hand. tion, because it allows two-way com- Summoning the (Base 1, +4 Arc, +1 Conc; +2 3/day) munication through a single device Image of the Distant rather than having paired items with reciprocal Arcane Connections. The user Example Device: The InIm 17 of the device creates an image of him- Pen 0, 3/day self at a distant location, and can see Hermetic Speculum R: Arc, D: Conc, T: Ind and talk to anyone there present. The The wielder of the device can see chief disadvantage is that the enchant- The traditional design for this and hear the individual to whom she ment is of eighth magnitude, and so is device is a polished sphere of rock has an Arcane Connection, provided more difficult and more costly to create. crystal, taking advantage of the Shape he has no Magic Resistance. The im- A similar device can be achieved and Material bonus for clairvoyance. ages are divorced from any surround- with a Creo Imaginem enchantment Another common form for this device ings or other beings in the vicinity. like Haunt of the Living Ghost (ArM5, page is a silver-backed mirror. A speculum The effect is normally triggered by 144) rather than the Rego Imaginem ef- (“mirror” in Latin) is a well-known rubbing the item with the thumb or fect detailed here; there is no difference magical device among sorcerers palm while holding an Arcane Con- in the overall level of enchantment. Tri- who indulge in speculomancy for nection to the person to be viewed. bunals have usually ruled that neither their masters, often credulous lords The images appear in the mirror-like effect is an illegal use of scrying magic, and princes. Such sorcerers may be flaws in the crystal. since they make no attempt to hide the charlatans, hedge wizards, or both. (Base 2, +4 Arc, +1 Conc; +2 3/day) magus employing them. If used to scry upon someone who

95 Transforming Mythic Europe

Description and down, for example. While his im- cies could be transmitted to the user age is dislocated, he is invisible and against his will, and that is scrying A small wooden statue of a hu- inaudible at his true location. The without a doubt. If a magus should man, small enough to easily fit into displaced image is his image; if he sits come into possession of a device — the palm of one hand. Its features are then the image sits, if he is wounded innocently or not — and if the linked ill-defined and androgynous, and it then the image appears to bleed. device is used by the other recipient, has its hands held out palm up, as if Note that the image cannot en- then the scried magus has a legitimate asking for a gift. The Effigy has been ter an area protected by an Aegis of claim to bring before the Tribunal if prepared for enchantment with four the Hearth unless the device was made he was ignorant of its enchantment, pawns of vis (a small wooden object) within that covenant or made by a even if he came by the device in an and has no space remaining for fur- caster who was included in the ritu- illicit manner. ther enchantments. al’s effects. If designed with sufficient Remote writing technology has Penetration, this effect could poten- none of these perils. Even if a magus tially overcome this limit. sees a message that was not intended The Wandering Eidolon (Base 15, +1 Touch, +1 Conc, for him he has not been scried upon, +1 additional sense, +1 requisite; +5 for the user of the device has gained Re(In)Im 40 item maintains concentration) no information about the other ma- Pen 0, 1/day gus. It could be argued that a magus R: Touch, D: Conc, T: Ind who reads a message intended for This effect causes the user’s image “I Will Not Use another has scried upon the author to disappear from its current location of that message, since since he has and appear in a location designated Magic to Scry...” gained information about another by an Arcane Connection placed in magus through the use of magic. This the hands of the statue when trigger- The scrying devices described is a very tenuous argument to make, ing the effect. above use Target Individual to direct- and would probably be rejected by The wielder can speak at the ly spy on a person, but could equally most Tribunals since the aggrieved designated location and hear any reuse Target Room to relay the images magus was the initiator of the magic sponses, and he can also see every- of multiple individuals at once (pro- that caused the crime to occur. thing he could if he were actually vided they were in a room). If a magus there. He cannot move his image from happens to be in that area, then the the immediate vicinity of the Arcane user of the device has scried upon the Connection, although he has some other, and if a magus, has committed Why it May Not Work: limited movement — he can pace up a High Crime. Designing the device with a Penetration of zero prevents Lack of Penetration this, but also prevents distant com- Story Seed: munication between magi. The two The Order of Hermes is liable to devices described above each have be very cautious around magic that Inappropriate Use methods of signaling the recipient so permits an individual to scry on anoth- Once scrying devices make it he can suppress Magic Resistance, but er. The Hermetic Oath is quite spe- into the hands of mundanes, it is this extends the resources needed to cific in prohibiting its members from only a matter of time before a ma- make the item in the first place. scrying another maga or using magic gus becomes is the target of a mun- Few tribunals would convict a to peer into her affairs. The Peripheral dane’s curiosity. The victim raises a magus if the possessor of a twinned Code of a Tribunal might forbid magi prosecution case against the manu- device carried it while knowing both from supplying scrying magic to their facturer of the device for scrying. its function and the owner of its servants for this purpose as well. This might seem like a difficult case twin; such a case would probably be For safety’s sake, any magus to argue, but the prosecuting coun- construed as malicious entrapment. embarking on plans to distribute sel has a sympathetic Tribunal be- However, there are other ways in scrying devices to mundanes should hind him, and this could go badly which the device could raise accusa- design them with zero Penetration; for the character who made the of- tions of scrying. If another magus is including more Penetration than fending device. in the vicinity of the device when it is this in their design is perhaps an used, then his auditory or visual spe- admission that their intended use is

96 Transforming Mythic Europe not wholly innocent. However, this scrying device developed by a magus simple implementation of avoiding and (legally) sold to a mundane lord. I’m Sorry, Your Penetration means that the devices When his use of the device was un- Call Could Not Be are useless for communicating with covered, there was public condemna- magi, making the prospect of their tion of this flagrant use of dangerous- Arcanely Connected spread much less likely. sounding magic, and a secret clamor Magical communication is re- Remote writing devices present for similar devices directed toward the liant on Arcane Connections, and less of a problem; they can be made Order of Hermes. As a result, Mythic these would probably need to be by a covenant and then given to an Europe has a fair number of different fixed in the laboratory ArM5( , ally, allowing that ally to instantly designs, each one made by a differ- page 94), else they are in danger communicate with them regardless of ent inventor and working somewhat of becoming Arcane Connections distance. Covenants may be unhappy differently from the others, bearing to something else, such as the box about handing out permanent Arcane different features and quirks. Rather they are stored in (ArM5, page 84). Connections to items within their than attempting to produce an “in- If scrying technology is to become covenant, however, even to trusted dustry standard’, the Hermetic manu- widespread, then it is likely that the friends. Once such items are out in facturers of these devices have pros- locations it would be possible to the world, it might be too easy for pered from the diversity of different view or contact would be limited, enemies to get their hands on them. devices, and have even staged public due to the time and vis needed to debates over which one is better. The perform this task. It is a laboratory devices are nearly always designed activity that can be easily assigned Societal Impacts with a seven year expiry; in a particu- to Hermetic apprentices and junior larly cynical move by the manufactur- magi, however; even some hedge It is a common aphorism that ers the designs are changed every few wizards are capable of fixing Ar- “knowledge is power,” and this is par- years, so there is a strong business in cane Connections. Public collec- ticularly true in a world where news repeat customers who want to replace tions of Arcane Connections might can be transmitted much faster than a an expired model or else upgrade to a be made available, each carefully courier can travel. Getting news of a more fashionable design. labeled, and an individual could battle just minutes after its conclusion The most basic devices are remote borrow one if he leaves a deposit confers a huge tactical advantage on a writers like the Quills of Arcane Cor- and an Arcane Connection to him- major noble conducting a war — on respondence. These have proved a self. Both will be returned upon re- the assumption that these devices are boon to merchants, who can place turn of the borrowed material, but scarce. Indeed, a cunning individual orders with their suppliers without allow the collection’s curators to might pay a premium ensuring exclu- having to rely on couriers. Likewise, track down unreturned reference sivity over all copies of the device, producers can inform their vendors material, and trace or punish those who are suspected of using such which he gives to his trusted vassals instantly when new artisan goods are material in malfeasance. and spies. It might be years before ready, and create a demand for their anyone discovers the source of his produce in advance of its arrival. Bank- political and military success. The at- ers use the devices to secure remote any messages received are posted in a tempted patent on the device will not authentication, allowing transfer of public place for their intended recipi- persist beyond this revelation; the funds to be arranged instantly. Lieges ents to claim them. Townsfolk whose spells needed to copy the device are use the devices to communicate with relatives have moved away now keep relatively simple, and variants can be their vassals, and they have changed much closer contact with them. One easily conceived by another magus. the face of warfare, allowing orders noticeable effect is that Reputations to be clearly and unambiguously is- are more easily gained, harder to lose, sued to distant troops. The common- and apply over a large area now that Saga Seed: A Scrying Society ers also have access to Quills, at least gossip is widely spread by the Quills. in towns. It is usual for a town ward The first Hermetic Speculum was If integration of scrying devices to club together to raise the funds for commissioned by a prince of the into Mythic Europe is achieved, the devices connecting to several loca- Holy Roman Empire so he could ob- impacts will be seen in all aspects of tions, and they are available to any serve battles and better organize his society. In the scenario considered member of that ward. The Quills are forces, but these have since spread here, the situation began with a single normally kept in a locked room, and into general use as well. Some cities

97 Transforming Mythic Europe

their neighbors. The recent fad is for A Desire for Privacy devices that detect scrying, and some inventors have produced devices In a world where scrying devices drawn by the caster as he casts the that prevent it entirely. There have are common, magi might have interest spell are muddled to any observers been covert requests to the Order in spells or technology that hinders who were not present in the circle at by certain high placed individuals scrying. Remaining within an Aegis of the time of casting; this includes those for ways by which communication the Hearth is a good way of foiling spies, scrying on the target from a remote lo- can be intercepted by a third party, but this is not always practical. The cation. Those inside the circle can still but each object works through an following spell can form a basis for an see and hear each other normally, due Arcane Connection, which can only industry based around confounding to the Rego requisite that causes the ever be joined to a unique object. In- the new magical technology. spell to only affect the species stream- terception of communiqués requires ing in certain directions. The nature of obtaining an Arcane Connection to the muddled images varies according Safeguard the to the design of the spell, but usually one of the two original devices and Clandestine Conversation includes the inventor’s sigil, and leaves creating a third; and only half of the those within unidentifiable by their conversation would be heard unless Mu(Re)Im 10 appearance or sound. an Arcane Connection to both de- R: Touch, D: Ring, T: Circle vices was obtained. Whether or not The visual and auditory species (Base 2, +1 Touch, +2 Ring, +1 requisite) this has been achieved is a secret of produced by anyone within the circle the artificers and their employers.

they started to be used by the cities’ Story Seed: leaders to communicate with their Peeping Tom citizens en masse through proclama- The Copying tions, and the Town Crier’s Guild A clandestine interest in has recently formed to service the of a Book invading another’s privacy with announcement of news using these scrying devices has attracted the devices. Just recently an enterprising This section discusses some of the interest of a demon. It supplies group of jongleurs has taken to sell- ways in which books can be magically Arcane Connections to particularly ing Arcane Connections to the hall copied. This is not intended to be an licentious people, hoping that the in which they will be performing, exhaustive catalog of the methods of peeping toms will imitate what informing buyers on what day and producing books with magic; other they see. It can also manipulate the at what time they should use their techniques certainly exist, limited images, allowing nosy individuals Specula (of course, only those with only by the imagination of the to “witness” sinful behavior from Specula designed with Target Room players. public figures, leading to the public can watch). The jongleurs have audi- A key advantage of copying a vilification of (amongst others) ences hundreds of times bigger than book magically is that a spell or device a friend to the covenant. The they have achieved in the past, and does not have the same limitations characters might be a target of the the idea is sure to catch on with oth- as a mundane scribe. The facsimile demon’s false scrying when they er entertainers. Artistic Reputations created with magic is as close as it can begin to investigate. (Art & Academe, page 126) are bound be to the original, duplicating every to spread much faster and wider than nuance, diagram, and letter precisely. ever before. This means that texts on magical have bought them for their popu- There have been several public matters can be copied with as much lace, asking for particularly big mir- scandals revealed by the Specula and ease as ones on mundane matters with rors so that many people can ob- other scrying devices, and a lot of a spell, whereas a scribe copying a serve the images at the same time. public debate has revolved around book on a Hermetic Art needs to have To begin with, these Specula were an individual’s right to privacy. Of a score in Magic Theory to avoid just used to look at distant scenery course, these are the same individuals corrupting it. and monuments that many towns- who are more than happy to gossip folk would never normally see. Later about what they’ve discovered about

98 Transforming Mythic Europe Limitations of Hermetic Theory

There are a few principles that pose problems for any magus attempting to change the manner in which the Order acquires and exchanges knowledge. These do not necessarily relate to the Limits of Magic, but may instead be part of the incomplete nature of Magic Theory. It may be that there are hedge wizards who know magic that does not have the same restrictions.

There is No Art that Covers Knowledge

A magus cannot create knowledge using magic, and can only manipulate it indirectly. In Mythic Europe, a person’s knowledge is integrated into his mind through the memory and the imagination. The memory stores ideas and experiences, whereas the imagination stores images and other sensory input. In particular, inscribed Rego Craft Magic memories are the powerhouse of one’s Arts and non-physical Abilities, fixed This insert summarizes the rules process again and again on the same for Rego craft magic. For more de- raw materials. into the memory through study and tails, see Covenants, page 49. Rego craft magic requires a Fi- experience. Magi have only begun Rego magic can duplicate the ac- nesse roll, the Ease Factor for which to delve into the secrets of the mind, tivities of any mundane craftsman, is at least three higher than the Craft and there is no known way (yet) of bypassing the need for tools, time, roll needed by a mundane craftsman transferring inscribed memories and skill. Rego magic cannot create making an equivalent object. The between minds or creating new substances, and therefore the ma- Ease Factor for the Finesse roll is fur- inscribed memories, even though gus must provide all the raw materi- ther increased if the Rego craft magic other types of memories can be als necessary for the craft, while the is drastically shortening the time influenced with the Art of Mentem. Rego craft magic rearranges these needed to produce the finished item: For more information on the medieval materials into the desired form. It is doing a month’s work in an instant re- concept of the mind, see Art & not necessary to provide substances quires an additional +3; doing a sea- Academe, pages 31–32. For more about that are not integrated into the fin- son’s work in an instant incurs a +6; memories in particular, see Houses of ished object but that are essential to and a year’s work imposes a +9 to the Hermes: Societates, pages 68–70. the process; for example, a mundane Ease Factor. If the mundane craft re- percamenarius needs lye to bleach quires many intermediate steps, then animal skins to make parchment, but an additional +3 (or more) to the Magic Can Neither Rego craft magic does not. The Dura- Ease Factor is justified. Failure on the Read Nor Understand tion of Rego craft magic is almost al- Finesse roll results in a mess rather ways Momentary; a longer Duration than in a useful item, and a botch in- The Technique of Intellego is would merely repeat the manufacture dicates a fatal flaw that is overlooked. sometimes mistakenly seen as the Art

99 Transforming Mythic Europe of Knowledge. However, this Art in The First Furrow Group Target permits multiple colors truth covers only the acquisition of Guides the Second of ink to be employed. The spell does information, not the information it- not distinguish between writing and self. Likewise, Mentem spells oper- Cr(In)Im 25 illustrations, copying both with equal ate on sentient minds, not on the R: Voice, D: Sun, T: Group skill. The caster must make an Intelli- contents of those minds, so learn- This spell lays the image of a gence + Finesse roll to determine the ing is not encoded with the Form of book’s page over the top of a blank accuracy of the spell’s copying. The Mentem either. Words on a page are sheet, so that a scribe can trace the Ease Factor is 9 for an easy piece of under the purview of the Form relat- page’s content. This creates identical copying; for example, one color and ing to the components of the ink used copies of books. Used repeatedly over no illustrations, typical of a book with (mostly Herbam and Terram), or the the course of a season, it can assist in a Quality of 6 or less. The Ease Fac- page itself (Animal for parchment, the creation of copies of Hermetic tor is higher for more complex or de- other Forms for different media). Ma- books, allowing an unskilled magus to tailed works typical of higher Qual- nipulating the words however gets no copy books even without having the ity; for a Quality of 7 to 9 the copying sense of the meaning therein. There Profession: Scribe Ability. (Note: this Ease Factor is 12, and for a Quality is, for example, a profound lack of a spell’s description has been modified of 10 or more the Ease Factor is 15. spell that can translate the written from when it first appeared inCov - If this roll fails, then the ink fails to word from one language to another, enants, page 97, where it erroneously form letters and simply makes a mess. even though there is a spell that trans- implies that a magus without Profes- A botch indicates that the text looks lates the spoken word in exactly this sion: Scribe has a –3 penalty to any fine but is actually nonsensical, a flaw manner. This is because the mind that totals requiring that Ability) only discovered when the text is read uttered a word can be interrogated for (Base 1, +2 Voice, +2 Sun, +2 for the first time; however, characters its meaning with Mentem magic, but Group, +1 changes as pages turn, +1 will not often be rolling stress die for written words are just artifices of ink requisite) this Finesse roll. and parchment that have no intrinsic Variants of this spell with higher thoughts behind them. Duration allow a magus to use this The Copyist’s Puissant Quill spell to make patterns on the page that correspond to the caster’s words. Copying a Single Page ReAq 5 (Base 1, +2 Voice, +2 Group) R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Group Perhaps the simplest way to magi- This craft magic spell causes pre- cally reproduce a text is to use Rego pared ink to form words and images on Copying an Entire Book craft magic (see Insert) to duplicate a page. The ink is overlaid on guide- the efforts of a copyist. Having a lines already present on the page, such The spells in the previous section copy of the work to be copied pres- as chalk or charcoal sketches left by a allow the copying of a single page ent is essential, as is a stack of clean copyist, or the result of a spell such as at a time. However, a book usually parchment (or other writing medium) The First Furrow Guides the Second. The contains more than a single page and ink appropriate to the medium. Rego craft magic does not require quills, blotting powder, or other ac- Quality Remaining After Copying coutrements of the copyist’s craft; these items are not integrated into This table assumes an Ease Factor of 12 (i.e. Quality 7 to 9), a simple die roll, the finished manuscript and there- and no proofreading. For books requiring Finesse rolls of Ease Factor 9, add 3 to fore not needed by the magic. As dis- the Finesse Total; and subtract 3 for books requiring Finesse rolls of Ease Factor 15. cussed earlier, magic cannot read, so the process of copying a page of text Finesse Total Effect Quality of Copy is a two stage process. A spell is first 3 Spoil 8 pages in 10 No readable book results employed to lay an image of the text 5 Spoil 6 pages in 10 6 points lower than original to be copied over a blank page, and 7 Spoil 4 pages in 10 4 points lower than original then the Rego craft magic spell causes 9 Spoil 2 pages in 10 2 points lower than original ink to follow the image’s impression. 11 or more Spoil no pages Equal to original

100 Transforming Mythic Europe of text. A typical book consists mundane scribe, a version of The have been used in the production of a of a series of gatherings bound Copyist’s Puissant Quill that duplicates book that is then copied with magic, together between two boards of an entire book in one spell — rather the benefits of such resonances are wood. A typical gathering, called a than page by page — would require lost. A copied book can be rebound quarternion, consists of four sheets an Intelligence + Finesse roll against using new resonant materials, and so of parchment folded in half, and is an Ease Factor of 15, minimum, the benefits may be replaced by simi- therefore eight pages of text. which is well beyond the capacity lar ones if the copyist takes the effort It takes a moderately skilled scribe of most magi. Copying a book page to do so. one day to copy four pages of text, and by page using Rego craft magic as another day to tidy up and provide detailed in the previous section would Binding basic illumination for those same therefore seem the best option, but it pages. A typical tractatus consists of requires hundreds of castings, each about twenty quarternions (160 pages) with its accompanying Finesse roll. Once a text has been copied onto and takes about a season of continuous For simplicity’s sake, compare the loose sheets it should be gathered work to copy (80 days: scribes do Finesse Total (Intelligence + Finesse) together and bound into a codex. not work on Sundays or holidays). A of the caster on the nearby table Unbound books are easily damaged, typical summa has twenty five pages to determine how much Quality is since it is easy for individual sheets to per point of its Level. Since scribes retained from the original book. go astray. Furthermore, parchment is typically spend only half their time prone to warping out of shape unless actually scribing and illuminating, it is firmly pressed between wooden Resonances the estimation of a year to copy a boards and clasped together. This Bible is about right (it is a Summa on damage can negatively affect the qual- Theology of Level 10 and a Summa on Covenants (pages 87–88) details ity of the text. Finally, unbound books Church Lore of Level 3; approximately rules for improving the quality of a cannot have resonances (see earlier). 325 pages and therefore 163 days of text by incorporating resonant mate- continuous work). rials into the creation of a book, or Since copying an entire book by clarifying the book by exposing Example Device: is at least a season’s work for a it to a Magic aura. If such techniques The Superb Scrinium

A magus is unlikely to want to cast Discovering Mistakes the same spell a hundred times to copy A magus might want to compare a a text that would normally take a a text page by page. A more efficient magically or mundanely scribed copy season to write can be proofread and way to do this would be to create an of a text with the original to find mis- corrected in a week with unlimited Enchanted Item which performs the takes. Intellego Imaginem can detect uses of this spell. task automatically. While the Superb differences between copies, but can- Scrinium described here can copy and not distinguish minor variations in bind an entire book in a few hours, it pen-work from meaningful errors. A The Copyist’s Critical Eye does have its disadvantages. It takes spell such as The Copyist’s Critical Eye twelve pawns of vis to prepare this InIm 10 (below) could be enchanted into a item for enchantment, and another R: Per, D: Conc, T: Vision device that can turn the pages of both twelve pawns to instill the effects. It The caster casts his eye over two texts simultaneously, and even mark takes at least six seasons to create the texts, and he can immediately see the the pages that differ using a linked item. It can only copy single sheets places in the second that differ from trigger. The marked pages would still the first by perfecting his memory of or codices, not other forms of books have to be checked by someone who the first text. The manner in which such as rolls or tablets, and only copies understands the importance of the the differences are displayed depend one side of each page (although it is text, but it would greatly reduce the on the caster’s sigil. To Atrox of Tyta- rare to have writing on both sides of time this takes. Once mistakes have lus, any incorrect words appear to be parchment). The biggest impediment been identified they can be scraped drawn in fresh blood. is that the books produced by the out and corrected. As a rough guide, (Base 1, +1 Conc, +4 Vision) Scrinium are rarely as good as the originals: they do not have any

101 Transforming Mythic Europe resonant materials, and they require one and a half hours to copy a text The Lector’s Deft Hand a character with a high Finesse score of 300 pages: three combat rounds to operate the device if mistakes in (eighteen seconds) per page, one for ReHe(An) 15 the text are to be avoided. The latter each of the three effects. Pen 0, unlimited uses per day limitation cannot be circumvented; it The device relies on the Finesse R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind is a fundamental constraint of Rego Total of its activator, so its operation This enchantment turns a page of craft magic. Integrating resonant is usually restricted to magi, and even any book placed on the left-hand marble materials is possible, by using Binding so it will tend to produce texts of slab. It can turn pages of paper, papyrus, the Hermetic Codex instead of Binding the lower Quality than the original unless and other plant-based materials as well Mundane Codex (Covenants, page 97), the operator is highly skilled. It has as parchment and vellum. It is triggered although these materials need to be no intrinsic proof-reading, although when a sheet of parchment is placed on sourced first. The Copyist’s Deft Eye could be included the right-hand slab (that is, after the into the design. The First Furrow Guides Stack the Decorated Page effect has acted). the Second determines how many books (Base 3, +1 Touch, +1 requisite; +10 Description can be copied per day, since it needs unlimited uses per day) a separate activation for each text; The Superb Scrinium consists Binding the Mundane Codex should have The Copyist’s Puissant Quill of a large writing desk (a scrinium) the same number of uses. designed to be put on top of a The Scrinium has been prepared table. The desk is ornately carved for enchantment with 12 pawns ReAq 15 from walnut wood. The lid of the of vis (the highest cost of all the Pen 0, unlimited uses per day desk can be propped up to make a components is for the alabaster slabs, R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Group slanted desk or lectern, but when in which are large objects of soft stone). This enchantment has the same operation the lid is kept closed. Inset It has no more space for any further operation as the spell of the same into the flat surface of the desk are enchantments. name, described earlier, and acts on three rectangular slabs of alabaster. In the topmost sheet of the middle stack front of the middle slab are four horn of blank pages. It is triggered when inkwells, each one designed to take a The First Furrow a page of the book on the left-hand different color of ink. Guides the Second marble slab is turned (that is, after the The enchanted item is set in Lector’s Deft Hand effect has acted). motion by placing a book on the Cr(In)Im 22 (Base 1, +2 Voice, +2 Group; +10 left-hand alabaster slab and opening Pen 0, 3 uses per day unlimited uses per day) its back cover. This triggers The First R: Touch, D: Conc, T: Group Furrow Guides the Second. The device This enchantment has the same Stack the Decorated Page can copy a text onto any animal- operation as the spell of the same or plant-derived material, but name, described earlier, except with usually copies onto parchment. Ink respect to Range and Duration. Each ReHe(An) 20 appropriate to the writing material casting is sufficient for an entire text, Pen 0, unlimited uses per day should be placed into the inkwells. since the created illusion affects a R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Ind Wooden boards, twine, glue, and moving image. It is triggered when This enchantment moves a sheet of other materials necessary for binding an open book is placed on the left- parchment, paper, or other animal or plant- books should be put before the right- hand marble slab; an additional derived writing medium from the stack on most slab. A stack of blank sheets of command word could be included the middle marble slab and places it on sufficient number for the copy should if desired. To use the item correctly, the right-hand slab. Note that the pages be placed on the middle slab. The the back cover of the book should be produced by the Scrinium are totally dry; copying process is initiated by taking opened (else the book will be copied there is no wet ink. It is triggered when the top sheet from the middle slab and bound in reverse). the topmost sheet on the middle stack has and placing it on the right-hand slab, (Base 1, +1 Touch, +1 Conc, +2 been written on (that is, after the Copyist’s which triggers The Lector’s Deft Hand. Group, +1 changes as pages turn, Puissant Quill effect has acted). The book is duplicated one sheet at a +1 requisite; +5 item maintains (Base 3, +2 Voice, +1 requisite; +10 time from back to front. It takes about concentration; +2 3/day) unlimited uses per day)

102 Transforming Mythic Europe binDing the munDAne coDex

ReHe(An) 22 Pen 0, 3 uses per day R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group This enchantment binds up to 800 individual sheets into a book (a base Individual of Animal is equivalent to a quarternion). The enchantment fails if any of the materials necessary pieces of a codex are missing. It is triggered by tapping three times the stack of fi nished sheets to be bound. The operator of the device must have an In- telligence + Finesse of at least 6 to successfully bind the book. If you are using the extended rules for book creation (Covenants, page 88), then readers of a book bound with this enchantment can claim the +1 quality bonus for sound binding. (Base 3, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +1 requisite, +1 size; +2 3/day)

Copying Laboratory Texts In theory, Laboratory Texts can be must be repeated, and a single botched effects a day; 120 levels in a month, copied with magic in exactly the same page corrupts the entire Laboratory and 360 levels in a season. Using the way as books on Abilities and Arts. Natu- Text; something which will only be earlier table, you would need a Finesse rally, an exact duplicate of the text is discovered when the Laboratory Text Total of 11 or more to copy a month’s made, so if a Laboratory Text is still writ- is used (wasting the season). If using worth of Laboratory Texts fl awlessly ten in its author’s personal code, this will Rego craft magic to duplicate Labora- page by page, or a Finesse Total of 14 be replicated in the copy. A Laboratory tory Texts, then consider that a profes- or more to copy a season’s worth in the Text is usually much shorter than other sional scribe could copy fi ve levels of same manner. books (approximately one page per level of the effect), although it may not be written as a typical codex but take a more Optional Rule: Hazardous Laboratory Texts unusual form. It may be that a magus does not have the capacity to magically copy Rather than requiring fl awless page 109) with a risk modifi er equal a book due to the form that it takes. For copying of every page of a Laboratory to half the number of pages spoiled example, many magi scribe their labo- Text, the troupe could decide that per ten pages total. Thus if four pages ratory texts into wax tablets, some use errors introduced into Laboratory in ten were spoiled, the risk modifi er metal sheets and an enchanted stylus, still Texts do not make the Text useless, is +2. If a copy is made of the copy others cover the walls of the laboratory but can introduce unwanted effects with magic, then the users of the themselves with chalk notation. into the product of the season of work. second generation copy must make Laboratory Texts are a lot less for- If the magically-copied Laboratory two extra Experimentation rolls, each giving than a book on an Ability or Text was created with insuffi cient potentially with its own risk modifi er. an Art. The Laboratory Text must be Finesse, then whenever it is used, the This option makes magical copying copied exactly without the slightest magus must make an extra roll on of Laboratory Texts possible, but deviation, else it is corrupted and use- the Experimentation Table (ArM5, often undesirable. less. Pages where the Finesse roll fails

103 Transforming Mythic Europe

(that is, power) is worth nothing if Those Bonisagi who do not Optional Rule: No not earned. vehemently oppose the technology Magical Copying of Quaesitores worry about the im- embrace it, as a superb method for plications. While books on Magic disseminating knowledge of Hermetic Laboratory Texts Theory, Organization Lore: Order of breakthroughs and innovations. Some Hermes, and especially Parma Magica members of House Tytalus support Alternatively, you could rule as are rare, it is easy to contain them. them in this, recognizing that conflict a troupe that Laboratory Texts are Once they can be mass produced, can arise from — and be manipulated too sensitive to scribal errors to be then it will be difficult to prevent such by — the control of which texts are copied with Rego craft magic. In books falling into the hands of the made available. a Mythic Europe that has magical mundanes, and (worse still) enemies Those more politically-savvy copying of books, the production of the Order. They are likely to at- members of House Ex Miscellanea of Laboratory Texts becomes tempt to ban the production of books are eager to obtain books on the an artisan craft, with each one on the Parma Magica at the very least. Arts. They believe that the Order handwritten each time. This makes has too long kept knowledge from them a more valuable commodity. them, allowing them to wallow in Neutral Parties Hermetic backwaters as second class citizens. Writing, publishing, and The Order’s Response The Mystery Houses are little disseminating books that discuss affected by this innovation; the their own unique tradition not The Order of Hermes commonly knowledge they hold dear cannot be only simultaneously preserve those sells books, either by public offer, by trapped on parchment with ink, but traditions but perhaps attract more tender, by exchange, or by subscrip- must be wrestled from the fabric of the recruits. tion (Covenants, page 94), and arrange- world with ritual and ordeal. They are ments for a magus to visit a covenant not likely to have any great opinion and copy one of their books are rela- on magical duplication of books; Why it May Not Work: tively common. Technology to in- at best they might mildly support stantly reproduce these efforts could the ideas if it means more books to The Cow and Calf Oath rapidly change the established order study. However, fear mongers might depending on the availability of the point out that should their secrets The Cow and Calf Oath (Cov- magic, although Hermetic magi are ever be discovered and recorded enants, page 95) simply states that the split as to whether this would be a by an outsider, if book-duplication purchaser of a book, or the recipient change for the better or the worse. technology exists then the mysteries of a book as a gift, will not sell or give of a cult could be quickly disseminated copies of that book without the per- — a sure fire way to ensure that the mission of the original owner. The Detractors ancient ceremonies lose all power. oath refers to a ruling in the Hiber- House Mercere are likely to nian Tribunal, and is not part of the Some magi of House Bonisagus are be unaffected by the technology. Code of Hermes in any other Tribu- likely to deplore the multiplication of Exemplar texts still need to be nal, and yet it is exceptionally com- such knowledge. If power is not hard transported to those covenants who mon as a “gentleman’s agreement” won, then it comes with no respon- have a Scrinium, and copies still need throughout the Order. Sometimes, for sibility. More mundanely, House Ac- to be distributed. books of the highest quality, the oath claim is devalued as authors become is specifically recalled and sworn to anonymized by mass production. give it legal weight. Copying a high Proponents Jerbiton are, broadly speaking, quality book normally entails seasons disgusted with the idea of this in- of diligent work which few magi are vention, seeing it as a cheapening Both House Flambeau and House willing to undertake if they might of knowledge for the sake of power. Tremere are in favor of the mass incur the displeasure of the book’s Those who live under the principle production of books, since it permits originator. However, a device like the of sufficiency particularly deplore the a more rapid growth in power which Superb Scrinium permits the copying technology. Similarly, many (if not in turn leads to a more efficient and of a book in no time at all, making it most) Tytali believe that knowledge powerful Order. far more tempting to contravene the

104 Transforming Mythic Europe Rules for a Large Library

Each Art and Ability is represented Studying from the Library Example as a single Level and Quality that represents the sum total of the A maga whose score in an Art is A library’s best book on Ignem is knowledge that the library has on that less than the library’s Level in that Level 6, Quality 7. There are also ten subject. Each subject has a summa; Art gains the library’s (Quality + 3) other summae and nineteen tractatus this is the best tome that the library in experience points in the relevant on Ignem, so the library’s total score for has, with the highest Level + Quality. Art. A maga whose Art score is equal Ignem is Level 7, Quality 9. Rather than A library that lacks at least one summa or greater to the library’s Level gains providing details for all thirty books, on a subject has no score for that Art experience points in the Art equal to this can be represented as follows: or Ability. The base scores for the the library’s Quality each season, and Ignem: Level 7 Quality 9 (Level 6 library are equal to this book. can only study here for a number of Quality 7, + 10 summae + 19 tractatus) Acquiring more books on the additional seasons equal to the Quality Any magus with an Ignem score subject increases the Level and before she has exhausted the library’s of 6 or less studies gains 12 experience Quality of the library’s resources in information on the subject. Abilities points in Ignem from this library and this Art or Ability. Adding tractatus are treated in an identical fashion. If can continue to study until his Ignem is act as experience points in the a library’s Level should subsequently 7. If he has Ignem 7 or more he gains Quality, and acquiring new summae improve beyond the maga’s Art score, 9 experience points and can study for 9 acts as experience points in the she may recommence her studies with more seasons. If two magi wish to study Level; both scores increase as if they the +3 bonus to Quality until she Ignem in the same season, one studies were Arts. Most books add at least reaches the new Level. If the Quality from the best summa and gets 7 experi- some knowledge, but as the library is unchanged then she must cease her ence points as long as he has an Ignem grows, it becomes steadily more studies for that Art in this library; if of 6 or less, but can’t learn anything if comprehensive. A book does not Quality has increased as well then she his Ignem is greater than 6. The sec- contribute an experience point to can study for additional seasons equal ond studies from 10 summae (enough Quality unless its Quality is within to the change in Quality. to provide an Ignem of 4) and nineteen three points of the library Quality, More than one magus can study tractatus (a Quality of 5). If his Ignem and does not count as an experience the same subject in the same season; is less than 4, he receives 8 experience point in Level unless its (Level + usually one studies the best summae points, otherwise he receives 5 — but Quality) is within three points of according to the normal rules, and can study Ignem from the library re- the library’s (Level + Quality). Once the others split the remaining books gardless of his Ignem score. If three added to the library there is no need between them. Only those not magi want to study Ignem this season, to track individual Level or Quality. studying from the best summa get then one gets the best summa as de- Needless to say, a covenant cannot the +3 bonus to Quality if their Art scribed, and the other two must split just duplicate books they already have or Ability score is lower than the the remaining books between them; if to increase either characteristic. Library’s total Level in that subject. done evenly then they each get a Level 2 Quality 4 library.

Cow and Calf Oath for financial gain. have invested in their libraries will be invention if there was no possibility As it stands, the Cow and Calf quickly devalued if the Cow and Calf of him being able to profit from the Oath is not part of the Code any- Oath is ignored, and the only way to books in his own library — many of where other than in Hibernia, so enforce it is for it to become part of which are likely to have been gifts or cannot be assumed to be in force the Code. bought from other magi under a Cow without specific mention of prohibi- The Cow and Calf Oath does not and Calf arrangement. tions on copying. Magi have tried in protect texts belonging to non-magi, the past to bring the decision to the so the edicts of the Grand Tribunal Grand Tribunal, but so far that august have little effect on the ability of An Erudite Society body has declined to make a ruling. the invention to transform Mythic This might change if copying books Europe. However, it would take an The cost and time involved in cre- becomes a trivial task. The intellec- altruistic magus to pursue the con- ating a book is one of the principle tual wealth that powerful covenants siderable time and vis needed for this reasons why they are the property

105 Transforming Mythic Europe of the monasteries (who make them) see how world-changing this can be, the questioning of the intellectual au- and nobility (who can afford them). since in 1455, the Gutenberg printing thorities is a natural consequence of The vast majority of Mythic Europe press began to produce books using a more literate society. The Church would normally never own a book. moveable type. By 1480, nearly every resisted translations of the Bible into However, it would not take that many city in Europe had at least one press. vulgar tongues for centuries, largely copies of a device such as the Superb Within a handful of decades of its first because it feared what man might do Scrinium for books to be a much more print run it was being used to generate if he were able to interpret the Good widespread phenomenon. Limited political treatises exhorting the mass- Book for himself. only by the supply of raw materials es on the inequality of the world and (and this is a very real limit, but not the oppressive nature of the nobility. A Guild of Scribes an unassailable one) and the provi- It would be hyperbole to suggest that sion of skilled operators (specifically, the printing press saw an end to feu- those trained in the Finesse Ability), dalism or the Catholic Church, but it A device such as the Superb Scri- copies of key texts could be available was instrumental in the rise of civil nium could easily put all the scribes in to any individual. disobedience against the aristocracy a city out of work. Capable of work- The impacts on medieval society and the spread of Protestantism. The ing tirelessly all day and all night, could be tremendous. Free access Gutenberg device was exceptionally producing a complete tome every to cheap reading material leads to slow in producing books compared few hours, the Superb Scrinium could the democratization of knowledge. to the speed that the Superb Scrinium copy an entire monastery’s library in a Rather than being the province of can achieve, but then a magical de- month, given sufficient supplies. That the elite, the ability to read can be vice is less easy to make than a press, volume could represent several years passed from parents to their children so the speed of the impact of such a of work for a team of several scribes, since it becomes a useful skill to ac- device may be considered equivalent. and unsurprisingly, the profession will quire. Fortunately, we have a model to The dissemination of ideas and be up in arms. The scribes are likely to lodge complaints with the burghers of the city or the local lord; trying to bring legal proceedings halting the Optional Rule: Limits on Instant Transportation operation of the technology. The rea- Some troupes consider instant (nearby), storyguides might veto sons they give for this vary, but many transportation to be a bit too much characters from carrying with them will be outright fabrications — such like science fiction for their tastes. As an excessive load. as the books reproduced by magic are an alternative to banning such spells Under this optional rule, a somehow profaned. entirely, it could be reconfigured as character must have an unobstructed It is also likely that the non-re- traveling in the blink of an eye. Rather path between the two locations to ligious scribes will incorporate and than disappearing from one place and use such spells, although it need not found a guild. Scribes do not have reappearing in another — a feat best be a straight path. The caster cannot any strong reason to join a guild until left to saints and holy magicians — be in a building which does not have their livelihoods are threatened, and the magus travels through every point open doors or windows of sufficient they may join forces with other pro- between his point of departure and size for him to get through, and fessions who make a living by writing, his destination in a mere moment. he cannot be shackled or tied. His such as notaries and legal advocates. The spell Gift of Frog’s Legs (ArM5 destination is subject to the same Monks are not allowed to join guilds, page 134) epitomizes this approach: requirement for lack of barriers; if but they may well sympathize, and while the guideline specifies instant he forgot to leave his sanctum door the guild could be supported by a transportation up to 5 paces, the spell open, then Leap of Homecoming does monastery (or monastic order). The actually allows the target to jump not deposit him there. If a barrier Learned Magicians (Hedge Magic Re- that distance. Because essentially the does exist, the target is transported vised Edition, Chapter Five) may join character is flying exceptionally fast, as far as the nearest barrier. So if forces with them; these hedge wiz- anything he is wearing or carrying he is shackled, the spell has no ards are known for their parchment travels with him (even other creatures effect, but if the only barrier is his amulets and calligraphic chartae, and such as familiars, as long as they are closed sanctum door then he simply may be personally invested in main- small), but as noted in another insert appears outside it. taining a thriving industry. It may be that the parchment makers and ink-

106 Transforming Mythic Europe smiths also join up, but these profes- cal creation of books — at least until Increased Knowledge sions are not under threat; indeed, the a magus invents a ritual spell that gen- capacity for the Superb Scrinium to erates vast amounts of parchment for Assuming that Hermetic books consume parchment and ink may well relatively small amounts of vis. If left are manufactured at the same rate — cause these professions to support it. high and dry by their former allies, if not faster — than mundane books, Paper might become more widespread the scribes may well take on the role the consequences for the Order as a cheap alternative to parchment, of saboteur, destroying books created are profound. Books are no longer and one which can be made at a much by the new technology and attempt- priceless commodities that are copied faster rate. ing to wreck the device itself. They only with great effort by skilled magi. The political power of the Scribes’ may become an underground profes- There will always be a place in the Guild depends on the role planned for sion devoted to what is perceived as Order for the artisan bookmaker who them in the saga. If they can control old, archaic ways; writing their mali- picks unique resonances and magical provision of writing materials, then cious spells to the doom of the Order enhancements to set his work above they can exert control over the magi- in catacombs hidden under the city. all others. However, covenants might

New Guidelines for Instant Transportation

In all cases, add 1 magnitude to Rego Terram that since Rego Corpus spells move increase the distance to 50 paces, the body, anything that the body is 2 magnitudes for 500 paces, 3 Level 4: Transport a non-living ob- wearing or carrying is moved as well. magnitudes for 1 league, 4 magnitudes ject instantly up to 5 paces. For Living creatures cannot be transported for seven leagues, and 5 magnitudes to objects larger than something that without requisites, except for familiars a place for which you have an Arcane can be comfortably held in two (if they can be carried), which share a Connection. hands, size modifiers are neces- special bond with the magus. sary. Casting requisites may be If the target is burdened by an needed if the item is primarily not unusually large load then casting Rego Animal under the Form of Terram. requisites are certainly justified. As a guideline, any Burden which causes Level 10: Transport an animal inan Encumbrance of 3 or more should stantly up to 5 paces. Non-living require a requisite appropriate to the animal products are transported Instant Transportation material comprising the majority with Rego Terram. and Requisites of the weight: Terram for metal, Ars Magica Fifth Edition Herbam for wood, etc. Furthermore, Rego Aquam does not specify whether casting a requisite is also justified if half the requisites are needed for instant total weight is made up of a Form Level 4: Transport a liquid instantly transportation, and this may be left different to the primary Form: for up to 5 paces. to the interpretation of the troupe. A example, a glass bottle containing storyguide wishing to make spells of wine, or a wooden crate with eggs inside. As always, the primary Form Rego Herbam instant transportation difficult might insist on casting requisites unless the for a spell with requisites is derived Level 10: Transport a plant instantly character is to arrive naked (or has from the spell with the highest base up to 5 paces. Non-living plant clothes made from human skin and level, so a spell to transport a crate products are transported with hair…); however this has the effect containing eggs is a Rego Animal Rego Terram. of making these spells exceptionally (Terram) spell, not a Rego Terram difficult to cast. Spells to levitate or (Animal) spell. fly do not require casting requisites, If you disagree with the basic Rego Ignem neither, apparently, does Gift of the premise that requisites are not Frog’s Legs which uses a guideline for required, then all you need to do is add Level 3: Transport a fire instantly up instant transportation. casting requisites where applicable to to 5 paces. The view taken in this chapter is the spells in this chapter.

107 Transforming Mythic Europe have hundreds of books, and if they manors of their fiefs to dispense jus- must be able to clearly see the des- own their own Superb Scrinium, tice and collect taxes. Perhaps most of tination. This effect can be used to have the capacity to generate all, merchants must shift goods from cross rivers and even scale cliffs if a hundreds more. This could easily their place of production to the point suitable arrival point can be seen. change the learning model of the of sale, and for those trading in ex- If enchanted into a device, this ef- Order. Study becomes a much more pensive or rare materials, this might fect could be used in place of a bridge, common method of advancement entail great distances indeed. It is and has the additional benefit that it for apprentices since more books are within the scope of magi to lighten can be easily removed to prevent en- available to them. At the other end of this burden of travel. emies from using it. the scale, old magi have much more (Base 15, +1 Touch) ready access to tractatus, and need not rely on the more dangerous study New Spells The Messenger’s Shortcut of vis for advancement in the Arts. Magi won’t necessarily gain more for Instant Travel experience points from studying ReCo(An) 45 books, but they are now less limited Some example spells for instant R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group by the contents of their library; for, transportation are given here. These Transports a rider and his horse unless they are very unlucky, it will use the new guidelines from the near- one league (three miles). This effect contain dozens of books on each Art. by insert. These spells can easily be is usually designed to affect a par- In game terms, this greater adapted into enchantments in devices. ticular pairing of horse and rider to provision of books might change To make best use of Shape and Mate- avoid warping, and so is designed to the way that libraries are recorded in rial bonuses they are often invested affect only two individuals. A spell of terms of game statistics. The system into enchantments in the shape of the same level could transport two or described in a nearby insert is suitable doorways (+5 magical transportation) three riders and their mounts, but this for covenants that contain at least or halls (+3 magical transportation), spell is not designed to do so. fifty or so books. or incorporate opal (+4 travel). (Base 25, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +1 requisite) Travel in the Bring the Herd to Market The Mobile Infantry ReAn 45 ReCo 50 Blink of an Eye R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group Instantly transports a Group of Instantly transports up to 100 men Travel is a tedious facet of life in standard Individuals up to seven and their personal equipment up to 7 Mythic Europe. The fastest that most leagues, usually to a location known leagues. This powerful spell has been people can ever travel is on a horse to the caster. This is often sufficient used to ferry soldiers to a battlefield; the at full gallop, and such speeds cannot to transfer a flock from its pasture to magus who cast it was later executed in be maintained. The fastest a messen- market. This spell can affect up to a Wizard’s March by a Tribunal. ger has ever traveled is 90 miles in a two hundred chickens (Size –3), fifty (Base 30, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +1 single day, and this relies on multiple sheep (Size –1), ten ponies (Size +1), Size) changes of horses. Yet journeying or five horses (Size +2). away from home is a necessary evil for (Base 10, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +4 The Instant Harvest many; most freemen attend markets transport seven leagues) in their nearest town every week to sell their wares, and even if they live ReHe 45 A Bridge Without Wood in that town, they may need to travel R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group to obtain raw materials or clients. This spell divests a field of its crop, Some priests need to travel between ReCo 20 depositing the produce in a spot next their parish churches to hold Mass R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind to the field designated by the caster. and hear confession. Nobles (or their Instantly transports the target to a It is best used for field crops such as representatives) travel between the point up to 50 paces away. The caster leeks or turnips since it transports the

108 Transforming Mythic Europe whole plant; if used to gather wheat, impeDe the Penetrate Magic Resistance to have peas, or fruit, they must be processed impertinent interloper the desired effect. further. An Intelligence + Finesse roll (Base effect, +1 Touch, +2 Ring) determines how neatly the vegetables PeVi General are gathered; Ease Factor 9 avoids R: Touch, D: Ring, T: Circle them being in an untidy pile at the This spell cancels the casting of Example Device: The designated spot. any spell of instant transportation (Base 10, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +3 within a circle drawn at the time of Gate of Countless Size, +1 transport 50 paces) casting, or to a person within the Vistas circle. It also prevents the area within the circle from being the destination This rather grand-sounding de- rApAcious hAnD of such a spell. The spell fails and the vice is typical of an enchantment with of the highwAymAn intended target does not move. The powers of instant transportation de- spell can only cancel spells of a level signed for a sanctum, covenant, cas- ReTe 35 less than the (level of this spell + 5 tle, or so forth. It is unusual in that it R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Ind + stress die (no botch)). Thus a 25th is enchanted with multiple copies of Transports a wagon and its con- level version of this spell is always the same enchantment, each designed tents from within range to a location suffi cient to block aSeven-League Stride, specifi cally for a different user of the three miles away. An Intelligence + and might block The Leap of Homecoming device. In this manner, magi can avoid Finesse stress roll against an Ease Fac- if the stress die result is 5 or more. If warping from the powerful mystical tor of 9 ensures that the wagon is de- the transport spell is of non-Hermetic effect while remaining able to benefi t posited on all four wheels, otherwise origin then you should estimate its from the enchantment’s effects. Natu- it tips over upon landing and may level based on Hermetic guidelines. rally, as covenants grow, more poten- spill its contents. Note that since this If the caster of the affected spell is tial users of the device arise, and an uses the Terram guidelines to trans- within the circle, then this spell must old covenant might have a chamber port non-living objects, anyone riding in the wagon is left behind. With- out requisites, substantial amounts of liquid or animals are also left behind. This spell has become commonly used in the Normandy Tribunal, where stealing the supplies of another covenant is not forbidden by the Pe- ripheral Code and there is a culture of raiding the supply lines of one’s rivals. (Base 4, +2 Voice, +2 Size, +3 transport 1 league) portAge of the eAgles

ReTe 45 R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group Transports up to one small hundred crates or equivalent volume of goods (100 cubic paces) to a place to which the caster has an Arcane Connection. Requi- sites are needed if the crates contain live animals or liquids. (Base 4, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +1 Size, +5 transport to an Arcane Connection)

109 Transforming Mythic Europe dedicated to its numerous Gates of magus’s own Gate, made from the she deems it is safe. The effects de- Countless Vistas. While a magus can- same stone used to construct the arch. scribed below allow the maga to com- not benefit from the Laboratory Text All of these Arcane Connections have plete one cycle of these effects each of another, since each enchantment is usually been fixed in the laboratory to day; if she expects more trouble than designed for a different person, they prevent their expiry. this, she may wish to design the ef- do get a small bonus to their Lab To- The Gate of Countless Vistas is a fects with more uses per day. tal for every version of the enchant- large item of hard stone, and was pre- A particularly paranoid (or acci- ment already in the device (ArM5, pared for enchantment with sixteen dent-prone) magus might enchant page 99). pawns of vis. The amount of space an Intellego Corpus effect into the If there are multiple covenants left in the enchantment depends upon Phylactery that continually monitors with similar devices, common prac- how many times the enchantment has his health, and uses a linked trigger tice would be to only provide allies been instilled; a maximum of four users to gather the Arcane Connection and with Arcane Connections to a par- are possible per device assuming that then transport him to safety should ticular room — and this would not be only one use per day is acceptable. he be seriously wounded. In this case, the room containing the covenant’s the usual Arcane Connection within own Gate of Countless Vistas. Rather, the device might be to a physician or The Longest Step Made Short it would be a room with a sturdy lock, healer whom the magus has cultivated or else one with no door at all, but as a friend. The disadvantage of this a magic device to open up a portal. ReCo 40 option is that it puts the wearer un- This room is often placed outside of Pen 0, 1/day der a constant mystical effect, which the destination covenant’s Aegis of the R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind might cause warping if employed for Hearth. One never knows how long al- Transports one person, his clothes, too long (ArM5, page 168). Addi- lies will remain allies, or how securely and his equipment to a location des- tionally, the effect that transports the they maintain the Arcane Connec- ignated by the Arcane Connection magus to safety needs sufficient Pen- tions to other covenants. placed in the Gate’s niche. Each time etration to breach the magus’s Magic this effect is added to the enchant- Resistance, for he cannot always rely ment, it is keyed to a different trigger on being conscious in order to sup- Description word. Each user is given his own pass- press his Parma Magica. Placing the word, to be uttered as he steps over effect in a Talisman allows the Range The Gate of Countless Vistas is the threshold of the arch. to be reduced to Personal, avoiding an arched doorway made of stone. It (Base 35, +1 Touch) this latter problem. is usually set into a wall rather than A saga where Laboratory Texts of standing free, but if the latter is pre- this and similar Invested Devices be- ferred, the doorway is equipped with Example Device: come readily available could cause a a stout oak door fastened with an im- major change in the current dynamics pressive iron lock. This door is not Phylactery of the of the Order of Hermes. Magi are no part of the enchantment — it just Cautious Maga longer exposed to many of the perils of stops covenfolk accidentally straying the world, since they can return to their through the gateway. The arch has a This invested item is principally sancta whenever danger threatens, and particularly prominent keystone at its designed for a maga who prefers to then return when it has passed. Indeed, apex; this keystone has a rectangular avoid danger, but tends to find herself they could return every night to the niche cut into it. in harm’s way. When she utters a com- comfort of their own chambers rather Nearby the Gate, and also not mand word, the Phylactery gathers an than spending the night by the side of part of the enchantment itself, is a Arcane Connection from the maga’s the road or in a louse-infested tavern. shelf containing several Arcane Con- current location, and then transports A very lazy magus could use these ef- nections collected by the user(s) of her to a safe place represented by an fects in reverse; acquiring an Arcane the device. Each one is designed to Arcane Connection already within Connection to a grog or companion, fit into the keystone at the top of the Phylactery. She can use the gath- then sending him out to travel to the in- the arch, and is clearly labeled — al- ered Arcane Connection to scry the tended location. Once there — which though some magi use a code only location she has just left to determine he can check through scrying effects they know. The shelf may also hold whether danger has passed, and use it — the magus can transport himself to several Arcane Connections to the to return to her original location once his doughty servants, entirely bypass-

110 Transforming Mythic Europe ing both the dangers and the tedium of 85) for it to affect her; this requires a The caster can fly. He must traveling far from home. Stamina + Concentration roll, vs. an make an Intelligence + Finesse roll Ease Factor determined by the maga’s to change direction or speed; with current situation (ArM5, page 82). an Ease Factor related to his current Description The effect is triggered by activat- speed — Ease Factor 3 for walking ing the Acquire the Connection ef- pace, Ease Factor 9 at moderate speed, A hollow wooden box approxi- fect; it can also be triggered separate- Ease Factor 12 at maximum speed. mately three inches long, two inches ly by a command word. The reason He can move at a maximum speed wide, and an inch deep. The box has for the linked trigger is to minimize as fast as a running horse — about a lid of highly polished silver that the actions required by the fleeing forty miles an hour — but this is re- slides aside to reveal two compart- maga: it takes just one command to duced by one mile an hour for every ments within; one is usually empty, activate both effects; and if a maga is point of Load he carries. He cannot whereas the other contains an Arcane sorely injured or in imminent danger, physically carry a load which inflicts Connection to a safe place such as one action may be all she gets. a Burden more than five points great- the magus’s sanctum. The Phylactery (Base 35, +1 Touch; +3 linked trig- er than his Strength (i.e. 15 points of is usually suspended around the neck ger, +1 2 uses per day) Load for a character with Strength 0, on a thong, but may be affixed to the 10 points of Load for a character with forearm or thigh with a leather strap. Strength –1, etc.). A second, unen- Summoning the Distant Image This item has been prepared for en- cumbered individual is a Load of 21 chantment with twelve pawns of vis on average (see Grogs, Chapter 4). (the highest vis requirement is for the InIm 25 Concentration Duration is better small silver plate used as a lid), and Pen 0, 1/day than Sun Duration for this spell since has used ten of those in its effects. R: Arc, D: Conc, T: Room in the former case the caster can end As the spell of the same name it at will, but the effect is often en- (ArM5, page 145); using the Arcane chanted into an item that maintains Acquire the Connection Connection residing in the bottom concentration for the caster, for add- compartment of the Phylactery. The ed safety. ReTe 15 images appear in the mirrored lid of (Base 15, +1 Conc) Pen 0, 1/day the box. Note that the effect will not R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Part work if the Arcane Connection is not Woolen Steed of Araby Upon uttering a command word, to a well-defined room. this effect transports a pinch of dirt, (Base 2, +4 Arc, +1 Conc, +2 Room) a cobblestone, or a chip of flagstone ReAn 15 (as specified by the creator of the de- R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind vice) from the floor around the magus New Spells for Imbues a woolen rug or animal into the empty bottom compartment pelt with the power of flight. A per- of the Phylactery. Very Fast Travel son sitting on the rug is lifted along (Base 4, +2 Voice, +1 Part) with it, and the caster may make In- Not all magical transportation has telligence + Finesse rolls to change to be in the blink of an eye. There are direction or speed. The Ease Factor Flee to Safe Refuge other means of travel that, while not is related to current speed — Ease instant, are still faster than anything Factor 6 for walking pace, Ease Fac- ReCo 44 currently available in Mythic Europe. tor 12 at moderate speed, Ease Factor Pen 0, 2/day This section includes a few spells which 15 at maximum speed of forty miles R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind could act as inspiration for devices per- an hour. (Note that these Ease Factors This effect transports the wearer mitting other modes of transport. are higher than for Mercury’s Winged to the place designated by the Arcane Sandals due to the increased difficulty Connection in the top compartment of moving an object rather than one- Mercury’s Winged Sandals of the Phylactery. Note that unless self directly). The rug can only sup- this effect is designed with a Pen- port the caster and his clothes; he etration bonus, the wearer must sup- ReCo 20 can have no more than one point of press her Parma Magica (ArM5, page R: Per, D: Conc, T: Ind Encumbrance or else the spell cannot

111 Transforming Mythic Europe lift him. The passenger is not pro- boat and all its contents are lifted into metal object) could be made to fly us- tected from falling off the flying rug, the air, and the caster may make In- ing the Rego Terram base guideline of so impressive aerial maneuvers are not telligence + Finesse rolls to change 2, +2 to affect metal. Metal is even recommended, nor is flying through direction or speed. For typical Ease more rigid than wood, and can bear strong winds. Factors, see The Woolen Steed of Araby, an extra 75 points of Load in addition The extra magnitudes have been earlier. The maximum speed is forty to itself. As before, Size modifiers lift added to this spell by analogy with miles an hour. ten times as much metal and thus ten the Rego Corpus guidelines. The rigid nature of wood allows times as much Load. (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 un- the boat to carry a substantial burden; The extra magnitudes have been supported surface, +1 for any direction, in addition to being lifted itself, the added to this spell by analogy with +1 for increased speed) boat can contain a Load of 50. Note the Rego Corpus guidelines. that an average person has a Load of (Base 3, + 1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 21, so the boat can carry perhaps two Size, +1 unsupported surface, +1 for Vessel of the Clouds people and their equipment. Adding a any direction, +1 for increased speed) Size modifier to this spell lifts a larger ReHe 30 boat: each additional Size modifier The Chariot of Zeus R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind modifier multiplies the maximum ad- Imbues a small boat such as a ditional Load by a factor of 10. coracle with the power of flight. The A boat made of metal (or other MuCo(Au) 30 R: Per, D: Mom, T: Ind Transforms the caster into a thun- derbolt (equivalent to an insubstantial What About The Hermes’ Portal? object). In this form he can move literally at the speed of lightning to any The Order is in possession of a the Casting Total for the Ritual spell, powerful Mercurian Ritual that allows even if Laboratory Texts are available. location he can see. There must be an unlimited instantaneous travel be- There are some advantages to unobstructed path between the caster tween two points over the course of its these two approaches over devices and his destination. Upon arrival the year-long duration — the Hermes’ Portal like the Gate of Countless Vistas. The caster transforms back into his normal (ArM5, page 156). House Mercere first is Warping: neither the Hermes’ shape with a mighty crack of thunder. guard a secret lab procedure to make Portal or a Mercere’s Portal grant Anyone within 2 paces of his desti- Mercere’s Portals, which act just like Warping points to those transported, nation must make a Size stress roll a Hermes’ Portal but are permanent since the target of the spell is the other against an Ease Factor of 6 to remain (Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, pages 80, end of the portal, not the transported standing. The caster can choose the 100–101). However, these methods individual. This is not true for Rego location of another person as his des- have several disadvantages compared Corpus spells such as The Leap of Home- tination, in which case he inflicts +30 to devices like the Gate of Countless coming, which directly target the in- damage to that individual and arrives Vistas. Both Hermes’ Portals and Mer- dividual being transported and inflict standing next to her. If he strikes a cere’s Portals link two places through a warping point for being a powerful building he arrives on the roof, and mutual Arcane Connections, and once mystical effect. Devices like the Gate the building must make a stress check cast or created, this location cannot of Countless Vistas can be designed to (City & Guild, page 77) or take six dam- be altered. A Hermes’ Portal requires partially overcome this limit, but ev- age levels; wooden buildings catch two casters (or groups using Wizard’s ery user needs their own enchantment fire even if they survive. Communion) who can cast a 75th level to be safe from Warping. The second The Duration of this spell can- Ritual spell, and it lasts just a year. The advantage is that both the Hermes’ Por- not be extended beyond Momentary, Mercere’s Portals are slightly easier to tal and a Mercere’s Portal will transport since bolts of lightning exist only for create and are permanent creations, any object — person, living creature a moment; furthermore it can only be but still constitute a 65th level en- or plant, or inanimate object. This used outside. Note also that, no mat- chantment and, again, must be made gives them an enhanced utility over ter what your ruling on casting req- as a pair. The total cost in vis is less spells of instant transportation that uisites for Rego spells, Muto spells than for a Hermes’ Portal, but the requi- must be invented for each type of ob- definitely require them. site Lab Total is harder to achieve than ject transported. (Base 30)

112 Transforming Mythic Europe Plaustrum Pertinax

Magic Might: 0 (Herbam) centration 2 (Immovable Object pow- Known now as the Stubborn Wag- Season: Spring er), Living Language 2 (drover’s on (Plaustrum Pertinax), this Magic Characteristics: Cun 0, Per +2, Pre slang), Terram Resistance 2 (wear Thing is viewed with a certain affec- +1, Com –6, Str +5, Sta +6, Dex and tear) tion by some of the covenfolk, who +2, Qik –5 Powers: enjoy its petty disobedience towards Size: +3 Immovable Object, 0 points, Init –3, the covenant’s magi. Its axles seize at Warping Score: 5 (2) Herbam: The wagon can fix itself inopportune moments, and it often Virtues and Flaws: Magic Thing; in place, and prove completely throws a wheel rim close to an inn Transformed Thing; Essential Vir- immobile. Any attempt to move favored by the grogs. Despite this, it tue*, Tough, Well-Traveled; Magi- the wagon while this power is in will always be an outsider, a freak gen- cal Monster; Lesser Malediction operation risks damaging it. None erated by magic. It is capable of slow (moving parts sometimes tempo- of its contents may be removed ei- movement even without dray animals, rarily fuse)*, Oversensitive (orders ther. ReHe 10 (Base 3, +1 Conc, but hasn’t shown anyone this ability from magi)* +1 size, +1 extra force) Personal yet. When in a helpful mood, it can * from Warping Power (10 levels, –2 Might cost, use its own Animal Handling in place Magical Qualities and Inferiorities: +1 Init) of that of its driver. Personal Power, Terram Resis- Vis: none You might wish to use the rules tance; Reduced Attack, Reduced Appearance: A flat-bedded four- for Damaging Objects on page Initiative wheeled wagon, big enough to car- 77 of City & Guild rather than using Personality Traits: Stubborn +6, Dis- ry six people, plus two on the driv- Soak and Wound Penalties. In this obedient to Magi +3, Wagon* +2, er’s bench, or an equivalent load. case, the Plaustrum Pertinax has 10 Hard to Topple (Dexterity)* +3 An optional canvas canopy can be damage levels, and when an event * Essential Trait raised to keep the contents protect- could damage it, make a stress roll Combat: ed from the weather. The wagon + 5 (Wondrous item) + Profession: Bludgeon: Init –7, Attack +6, Defense requires two beasts of burden to pull Drover or Animal Handling of the –1, Damage +7 it, or four when fully laden. operator. If the result is equal to or Soak: +15 greater than the Ease Factor of 15, Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, This wagon has been the prop- the wagon avoids losing a damage Unconscious erty of a covenant for decades, may- level. Damage levels do not impose Wound Penalties: –1 (1–8), –3 (8– be over a century. It became heavily penalties, they simply indicate how 16), –5 (17–24), Incapacitated warped after the covenant developed much punishment an object can take (25–32), Dead (33+) spells for instant transportation. At until it is broken beyond use. Dam- Abilities: Animal Handling 3 (dray least once per week it was ported all age levels can be restored by a com- animals), Area Lore 4 (routes), around Mythic Europe, and eventually petent carpenter or wheelwright, Athletics 2 (avoiding potholes), a botched casting of the transportation although if the wagon is completely Awareness 1 (roads traveled be- spell granted it the Transformed Thing broken it may not still be a Magic fore), Brawl 3 (bludgeon), Con- Virtue (Realms of Power: Magic, page 47). Thing once repaired.

Form of the Zephyr another Fatigue level. This ability to this spell, and can end the spell and gust is intrinsic to the type of wind transform back into human form by MuCo(Au) 40 into which the caster turns, much as letting this captured wind free. R: Per, D: Sun, T: Ind the Cloak of Mist (ArM5, page 131) al- While in the form of a wind, she Transforms the caster into a strong lows the caster to seep through cracks can attempt to bowl over any object gale wind. She flies at 50 miles an like natural mist. Note that because her size or smaller; this requires mak- hour, but can increase this speed to this spell turns the caster into a gale ing roll of Strength + Concentration that of a violent storm wind — 75 wind, she cannot travel any more + stress die against the target’s Stam- miles per hour — by expending a slowly than 50 miles an hour. A differ- ina + stress die. The defender may Long Term Fatigue level. She can ent spell (of the same level) is needed add Athletics to their roll if they are travel at this increased speed for no to turn into a more gentle wind. The braced for the attack. If the caster’s more than an hour without expending caster inhales a gust of wind to cast roll exceeds her opponent’s, then the

113 Transforming Mythic Europe target is knocked off his feet and flung mulate a Warping point with every able in the same manner. There are backwards one foot for every point casting, and if a person, animal, or no clear rules regarding what hap- of the difference. As a violent storm object is affected 5 times or more, it pens when items become warped. wind, the target is instead flung three will suffer a Minor Flaw (ArM5, page Eating food warped by transport feet per point of the difference. Fall- 168), and another after 15 castings. across Mythic Europe should not be ing damage (ArM5 page 181) is in- Should one target experience 75 or any problem (it would only have one flicted on those knocked over; hitting more transits, it also accumulates a Warping point in any case), unless it an obstruction before the full distance Minor Virtue. Flaws that result from suits the story for this to be an issue. flung back is reached counts as falling repeated transportation magic might Items that get heavily warped may onto a hard surface (such as a wall) include Motion Sickness, No Sense develop a personality of their own, or a soft surface (such as a haystack). of Direction or Lesser Malediction although it probably needs a more Knocking over inanimate objects has (feelings of loneliness and depression dramatic event, such as a botch, for an Ease Factor of 9 + (3 x its Size). when away from home). Virtues might an item to become truly sentient. (Base 30, +2 Sun) include Wilderness Sense (which includes a sense of where north is) or Homing Instinct (see Realms of Power: Why it May Not Work: Warping Gained from Magic, page 44). Even inanimate objects suffer A Prohibitive Cost Instant Transportation warping (ArM5, page 167), and while warped packing crates are no great Instant transportation is a high Spells and effects for instant trans- trial (as long as they are not reused), level effect. Even the basic version — portation are often over 30th level, transporting an entire wagon and The Longest Step Made Short described particularly if they transport a target its contents is not such a good idea, above — is eighth magnitude, and this an appreciable distance. This means since the wagon represents a substan- permits just a single use per day. This that the targets of these spells accu- tial outlay of funds and is not dispos- represents a significant investment in time and vis even for a specialist in magical transportation. An option is to include effect expiry (ArM5, page 99); a magus could instill The Longest Step Made Short in a single season with a Lab Total of 48, if he was prepared to accept the limitation that the item would lose its magic after seven years. If these problems are faced by the creation of just a single device, imagine the problems involved with setting up an entire network of Gates. Once Laboratory Texts are available for these effects then the pool of magi capable of creating the device widens, but the vis cost and time incurred does not change. The initiating magi would need to involve a fair few colleagues for the invention to have a significant impact on Mythic Europe. Involving an entire House in the benefits might be the way to go. House Verditius is perhaps the best skilled, but they are ill-suited to duplicating the same invention multiple times. House Mer- cere would perhaps be pleased to assist in a substitute for their Mercere

114 Transforming Mythic Europe

Portal network, but there are precious Europe is sourced near the city of Ultimately, the cities and their few Gifted Merceres. House Tremere Nishapur in Persia, about as far as burghers become highly influential. might see the benefits of rapid transit, Mythic Europeans have ever gone. In They can begin to dictate terms to particularly if it permitted the mass the same part of the world in Bada- the nobility, for their wealth is found- movement of troops. Other Houses khshan is the single source for lapis ed in hard coin rather than in sinew might be more or less interested de- lazuli (for more on Nishapur and Ba- and acres. The baronial class loses its pending on the saga. dakhshan, see The Cradle & the Crescent: influence, although some barons will the Mythic Middle East). Other luxury doubtless adapt to the new traditions, goods from distant, almost mythical and perhaps attempt to found a trad- Societal Impacts of locations include silk from Serica, ing house of their own, complete with diamonds and spices from Hind, and an item permitting instant transporta- Magical Transportation gold and ivory from Africa. Such ex- tion of goods. peditions are far more attractive pros- While conceptually simple, inven- pects if the goods (and possibly the Transport of People tions incorporating instant transpor- explorers, although this is of lesser tation are only likely to be achieved importance) do not have to risk the by specialists in Rego — or magi with perils of the journey home, but can be Travel for the sake of the journey a Minor Magical Focus in Magical sent direct to the warehouses in Ge- is rare in Mythic Europe. Those who Transportation — due to the high noa or Paris. The short term conse- make a living traveling the roads and levels of the effects involved. quence will be that those merchants byways are viewed with suspicion who possess such fabulous devices get by most people, and this is a clear rich, very quickly. In the medium to mark of a low status profession. A Transport of Goods long term, particularly if instant trans- trip between the home manor and portation of goods becomes readily the nearby market town is the weekly The facility to bypass hundreds or available, the principle consequence business of farmers and craftsmen, thousands of miles of hostile coun- is inflation. Luxury items become a and the business of the merchant has tryside filled with untold dangers is lot more common, and towns and cit- been described above. Other reasons highly attractive to a merchant ad- ies in particular experience a boom in to travel include pilgrimage, carrying venturer. Caravan consignments go material wealth. Whereas before the messages, and visiting tenants or de- missing all the time, prey to robbers, typical medieval society consisted pendents — such as the yearly visita- dishonest carriers, and sheer bad luck. of subsistence living, spending what tion of a bishop or his archdeacon to Sea travel is particularly hazardous; wealth was earned rather than allow- the parishes of the see, or a baron vis- an estimated 10 percent of all ships ing it to accrue, a society enriched in iting the manors of his vassal knights on the Mediterranean Sea never reach this manner has more disposable in- to gather taxes. Of these travelers, it their destination. come than it is capable of spending, is the couriers who are likely to ben- It takes nearly 50 days for a con- so saving becomes more common. Of efit the most from technology per- signment to travel from Genoa to Par- course, hoarding wealth constitutes mitting instant transportation. There is overland, and 70 days by sea (City & the sin of avarice, and demons flock are occasions when the missives they Guild, pages 88–90). If the same com- to the cities to corrupt the inhabit- carry are time dependent — particu- modities could make the journey in ants. larly during times of war — and the a matter of minutes, through several In the meantime, the people of the messenger that has access to instant uses of a magical item with an en- countryside are little affected by the transportation grants his client or em- chantment like Portage of the Eagles, this economic boom. It takes much longer ployer a massive advantage. could save the merchant vast sums of for the economic growth of the cities Spells and effects to shuffle sol- money in carrier costs and lost con- to filter through into the rural food- diers across the face of Mythic Eu- signments. producing communities since there rope (such as The Mobile Infantry, ear- Merchants with the capacity to is no direct acquisition of wealth oc- lier) can change the face of warfare. instantly return valuable goods back curring in the provinces. As a result, Distant allies can be of more use to home are likely to fund expeditions most farmers are unable to afford the those engaging in war, since their to distant places in search of fabled higher prices of the cities, and the di- troops are at the other end of a spell material. For example, nearly all the vide between rural and urban popula- or magical device. turquoise and malachite in Mythic tions grows ever more stark.

115 Transforming Mythic Europe

Saga Seed: Public Portals have both types, and employ a staff of Gates, claiming they are a dangerous and Medieval Tourists specialist porters called concierges who and corrupting influence on society. work both sides of the Gates, trans- They use the former concierges as Consider a Mythic Europe where porting themselves, transferring the evidence of the threat. It has been magi have spent many decades dis- goods, and then transporting back to several years, but people are starting seminating devices of instant trans- unload the pallets. to listen to the beguines, and some are portation such as the Gates of Count- Most civic Gates have Arcane looking to the creators of the devices less Vistas across Mythic Europe. This Connections to neighboring cities as responsible for the situation. begins as a means of convenience for on sale, with the price dependent on the redcaps, replacing the former net- the distance to that city. There is a work of Mercere’s Portals that was brisk trade in Arcane Connections to torn down during the Schism War more exotic locales, and a “tourist” (Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, page industry has arisen amongst the rich, Creating Wealth 80) with a less expensive and more who visit cities or natural wonders at flexible alternative, albeit one that the opposite end of Mythic Europe, a with Magic causes warping. Most see little harm true trip of a lifetime. Some locations in allowing their companions and al- have built hostels specifically to cater A temptation for many player magi lies use of the Gates, but this makes for these tourists. Of course, an un- is to use their magic to create untold it more difficult to keep the secret scrupulous vendor may sell an Arcane wealth. It can be exceptionally simple from mundane lords and burghers, Connection to a place with no Gate to create wealth, either directly in who immediately see the benefits of for the return journey, then help him- terms of silver and gold, indirectly in instant transportation, and clamor for self to his client’s property, knowing the form of valuable goods, or as en- the building of private Gates for their that he will not return! The pope has richment through the reduction of own use. Many of these are personally had to issue a bull indicating that the costs. The realization that magi do built and installed by a single enthusi- use of a Gate invalidates the spiritual not have to live in abject poverty is a astic magus of House Mercere. benefits a pilgrimage brings. revelation to many apprentices, and a A generation later sees Gates of When the devices first came into source of confusion too, because few Countless Vistas crossing Mythic Eu- service, users were warned to not magi adopt the extravagant lifestyles rope in an extensive network. Most make more than four trips through that their Arts could permit. major cities have two or more Gates the Gates in a lifetime, but this is The principle reason cited for not for public use, and nearly all major routinely ignored since many of the creating wealth is the negative impacts nobles have their own. Chartered signs of warping caused by the Gates it can have on the local — or global towns often collected the funds for a are not immediately noticeable. The — economy, which is assuredly med- Gate through taxes, and have either recommendation has since been dling with mundanes. Additionally, now procured one or are on the wait- relaxed to only 12 trips in a lifetime, being conspicuously wealthy draws ing list of the local Gatemaker, usu- and many stick to this since it is too much attention to the Order of ally a member of House Verditius. reinforced through the superstitious Hermes, which has always done best The minimum manufacturing cost for dread of the unlucky 13th journey. by thriving on the fringes of society, a a Gate with unlimited uses per day is It is not widely known that if you separation mandated by the suspicion 10 pawns of vis (five to prepare for are going to make five or more trips, engendered by The Gift. enchantment, five to instill a 50th lev- you won’t suffer from a second Flaw These concerns do not always stop el effect), which translates to a price from warping until your 30th trip. magi young and old from pursuing mag- of 150 Mythic Pounds or 30 pawns of The heavy level of warping that the ics to enrich themselves. The love of vis (taking into account House Ver- concierges suffer is a poorly kept money and a yearning for luxury seems ditius’s normal pricing structure; see secret in cities, and the city slums are ingrained behavior in some people, de- Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, pages slowly filling with individuals with spite religious prohibitions about covet- 114–115). Demand could inflate this mental and physical deformities or ing riches and the immorality perceived cost further (maybe to 20 Mythic supernatural aberrations. Beguines — in those who hoard that which God has Pounds per pawn of vis, or four times women from wealthy backgrounds given them. Devices and spells to gener- the enchantment cost). Similar de- who have taken lay religious vows ate wealth are as much a part of tech- vices have been produced for trans- and tend to the poor and sick — have nology in Mythic Europe as is wealth a porting goods; rich merchant houses begun to agitate against the use of the motivator to invent in the first place.

116 Transforming Mythic Europe A Cashless Economy exchange the excess produce of their Crown, as well as dowries for their own efforts with a neighbor’s excess, daughters and ransoms for their sons. Much commerce in Mythic Eu- gaining some variety in their diet. In addition to the difficulty in rope — at least that on a local level The coins they receive are saved for redeeming goods for coins outside — does not rely on the exchange of paying the tithe and the various rents market towns and cities, the magical coins. When the autocrat of a cov- and fines levied by their lord Lords( of creation of silver bears a real danger. enant wishes to settle a bill with the Men, pages 79–82). The license to mint coins is perhaps local flour merchant, he may not hand It is usually visitors to a region the most jealously guarded right and over a pouch of coins; instead, he who pay for things in coin. A sure is reserved for monarchs and — de- might arrange for the delivery of four way to spot a foreigner in a town is to pending upon where one is in Mythic dozen eggs. These he got in exchange observe someone handing over more Europe — a few high ranking noble- for some iron remnants that the cov- than a few pennies for something; men and archbishops. Even though enant’s smith had left over... and so since they are strangers to the area the local economy does not rely on on. In towns, tally sticks issued by the they do not have a local line of credit wealth invested into precious metals, merchant’s guild are far more likely or goods with which to bargain, and the economy of a kingdom does; as units of currency than the actual so must rely on hard cash. The nobili- a consequence, those found adulter- coins they represent. Peasants in party also use coinage, using the revenue ating coinage or minting false money ticular avoid spending coins locally if collected from their peasants to pay are dealt with in the most serious man- they can, preferring to use barter to their own dues to their lieges and the ner — nearly everywhere this is con-

Direct Creation of Wealth

There are many ways to directly of the key qualities of pearls is The Wealth of Croesus create wealth; this insert covers just that no two are identical, although two of them. Perhaps the simplest lapidaries try very hard to match CrTe 30 way of increasing one’s personal them as closely as possible when R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group, Ritual wealth is through the direct creation constructing jewelry from pearls. Creates 13,000 silver pennies, of coins. These can then be spent as Since magically created pearls are amounting to 650 Mythic Pounds. one would any other coins, although all identical to one another (see The magus’s sigil is incorporated note the comments in the main text Boundless Wealth of the Oceans, below) into the design on the obverse and about Mythic Europe being a largely suspicion might be raised that they reverse of each coin. An Intelligence cashless society. are fake. + Finesse roll allows the caster to Probably the most lucrative match the design otherwise to that substance to create directly with of a specific realm’s coinage; an magic is pearls, one of the most Boundless Wealth Ease Factor of 9 means that only an sought-after precious gems in of the Oceans expert would notice the difference. Mythic Europe. River pearls are of Note that the coins are made of CrAn 20 average quality, and are sourced unusually pure silver; even English R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group, Ritual mostly from Russia, but the most silver — considered the purest in Creates 3,000 pounds of pearls, valuable pearls come from even Mythic Europe — cannot match equivalent to over one million pearls further afield — from Persia, the it in quality. Furthermore, coin- about half an inch in diameter. Red Sea, and the islands around age created with this spell is free These are remarkably large pearls, Arabia. Since antiquity it has been from nicks, scratches, dents, and each one about a quarter of an ounce known that pearls are the offspring tarnish, and unlike a large propor- in weight. Good quality sea pearls of a shellfish. Pliny the Elder tion of coins in Mythic Europe, usually sell for about three Mythic revealed that they are conceived in have not been clipped or divided Pounds per ounce (Covenants, page the air from the dew, as evidenced to make change. 141). Each pearl is identical to its from their color — if conceived on (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Group) fellows, and is somehow marked by a cloudy day the pearl is similarly the sigil of the caster. cloudy, whereas brilliant pearls (Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Group) result from sunny mornings. One

117 Transforming Mythic Europe sidered traitorous, and punishable by Flooding the Market Example Device: death. Even carrying false coin in any great amount is dangerous, and trying There are any number of ways in Potent Salts to use it in a commercial exchange is which Hermetic magi can create pre- tantamount to an admission of guilt. cious materials. Commodities created The right to produce salt is pos- Whereas the man on the street might with magic only have potential value sibly the most lucrative of the rights not know the provenance of the many — they have no actual value unless given to lords and monasteries by different types of coins, a royal offi- they can be sold, preferably for their monarchs. Salt is less expensive than cial does. Few magi are willing to risk going price. The biggest problem is pearls and silver, but it is craved by all the perils involved, particularly when that Hermetic magic creates far too levels of society. One’s social standing the populace is already suspicious of much of these valuable materials, is often measured by the quality of salt them thanks to The Gift. tempting magi to sell it quickly and one can offer one’s guests at the table, Magi wishing to improve their live a life of luxury. However, if the but it is also heavily used by cooks financial situation should therefore magi flood the market with their pro- and peasants alike to preserve meat look outside the direct creation of duce, then the price of that product and fish. The ubiquitous need for salt wealth, and look at ways of producing — which is based solely on its scar- makes the rights to produce it very goods for exchange for things they city — plummets. The characters valuable, and in western Mythic Eu- wish to purchase. It is important to then have the option to sell the rest of rope where salt mines are scarce, most know one’s market; an enchantment their stock at a fraction of its former salt derives from salt pans. Salt pro- which entices fish into the nets ironi- value, or hold onto it until the market duction and marketing is highly regu- cally has little value in a coastal com- recovers, which might take decades, lated as a town monopoly and, by set- munity where fish are in ready supply. or even longer. ting prices, the salt makers maintain their profits. Salt rights representing the amount of brine that could be ex- tracted each year are shared amongst certain of the townspeople. Town of- Story Seeds: Precious Goods ficials collect salt dues (or “sallage”) If the characters attempt to thanks to a powerful mystical in order to pay the fee owed to the enrich themselves by usurping effect, and Nourish the Displaced Vines king, which can be a hundred Mythic a traditional right like the inflicts another Warping point as Pounds or more. Salt rights can only production of salt, they may find a continuing mystical effect each be passed on by inheritance; they themselves in all sorts of trouble. year it is used. After several years of cannot be purchased. What might seem like a simple being affected by these spells, the This example technology makes scheme to make the covenant a covenant’s spice trees develop the use of the Charged Items rules. The little more comfortable for its (Form) Monstrosity Flaw (Realms of effect is of such a low level that even inhabitants could quickly escalate Power: Magic, page 48–49). apprentices and junior magi can often into a “salt war” with the local Cinnamon trees are well- create multiple charges, especially if a holders of the rights. In the past, known for their propensity to Laboratory Text is available. such confrontations have included spontaneously burst into flames, adulterating the opposition’s salt and many other spice and incense pans with poisonous metal salts trees are famous for attracting Description which cause hair loss, cramping deadly serpents who live amongst muscles, and intestinal distress their branches. A common form for this Charged in any who consume even small Some incense trees are guarded Item is a bag of crystalline material, amounts. Finding the alchemist by powerful spirits, who may akin to salt but with a slight metal- who poisoned the salt before resent the theft and farming of the lic smell. A charge is used by scatter- he strikes closer to home could sacred incense, and send a team ing a pinch of the Potent Salts onto develop into a paranoid witch-hunt of sorcerers to reclaim their child an amount of water up to the size of amongst the covenant’s employees. (see Rival Magic, Chapter Five for a base Individual of Aquam. As the A Harvest of Figs afflicts a details of the perfume-sorcerers of crystals touch the water they initiate a Warping point on the target plant Soqotra). rapidly expanding circle of pure white

118 Transforming Mythic Europe that expels the water as vapor and Hind. Spices are expensive because leaves the salt behind. A season in the they travel from so far, and a magus laboratory creates the same number of might be tempted to cultivate the trees pinches of crystal as charges; there is in Mythic Europe. And it is not just no effect from using less than a pinch. spices — incenses such as olibanum (frankincense) and myrrh are similarly expensive and derive from the gums of Alchemical Separation of Brine exotic trees. The principle difficulty is that a magus cannot create what ReAq 4 he cannot conceive, and few people Pen 0, charged item in Mythic Europe have seen a pepper R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind bush or cinnamon tree. A pinch of these crystals converts This device uses an effect called A salt water into pure salt through Rego Harvest of Figs (see below) to rapidly Craft magic. Saltmaking is a skilled pro- bring a plant to maturity from the fession, and normally takes a month to dried seed without the need for vis. turn brine into perfectly dry salt; this This is typically done in the autumn, spell therefore requires a Dexterity + so that a harvest can be gathered Finesse roll with an Ease Factor of 12 to immediately. When “planting” a successfully produce pure salt. Any sea new orchard, the magus or his creatures, seaweed and other flotsam representative parades around the are removed as part of the process and prepared site carrying the Garland piled up next to the salt. of Prosperous Harvests before him, Saltwater is usually about seven touching the base of the pole to each parts salt to two hundred parts water; seed as he comes across it. Just two this spell can affect up to 4,350 gal- dozen plants can be grown in each lons of seawater (a base Individual of day, so the Garland of Prosperous Aquam, assuming a circular body five Harvests is usually employed over paces diameter and two paces at the two or three days to generate a center), yielding 147 gallons of salt decent-sized orchard. To allow the weighing 1228 pounds, or just over trees thus grown to survive past one half a ton. Salt sells for 120 Mythic crop, the Garland of Prosperous Pounds per ton (City & Guild, page Harvests is then planted in the center 142) in a scarce market. of the orchard, touching one central (Base 3, +1 Touch) plant, and Nourish the Displaced Vines is triggered to keep the plants safe.

Example Device: Description The Garland of Prosperous Harvests The Garland of Prosperous Harvests usually takes the form of Amongst the most expensive a tall pole bearing a circular wreath commodities brought to the west of greenery one pace in diameter are spices such as cinnamon, cloves, at its top. Sometimes, the wreath cardamom, and pepper. Various is replaced by a life-sized jointed fantastic tales are told about their mannequin, of the sort used to scare origins, but educated people are aware birds as it rattles in the wind. The of Pliny the Elder’s explanations of Garland of Prosperous Harvests has their origins among exotic trees and been prepared with 8 pawns of vis (it bushes of Persia and the semi-mythical is a large item made of wood), and has

119 Transforming Mythic Europe

Nourish the Displaced Vines of the provisions consumed at a cov- Technological enant is in the form of bread. Most Cost Saving CrHe 19 of this will have started life as grain, Pen 0, constant effect either bought in or grown in the cov- As detailed in Covenants (page R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Group enant’s own fields. If a covenant relies 66–69), a covenant can employ Permits up to a hundred plants on magically-created grain (see Fill the various cost-saving measures, and of Size +3 (or an equivalent volume, Capacious Silo, below) to meet its flour by far the most effective of these is such as a thousand plants of Size +0 requirements, then it can save five to replacing people with magic. Each or ten trees of Size +6) to grow well seven and a half shillings on every laborer working for the covenant regardless of the climate and soil con- Mythic Pound it spends. can reduce the expenditure on Pro- ditions, although they may still be af- Magi could replace the wage cost visions by one pound, but all the fected by disease. The plants must be with magically-created silver (see ear- laborers can be replaced by an en- growing close enough to each other lier), but they are simply passing onto chantment that produces an effect for their roots or branches to touch, their covenfolk the problems of false such as The Instant Harvest (earlier). else they are not considered to be part coinage. The consumables bill covers Using the rule of thumb given in of the same group. the various tools, equipment, and fuel Covenants, this 35th level spell does Plants affected by this spell for a needed for the smooth running of the the work of seven laborers, and thus year always produce their maximum covenant, and while these costs could saves seven pounds of expenditure yield of fruits, nuts, or seeds. A single be cut with magic, it would require every year. An item enchanted with bush of Size +3 produces anywhere lots of different spells to have a no- The Elfin Baker can replace the need between half to one bushel of ticeable effect on cash flow. for employing a baker at the cov- produce, depending on the type of enant and create a cost saving of at plant. A tree of Size +6 can bear five least four pounds a year. Fill the Capacious Silo to ten bushels. (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +2 Group, +1 Size; +1 2/day, +3 environ- CrHe 20 2 pawns unused. Other enchantments mental trigger) R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group, Ritual typically invested may include effects Creates a silo of grain. A base In- to keep out disease and vermin. dividual of Herbam is about twenty Reducing Covenant Costs bushels of grain, so this spell creates about twenty thousand bushels, or 30 A Harvest of Figs The food bill is the largest cat- tons of grain (640 bushels to a ton). egory of expenditure in the day-to- This would fill a cylindrical silo 8 CrHe 40 day running of a covenant and so has paces in diameter and 20 paces high, Pen 0, 24/day the greatest potential for cost-saving. or a barn 20 paces by 10 paces to a R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind According to the economic sys- depth of 15 feet. This spell is under- This spell brings a plant from tem presented in Covenants (Chapter optimized, in that it could create a seed to maturity over the course of Five), it costs one Mythic Pound to hundred times more grain for the a day. The plant that results is a per- support one point of inhabitants (in same spell level (since all Ritual spells fect specimen of its kind appropriate a spring covenant, a grog is one in- have a minimum level of 20); how- to the season; if cast in spring the habitant point, a companion is three, ever, that amount of grain would be plant has flowers, if cast in autumn it a magus is five). Half this cost — i.e. virtually impossible to store. In a time is in full fruit. It can affect a tree up 10 shillings — is taken up by provi- of famine, that may not be a difficulty. to Size +6, about 25 feet tall (a base sions. Wages and consumables each (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 Group, +2 Individual of Herbam is Size +3). The account for another four shillings in Size) plant only thrives beyond the spell’s every Mythic Pound, and the wear duration if it can normally grow under and tear on the fabric of the covenant Work of a Hundred Querns the climate and soil conditions that it accounts for the remaining two shil- finds itself in. lings per Mythic Pound. (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 Depending on how well the ReHe 15 Size; +5 24/day) covenfolk eat, half to three quarters R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group

120 Transforming Mythic Europe

This spell uses Rego craft magic to Storage and Life of Consequences of Relying on transform up to 10 bushels of grain into Magically-Created Grain Magic to Meet One’s Costs flour. The caster must make an Intel- ligence + Finesse roll against an Ease A peasant in Mythic Europe re- Magi often do not think about the Factor of 6 to obtain usable flour, but quires about 24 bushels of grain each industry that has grown up purely to this is of the poorest quality with piec- year to support his nutritional needs. support their often large households. es of husk still within the bran-heavy They don’t eat all of this; some is bar- For example, the covenant mentioned flour. An Ease Factor of 12 generates tered away for an equivalent value of earlier is consuming 1200 bushels of fine white flour instead. An advantage vegetables, meat, eggs, and cheese. wheat each year. Since one acre of of this spell is that no grit from the mill- Using the system presented in Cove- land yields one bushel of wheat, or stones end up in the flour regardless of nants, these 24 bushels support one in- thereabouts, this could represent the its quality. In Mythic Europe, the right habitant point; magi and companions land farmed by 10 to 40 peasants (a to mill flour is usually protected by law eat finer quality food, and so consume freeman typically has 120 acres or (Lords of Men, page 77), and using this more bushel-equivalents than grogs. more, a villein usually rents about 30 spell could get the magus into a lot of The grain created by Fill the Capa- acres). One casting of Fill the Capa- trouble; however, it will save them the cious Silo has all the properties of nor- cious Silo represents the grain grown cost of employing a miller. mal grain, and so unless precautions on 20,000 acres of land — or, more The guideline used was published in are taken, there will be a steady loss realistically, 3300 acres of land each Covenants (page 51), and permits items every year due to rot and vermin. Even year for the six years it lasts. made of plant products to be treated. under the best conditions — a silo If the characters have hitherto (Base 4, +1 Touch, +2 Group) magically protected from damp and relied on the local community for mice — the loss rate can be 5 to 10 provisioning their covenant, and per cent. If minimal precautions are suddenly halt their demand for a The Elfin Baker taken (i.e. keeping the grain covered particular commodity — such as from the weather but little else), the grain — then they may inadvertently ReHe 20 remaining grain could reduce by a fifth create a surplus in the local R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group every year, and after just one year all community. In the short term, the This spell uses Rego craft magic to the grain has a musty taste. farmers sell or store the excess, but in create a batch of 12 dozen loaves of Example: A small covenant with 50 subsequent years simply grow less to bread in an instant from sufficient raw in- inhabitant points uses Fill the Capacious match the reduced demand. This can gredients of flour, water, and yeast. The Silo. Unfortunately, they do not have have significant repercussions on the spell can even use raw grain rather than sufficient storage space, so lose a fifth lower levels of society, the villeins flour; if used at its maximum capacity of their stored grain each year. In the and half-free peasants who rely on it requires 10 bushels of either. Making first year they create 20,000 bushels: agricultural day labor to make ends basic bread is a Simple (Ease Factor 3) 1200 bushels are consumed (24 bushels meet. It might also affect freemen task for a baker, so the magus must make per inhabitant point); and 4000 bushels who had acquired debts in order an Intelligence + Finesse roll against an are lost to rot. This leaves them 14,800 to buy land to grow crops on their Ease Factor of 6 to succeed; otherwise bushels. In the second year they eat behalf, believing that they could be the result is an inedible mess of spoiled another 1200 bushels, and lose 2960 guaranteed a steady income. dough. If this roll achieves an Ease Fac- to rot. They now have 10,640 bushels, If the covenant owned the land tor of 9 the bread is particularly good; an just over half what they started with. It that the crops were grown on, then Ease Factor of 12 produces pandemayne, takes them six whole years before the they can make an entire community the finest white table bread. contents of the barn is insufficient for redundant. Without the covenant to The guideline used was published another year’s worth of bread, and the purchase their wheat, these farmers in Covenants (page 51), and permits covenant has saved 7½ shillings per in- and their families could be driven into items made of plant products to be habitant point per year (this is a poor poverty if they cannot find a buyer. treated and processed. A similar spell covenant that eats a lot of bread and The repercussions go further than just — The Elfin Brewer — can create 12 porridge). The covenant considers the affecting the farmers; farming com- dozen pints of ale from grain, water, total saving of 112½ Mythic Pounds to munities need a host of other support yeast, and gruit (herbs used for flavor). be a good return on an investment of industries such as carpenters, smiths, (Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Group) four pawns of vis to cast the Ritual spell. millers, bakers, cook shops, thatchers,

121 Transforming Mythic Europe carters and dray men, chandlers, and or completely amoral and yet remain fiscated. The Quaesitores were sur- so on. The wives and children of the within the Code of Hermes. What if prised as to how much silver they had farmers and tradesmen provide ser- the Order simply doesn’t care about managed to accumulate, and while vants to the covenant; if the families destabilizing economies as long as it some advocated destroying the illicit are forced from a region, there will be cannot be linked back to the Order riches, other voices prevailed. So the a dearth of such individuals. Alterna- itself? It is quite possible for the Or- money simply sat in a storeroom in tively, with so many out of work farm- der of Hermes to become fabulously a Normandy covenant under guard, ers, covenants might see an increase rich through the magical creation while magi debated how best to use in applications to join their turb. The of wealth, as the following story il- it. Eventually it was entrusted to social upheaval of replacing costs lustrates — a possible direction for House Mercere who had experience with magic should not be under-esti- Mythic Europe if the Order chooses with banking (Houses of Hermes: True mated as a source of stories highlight- not to regulate wealth creation. Lineages, pages 84–89), and the Primus ing the dependence of the covenant at Harco used it as capital to support on the local community. various investments and loans on the Saga Seed: Hermes Order’s behalf. Mercatorius & Hermes Furis Due to the shrewd behavior Societal Impacts of the Primus, the money steadily Two common depictions of the grew over time. It became a matter of the Creation of Wealth god Hermes or his Roman counter- of further concern to the Order and part Mercury were as a merchant was raised at Grand Tribunal. Some Issues regarding the local impact (Latin mercator) and as a thief (Latin magi considered the accumulation of the magical creation of wealth have fur). Both of these aspects are inti- of wealth unseemly, and once again already been discussed above. There mately connected with the acquisi- advocated its destruction. Others is an implicit assumption that when tion of money, both licit and illicit. pointed out the folly of such action magi realize the impact their activi- This scenario commences after a — the financial balances of the realms ties are having on a local level, then few covenants in Normandy began of Mythic Europe depended in part they cease in those activities at the various schemes for acquiring wealth. on the existence of this money; to very least, and at best make an at- The impact of their actions was great destroy it would risk wide scale tempt to set matters right. enough to crash the economy of economic collapse. The problem, But what if they don’t? the Order Flanders, and the Order of Hermes they argued, was that the money was of Hermes does not have a collective was eventually forced to step in. The not in circulation. A resolution was social conscience — indeed, indi- key offenders were Marched, and the passed at the Grand Tribunal that vidual members can be entirely selfish wealth they accumulated was con- House Mercere would be permitted

122 Transforming Mythic Europe to offer loans outside the members Why it May Not Work: Grand Tribunal and therefore apply of the Order, for the purpose of to the whole Order; or else it may recirculating the wealth they had The Silver Consensus be specific to a single Tribunal, prob- accumulated. Naturally, these loans ably the one in which the characters would be offered without interest. If magi are in danger of destabi- reside. Finally, the Silver Consensus Fast-forward several decades and lizing local economies through the may not exist — yet. Rather, it could the Order of Hermes is now the magical creation of wealth or through be introduced during the course of richest institution in Mythic Europe. technological advances that simulate a saga where the creation of wealth It has financed crusades, the building the creation of wealth in an indirect plays a major part. of cathedrals, and numerous trade manner, the Order of Hermes may expeditions to distant lands; there are intervene. However, it is not in any- The Principles few money-making schemes that they one’s interest for the Order to simply of the Silver Consensus are not involved in. Knowledge of the forbid the creation of wealth; instead Order’s existence has not changed — it is much better for the lawmakers of that is, most nobles and churchmen the Order to try to regulate wealth The intention of the Tribunal ruling, to have heard of the Order of Hermes creation so that it is still possible for prevent a repetition of the problems caused and know them to be a society of magi to live a comfortable life, and by the creation of wealth, may not be sub- wizards — but most cities and large yet in a sustainable manner. This sec- verted through childish literalism, or sleights towns have an official office where tion describes a Tribunal ruling called of speech. freemen, nobles, and clergymen the Silver Consensus, which attempts may meet with a representative of to tackle the issues involved. That is, covenants dickering seman- the Order (invariably an unGifted Following some disturbing mis- tically, for example by claiming that member of House Mercere, at least in takes made during the Schism War, they created gold, not silver, will not the first instance) and either deposit the Order is aware of the effect that simply be punished, their magi will be money for safekeeping or else arrange creating large quantities of wealth considered incompetent and mocked. a loan for a costly purchase. The has upon the surrounding mundane Magi wanting to test the boundaries Order keeps the ability of magi to populations. However, it was decades of the Consensus, and the patience of create wealth de novo a closely-guarded before magi started to repeat the those magi willing to violently enforce secret, but in actual fact has relied on same mistakes, resulting in a special it, are expected to try harder than this. this many times when capital was Tribunal being held to discuss the is- To fail to do so demonstrates a lack of insufficient to meet demands due to sue of magically created wealth. The respect for the opinions, and power, of failed investments. Silver Consensus is an expression of the enforcers of the Consensus. This increased presence has had their agreement concerning how magi unfortunate consequences. The would balance the ease with which No more than two silver pounds worth of Church in particular dislikes the they can create treasure and the an- goods, procured by magical means, may be Order’s role, despite being one of its tagonizing effect this has on other trafficked to the mundanes by any magus in biggest clients. Believing strongly powerful groups. a single year. that the love of money is the root The Tribunal ruling from which of all evil, some bishops have begun the Silver Consensus derives its name This principle has several effects. to preach on the perils of getting and legal force simply states that no Magi may not average out their two financially involved with the Order’s covenant may create more than two pounds of goods across several years. financial business. They remind their Mythic Pounds of silver per member Goods that occur naturally but are flock that magi are first and foremost per year. More recent rulings, and gathered or processed by magic are practitioners of wizardry, and those public statements from magi interest- not exempt from the consensus. The members of the Order whose business ed in maintaining Europe’s financial economy of Europe is divided be- it is to watch mundane attitudes system, make the law more complex, tween the mundane and magical: it closely are uncomfortably reminded and subtler. is perfectly legal for a magus to cre- of the manner in which Jews, and in The Silver Consensus should be ate a diamond to enchant as his talis- particular Jewish moneylenders, have considered an option for your saga man, or as a gift for a faerie prince, been treated in the past. rather than part of the canon setting. provided no magus ever gives or sells It might result from a ruling of the it to a mundane. It is permissible, in-

123 Transforming Mythic Europe deed expected, that covenants will strengthening the Enemy. create commodities and trade them Magi are permitted to sell many The Consensus is not enforced with each other. items to mundanes, but are prohibited strictly. For it to become a concern, Some younger covenants bridle un- from selling those items that provide the magus’s illegal activities have to der the Silver Consensus, but no stable significant wealth, or allow the mun- reach a value sufficient for it to draw group opposes it. As powerful Summer dane to magically defray large expens- attention. This is usually only after covenants become wealthy, they want to es. A candle that burns forever is per- an inflationary bubble makes obvious preserve their position, and move from mitted; a magical millstone that grinds to observers that there is something opposing to supporting the Consensus. forever is not. Less clear-cut examples unbalanced within a region’s economy. The division of wealth into that which are discussed at length during Tribunal It is very easy for magi creating goods can be used inside the Order and that meetings. to collapse a local economy, because which can be used outside allows older a little added wealth in an economy covenants to act as bankers for younger tends to magnify its effectiveness as it Enforcing the Silver Consensus ones, by granting them mundane silver is spent. Similarly, pulling wealth out in exchange for magically-produced of an economy tends to do greater goods. The Silver Consensus is supported harm than immediately apparent. by those Autumn covenants who feel Wealth created by magic taints such wealth they would likely be targets of harass- as it generates. ment if the current detente between Europe’s landed class and the Order This rule prevents magi from blur- broke down. Toward the end of the Other Examples ring the division between their magi- Schism War the creation of wealth cally-acquired and mundane wealth. A by each side destabilized the curren- of Magical magus who clears farmland with magic cies in some areas. When there is too cannot ever use the proceeds of that much silver in the mundane economy, farmland to buy goods from mundanes. it loses its worth. When a region re- Technology A magus who gathers fish to shore with verts to barter, many people in cities a magical flute may not use the profit starve, and many nobles wage war on It is not possible to cover from their sale to purchase mundane whomever they think has money. The all possible impacts of magical goods. This rule does not prohibit the Autumn covenants that support the technology that could be wrought by magi from using these goods, so some Consensus all have methods of gen- player magi. Invention often follows covenants meet many of their expenses erating mundane income, and don’t need, so player characters are most magically, and run businesses that pro- want their own position undermined. likely to seek technological solutions vide them with sufficient money to af- Several Houses support the for problems specific to the saga. This ford mundane produce. Consensus. Houses Guernicus and section has a few further ideas for Jerbiton prefer that the mundane inspiration, which involve relatively The members of a magus’s household are nobility not be molested, and simple inventions that can have the magus’s property: they are not mundane. urban society not collapse. House significant ramifications. Mercere has decisive advantages in A magus may use magically-creat- the current trade system, and does ed wealth to support and maintain his not wish to lose them. Several other Mechanical Power household, including its servants. These Houses – Criamon, Bonisagus and servants, however, are not independent Verditius – support the Consensus The majority of mechanical power of the magus. They are not permitted to because, were it to break down, magi in Mythic Europe is supplied by the pass magically-created wealth to mun- would need to waste time governing labor of people and animals. The in- danes. mundane people. Even some novation of the padded collar a few members of militant Houses, like the hundred years ago permitted horses The sale of magic items — provided they Tytalus and Flambeau, feel that the to outstrip oxen as the superior draft do not assist in the creation of wealth — does collapse of society would lead many animal. Waterwheels — horizon- not breach the Consensus. starving people toward the Infernal, tal wheels at first, but gradually re-

124 Transforming Mythic Europe placed by the more efficient vertical axle of a heavily-laden cart. Two ad- reaching its heyday in the 1700s, this wheel — came into use at about the ditional magnitudes would turn an av- could occur easily 400 years prior if same time, and are now commonplace erage waterwheel. there is sufficient supply. for pounding, grinding, lifting, and (Base 2, +1 Touch, +1 Conc, pressing. Wind power has been used +2 affect metal; +5 item maintains to power ships since antiquity, but concentration) Warfare and Weapons the latest innovation is the windmill, apparently invented in eastern Eng- Because of the restrictions on in- The Impact of land in the 1180s, and now spreading terfering with mundanes, Hermetic Magical Power Generation through northern Europe. magi do not often turn their thoughts The Order of Hermes has a new to mass combat; however, magic can source of power available for general In the hands of a mundane who be devastatingly effective in wartime. use, typified by the Hermetic Gen- has a general familiarity with gears It is not possible to detail all the ways erans (see below). Costing just two and mechanics — and given the in which a magus can apply magic to pawns of vis as a Lesser Enchantment, ubiquitous nature of the waterwheel, the battlefield, but inventive players this device can be manufactured by these are by no means uncommon — can surely come up with any number even junior magi if a Laboratory Text multifarious uses for the Hermetic of effects. This section offers a few is made available to them. Generans will present themselves. ideas as to where magical technol- Any device that normally relies on ogy can be of use. The use of magical a beast of burden to pull it can be technology in warfare is predicated The Hermetic Generans replaced with a Hermetic Generans on the fact that using or supplying ReTe 15 attached to an axle between two such devices is not considered to con- Pen 0, 1/day wheels. Such a device could pull a travene the Hermetic Oath, although R: Touch, D: Conc, T: Ind plow at greater speed than a team of clearly this is against the Code under This enchantment takes the shape horses or oxen, and require just one the default setting. A circumstance of a thick disc of iron connected to man to guide it. Stronger devices where this might be permissible, for a rod. This rod can be connected to could power a cart. As a mode of example, is if a warlord was supported a gear wheel or cuff which can be transport it would need some control by non-Hermetic wizards (or rene- slipped over any axis. Once triggered, over the speed, and be dependent on gade magi), and the Order felt honor- the device imparts strong motion; this road quality, but would be superior bound to respond in kind. would normally be in a straight line, to a horse since it does not tire and Direct attacks — such as inflict- but because it is tethered to the wheel does not need to be fed. ing wounds on your enemies, or caus- or axis, it generates rotation instead. Where the Hermetic Generans ing them to burst into flames — are Assuming it is sufficiently attached, would be particularly useful is in certainly effective, but have a few the Hermetic Generans can do as industrial processes, replacing wind practical difficulties. Such effects are much work as a person or animal with power. The wind is currently the usually of high level (especially if a Strength of +5 (approximately one strongest source of power available, they are going to affect many oppo- horse-power). It continues to turn until but it is highly variable and danger- nents at once), and so are expensive commanded to stop by the person ous in excess. The Hermetic Gener- to manufacture in time and vis. They who activated it, or until the sun sets. ans produces a constant, strong force also generally need a specialist ma- Naturally, the device could be designed capable of operating ceaselessly gus to achieve the requisite Lab To- to provide truly constant motion, but without wear. This would not only tals. Furthermore, unless designed at this would prevent it from ever being increase output of current process- Sight Range, the device must usually shut off. If nothing else, storage of such es employing this technology, but be carried into combat. Even ignoring devices could be amusing. would permit applications not cur- the possibility that it could be cap- A stronger Hermetic Generans rently possible, such as lathes, trip- tured by the enemy, there is a danger can be made; each magnitude added hammers, mechanical saws, paddle inherent in pausing in the midst of a to the effect increases the power out- boats, fans for blast furnaces, and pitched battle for a round in order to put ten-fold. One magnitude more mechanical clocks. Think of a world activate an enchanted item. Another would be enough to turn the front of clockwork and steam, rather than consideration is the use of Target:

125 Transforming Mythic Europe

Group on the battlefield — there is untrained group in an instant; in the The Instant Breach a large gulf between the maximum middle of combat this can be lethal. PeTe 15 number of people affected and the A scout armed within enchantment Pen 0, Charged Item actual number of people affected be- that creates spectral noises, horrific R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Part cause a group must be clearly sepa- images, or even something as simple Triggered when touching a stone rated from others of its kind (ArM5, as rain can ensure that an opposing wall, this Charged Item destroys a page 113). During melee, combatants force is not rested before a battle, section of that wall. It destroys 270 do not form large groups suitable for and so have fatigue to fight as well as cubic feet of stone; enough to make this Target, even with size modifiers their enemy. a 6 foot diameter breach in a castle added. A spell might be designed to Where magic can be exceptionally wall that is 10 feet thick, or 10 feet in affect 100 humans, but you will rare- useful is during sieges. The bane of diameter in wall that is 3 feet thick. ly find 100 humans forming a clear any war is the ability for those within The charges are usually placed group in the middle of a war; and if the defensive walls of a city or castle into separate boulders which are flung you do that skirmish may include as to resist their opponents, for at least in groups by a trebuchet along with many (or more) of your own side as as long as their food and water lasts. ordinary rocks. the enemy. More likely, combatants Walls are rarely a serious barrier to (Base 3, +1 Touch, +1 Part, +1 af- will be split into smaller groups of six devices constructed by magi; Charged fect stone, +1 Size) or fewer, reducing the maximum ef- Items such as The Instant Breach (see fect greatly. below) can have a devastating effect Magi are even more useful in a on walls, and with the use of a Labo- The Impact support role, and if they manufacture ratory Text can be invented by almost of Magical Weapons enchantments that they can hand to any magus. Specialists can create mundanes then they need not even many copies every season. Magical technology has the po- endanger themselves. The section on It is important to magi that their tential to affect warfare in Mythic Magical Communication has several own technology cannot be turned Europe as much as gunpowder af- methods for distant viewing, which against them, and this might affect fected warfare in historical Europe. can be very useful for safely scouting the devices that they make available. If the manufacturers of magical arms out the deployment of enemy troops. Whereas battlefield magic potentially are common, then Hermetic magic Spells such as Breaking the Captain’s affects anyone without Magic Resis- could easily come up against Her- Baton (Magi of Hermes, page 50) or tance regardless of which side they metic magic, and an arms race would Dissolving the Wall of Shields (Houses of are on, devices like the Instant Breach ensue. With the right impetus — Hermes: Societates, page 70) can turn are useless against covenants protect- such as a barbarian horde supported a trained group of soldiers into an ed by an Aegis of the Hearth. by powerful wizards poised to invade

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Mythic Europe — the Order might The Lancet of Good Health their father could be impoverished see the need to develop a more mar- CrCo 25 by trying to find a dowry for his tial stance and become purveyors of Pen 0, 24/day many daughters. magical weapons technology. R: Touch, D: Moon, T: Ind Since contraception is sinful, Anyone whose blood is let by this husbands might be reluctant to fulfill sharp scalpel receives a +6 to any their marital duties resulting in the Medicine Disease Recovery rolls for a Moon’s wife acquiring legal grounds for Duration. divorce. There may be a backlash Disease is perhaps the biggest (Base 3, +2 Touch, +3 Moon; +5 amongst the nobles against the new cause of mortality and misery in 24/day) medical technology — at least, until Mythic Europe. All diseases are the lords gets ill themselves. It could caused by an imbalance of the take several generations for a new The Impact of humors (see Art & Academe, Chapter social equilibrium to establish after Magical Medicine 4), and the things that can cause such an upset. such an imbalance are legion. A dearth or an excess of those things While well-meaning, healing necessary for life can cause sickness, devices could actually have an Further Ideas for as can the presence of contra- adverse effect on Mythic Europe. naturals such as a malign celestial Cities are smelly, filthy, and crowded Magical Technology influence, and super-naturals such as places. If more people survive the demons and faeries. Hermetic magic diseases that thrive here, then they Here are some additional ideas can tackle these external influences, will only become smellier, filthier, and applications of enchantments but it is much more effective at and even more crowded. As harsh to replicate technological advance- directly affecting the humors as it might seem, poverty’s effects ments in your saga. You will need to themselves and creating conditions are exacerbated if fewer people come up with the appropriate sta- that are conducive to swift recovery. succumb to the diseases of the poor. tistics and guidelines for these en- Ritual magic can be used to heal the Land clearances would follow to chantments, but these notes should disease completely, but this cannot provide enough food to feed all the get you started. be adapted to a form of technology extra mouths; and vis sites might be because ritual spells cannot be made compromised. Those that survive The Magical into enchantments. disease could easily succumb to Manufacture of Glass A less efficient but still effective famine unless further innovations device would be one such as the improved food production. Lancet of Good Health. This takes It is not just the poor who would Creating smooth sheets of clear three pawns of vis to make as a be affected. Feudal lords rely on glass is very difficult using mundane Lesser Enchantment, but can be producing children to inherit their technology, but would be easily used to treat an entire community lands (if male) and to make good achievable with magic. against infection, one at a time. An alliances (if female). A lord typically average individual with a Severe wants two sons (“an heir and a spare”), disease (such as bloody flux or and as many daughters as his wealth Masonry lift pneumonia) normally has an even can support. If more children survive chance of getting worse every month to adulthood this could disrupt noble The 13th Century is a time of (or whatever the disease interval society — more sons desiring a share great architectural advances, but the is); but with a +6 bonus to Disease of the estate, particularly under capacity to design vastly outstrips Recovery rolls he has an even chance the French and German system of the capacity to build. A device which of improving, and has only a one in partible inheritance (where the makes the moving of stone blocks a a hundred chance of getting worse. estate is divided between all male trivial task would be a massive boon Furthermore, the Lancet of Good heirs) rather than Anglo-Norman to the construction industry, not Health can be used on a new set of primogeniture (where only the eldest only in terms of speed, but also in patients every day. son inherits). The sons may not have terms of safety. anything to inherit anyway, since

127 Transforming Mythic Europe Automatic Plow Medieval Concepts ter powered machines for milling grain, fulling cloth, retting linen, Preparing the land for harvest is of Technology twisting cables, and forging iron. the most intensive of all agricultural Keen to contrast the artes me- labors. It heavily depends on access The technical arts have been the chanicae with the artes liberales, most to a draft team of oxen, or more subject of many words written by the 12th and 13th century discourses list rarely horses, a commodity that great thinkers and philosophers of seven technologies to parallel the sev- several villages often share. Those both antiquity and the current day. en liberal arts, although which seven who get to use them last risk doing For example, Plato divided techno- are included varies from author to a poor job thanks to sodden or logical pursuits into productive arts, author. A typical list, from Hugh of frozen ground, and may suffer from which bring about something that Saint Victor, consists of: a shortened growing season. Good did not previously exist, and acquisi- plowing ensures good crops, and a tive arts, which conquer by word or Lanificaria: wool working, weaving, magical device that plows a field in deed, or prevent others from acquir- leather-working, and costuming; an instant would be a major boon to ing things already produced. In the Armatura: manufacture of armaments rural areas. former category fall agriculture, med- and also architecture, metallurgy, icine, construction, and painting and carpentry; sculpture; among the acquisitive arts Navigatio: navigation, which through Truth-talker are learning, cognition, trade, fishing, its nature permits business such as hunting, and warfare. He and other buying, selling, and exchange; The legal system could be revolu- classical scholars saw these arts as in- Agricultura: growing crops and raising tionized by a device which revealed ferior to the liberal arts and philoso- domestic animals; the truth or falsehood of a statement; phy, for they do not nourish the mind Venatoria: hunting, also cooking, gath- merchants and kings could find uses — indeed, many of them distract one ering, selling and serving food; for such devices as well. from this noble pursuit. Medicina: medicine; However, in the 13th century Theatrica: theatrics, games, and these mundane practices are slowly amusements. undergoing a renaissance, shaking off the labels of “vulgar” and “sor- Other lists exchange some of the Technology’s did,” and becoming instead the artes above to consider painting, toolmak- mechanicae, or mechanical arts. The ing, or alchemy; or elevate individual Transformative classical heritage of crafts and crafts- arts such as architecture, commerce, manship has been reworked to ex- pottery, or navigation to independent plore technology’s positive place in status. Some classifications even des- Nature the relationship of humans to God ignate magical practices such as divi- and nature, and a distinction has nation, necromancy and illusions as The rest of this chapter consid- opened up between purely physical mechanical arts. ers some more general issues around labor and the intellectual work of the introducing magical technology into inventor, engineer, and mechanic. By a saga, and how it might transform elevating these technologies to the Mythic Europe. The examples ex- status of intellectual arts, they have amined up to now represent a good become perceived as worthy fields The Magus range of the sort of impacts that the for study and innovation, which characters’ actions could have, but in turn has lead to a technological as Inventor every eventuality cannot be catered boom. The last hundred years has for. This section deals with the mo- seen (to name just a few inventions) For many of its practitioners, tivations, the processes, and the im- the introduction of horizontal looms Hermetic magic is a tool to over- pacts of magical innovation. for weaving; the trebuchet, mango- come difficulties and make life easier nel, and crossbow; the round-hulled — that is, it is a form of technolo- cog; the mariner’s compass; and wa- gy rather than an academic pursuit.

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Whereas some magi seek Hermetic breakthroughs for the sake of in- Enchantments are Arcane Connections tellectual satisfaction, most magic nourishes the body rather than the Before a covenant sets up in busi- Sever the Connection mind. However, there is a world of ness selling magical technology, it difference between a maga who cre- might want to have a care for its own PeVi 20 ates enchantments to improve her security. A lesser enchantment is an R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind The targeted Arcane Connec- sanctum or covenant, and one who is Arcane Connection to its creator that tion has its duration reduced by a true inventor who creates enchant- persists for weeks after creation, and invested items last years. As an option, three magnitudes. This is sufficient ments for the good of all men. a saga might decide that charged items to reduce an Arcane Connection of For magic to become a techno- remain Arcane Connections for days. a duration of years to a duration of logical advance — and to transform Lesser enchantments can be kept at the days. The affected item can then be Mythic Europe — it must become covenant until the duration of the Ar- stored for a couple of weeks before available for use to a significant pro- cane Connection has expired but mak- being passed on. portion of the population who can ers of invested items could benefit from (Base 15, +1 Touch) benefit from it. This goes beyond the the following spell. sale of a few Lesser Enchantments to noblemen, although mass production is not necessarily required. For ex- Wealth ample, a single device that duplicates players, since fame has few concrete books can have an impact on society A base motivation for the inven- benefits, and any satisfaction expe- all on its own. tion is the desire for material wealth. rienced by the character is one step Even saving one’s riches is a modern removed from the player. Neverthe- concept; seeking to hoard that which less, fame is an important motivator, Why Should a Magus God has given is considered an af- particularly to those Houses that front to the Almighty. While some keep track of acclaim in the form of Pursue Invention? might frown upon this ambition as Reputations. sinful, it is true that life in Mythic Eu- Even the most obsessed Verditius rope is a lot more bearable if you are Influence craft-magus does not usually seek to rich. Magical technology can gener- transform Mythic Europe with his in- ate wealth in two ways. Enchantments ventions, although this would indeed can be sold for profit, in effect con- In the cutthroat politics of the be an exercise in hubris. Most magi verting the manufacturer’s time (and courts and guilds of Mythic Europe, who specialize in enchantment are possibly vis) into silver. Alternatively, he who can provide an advantage to artisans, making unique items of high the magic can be used in the genera- a player of the “Great Game” — even quality for themselves or for custom- tion of wealth, as discussed earlier. a small one — can be a valuable asset. ers who can pay the astronomical Possession of a magical device that price demanded. To truly transform one’s opponents do not have can be Fame Mythic Europe with an invention sufficient to ensure one’s ascendance takes hard work and the sacrifice or the downfall of one’s enemies. If of resources that could have been Sometimes, the accolade of one’s an inventor controls who has access spent on increasing personal power. colleagues is insufficient; the desire to his innovation, then he can assert So why might a magus do this? This to be recognized outside the peer- influence over those who benefit section explores some motivations. group for one’s efforts is the driving — or those who wish to benefit. Note that none of the motivations goal of an inventor. If this recogni- How this influence is used might given below are mutually exclusive tion is to come, then the invention come close to breaking the Code with the others; the impetus that must be truly great, and make a real of Hermes, but a clever magus can drives a magus to invent is often a impact on the lives of many — or the manage such problems by working complex one. lives of a few influential individuals. through intermediaries. This goal is more nebulous to some

129 Transforming Mythic Europe

revolution. However, if the advantage of an advancement is very great, and has the capacity to affect many people’s lives on its own, then copies can afford to be produced very slowly. A classic example of this is the Guten- berg printing press, whose impact was felt locally almost immediately. An invested item intended as a technological advance would have to make a similar impact, since few would be willing to spend time and resources to create multiple copies. The production and publication of Laboratory Texts would speed things immeasurably, allowing less skilled or less specialized magi to complete complex projects in a reasonable amount of time. Creating Invested items or lesser enchantments with a limited lifespan (ArM5, page 99) is a means by which the manufacture of magical technology can be sped up, and if the enchantments are intended for dissemination amongst mundanes, this is a sociAl chAnge Not all desire for social change good idea anyway (see The Sale of is selfless, however. A magus can be Enchantments, below). The three reasons already given motivated by a number of emotions are fundamentally selfish reasons or philosophies that have nothing to chArgeD items for pursuing invention; each aggran- do with wealth, fame, or influence. dizes the magus through acquisition For example, hatred for the ruling of transferable resources — silver, classes might lead to benefit for the One solution to the constraint prestige, or favors. However, some poor, but not as its main goal. of vis is to formulate the magical inventors are driven by selfless goals, technology as a Charged Item. Once a providing access to technology to Laboratory Text for the Charged Item those who really need it. Such so- Manufacturing exists, manufacture rates are increased cially-minded magi pursue simple infor those capable of completing the ventions that improve the lot of the One of the downsides of Hermet- project, and no vis is required for agricultural laborer, the journeyman ic laboratory projects is the time and completion. The biggest diffi culty with craftsman, and the common trader. vis that they normally need to com- this approach is meeting the demand, Because of the greater numbers plete, neither of which is unlimited especially once the technology has of such individuals in society com- in supply. If we look at the devel- spread beyond the local area. Such pared to those who could advance opment of technology in historical problems can be solved through a good the magus’s financial or social status, Europe, we find that the greatest ad- distribution network, or local magi who the rewards are often poor for the vances occurred through the capac- can manufacture charges in return for effort required. Nevertheless, some ity to mass-produce key devices so a share of the profi ts. However, a big consider it their duty to share the that their benefits permeate through- advantage is the likelihood of repeat product of The Gift which God has out society. At no time did a single custom; once the charge has been used, given them. unique object create a technological the buyer needs another one.

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A Hermetic Workforce the 12th meeting of the Grand Tribunal vis — the house deliberately overprices in 1063, making them binding in all Tri- its items as a mark of the added quality A magus might be unwilling to bunals. provided by a Verditius artisan. make multiple copies of the same As indicated in Ars Magica Fifth The Quaesitores only need to step in enchantment, but this is an ideal Edition (page 16), this ruling has two to regulate the market when a magus has job to give apprentices approaching (apparently deliberate) loopholes. The been too blatant, or is showing excessive their Gauntlet. Assuming that their first is that magi are permitted to ac- favor to a single recipient, thereby act- Lab Totals are sufficiently high and cept magical goods as payment from ing much like a court wizard despite the a Laboratory Text is available, an mundanes, such as vis or minor enchant- pretext of using a subordinate for the ac- apprentice can be set the task of ments. The second is that magi can deal tual sale. Another suspect activity is giv- creating copies of the item under the through intermediates, permitting mun- ing away enchantments for free, even if guise of gaining exposure in Magic dane agents who are members of their the intent is an innocent one. Providing Theory or in the applicable Arts. This covenant to sell magical devices on be- magic to mundanes for no renumeration tactic is especially productive when half of the magi who make them. is a sure sign of acting as a court wizard, Charged Items are the technology The sale of enchanted items there- at least in the eyes of some magi. being manufactured. Of course, not fore continues across Mythic Europe all apprentices are appropriately through intermediaries, who usually skilled: a manipulative master might obscure the connection to the Order of Why Hasn’t This ensure that they are, and as soon Hermes. Indeed, the primus of House as possible to get maximum utility Verditius has even set a standard price to Happened Already? during their training, but most magi which members of his House must ad- are not this unprincipled. here, which currently runs at 15 Mythic Before we go on to discuss how Some covenants place require- Pounds per pawn of vis used to enchant characters might achieve the pro- ments on their members for seasons the item (Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, duction of magical technology, it is of work for the good of the covenant pages 114–115). These prices apply worth considering why this has not as a whole. These obligations in the only to members of House Verditius and been done before. After all, the mo- charter can be exploited to obtain a according to policy, are one and a half tivations for magical technology are magus’ services with a minimum of times the cash-equivalent of a pawn of many and varied, and the techniques grumbling, as long as the covenant as a whole is to benefit from the spread of the technology. Story Seed: Foreshadowing

If a troupe is planning to gift he can build walls without mortar. The Sale of or sell magical devices to a favored The gardener uses it to soften the mundane, the storyguide can fore- packed earth. Even the cook has a Enchantments shadow the social unrest that might use, using the rod to extract marrow result from this. A faerie (or enemy from bones and roll out stiff pastry Most Tribunals have established magician) seeking to cause mischief with ease. The problem is that there some rules regarding the sale of magi- to the covenant ensures that one is just one such rod, and everyone cal enchantments to mundanes. These of the covenfolk discovers a minor wants it. The covenfolk become are usually based around the clause of magical device — a stout metal rod fractious as they compete to gain the Hermetic Oath that forbids interfer- that has the power to momentarily control over the miraculous device. ing in the affairs of mundanes. A series soften any material with which it The matter finally comes to the no- of Tribunal rulings in 1061 made it ille- comes into contact. The covenant’s tice of the magi when the rod goes gal to accept money or other mundane smith might use it first, binding a missing, and everyone accuses each goods as payment for arcane services handle onto it and using it as a forge other of hiding it for their own use. from anyone other than a member of hammer, as he no longer needs to By this stage, desire for the object the Order of Hermes or a Hermetic cov- heat the metal. Then the carpenter has become so strong that certain enant, and any magic sold in this manner borrows the hammer and finds he individuals are willing to lie, cheat, to a non-magus must eventually lose its can shape wood in ways he never and falsely accuse others if it means power. These rulings were confirmed by could before. The mason discovers they will possess it.

131 Transforming Mythic Europe do not, in the main, rely on any recent seem odd to the modern reader, but transformation that can influence all innovations in Hermetic theory. So immediately prior to the game period of society. Under this scenario, that why has no-one else done it first? The there was no inertia for new ideas in would be the player characters. Order of Hermes has had the ability the Middle Ages. The great thinkers and a sufficient supply of intelligent stood in the shadow of giants rather It Didn’t Catch On individuals with the same needs and than on their shoulders. motivations that might drive player In the 12th and 13th centuries, characters down this route. this intellectual stagnation is being Alternatively, one might posit that challenged thanks to an influx of sci- innovations have been made, but for entific and mechanical texts newly one reason or another did not be- No-One Thought of it Before translated from Arabic by Spanish and come widespread. Maybe the innova- Italian scholars. The new thinking is tor died or accepted the embrace of The Early Medieval period in spreading at such a rate that the 13th Final Twilight before passing on his Europe that immediately preceded century will be known as the Golden ideas. Maybe one covenant pursued the current era was not a time of great Century, for the sheer wealth of its in- a magical book-making scheme, but innovation or invention. Socially, the novations and inventions. This is now they kept the secret to themselves to feudal system discourages change, the perfect time for innovation to be preserve their monopoly, and it was and this mindset is deep-rooted in accepted and rapidly disseminated. never intended to be widespread. the medieval psyche. Intellectually, In the Order of Hermes, mag- scholars are overshadowed by the ic is most often used to do things Insufficient Supply great minds of the past, and there more quickly and easily, not dif- is a prevailing attitude that all that ferently. Only rarely do true in- can be known, is known. It might novators come along and enact a An innovation could have a major impact on Mythic Europe, but it needs magi who are willing to abandon their usual activities to make duplicate copies of inventions. Such work holds little interest for most magi; even the inventor of the device himself might balk at having to make copy after copy to the speci- fications in his Laboratory Text. In 1220, there are approximately 1200 magi spread widely across the face of Mythic Europe, all involved in their own studies, breakthroughs, schemes, and cults. Persuading even one other to assist in manufacturing could be an insurmountable task.

The Order Lacks a Single Voice

The Order of Hermes is not in the main an agent for change. Many Tri- bunals work hard to maintain the current equilibrium between themselves and mundane society, and if player characters wish to enact a transformation, they may find themselves struggling against their own sodales.

132 Transforming Mythic Europe

Furthermore, even the best plans can be quashed by apathy or narrow Luddites and Saboteurs vision on behalf of one’s peers. The Disenfranchised skilled workers ernment ruthlessly repressed Luddite Order of Hermes is perhaps unique were a major cause of social unrest rioting. In France, disenfranchised amongst medieval institutions in that during the Industrial Revolution, and workers threw their wooden shoes it is essentially without rank or hier- a troupe might wish to turn to that (sabots) into machinery to jam them, archy. As a social model this is dar- period for inspiration as to how so- thus the name saboteurs. ing and innovative, but as a form of ciety might react to magical technol- The proto-Luddites and early government with no clearly defined ogy. In early 18th century England, saboteurs of Mythic Europe will not central leadership, the decisions it the Luddite movement organized the attack the “factories,” since assaulting makes by committee are highly sub- destruction of textile factories in a a covenant filled with creepy wizards ject to persuasion by a motivated desperate attempt to preserve their with eldritch powers is too much demagogue. If a magus who invents jobs. The name “Ned Ludd” was at- for the courage of most craftsmen. a game-changing device has a politi- tached to the workmen’s manifestos However, they can assault the supply cal enemy, with sufficient skill that left at the scenes of their crimes, giv- lines, ostracize vendors, attack grogs enemy could turn the temper of the ing the movement its name. Fearing gathering vis, and cause multiple oth- Tribunal against the inventor. Alter- a revolutionary conspiracy, the gover annoyances to the magi. natively the enemy could arise precisely because of the device, through a sense of envy or genuine concern Social Consequences for the implications. The Quaesitores Magic as could be convinced that the item em- bodies some infraction of the Code. There are knock-on consequences The more religious magi could be an Agent of of any technology that do not neces- persuaded that the device is immoral sarily relate directly to the benefits and will lead to sin. The Bonisagi and Social Change offered. These social consequences Verditii could be stirred to jealousy. If may be difficult to predict, since they all else fails, the rival could resort to This book is about how magi emerge from human behavior. certamen or even Wizard War to pre- are capable of changing the face of vent the dissemination of the device. Mythic Europe. For magical technol- I Want One Once the Order’s mind is made up, ogy to achieve this, it must go be- overturning the decision is difficult, yond the creation of a single device and the magus may need to abandon for use by the covenant. A significant When a magical device first enters his plans or continue them in secret. proportion of Mythic Europe must public hands it is likely to be unique, The Order of Hermes might ac- be affected by the invention for a or one of a very small number. As dis- tively discourages certain technologi- true transformation to be achieved cussed earlier, Hermetic invention is cal devices if they get wind of them through the technology. This does hampered by the process of enchant- early enough, because of past disas- not mean that there have to be hun- ment being an artisan craft rather than ters relating to the innovation. For dreds of devices — a single device amenable to mass manufacture. Re- an example of how the Order might can have as much impact as a hun- gardless of the size of the impact that react, see the Magical Creation of dred if it does the work of a hundred these small number of devices have, Wealth, earlier. The player characters men, even if the impact is strictly there will be some who do not ben- might discover one or more of these local. Furthermore, a single device efit, and this breeds jealousy. A magus failed attempts while researching can have a large impact if it is in the might be only seeking to improve the their own project. Magical technol- hands of one who controls the fate of lives of the peasants who supply food ogy requires the vision of its inventor thousands (or more). Due to the feu- for the covenant, or his local friend the for it to persist past his lifespan. Since dal structure of much of Mythic Eu- baron, but soon enough the neighbor- it is not revolutionizing Magic The- rope, a device in the hands of a baron ing peasants or lords will notice the ory or making a breakthrough, other has the potential to change the lives advantage of their fellows, and may magi may have little interest in taking of all his vassals and tenants. approach the characters the gain the up the baton. same advantage for themselves. Of

133 Transforming Mythic Europe course, if persuaded to duplicate their use it to organize politically (see Lords perform the same task. If these de- efforts — perhaps encouraged by the of Men, page 92). If freed from the vices become locally common, then compensation offered — then the chains of drudgery, peasants have the mass unemployment can easily result problem just spreads further. This is opportunity to look around and disas the work done by scores of people exactly how magical technology may cover that while their lives are better is now done by a single enchantment. become widespread in the first place if than they were, they could be better Depending on how widespread the the characters are not already inclined still. After all, their lords have even device becomes, there might be no- towards mass production but wish to better living conditions, and perform where for the disenfranchised skilled avoid problems with the locals. absolutely no work at all, relying craftsmen to go to ply their trade. Envy is a powerful emotion — it instead on their staff to fulfill their As they leave the area seeking work is not for no reason that it is counted needs. Even the inhabitants of the lo- further afield, the local economy suf- amongst the deadly sins — and an cal town have a better time of it than fers from the loss of a workforce that even more powerful motivator to a rich peasant, since the town charter would normally be spending their action. If the inventor refuses to grants them definite rights and per- wages on food and consumables. This duplicate their efforts, then the easiest sonal freedom. In short, labor saving could impoverish villages that hither- way for those who lack it to get what devices promote idle peasants, and to relied on a specific trade, and towns they want is to take it from those idle peasants foment rebellion. could shrink in size and importance. who have it. This could take the form A second impact to the detri- of a pitched battle or a covert raid. ment of the economy is a device Economic Effects Of course, if the theft is successful, that removes the dependence of the then the original possessors may well covenant on a local produce or ser- attempt to steal it back. A magical device might be directly vice. A single covenant can have a It is a short step from envy to involved in the creation of wealth, but major economic impact in a region; malice. If denied the capacity to take it could also incidentally enrich the a typical spring covenant spends one the device from their neighbors, then local economy as well. If a covenant Mythic Pound every year on each of they may seek to destroy it instead becomes rich through an invention, its servants and grogs, three Myth- — if it can’t be stolen and it can’t be then its local expenditure is likely to ic Pounds on each companion, and shared, then it is better for no-one to increase as it uses its new-found wealth five Mythic Pounds on each magus have it than for someone else to pros- to improve the living conditions of (Covenants, page 65). A lord’s house- per. Alternatively, some do-gooder its inhabitants. This might require hold might incur the same costs might seek to destroy the cause of attracting builders and masons to (with the lord and his family replac- contention to restore former harmony improve buildings and build new ones; ing the magi), but the peasants in between the warring groups. these trades need laborers to support a lord’s demesne exist to meet his their trade. New people brought to demands; so the “cost” is incurred the area also need places to live, and only in book-keeping terms — it is The Devil Makes will spend locally on food and drink. exactly matched by income, and no Work for Idle Hands All this stimulates the local economy, actual money changes hands. Most and a small change to a covenant’s covenants do not have feudal rights On the face of it, anything that in- wealth could easily spur the growth of over peasants, and so any transac- creases the wealth of the lower classes a nearby hamlet into a village, and a tions they make for buildings, con- seems like a force for good. Players village into a small town. sumables, and provisions actually with a modern outlook might wish puts cash or trade goods into the to improve the lot of the poor and economy. If a covenant devises a downtrodden through labor-saving Disenfranchisement way to avoid one of these costs and devices that take the place of back- therefore reduce its outgoings, the breaking toil. They may be expecting Magic need not improve the local community outside its walls that has those peasants to be grateful, and be- economy; it can destroy livelihoods grown up to service its needs is de- come more manageable as a result. as easy as creating them. A magical nied the income the covenant once However, this is not often the device that simplifies a manufactur- provided, and this decreases the case, at least in the short term. Peas- ing procedure or speeds production amount of available wealth in the ants who have time on their hands eliminates the need for humans to region. Few magi stop to think that

134 Transforming Mythic Europe supplying their laborers with an en- make will only work for the specific metic magi. While their laboratory chantment that instantly plows their individual for whom they are made, activities can only produce the equiv- fields could actually destroy the live- and the effect is limited to Range: alent of charged items, their produc- lihoods of all the peasant laborers Personal or Touch, the Duration tion of chartae in particular is very who they have previously employed must be Sun or less, and the Target swift, taking a matter of hours or days to do that task for them. must be Individual. rather than a season. They are limited These devices cannot Penetrate in what they can achieve in terms of any Magic Resistance. technological effects, but innovations Non-Hermetic Inventors which promote the practice of a particular craft in an affected building, or While it is the preeminent magi- The Rusticani the health of crops or farm animals, cal tradition in Mythic Europe, the are possible, although no dramatic Order of Hermes does not have a Although there are Rusticani (also changes will be enacted on Mythic monopoly on the production of en- known as Mechanicals) within House Europe by learned magicians. chanted items, and other wizards Ex Miscellanea (see Houses of Hermes: could effect a transformation in Societates, pages 130–133), no part Alchemists Mythic Europe. of their unique magic requires the In general, non-Hermetic wizards practice of Hermetic magic. Rather, are more restricted in the types of the Craft Magic Major Supernatural Practitioners of experimental philos- magic they can perform, and so are Virtue permits its possessor to ophy (Art & Academe, Chapter Five), these more limited in the sorts of change enchant any other magic he knows scholars use natural magic rather than they can cause. However, it is true or Virtue he possesses into a charged supernatural magic in their science. Al- that there may be some traditions item or lesser enchantment. Making chemy is a difficult subject to master, but specialized in enchantment that enchanted items in this way requires once formulae have been developed for might be better than a Hermetic ma- vis, and that vis must be already specific reagents these can be duplicated gus in his chosen field, as well as be- present in the object crafted into by those with only a basic understanding sufficiently motivated. the lesser enchantment, which limits ing of the underpinning philosophy. This option is a good choice for them a great deal. Nevertheless, the Another key advantage is that alchemy troupes who might want to advance Mechanicals are perfectly placed to be can be taught to anyone; it does not the progress of a magical society but inventors due to the speed by which require The Gift or any underpinning who have misgivings about the Or- they can produce items — it takes as Virtues. All of the reagents listed in Art der being its instigator. long as it does to make the mundane & Academe (pages 75–77) are technologi- object bearing the enchantment — cal advancements in their own right, and their outlook on life. These hedge and if mass-produced, could effect a real Crafters of Wondrous Items wizards live amongst the common change in Mythic Europe. people in villages and other rural One example of how Mythic Europe Characters with the Touched by communities, and share the effects has already been transformed through (Realm) Major Supernatural Virtue of their magic freely with the people alchemy is the use of Greek Fire by the (City & Guild, page 71) are perhaps in with whom they live. Combining the Byzantine Empire (The Sundered Eagle, the best position after Hermetic magi Craft Magic of the Rusticani with the page 47). They cracked the problem to become inventors. powers of a hedge tradition could be of mass production through innova- Their biggest advantage is that particularly effective. tion and the almost limitless coffers of they do not require vis to create their an empire. As a consequence, factories enchantments. They can also benefit producing Greek Fire were scattered in from assistants in their workshop, as Learned Magicians secret locations across the Empire, al- well as using workshop innovations though most have closed down since the and superior raw materials to improve The Mathematici of Bologna fall of Constantinople in 1204. If other their Craft Total. (Hedge Magic Revised Edition, Chapter reagents could be mass-produced in the Their chief disadvantages are Five) and their allied traditions are same manner, alchemists could easily be- that their powers are limited to just examples of the scholarly approach come highly sought after as a route to two Hermetic Forms, the items they to magical invention typified by Her- political and military power.

135 Transforming Mythic Europe

fragments of Heron’s teaching could be Inanis gathered and put back together. If the secrets of the Mechanica When vis is imbued into a physi- plete a fifth magnitude effect at five of Heron were rediscovered, the cal object in preparation for enchant- paces. Effects are not partially can- ability to build technological de- ment or in the instilling of powers, celed by inanis: if they have a level vices producing semi-magical effects its previous physical vessel crumbles, equal or lower to the maximum mag- without the need for vis would be a but leaves behind a residue. This used nitude the effect is canceled, if it is major boon to any aspiring inventor. to be removed as part of the ordinary greater then it is not affected. Effects The devices described by Heron are laboratory trash and never given a originating from beyond the range of almost by definition the types of in- second thought. However, with the the inanis can pass through the radius vention that could transform Myth- increased production of enchant- of its effect, but if they linger within ic Europe: any conceivable device ments, large amounts of this residue the area of effect they are diminished that produces, controls, destroys, or was accumulating, and magi began to by it. The inanis absorbs the fluid vis notice a strange phenomenon. The that makes such effects possible. Su- changes earth, fire, air, or water are residue imbues the detritus from a pernatural creatures with a Might less within the purview of his mechanicae, laboratory with magic-sapping prop- than or equal to (5 x pawns) of inanis and they were also able to affect the erties. The residue from one hundred lose one Might for every season they human mind. pawns of vis is needed to make a sin- spend within its area of effect. Con- gle pawn of this inanis (meaning “void” cerns have been raised that inanis or “emptiness”), which usually takes might also deplete auras or even de- the form of a concretion of dust, dirt, stroy The Gift. The problem of what pottery fragments, and other rubbish to do with the inanis that is gradually The Process into a spongy gray mass. One pawn accumulating across Mythic Europe of inanis takes one round to stop a has become a major topic for debate of Transforming first magnitude magical effect from for the Order; most magi refuse to working within one pace. The inanis have it anywhere near them. is unaffected by this sapping effect. Note: the existence of inanis is Mythic Europe Pawns are cumulative in terms of not a standard part of the Ars Magica time taken, strength and range when Fifth Edition game, but an option for The impact of any magical tech- in contact with one another, so five a saga that wants to explore the prob- nology depends on both its dissemi- pawns would take five rounds to de- lems of magical pollution. nation and integration into the community that benefits from it. The first effects are likely to be seen local to The Augustan Brotherhood future of Mythic Europe. the introduction of the device. There may be economic impacts initially, The recently discovered Virgilian but once these stabilize, there is Mechanicians Magic (Rival Magic, Chapter Three) likely to be a period of growth and has a strong element of invention acceptance of the device. Other magi through the practice of Animo, the The Mechanicians, or “wonder- may get involved by duplicating the creation of objects with awakened workers of Heron,” are a now-extinct device from the inventor’s Laboratory spirits that have caused them to take magical tradition of mechanic- Texts, promoting its spread. Things on the semblance of life. Animo is as magicians who studied under Heron may eventually advance to the point costly and time consuming as creating of Alexander and his pupils (Ancient where the device is so widespread a Hermetic enchantment, but produc- Magic, Chapter Six). that its use is commonplace. es devices which can move of their The Mechanicians infused own volition and be aware of their mechanical devices with wondrous own surroundings and adapt to them, abilities through the combination Prerequisites for Change something impossible with Hermetic of mundane craft with geometry, magic. The discoveries of the Augus- arithmetic, astronomy, and physic. They For the Order of Hermes to make a tan Brotherhood are less than a centu- died out sometime in the fifth century, major change to the course of Mythic ry old, and it remains to be seen how although some magi believe that their Europe through magical technology, much influence they will have on the magic could still be resurrected if the there are a few prerequisites for per-

136 Transforming Mythic Europe mit that change to take place. These know Magic Theory to a sufficient prime inventors and producers of are saga considerations, in that if the degree to utilize the required amount technology in Mythic Europe. Magi troupe wishes to run a saga in this en- of vis, and have sufficiently high Arts can further indenture themselves for vironment, these needs must be met to achieve the enchantment even future benefits such as membership of by the world and/or society. with a Laboratory Text. It takes a long a covenant or access to prime texts on time to train a Hermetic magus and, the Arts. in traditional sagas, this slows the Alternatively, the Order may Vis growth rate of the Order of Hermes. have discovered a way to speed the If the Order is to become a mass- process. If all apprentices are taught Magical technology requires a producer of enchantments on behalf Magic Theory at the beginning of plentiful supply of vis. The more of Mythic Europe, it needs to have their apprenticeship period — or even spectacular enchantments cannot be a suitable workforce able to prepare before apprenticeship truly starts achieved with Charged Items, requir- items for enchantment and then — then they can begin preparing ing sufficient resources to meet the instill effects. items for enchantment as soon as needs of the inventors. This does not One solution would be to indenture they are Opened to the Hermetic require a vis-rich saga if the vis is not magi after their apprenticeship, Arts. With the help of Laboratory available to the player characters. One requiring a certain number of Texts, an advanced apprentice could option is that in the past, when these seasons of labor to remunerate the even instill some simple effects. innovations were first made, there was Order for the training they have Other apprentices could be set to a plenty of vis to meet the needs of the received. This indenture period is not copying out Laboratory Texts for Hermetic inventors. However, those dissimilar to the journeyman phase dissemination across the Order. This sources have been plundered and are of a craft guildsman, and while it is could greatly speed the manufacture now dry; the world has much vis spun a tedious requirement, it helps the of items. into enchantments, but there is a pau- Order maintain its position as the city of it in its raw form. In a saga of this type, discoveries such as Mutable Devices (from Heron of Alexandria’s Mechanica, Ancient Magic page 79) or Reforging Enchanted Items (an Inner Mystery of House Verditius, Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults page 125) become important to characters who want to innovate themselves since they allow them to scavenge spun vis and use its capacity in new enchantments. Alternatively, vis might still be present in its raw form in Mythic Eu- rope, but the Order keeps sources under close guard and distributes or sells it to its members. House Mer- cere might be rumored to have a huge vis cache hidden somewhere close to Harco, and House Guernicus punish- es anyone found stockpiling vis from their own sources.

Magical Engineers

As discussed earlier, a sufficiently large workforce is needed to produce enchantments who must be Gifted,

137 Transforming Mythic Europe Breakthroughs Acceptance and Spread that their character’s invention might in Magic Theory make when it first comes out. With Perhaps the hardest phase for any hindsight we can see what a major While not necessary for magical technological advance is keeping the in- leap forward the introduction of a technology, there are some Break- terest in the device going. In this phase, certain invention has had, but this is throughs in Magic Theory that ei- the inventor magus will have to over- difficult to predict at the time, partic- ther speed or ease the creation of come problems of supplying the demand ularly with the knock-on effects that enchantments. Such Breakthroughs for his creation: Hermetic enchantments one industry can have on another. include Single-Use Charged Items take at least a season’s work in the labo- For example, technological advances (Hedge Magic Revised Edition, page 102), ratory, and many of them have a vis cost in the production of linen during the Vis-less Enchantments (Ancient Magic, attached to them. The benefits to the thirteenth century led to linen under- page 120) and Rune Magic (Ancient inventor must outweigh the demands wear becoming more common. This Magic, page 139). These innovations, on his time to duplicate the device, un- lead to a bonanza of raw material for once sufficiently integrated into Her- less he is able to farm out production to the making of cheap paper, which in metic Magic Theory, could revolu- others (see earlier for a discussion of the turn made writing materials more ac- tionize the way in which enchant- problems of manufacture). cessible to townsfolk and encouraged ments are made, and remove some If he is both hard-working and the rise of literacy in urban areas. The of the restrictions of time, resources, lucky, a magus might see benefits de- main cost of book production became and workforce. riving from his invention within one the wages of the scribe, and with to five years of its adoption. It is dur- more people able to read, there was ing this phase that one can expect to a need to find a means to drive book Early Adoption see increasingly larger perturbations to production costs downwards. Inven- the social order caused by the invention tors started to experiment with print- Early on, inventor magi may need (see Social Consequences, earlier). ing, and the book press was born. to work hard to get others to adopt their invention, a stage crucial to the creation of wealth, fame, influence, Widespread Integration Saga Seed: or desire for social change that has driven them to this in the first place. If the player characters are the A Transformed Thanks to the social penalty of The inventors of technological magic, Mythic Europe Gift, if the invention is intended for then they may never see this stage of lords, craftsmen, or peasants, magi are the device’s dissemination in Mythic Imagine a world which has been better off employing mundane factors Europe. However, if the player char- completely transformed through to handle the transactions. Even then, acters are particularly aggressive in magical technology. The player there is a general distrust of magi- the manner in which they spread use characters are just one group of cal things — and things perceived as of the device, and the saga is suf- inventors amongst a host of others, magical — in Mythic Europe, and it ficiently long lived, then they may Hermetic or otherwise. This section could be endlessly frustrating to magi live to see this transformation. Al- briefly discusses one possible that the device that could make life ternatively, this might be the time to outcome of widespread magical so much better for peasants lies aban- introduce some of the playing styles technology in Mythic Europe. It is doned in a barn because of a supersti- discussed in Chapter 1: Introduction, described as if these changes have tious fear of it. and allow the characters to see a ver- already occurred by the time the saga Once this hurdle can be over- sion Mythic Europe post integration starts, which may not in fact be the come, the benefits resulting from the of their technology in a flash-for- case. The troupe may well decide to device’s usage should become appar- ward to the future. play through these transformations ent to the community employing it, Inspiration for the sort of long- and be involved — or perhaps and this generates interest in the de- term changes that might result should prevent — their described outcome. vice. Once interest leads to demand, be sought in the modern world. Play- The principle transformation of the spread of the magical technology ers of roleplaying games are intimate- Mythic Europe into a society using begins to gather momentum. ly familiar with technology, but it is magical technology occurred seventy often hard to see to see the impact years ago. Since then, progress

138 Transforming Mythic Europe has raced on, with more and more devices becoming available to the The Other Houses common man. The skies over most big cities throng with ships held aloft Bjornaer: The dominant Harmon- has lost the respect of the Order. by magic. In the homes of the rich ist faction of the house (Houses Jerbiton: Has concerned itself with are to be found delicate automata of Hermes: Mystery Cults, page 11) the aesthetics of technology, which perform to the delight of the have largely eschewed Her- developing new art forms based children, while the cook slaves in metic society, and taken to an on magical devices that trans- the kitchen over a magical stone that adventuring life in flying ships form the populace through their provides heat without fuel. Fields and other devices of magical appreciation. are tilled with mechanical plows, transportation. They search for Merinita: House Merinita has suf- which also sow the seed and ward new wonders in the natural and fered under the relentless strip- off crows; livestock reach maturity supernatural world, having tired ping of vis from supernatural in record time and are free from of human-created wonders. The sites for the manufacture of tech- disease that reduces the yield of few Wilderists have dispersed: nology; Faerie has proved a par- milk, eggs, or meat. Some covenants claiming back the wilds from ticularly vulnerable target. resemble factories rather than the humanity can no longer be sup- Tremere: Particularly interested in homes of scholars, home to artisans ported by the Order. armamentation: siege engines and craftsmen who provide the raw Criamon: Largely unchanged. House and devices that protect from materials to supply the burgeoning Criamon still contemplates the them; ranged and melee magical need of the artificer-magi. Enigma and ignores the changes weapons; and shields that pro- in the world of dross. long the life of soldiers. Flambeau: Mostly unchanged by Tytalus: Polarized as ever, the fol- Armatura & Lanificaria: technological magic, although lowers of Tytalus have found a Manufacture a new school of magical combat new way to challenge the Or- has been developed that specifi- der. Some have wholeheartedly Magic has permitted the rapid cally concentrates on the destruc- adopted the new technology production of textiles, tools, and tion or interruption of magical and strive to remain at its cut- weapons, but also created advances devices. ting edge. Others stubbornly in architecture and carpentry Guernicus: Unchanged, although refuse to adopt innovation, only resulting in better housing and somewhat emasculated. The practicing magic through spells, grander structures. Largely operated House fought long and hard and even promulgating “wizard” by individuals with little or no score to enforce the Oath and stifle stereotypes such as pointed hats in the Finesse Ability, these creations change; now defeated it fears it and staffs. of Rego Craft Magic turn out at best items of average quality, and much of it is shoddy. However, manufacture Despite the efforts from the Learned Magicians, who can influence is no longer time-limited, merely peacemongers of the Order of luck, health, and magic with their resource-limited, and advances Hermes — mainly from House protective devices, have a roaring in mining and processing have Guernicus — technological advances trade in protecting buildings and city improved resource provision as well. have changed the face of warfare. walls against magical siege engines. The outcome is the increased This is true not just of personal availability of materials and objects weapons useable in both missile Navigatio & Theatrica: formerly restricted to the wealthy combat and melee combat, but Transport and Communication classes, such as parchment and also of and siege weapons that are books, fine cloth, forged iron, and deployed against massed troupes and hardwood tools. Increasingly, the against defensive structures. The distant communication in- cities of Mythic Europe are devel- The rise in availability of magical novations discussed above have been oping a disposable society in which technologies that can enact massive fully integrated; indeed, this was shoddy tools are bought cheaply but destruction on buildings have driven one of the first magical technolo- not expected to last very long. a demand in protective devices. The gies made available by the Order of

139 Transforming Mythic Europe

Hermes. The version of Mythic Eu- Agricultura, has flourished. With the spread of rope described above is a reality in Venatoria & Medicina: magical technology, the Order of this scenario, where distant viewers Environmental Technology Hermes has come out of the shadows are used by rulers to address their Crop yields and animal husband- (see Chapter 2) and incorporated as a subjects on mass and — some claim ry are areas that have benefited from highly selective craft guild. — to spy upon them. In the mean- magical technology, with the result One of the contributing factors to time, most rich households have that, in cities at least, people are bet- the revolution in magical technology such a device themselves, and most ter fed. Comestibles have a longer life was the betrayal of House Verditius’s poor households can rely on having and can be preserved from rot, with Outer Mystery to the Order as a a public device nearby. House Jerbi- the result that the Living Conditions whole by an anonymous writer who ton, despite initial reservations, have penalty for living in a city or town is distributed many copies of his text embraced this technology as a means halved to +1. (depending on your saga, it might of providing beauty to multitudes in Medical magic is to be found in have required a Breakthrough as one go, and sponsor events in which hospitals in most towns and cities. En- described in Houses of Hermes: True artists display their work through chantments drive out the foul airs and Lineages, page 29 to allow a Mystery public scrying mirrors. corruption that can cause infectious Virtue to be acquired through Instant transportation was not diseases, humoral balances can be teaching rather than Initiation). considered as a viable option for quickly identified and corrected, and Verditius Magic was consequently magical travel due to concerns over wounds heal better and faster. learned by many magi, and without warping. Instead, Hermetic archi- the need for casting tools. This tects built alternatives to beasts of scandal bit deep at the heart of House burden that need neither food nor A New World Verditius, which has ceased to operate rest, and, more recently, flying ships Order of Hermes as a Mystery Cult and has become a for the transport of passengers as Societas, although it still retains the well as cargo. These devices are still As a whole, the Order of Hermes secrets of its Inner Mysteries. Many expensive to use, and most individu- has itself changed as much as the rest followers of Verditius have entered als still rely on slower traditional of Mythic Europe. As the authors a partnership with magi Bonisagi; as forms of transport. of the transformation — or at least always, House Bonisagus toils to find a major contributor — the Order new uses for magical applications, but

140 Transforming Mythic Europe now rarely indulges in the practical that Craft Magic has entered the approach adopted by European wizards. or experimental side to their science. milieu of Houses Tytalus, Tremere, Eastern magic is channeled through Instead they pass their Laboratory and Mercere. Some have linked the spirits, and their technology therefore Texts onto Verditius colleagues downfall of House Verditius to the has the capacity to be intelligent rather for the actual manufacture. At the rise of the Rusticani, noting that the than mechanical in its response to a last Grand Tribunal the primus of Mechanicals were ever opposed by situation, albeit limited by the constraints Verditius announced the co-location the Verditius mystery cult. imposed by the sorcerer. Breakthroughs of his domus magna with that of Since the wider use of scrying in Solomonic magic have lead to an House Bonisagus at Durenmar; and devices for communication and enhanced capacity to coerce spirits many believe that it will not be long instant transportation for travel into the service of a wielder of a device before House Verditius ceases to exist has become commonplace, House rather than under the direct control as an independent entity and becomes Mercere has been forced to reappraise of a sorcerer. Such magical practices absorbed into House Bonisagus. its usefulness to the Order. Rather are viewed with great suspicion on the The second factor promoting than a messenger service, the redcaps west, particularly since some eastern the rise of technological magics have turned their talents towards the wizards employ demons to power their was the take-over of House Ex business side of their house, and have devices. The secular and almost scientific Miscellanea by a cabal of Rusticani. become mundane agents for the sale nature of western magic is equally While this House is still home to of magical technology. incomprehensible to the easterners. a collection of Hermetic hedge Years of warfare in the Holy Land traditions, a sizable minority of its between Arabs and Westerners have membership are Rusticani, including The Enemy caused an innate unwillingness to the primus. The domus magna has share ideas, resulting in a great deal become a hive of industrial activity, Greater capacity for exploration of hostility between the branches of attracting magical craftsmen from has also led to greater contact with magical technology. As a consequence, across Mythic Europe and producing civilizations beyond Mythic Europe. In there is a great interest in studying the the magical technology on a wide particular, contact with Arab and Persian devices of the opposing side, to gain scale. Some magi of other houses cultures has revealed a similar — if not vital information about how to counter have entered joint apprenticeship more advanced — level of magical it. Espionage and counter-espionage arrangements with a Mechanical so technology, but one which is alien to the are fertile grounds for stories.

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Recent Releases The Contested Isle: The Hibernian Tribunal

The magi of Hibernia respect the land and its supernatural inhabitants, granting much of the Tribunal’s area to hedge traditions and allowing supernatural creatures a vote at Tribunal. Now, magi from elsewhere in the Order have come to “reform” the Peripheral Code, laying siege to and taking one of the Irish covenants. If the native magi could just stop fi ghting each other, they would resist. As English lords push further into the island, and the Church struggles with attempts to make it fi t continental ideals, the Order of Hermes faces its own confl ict. The traces of past confl icts are everywhere: the faerie Tuatha De Danaan, the magic Fir Bolg and Formorach, and saints as prone to curse as bless. Demons, however, are nowhere to be seen, as constant fi ghting convulses the Emerald Isle. It is, as ever in Ireland, a time for heroes.

Tales of Power

Hermetic magi grow powerful in their age. They can defeat mundane armies single-handed, challenge spirits of fi re in their lair, and drive the servants of Hell from their strongholds. No place in Mythic Europe is too distant, and no barrier can keep them out. From the popes and kings who rule to the peasants who till the soil, none may deny a magus for long. Why, then, would magi stay closeted in their laboratories? With great power comes great stories. This book contains fi ve stories aimed at powerful magi, covering themes from political intrigue to a war with an Infernalist and his undead minions. When your magi need something more than another vis hunt to motivate them, Tales of Power has the answer.

Antagonists

Magi of the Order of Hermes often come to the attention of other inhabitants of Mythic Europe. Some see them as a threat, others as a target, still others as an opportunity. Some even want to help the magi to better integrate themselves into society. These might be mundane humans, supernatural creatures, or other magi, but they all have one thing in common. They’re nothing but trouble. This book presents ten developed antagonists for use in your saga. Each antagonist can support an entire saga arc, and the struggle with any of them could become the defi ning feature of your covenant’s history. Whether you like politics, investigation, or straightforward battles, there’s an antagonist for you within this book.

Coming Soon: Hooks Find out more at atlas-games.com/arsmagica