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 Dramatis Personae Magi Aliss the Black, a Tytalus and a Woman of Leisure Ignatius di Roma, a Merenita and a Metaphysicist Holly, a Merenita and a Faerie Child Odelia, a Verditius and a Supreme Scholar Ordinius, a Tremere and a Prophet Aino Karhu Hammas Syömäri, a Bjornaer and a Suspected Murderer Luis de Lupus, a Bjornaer and an Old Man Johanna, an Ex Miscellanea and an Old Woman Companions Robert of Owen, a Thief and a Betrayed Noble Petruchio Lombardi, a Merchant Garen the Lost Knight, a Free Lance Gunther Ortleib, a Finn of Daly, a Bard Durand de Montpelier, a Franciscan Friar and a Teacher Grogs A Turb Leader Divers Grogs (6) (Sheet may be modified as grogs become specific rather than generic.) A Scribal Tutor Dmitri of Muscovy, a Scribe A Jeweler Sour Pierre, an Autocrat A Carpenter A Bookbinder A Silversmith Divers Pirates (5) (One has a Medium wound, one has a Heavy wound.) Divers Laborers (10) Divers Servants (14) Divers Teamsters (6) Palfrey Horses (5) Garen's Courser Nobles Raymond of Toulouse, an Excommunicated Noble Raymond of Provence, a Noble Faeries The Woodland King, a Faerie Noble Divers Goblins, a Nuisance Robin Goodfellow, the Puck Others The Black-Clad Man, a Deathbed Visitor and a Possible Demon Any NPCs or named creatures introduced will eventually go here. Dice will be rolled via Orokos, but if you wish you may leave it to me to do your dicerolling for you. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at Feb 7, 2013 around 00:50 |
| # ? Nov 15, 2012 07:59 |
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| # ? May 22, 2013 18:07 |
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The Covenant of Diutinus Winter Covenant of Marseille The covenant is based out of the trading port of Marseille - not the largest of cities by far, but certainly a busy trade town in 1220. Normally, a covenant would seek out a less populous area, but you have inherited a regio there due to some old favors owed a few of your parens. It is not a particularly deep regio, but it is a large one, stretching across much of Marseille. It may be entered via any archway in the city, provided you are humming or singing a specific old Roman tune. Within, you have not fully explored, for the covenant is truly massive and made of strange rooms and halls - old Roman constructions mixed with halls and rooms that resemble several buildings throughout the city. Some of the doors are locked, and you've yet to find keys. That problem may have something to do with an infestation of pixies and fae vermin, who have taken to stealing keys, small items and occasional vandalism. As far as anyone can tell, they claim to be a rebel outpost against the Woodland King, a faerie prince nearby, but they tend not to talk to you much beyond shouting something about oppressors when you spot them running off with something. There are but two old magi left in the covenant besides yourselves - one of them a bedridden old man and the other an old Crusader-magus who lost both legs and an eye and spends most of her days locked in her chambers, composing poetry. Both are in their apparent sixties - so they might be much older than that, and possibly senile. It's hard to tell. They do speak of a time when the covenant had much greater resources, though they cannot recall exactly what or where some of these were. Their advice has, at least, led you to what you believe to be a good chunk of the old library, which contains a very old and well-written book dating back at least two centuries. You've never seen a finer one. The covenant also came with the deed to a small shop and a chase located outside the city. The shop is run by some of the covenfolk, who sell rare plants grown in the regio greenhouse by techniques that have been memorized but not really understood. It does quite well for itself, as it avoids shipping the seeds in as often as it can. The chase is also occasionally hunted for meat, which is sold off in the shop. The chase is home to a gateway into the Woodland King's realm - in fact, the forest has several paths to Arcadia, apparently, though only one known portal lies within the chase. Entering via that portal apparently marks you as official visitors - you can't go where you like, but your rights are respected. Entering via others may be more dangerous - and, of course, the fae are capricious beings, as you know from the ones that have camped out in the covenant itself. The Woodland King has never spoken of them, but his courtiers tend to shush you when you bring it up in their presence. Would that fae were the only problems you had to deal with! Marseilles is plagued - first, by a black-clad man who appears to the dying. Apparently, some curse or other lies on the land, and a demon (or perhaps something stranger) has earned the right to contest for any soul that dies while not in a state of grace. Few die in a true state of grace, for confessions in the area are difficult - it's full of Cathars, and the Church is rather more concerned with that. The Albigensian Crusade, you know. The demon (if such it is) has yet to confront you directly, but rumor has it among the fae that you have the interest of 'the one who watches,' whatever that is. They won't explain any further. Perhaps it lies within the Roman ruins outside the town. No one has ever really explored them - local legend has it that the last people to do so brought on the Black Figure, who comes to the dying. No one knows if that's true or not, but the locals avoid the place nonetheless. On a more mundane level, the Albigensian Crusade and the Church's interest in wiping out the local Cathars are not all you have to worry about. Count Raymond of Toulouse, the excommunicated noble who nominally owns the area and defends the Cathars has found his rule contested by his second (or possibly third) cousin, Count Raymond of Provence, who has recently escaped from imprisonment in Aragon. It is clear that neither is going to back down. On the positive side, despite all the war and chaos, traders and travelers remain common in the port, bringing news (and occasional trouble) from distant lands. It is also a beautiful city, with a wonderful view of the Mediterranean and the most beautiful statues in southern France. This has made your covenfolk more tolerant of trouble than might be expected - they like the place, for all its quirks and problems. They are a very tight-knit group, though they have their own oddities and subcultures - a fact to be welcomed, for you lie in an area that Tribunal maps do not agree on, which could be part of the Roman, Iberian or Provencal Tribunals depending on how one reads old precedents and border markers. You're sure that some magi will want to fix that little border issue, but at least they will have trouble infiltrating your covenfolk if they decide to do so by less than pleasant means. Boons Major Exceptional Book Minor Regio Hidden Resources x3 Wealth Healthy Environment Vivid Environment Strong Community Chase Aura x2 Vast and Labyrinthine Mystical Portal Hooks Major Tribunal Borders Demonic Interest War Zone Minor Urban Roman Ruins Deathbed Visitors Faerie Court Resident Nuisance Road Heretics Points Spending: 300/300 Library Exceptional Book: Liber Simonii Magi (Level 20, Quality 15, Vim) Art Summae: The Aberdeen Bestiary (Level 15 Quality 12, Animal), The Periphyseon (Level 12 Quality 12, Creo), Principia Arborum (Level 6, Quality 21, Herbam), On the Nature of Endings (Level 6, Quality 19, Perdo), De Rerum Animus (Level 6, Quality 19, Mentem) Ability Summae: Cosmographia: De Mundi Universitatae (Level 4, Quality 10, Magic Lore) Tractati: Prophetiae Merlini (Quality 11, Intellego) (x2), The Soul of Bronze (Quality 10, Terram) (x2), Lycanthropic Curses and Bloodlines (Quality 10, Muto) (x2), Dance of the Unseen Hands (Quality 9, Finesse), Destruction of Heresy (Quality 10, Theology) Lab Texts: 200 levels, no spell higher than level 25. (Specific Spells: None so far.) Specialists Teachers: Scribe (Comm 2, Teaching 3, Profession: Scribe 3) Specialists: Turb Leader/Combat Grog Leader (Leadership 5), Jeweler (Craft: Jeweler 5), Scribe (Profession: Scribe 5), Autocrat/Noncombat Grog Leader (Profession: Chamberlain 4, Profession: Steward 3), Carpenter (Craft: Carpenter 5), Silversmith (Craft: Silversmith 4) Resources Vis Sources: 6 pawns per year (2 Herbam, 2 Creo, 2 Rego) Vis Stocks: 13 pawns (to be actualized as needed), 2 pawns Herbam Money: 175 pounds Income: 250 pounds/year Expenses: 98 pounds/year 750 BP of unknown, hidden resources waiting to be found and unlocked. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at Jan 19, 2013 around 05:28 |
| # ? Nov 15, 2012 07:59 |
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Spring, Year 1220 It has been a chaotic time, settling in, but you have finally managed it. All of your laboratories are set up, you have found somewhere that might, possibly, be the Covenant library and even have a bookbinder on staff who seems to know how to keep the faeries from stealing most of the books. The faeries themselves are a problem, but they have caused no trouble so far that could not be fixed, and they are smart enough to stay out of the laboratories - just nowhere else. You have received no visitors yet, but it is but Spring. Travellers are more common in the Summer months. It is a mercy that no nobles have come to visit, nor any Redcaps or foreign travelers. They'll surely be in later this year, but for now, you have a reprieve. Many of the passageways within Diutinus remain sealed to you, with none of the covenfolk apparently clear on what lies behind them. Luis and Johanna have mentioned in passing that some of the doors haven't been opened in decades, which may explain that. Your covenfolk are respectful, by and large, though formal with you, as they would be with any gentry. Johanna spends almost all of her time locked in her room, writing poetry about the Crusades, while Luis spends a majority of his time in the form of an old, ragged wolf curled up by the fire. When he is a man, he is an absentminded but cheerful fellow who likes to tell stories of his youth. Now that New Year's celebrations have come and gone, you must begin the actual work of a Covenant. It is the first season of the game! Magi have four free seasons per year, and may use them to research spells, study books, train, go out and adventure or whatever. Companions receive two free seasons per year, or 3 if Wealthy. They must spend 1-2 seasons per year maintaining their lifestyle. Feel free now to decide what you would like to do for the first season. The core book will provide ideas, or you can talk to me and I'll help you figure out what you want your PCs to do. If you plan to use this season to cover one of your Companion's maintenance seasons, mention it now. Also, please describe your personal laboratory. It is a single but fairly spacious room and contains at least four important and expensive objects. Other than that, you may describe it as you like. Any and all of you may control the actions of the Covenfolk (that is, anyone under the Grogs list). The first person to control a particular Covenfolk may name them and give them a personality. You may also freely socialize, of course. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at Nov 15, 2012 around 08:19 |
| # ? Nov 15, 2012 07:59 |
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"So," the dockman said as he watched the last crate get levered off from the waggon that had borne the gentle lady's baggage with her, "tall woman, isn't she? I mean you don't even see lords that tall generally." "Is she?" said the coven's man, arms folded and the wind brushing over his bare scalp, through wispy hair. "Hadn't noticed. Mind your men don't drop any of these... the masters would be..." A second passed. Pierre turned his head to look at the dockman. "Displeased..." Autocrat named.  Sour Pierre has worked in the coven all his life. With a moderate hunchback and an immoderate case of functional alcoholism, he is reasonably intelligent and may even be slightly literate. He makes up for it with sour and laconic remarks upon virtually everything. Aliss the Black's Laboratory Aliss chose a space with a southern exposure and set several steps below ground. Opening and closing the shutters of broad arched windows can immediately change it from dark and close even at high noon to halfway to the open air. Desk and lamp and shelf for books and notes are kept off to one side, but the main action is with the stuff she brought with her. ((Tell me if I got the idea right, Mors, ha ha)) Brazen vessels of earth: Aliss has several large brass tubs of soil which accords to various humoral states, such as "hot and dry" (sand from Africa), "cold and wet" (a Germanic swamp), etc. Large stones of relevant sorts are affixed to them, and can be moved around to subtly alter the sympathetic humors of a given sort of soil. They are kept near the southern windows and are intended for aid in studying herbal matters. The Seventeen Stations of G-----: A gift from her master, these are finely wrought objects, resembling rounded-off obelisks a bit under twelve inches in height with a six inch pedestal. One, representing the center, is gold with a pair of small rubies in its base. Eight are of fine-carved oak and decorated with blue stones; another eight are of clay with a flared cup at the top suitable for emplacing candles, incense, etcetera. The perfumery: A slightly name for a large semi-portable case of scented oils of often questionable extractions. It would be extremely difficult to reassemble if broken. Planetary metals: a set of seven sets of objects, each of which consists of a decent mass of a raw ore rich in one of the alchemical metals (gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, mercury and lead) and another of a chime made purely of that metal, if of various quantities. (The mercury alone is kept in a carefully blown disk of glass, made from Aliss's own sigil residues.) The value here, of course, is in the gold, silver, and possibly the mercury. But otherwise Aliss the Black takes a meal in the dining hall, not far perhaps from the dozing Luis. Black silk hides where one eye should be but otherwise she dresses simply, although her manners are a blend of courtly handling of knife and trencher and the fact that she's swilling down a flagon of wine and picking delicately at a roasted ocean fish now too far gone to be recognized, supplemented now and again with a bite of bouillabase-sopped bread. "You know," she says to whoever happens to be within auditory range, "This is terribly much better than the seaside I'm used to. We'd call this a good summer's day. I suppose it's the bastard Northmen stealing our warmth." (As far as agendas go I'm thinking about studying up on Perdo since Milton's on setting up some wardings and my fairy ward might be redundant. As for Robert I'm inclined to say he's taking a season to justify his existence by cheating sailors just so I don't have to worry about him just yet. Nessus fucked around with this message at Nov 15, 2012 around 12:50 |
| # ? Nov 15, 2012 12:16 |
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(I will post lab stuff and so forth later. I think I will study that awesome vim book for first session due to being a hard worker, and also not wanting to work on anything too complex on season 1. Garen the Lost Knight is away this season. He may be working, he may also be lost. There's a betting pool as to whether he will find his way back to the covenent or not) Holly the Faerie Child looks too young to be a full fledged wizard, appearing closer to a teen than anything else. She is careless or carefree as it pertains to her wardrobe and is presently wearing a bright green blouse and a yellow skirt. Most notable about her appearance is her eyes that glow with a vibrant white light. She is also presently shoeless because the fae seem to enjoy robbing her as much as anybody else. She doesn't seem concerned by this, instead lying down on the ground as she reads from a book, absentmindedly perhaps even scritching wolf-Luis--animals usually don't like her very much. She doesn't seem to be paying much attention to the world around her, focusing rather on her work. "Mm? Oh yes, nice and warm." Holly says. "Something Northman..." She pauses, glancing over. "I appreciate the quiet. I am not accustomed to a friendly atmosphere either."
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| # ? Nov 15, 2012 20:12 |
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"Have a care with the pages that near to the fire," Aliss says, even as she pauses to pull a fish bone from her mouth carefully and place it on the side of the serving platter. Sucking some grease from her fingers, she says, "A friendly atmosphere? What, are you used to having doors slammed in your face?" Seconds pass as Aliss refills her flagon with more white wine from the dusty jug which Sour Pierre had set out when setting the table. "Now that you mention it that does happen a bit often, doesn't it?"
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| # ? Nov 16, 2012 05:02 |
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"I do hope that this friendly, cordial atmosphere will remain between all of us, then." Speaks the voice of Ordinius, followed by his footsteps as the young mage steps inside, drumming his fingers across the edges of a small book, wedged under his arm. While Ordinius is not a terrifyingly imposing figure with his mere physical form, the young man carries himself with a healthy dose of pride, sitting on top of a good dose of self respect, with his back straight, his eyes sharp. There is not as much authority -- or something wanting to be authority -- that emanates from him. It is more a feeling of 'I know where I am going, and I'm going to get there' which tend to gather the same attention, but tainted with enough respect to not just go stink up in people's faces. He is sharply dressed in the usual black robes of House Tremere, his traits are rather angular with a small pitch of hair at the end of his chin. He has the distinctive traits of someone not from this part of Europe, if Europe at all, skin darkened, hair black, cut short and what little there is is held by a small silver circlet. He's got a friendly enough air. He carries himself like a soldier, a disciplined warrior. His Latin have a barely noticeable French accent. "Good day Holly, Aliss. I take it you are both settling in well in here, then?" He says as he make his way to the table, carefully placing down the book next to him, grabbing a leg of chicken. "Have you found anything new about this place?" He adds, conversationally. Ordinius of Tremere's laboratory Ordinius' sanctum is not a mess. Wizards might have order in their chaos in their realm of magical creation, but Ordinius likes his creation to have a ounce of sense. His things are categorised neatly, his instruments are next to one another where they might be needed to work together the easiest. His personal books are in alphabetical order. It is, also, lacking in dust. It is located in one area that is slightly more sloped upward, and have some nice air currents going in. (Rare Items coming soon!) Cosmic Afro fucked around with this message at Nov 16, 2012 around 09:07 |
| # ? Nov 16, 2012 09:05 |
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Ignatius da Roma A tall, thin man, possibly the most high-strung of the magi thus far, walks in fiddling with his moustache and looking around frantically. Paging through various dark and intimidating looking tomes, occasionally dropping one only to have it picked up by a short, fat man with a far better kept moustache, he rants to no one in particular. "The sheer ontological negligence! What puerile assumptions on the metaphysics of residents of possible worlds could possibly be in place to allow such a travesty? Vapid epistemologies must be in place here, vapid, vapid!" The shorter man sighs audibly and adjusts his rather expensive-looking purple doublet. "Ignatius, Sir, do you not like it? I find it quite nice, and I don't think you wish to offend our fellow residents. They're right here." Ignatius nearly trips over himself as he notices Holly, Aliss, and Ordinius conversing almost right in front of him. "Ah, ladies and gentleman, I meant no offense. The physicality of the covenant is indeed quite lovely. I have simply noticed the magical defenses of this place have deteriorated, although I suppose that's to be expected considering what all this covenant has had to endure. Realize this regio is, in essence, a cave, and consider the song necessary to get in a gate to the large opening at the mouth of the cave. This is all well and good, but at the same time fails to account for an unknowable quantity of other passages into the cave. While this may have heretofore been adequate, any being which manifests in the regio any which way will be in full command of their potentially divers ontologically-given capacities. This is unacceptable!" The little merchant gently prods the magi who seems to have gone into a rant again. "I gathered only that you think something is unacceptable, Sir. Perhaps you'd like to propose something be done about it." Ignatius breaks into a smile all of a sudden and addresses the other magi again. "Ah, well, if I were to be allowed the resources, at the time of the spring equinox I would be able to erect a sort of metaphysical wall protecting the covenant. Some beings, such as the smaller and moderately-sized faeries and demons could not enter without being invited in, and no magi, creature, or any other magical thing here without our invitation would be able to bring its full power to bear. I believe it would go a long way to securing the covenant against future incursions." Grinning, the merchant addresses Ignatius "Perhaps you'd like to work on the necessary calculations in your quarters, Sir?" The magi nods at the merchant, then softly and politely notes "I hope you'll find it a worthy expenditure, if only to put our minds at ease." While Ignatius strides off to his laboratory, the short man in the expensive clothes takes the time to introduce himself. "Finally, I am Petruchio Lombardi, merchant, importer, exporter, and general monetary extraordinaire. I would be happy to assist you all whenever you need it." Although he carefully planned a longer introduction, so much Gift in one place seems to be putting him ill-at-ease. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I really ought to be off. Some of these crops will fetch twice in the Venetian market what we could get for them here." He gives the Magi a slight bow then walks away rather quickly. Ignatius da Roma - Personal Laboratory Ignatius settles down, unloading all of his personal items into his laboratory. He'd been mobile for a long time. Having a library and a decent place to work should drastically increase the rate of progress for his various studies, though he's already aware he will need to venture outwards, or inwards, relatively soon to procure additional information. Firstly, he gently places his Catalogue Of The Black Menagerie at the head of his bookshelf. A one-of-a-kind manuscript handwritten by himself near the end of his apprenticeship, it does nothing to increase one's capacity with the arts themselves but is instead a series of exquisitely detailed descriptions of all the beings held in the dungeons of Cyril the Black. If it fell into the wrong hands, or the right hands, depending on one's respect for the Code of Hermes, his old master would almost certainly be prosecuted. Secondly, he unloads his various Jars of the Jesuits. The traditional use of them was to capture and bind demons within the jar until a more powerful religious figure could come and exorcise them, though they've since seen less pleasant use. Adjacent, he places a Divers Collection of Fine Robes. Though they have no magical use, being able to present oneself as a druidic practitioner, Vatican exorcist, chamberlain of a Lord's estates, University magister, and ancient greek philosopher can be useful at the right time. Of course, it can also be deadly. Finally, he gingerly picks up and places Vicentio, the Cat on top of the bed. During his investigation of the claims regarding the multiple lives of cats, he attempted to enchant one to have 729 lives rather than the typical 9. It doesn't appear to have done anything thus far, but one cannot discount the value of a black cat from a noble bloodline. Given no objections, Ignatius would like to study Edit: The Periphyseon, then cast Aegis of the Hearth to ward the covenant at level 22. It does effectively ward against faeries. It will take up our two pawns of Rego vis (Ignatius does rituals at half price due to his Mercurian training.) Petruchio would like to continue doing his merchant thing and maintain his lifestyle. Edit: If nobody needs to make use of our scribe, I say we set him to copying out some of our texts to trade to other covenants. It would allow us to have our cake and eat it too. MiltonSlavemasta fucked around with this message at Nov 16, 2012 around 15:46 |
| # ? Nov 16, 2012 14:30 |
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Aliss swills down more of the whine. Pursing her lips and reaching up to scratch idly at the patch over her eye, she says to Ordinus, with a shrug, "None yet. I'm still struggling with everything downstairs. I do hope these goblin problems aren't going to get TOO awful." She then whistles, loudly, after the departing merchant. Towards Ignatius, she adds, "You have to keep them on their toes or they'll get uppity, really. Come have some fish and tell me why you keep saying ontology." (I think copying the texts is a drat good idea. However I think Holly got into the vim book first. Clearly we need some kind of book rotisserie, though I imagine we'll all have booked up by the end of the second year.)
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| # ? Nov 16, 2012 15:34 |
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Odelia "He means the study of existence." The voice comes from a short, slightly heavy woman, blonde and not especially finely dressed; it is a slightly worn-looking robe, possibly because she either just left or is going to her laboratories. Two of her fingers have dark smudges on the side from working with ink for years. "Presumably it has to do with all the side passages in here; who studies them, or not? And why?" Odelia heads toward a seat, having to step over Holly to get there. It doesn't seem to slow her down much, though she does turn around afterwards to add, "You do know you're on the floor, don't you?" before she sits. Odelia's Workspace Odelia's sanctum - library, laboratory, and study - is where she spends the majority of her time. It is therefore the place she cares most about, and much more care has been taken with its setup than anywhere else. To anyone else, though, it still looks disorganized. It's clean - impressively so - but simply oddly sorted, with books in an order that doesn't entirely make sense on first glance and tools in places she finds convenient rather than obeying a strict order. There are a few odds and ends that seem to serve no purpose at all, and her study's desk usually has half-completed work on it, written or constructed. She seems to be able to put her hands on anything extremely quickly, though, so clearly it's working for someone. Some of the things she's put in various places include: Personal Goldsmith's Tools: Pliers, files, engravers, hammers in various sizes; a tiny winch to draw wire; assorted other oddments. Odelia's are mostly marked with her Verditius sigil, except on things she couldn't figure out how to engrave it on, like some of the smaller files. They're hers, and while they could be replaced, she likes these. Writing Utensils: Odelia has a very nice quill knife, a collection of ink powder (that needs to be mixed with wine and iron salt, an inkwell's worth at a time), and a silver inkwell she made herself with a lid to stop it from drying out. As a scholar, she considers these some of her most valuable tools. The Chair: At this time, chairs were uncommon except for lords and bishops; everyone else in Europe made do with stools and benches. Odelia does not. She owns a single and, by her judgement, extremely comfortable chair; she uses it as a reading chair in such a place that it gets the best light, closer to the 'library' part of her sanctum. One day it will go in her studio so she can preside over it properly. Die Waelzer des Kunstfertigkeit: Odelia's notes on everything she has ever crafted; every magic item, and the more impressive mundane arts too, with illustrations. She prefers to write in German, but when there's more in it than there is now, she fully intends to show the world and copy it into Latin. It gets the best spot on her bookshelves. The name means 'The Tome of Craftsmanship' or 'The Tome of Virtuosity'. (Mechanically, this is a season where Gunther is off supporting a proper lifestyle and is not available. As for Odelia, she would like to take this time to study; she's picked the Principia Arborum unless someone else wants at it. I agree that copying the books sounds like a good idea too; nobody seems ready to use the Tractati yet, so maybe we can have him copy Prophetiae Merlini? Also, I support Aegis-casting.)
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| # ? Nov 16, 2012 19:20 |
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"I would say, yes, that I had been used to it. Of course, it doesn't happen here so much, thus proving our home to be much more fun provided--" She trails off as a new arrival comes. "I have studying to do, Ordinius," Holly says. "There is always more to be done, I fear." She smiles lightly. "I am not an adventurer though I must admit--" She frowns. "The idea that some of these doors haven't even been opened--lord knows what might have been forgotten. I suppose, of course, that some things are better off forgotten." Not Luis though. He's wonderful and sweet. Maybe she should learn how to be a dog, it seems like fun. But there isn't a rush to become a canid either. She pays little mind to the ranting until some news enters her ears. Her eyes widen faintly and she clucks her tongue faintly. "But I /like/ them running around." She says. "It reminds me of home. Please don't make it too difficult for them." She promptly makes a mental note to go about breaking a ward or two. She glances over to Odelia. More people! "Of course." She says. "Someone has to keep poor Luis company." She smiles again and adds. "And besides it's warmer by the fire." She flops back onto her back and adds, "And easier to see underneath robes this way too." She lets out a loud yawn.
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| # ? Nov 17, 2012 01:00 |
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Aino Karhu Hammas Syömäri is a giant of woman, nearly eight feet tall and broad. She's of definite Scandinavian stock with blond hair and light skin, though a bit tanned from being outdoors often. Even then, this is less prominent compared to her stature. She has to duck her head when she enters the room--truthfully most of the other magi have probably noticed by now she tries to limit her time indoors. Still, one has to try and be friendly. "I think such a ritual would be appropriate," Aino calls out in the most unusually accented Latin most of the magi here have likely ever heard. It is largely Gaelic-influenced, with enough of her Finnish heritage to tint it further. She may need to repeat herself sometimes. "There's still much to find within, without having to worry about threats from without." She glances down at a stool and frowns before taking a seat on the floor. "So I hope that everyone else is settling down well? Ignatius still seems tightly wound, but with good reason." Aino's Laboratory Aino has claimed a room inside the regio as her laboratory/study largely because it's the right size. It's a large, almost stable-like building made out of stone and with a high, vaulted ceiling. She doesn't bump her head here, and she likes that. It takes her a while to get everything unloaded--but at least she doesn't ask for help with it. She keeps her things spread out, but moderately well organized by function. She likes to have a lot of space to work, and prefers things be where she can find them where she needs them--she just doesn't take excessive amounts of time to put them there. Items of interest: The Rug: A large fur rug made from an unclear animal and carefully preserved from decay, possibly through magical means. This sits on the floor of Aino's laboratory and provides her with a place to relax, because furniture and Aino are at an impasse usually. Old Ten Horns: A massive set on antlers from the first deer Aino slew with her sept. It was an exceptionally large deer, and thus Aino thinks it to be have been the recipient of a large amount of magical power. As such she keeps the antlers hung on her wall, (incorrectly) believing them to be a gathering point for natural energies. The Spear (proper name pending): An ancient wooden spear that's blunted from disuse and age to the point it would be completely impractical as a weapon. It was entrusted to Aino by her sept, and she keeps it is a familial heirloom. Tome of Household Herbs and Remedies: A book of mundane herbs (with illustrations) and their uses, as well as possible combinations for both cooking and medicine. It is not useful, by any means, for studying magic but it is a very nice tool to have in the laboratory. Aino's copy is very well worn from use. If no one objects, Aino will be studying Lycanthropic Curses and Bloodlines this during the spring, because it is relevant to her interests. Durand de Montpellier is presently Sir Not Appearing in this Film due to having dedicated his spring to fulfilling his teaching obligations at...Montpellier.
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| # ? Nov 17, 2012 04:29 |
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Ordinius of Tremere "Ah, but we all do, Holly, we all do." Ordinius replies, smiling pleasantly, "But we are now in a Coven, in a dangerous area, with limited resources that we must manages for the good of our respective progress." The young mage, barely out of his Gauntlet, beams even wider as pretty much almost the entire mage population are getting in to grab a bite to eat. Speaking of which, he's neatly cutting his leg on a plate. He stops, nodding at Ignatus. "Yes, an Aegis would be most prudent in our current situation and I do think we have enough vis to cast it. We'll have to find new sources soon, however." He stands, looking at everyone that entered, clasping his hands together. "Ignatus, Aino, Odelia, good to see you all as well. I have a proposition for us all, as well as our esteemed elders in this Coven." Ordinius pauses, then nods. "Now that we are comfortably settled into our respective sanctums, it may be time to form a council to discuss the ways we are going to lives here, what rules we wish to install and how we are going to divide the various resources divided between us, such as vis, books, other magic items we may find. It will be also vital to establish how we are going to vote on our various issues that might happen to our coven, internally or externally. Other questions are if we wish to elect a Rector -- a leader --, or remain more democratic in our proceedings. As well, how often we shall meet to change discuss changing rules if needed." He pauses, again, partly to give himself time to breath. "The soonest we establish the rules of how we shall live here, the more time we will have to our studies and working together." Ordinius bows his head faintly. That's pretty much what he had to say. Ordinius will read the Mentem Primer, because it's never too early to prepare for an apprentice. He will also extend invitations to the elders out of respect, but he don't expect them to be at the meeting and he'll make it clear that they shouldn't feel forced to come. Finn will go out in the city, get acquainted with it and do bardly things. Cosmic Afro fucked around with this message at Nov 17, 2012 around 05:58 |
| # ? Nov 17, 2012 05:38 |
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Luis rolls over by the fire, wagging his tail at the mention of the Aegis. It is, after all, a very important ritual. He doesn't seem to mind much being treated as a dog. (Aino, in fact, has heard rumors that he thinks of himself more as dog than man. Rumor among the House is that he may soon be heading for Final Twilight if he should use magic much more.) Sour Pierre, in his duty as the go-between for you and the serving staff, has provided you with the finest map of the Covenant's bounds. It is far from complete, with vast swathes of the regio simply unmapped and at least two areas marked 'lost to faeries', but it will be helpful in the coming years in determining where things are. Spring, 1220 Aliss the Black Aliss spends much of the season buried within On the Nature of Endings. It is not the most in-depth of books, of course, serving as a basic primer on the magic of destruction. However, it provides her with great insights - enough to nearly exhaust the tome's usefulness for her. On the night of the Equinox, she (as all the other magi in the Covenant do) joins Ignatius on the ritual pacing of the borders. This takes some time - the regio has large borders, even if they mostly do not exist in the mundane world. (Fortunately, the Aegis will work if the mundane borders are paced. Still, it takes most of the day and night.) Aliss gains 19 XP in Perdo. Robert Robert is out earning a living and defrauding sailors and travelers. He does, at least, get some practice at his work. Robert gets 2 XP which may be divided between Stealth, Legerdemain and Athletics. Exposure XP is pretty terrible, yes. Holly Holly immerses herself in the ancient and potent books of Simon Magus, which purports to contain that famous sorcerer's great knowledge. While it may or may not actually have been written by Simon Magus, it certainly was written by one of the finest minds that Hermetic magic has ever known. Its depth is so great, in fact, that it will take many seasons of study yet before Holly understands its teachings fully. She, too, takes part in the Aegis ritual, being marked as one of the magi of the Covenant and thus able to perform her magic within it without penalty. Holly gains 15 XP in Vim. Garen Garen's season is spent wandering around France and trying to find his way home. He does, at least, get a few jobs while doing it, earning a fine living for himself for when he finally does stumble in near the end of spring. Garen earns 2 Exposure XP that may be split between Great Weapon, Survival and Hunt. Ignatius Ignatius spends the Equinox forging the Aegis which protects the entire Covenant. He is well-suited to the task, calling on the Mercurian rituals that his master taught him. It is time-consuming, to be sure, but well worth it - he makes a savings on the Vim of the covenant, which is harvested over the course of the season by the covenfolk. Once that is done, his time is dedicated to the Periphyseon. He understands most of the work within it already, but it touches on aspects he'd yet to consider. There may be some study left in the book for him, though not a lot - as an expert on the subject already, he has less need for the overview that the books of the Periphyseon provide. Two Rego Vis are used to establish a level 22 Aegis. Very handy, though it would be wise to research a stronger spell if you should make powerful enemies. 12 XP towards Creo. Petruchio Petruchio spends the season abroad, bringing the covenant's harvest from the year before to trade in Venice. He makes a good profit on the deal, ensuring that he need only spend a little time in the covenant's shop in town over the rest of the year to maintain his lifestyle, skim a little off the top and know that no one will even notice. 2 Exposure XP, which may be split between Bargain, Venice Lore and Intrigue. Odelia As with the others, Odelia takes part in the Aegis ritual. It is a particularly fun night, really, with fine wine and food to celebrate the rebirth of the Covenant. The rest of her season is devoted to the study of plant magic in the pages of the Principia Arborum. In fact, she devours the book. By the end of the season, she has practically memorized its principles, understanding well the basics of plant-based magic. The Principia will provide no more use to her. 24 XP, thanks to Book Learner - but there's no real point to using this book again, as that puts you squarely into level 6. Also, 1 XP in two different Techniques, due to Secondary Insight. Gunther Gunther's season is spent with Petruchio, as a guard of the ship and produce. He does quite well for himself in Venice, though not so well as the merchant - after all, Gunther has a set salary. 2 Exposure XP. Venice Lore, Awareness or Bargain; this was not an especially dangerous trip. Aino Yadda yadda, equinox. After the equinox, Aino settles herself in her rooms, studying the Lycanthropic Curses and Bloodlines. It is an intriguing text, delving into great detail on the nature of werewolves and other cursed lycanthropes. It discusses the potential for the lycanthropic curse to be passed on by bloodline as well as by direct cursing. (Indeed, the curse of the lycanthrope, it says, is ill-understood by most mages, though the principles of a man being unnaturally forced into the form of a beast are quite useful as a guide to magic.) The book disagrees in several areas with Bjornaer doctrine, but that is only to be expected - these arguments are not uncommon among magi. 10 Muto XP, and Aino has exhausted the benefits of the tractatus. Durand Montpellier is quite nice in Spring. Durand spends the season teaching his students and learning more about the new Bishop's plans for the school, in accordance with the will of His Holiness, Pope Honorius III. This season, he has been stuck teaching theology to first-year students - a mindnumbingly tedious class, yes, but a vital one for later education. At least the school year is ending, and summer will be truly free. 2 Exposure XP, split as you like between Teaching, Theology and Church Lore. Ordinius Ordinius's seasonal study is taken up learning about De Rerum Animus, the things of the mind. It is interesting if somewhat disconcerting reading, learning how easily the mind can be altered or controlled or destroyed...but still, such things are not too disturbing, not for a magus. Ordinius' study, by the end of the season, draws forth all that lies within the book. 22 XP, thanks to Book Learner. No more use out of that one! Finn Finn is, presumably, out doing bardic things in the city this season. He plays for a minor city nobles and manages to avoid being killed. 2 Exposure XP, split between Music, Marseille Lore and Athletics. The Covenfolk The two scribes of the Covenant are hard at work. One of them has taken the Prophetiae Merlini and painstakingly copied it out, providing a second copy for the library. The other, the scribal tutor, has done the same with the Soul of Bronze. Covenant Vis and book status has been updated. The Council Meeting During Spring, as requested by Ordinius, a meeting of the Covenant Council is held. In theory, the Council includes Johanna and Luis, but neither seems all that interested in coming - which may be one of the reasons you inherited the Covenant rather than their apprentices, if they ever had any. The Council Chambers are in a room reminescent of an old Roman bath, with seats carved into the walls and a nice bathing pool, along with ornamental foot-scrapers. A table has been brought in and placed next to the pool. You only have to chase out a single pixie - a six-inch man wearing what appears to be one of Ignatius' handkerchiefs as a toga. He'd been soaking his feet, but is easily driven out with a bit of pushing and some cursing in French. Can't have faeries interfering with a Council meeting. The official purpose of the meeting is to settle the matter of leadership for the foreseeable future. (Or until someone on the Council challenges it.) As requested by Ordinius, you are now holding a Council meeting. In practice, this is 'all of your magi', as Luis and Johanna have no interest in running the place at the moment. The Companions may be allowed into the meeting if you choose to allow it, but it would be very rare for any covenfolk except perhaps Sour Pierre and the as yet unnamed Turb Leader to attend. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at Nov 17, 2012 around 06:04 |
| # ? Nov 17, 2012 05:50 |
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Robert of Owen "Hmmm... In a situation like this, I'd just get in the way," the Englishman told his old travelling partner. "I suppose it can't be helped. Besides, you're always fun to work with, no matter the time and season." "Well, suit yourself!" Aliss replied. She left shortly thereafter in a great bustling of skirts and hair. '  ' Robert thought to himself. Aliss the Black As the council meeting draws near, Aliss hefts herself out of the pool and collects her effects from the carved seat she had claimed as her own, brushing out some snarls in her hair and draping voluminous white woolen towels over her laps, followed by applying something smelling of sandalwood to the back of her neck. Thankfully, she put the eyepatch back on as well. After others file in as necessary, Aliss gives momentary greetings. Aino is given a somewhat more ambiguous look than others; Aliss is of rather substantial stature, but Aino, it seems, is the tallest. Once everyone's in, she pushes the cork back into her bottle of oil. "Perhaps we should all take a turn speaking before we make any, mm, any FINAL decisions on anything," Aliss says, "just so that none may say she was not given the chance." "I've no objection to making our decisions in camera, as we are now; it may, it seems to be, be sensible to consider if we wish anyone to be the one we follow if we are breached somehow." "What's more," she continues, "I think a formal meeting once yearly is no imposition whatever." Ordinius is given a rather long and brazen glance after this. Eyelashes are involved. "As for other matters I don't really know, to be frank. I've hunted in the fall for fifteen years now, though, and I see no reason to stop simply because I am now in France. Seems as if it would be a fine time to look at some of these old ruins or what-not, if anyone cares to tag along."
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| # ? Nov 17, 2012 13:45 |
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Ignatius - Meeting Ignatius, slightly more relaxed but still somewhat aloof and a bit tense, sits at the meeting, listening intently to Aliss. "If you'd like to go on a hunt, there's a spell I learned during my youth that allows one to extract the essence of a creature out of the carcass. More vis is always useful and one less creature on the loose is, indeed, one less creature on the loose." "As Aristotle wrote, politics is that which governs all things, and so is essential, even though it tends to be the purview of a lesser class of men." Looking around him at the makeup of the covenant, the Italian is reminded to amend the quote, "and women. A lesser class of men and women. I do not think any of us are dealing with such pressing matters a meeting such as this represents a dire imposition; For now, at least." He sits up straight, cutting an imposing figure in robes of white silk and red trim. "Now, there are two matters I wish to bring to your attention. Firstly, there is that of the book. That book, Liber Simonii Magi, the best text in its domain I have ever seen. Though we all want to read it at some point, I propose for the time being we entrust it with none of us, but instead Dmitri, in order to have it copied. Dmitri of Muscovy "That young man is very bright and hardworking. It's a pity he isn't gifted himself, but that doesn't seem to demoralize him. His understanding of basic magical theory and the underlying metaphysics of the text is such that he will not make any mistakes and ought to be able to make a perfect copy if given the book for two seasons. So, my first proposal is to entrust Liber Simonii Magi with Dmitri in order to allow him to make us a copy." Ignatius takes a small slate out of his pocket and marks down the first vote, passing it around so everyone else may vote quitely on his proposal. "As for my next proposal, well, it will probably not surprise you to discover I have not yet discovered the secret of immortality. I remain committed to my thesis that we are not so unlike the immortal beings of other realms and even the gods themselves, but our fragile physical bodies could not survive the shock of any ritual I have read about in any of the books. However, I have come to discover that by ritually washing with a finely-tuned construction of aqua regia infused with vis, it is possible to halt the aging process for decades. This will take, according to my calculations, four pawns of vis. There will be a serious side effect, though it is no issue to me for personal reasons. I propose I be allocated four pawns of vis to begin the preparations immediately, and in return I will do my best not to complain when anyone else feels the need to have such a ritual performed on them." Ignatius has issued two proposals to be put to a vote: Proposal 1: Give the Exceptional Book to our best scribe for two seasons. This should allow him to make a perfect copy if all goes according to plan. Proposal 2: Let him have 4 pawns of vis so he can dramatically extend his lifespan and not become decrepit with age. MiltonSlavemasta fucked around with this message at Nov 17, 2012 around 20:11 |
| # ? Nov 17, 2012 20:05 |
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Aliss Aliss rubs the bridge of her nose. "Side effects?" she asks slyly. Then she says, "I certainly don't object to that. I'd suggest we treat it - if you'll forgive my callous analogy - a bit like the stocks in a club. Obviously we should need vis for our common defense and I'm sure something urgent will arise once in a while, but /by and large/ if you need it, you'll need to replace it, however you manage it, and reasonably swiftly." A brief sniff of the air. "For now anyway." Or to put it more concretely, Aliss proposes that vis needed from the common stock for personal matters be subject to approval of the group, and with the expectation of replacement within a reasonable period of time. Also she's OK with Ignatius not getting old.
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 08:21 |
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Ignatius "Rituals to retain the vital spark within oneself seem to remove the possibility of passing on the vital spark." Ignatius struggles to find the right words without being crass. "Er, creating new life in the non-magical way is no longer a possibility." "And yes, I think it's reasonable to expect me to replace the Vis in our communal stocks. I have a couple ideas as to how to go about it."
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 15:13 |
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Gunther Gunther, mysteriously, showed no interest in going to Council. What would he even do there, stand around while people spoke in a language he didn't understand? He may have made sure the pixie didn't sneak back in, though. Odelia - Meeting Aliss may have had to share the baths beforehand with Odelia. Cope. The official meeting is one of the very few things that will make Odelia take a care for her appearance. Her robes are of reasonably fine cut but a striking blue; she looks significantly less scattered than she often does when she's been working. "I agree," Odelia says. "Meeting like this is the best way to handle issues like this - and to make announcements, if necessary. Successes and the like. Officially." Not that she has one of those yet. She completely misses any subtext on the part of Aliss in favour of thinking about Ignatius' admittedly brief description of the ritual. "Well, I do hope you've neutralized it first," she says, with a laugh. "One of the craftsmen I've worked with still had marks where drops of it landed on his hand. But I trust you know what you're doing, and I'd like to see your notes on the ritual sometime; I don't think those side effects need be there," Odelia adds with a sniff. "I would also like to see the stocks replenished. Can't leave them empty. Perhaps - oh, but you had ideas, did you not?" She makes a small mark on the board. "I'd like to read that book in any case. I suppose this makes it a little easier, once he's done, if I don't have to take it away from one of you!" She's beaming. It may have been a joke. Maybe? "I know the man. His scribing is better than mine, so I can't object to that. I'd hate to see it damaged and lost without a copy." Odelia is all right with the use of vis from the covenant - she expects to be needing some of it herself in the future, after all - and would like to be a part of recovering additional vis for her works. She whole-heartedly supports copying the Liber Simonii Magi, if for no other reason that it's much easier to have two to work with than one.
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 16:54 |
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"I have no objection to handing it off myself." Holly hasn't, thankfully, chosen to jump into the public bath with everyone else this time, sitting own in her chair closer to meeting time rather than engaging in that manner of recreation. This time. "It's very interesting. I hope my show in good faith of being willing to interrupt my study will encourage the group to be willing to treat the fey a touch less like vermin and more like people? In any event, proper negotiation will be the only proper long term solution." She looks over to Aliss as she mentions the Hunt. "I'm no bad hunter myself, but if you are already taking Ignatius, it may be better if I stay home. We wouldn't want to many of us out at once. Perhaps that Garen fellow would be more appropriate. Besides, I am a touch more interested in investigating something a touch closer to home. As in our home. Which could be housing lord knows what. Which is precisely the problem." She leans forward though at the proposal of the longevity ritual, grinning faintly. "Getting older--it is such a pain isn't it? I sympathize. As you're agreeing to replace the vis I have no objection either. Honestly I'm glad this coven has such forward thinking people." And dogmen. "I take it you don't mind being sterile? I always thought humans were really touchy about that sort of thing."
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 20:39 |
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Ignatius Ignatius's eyes go a little wide at the mention of him being involved in the hunt. "Well, if you need an extraction done I can assist briefly, but I won't be able to leave unless I'm to complete the process another season. As it stands, my repertoire isn't quite set up to hunt magic creatures, and we Mercurians are no good when we aren't prepared. I could assist if you really needed me to, but my only hunting spell usually results in the quarry being ripped to shreds rather inelegantly and my horse's heart exploding." Ignatius can only spontaneously cast using ceremonial casting, so it takes him 15 minutes per magnitude of the spell if he hasn't already learned that specific spell. That said, he does have a couple spells that could be useful on a hunt for magical creatures.
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 21:34 |
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Aliss Aliss resists the urge to lean over and jog Ignatius in the side with her elbow. "What a burden! I shall have to weigh this matter most closely." She chews idly on her thumbnail for a moment, commenting to Holly, "Do you mean that little fellow? Or mm, more... more GENERALLY?" She then lets out a resonant little chuckle at Holly's commentary further than that, leaning back in the stone seat afterwards.
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 21:38 |
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Odelia "Oh, I didn't necessarily mean immediately. Get the ritual done; the vis can be restocked afterwards, I wouldn't want you to delay the project for it." She's looking out for herself again; Odelia doesn't want to necessarily get her own projects delayed if she doesn't have to. "That's what having a stockpile is for." She does look a little askance at Holly; Odelia's social awareness is sometimes low but Holly's seems to be lower yet. She goes back to Ignatius afterwards. "If you have an idea that isn't a hunt, I'll listen."
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 21:41 |
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Ordinius of Tremere Ordinius has remained silent for most of the meeting so far, his hands together, seated on his chair as he looked back and forth between the other magi. The women taking a bath partially before them was certainly a thing, but the young man has too much self control to let anything show in his expression. He ain't made of stone, thought. "I do not mind giving you the vis for your Longevity Ritual, either, as long you repay it. We do have a nice stockpile available right now, but we'll need to find more sources soon enough if we wish to do anything. A Hunt could be quite useful to get more short-term sources. What you can do is rally some of the men together and bring back the remains of the beasts, or what you have found. I'm certain there's some trolls or something living around here that could use a good breaking of their skull. Until we find many more reliable, renewable sources of vis, we should pool our reserves and share them if needs arises. I would suggest to concentrate your efforts on actually dangerous creatures. I may wish to find a magical beast for a familiar." He don't comment about the side effects of the ritual. That's been said enough about, no need to spell it out, especially since Holly blurted it out. Speaking of Holly, he turn his attention at her. "Well, if we are not to treat them as vermin, then we must deal with them so that they not behave as such. Do you have an approach to suggest, then?" He pauses, his brows furrowing. "Ah, yes, that reminds me: when our first Redcap drops by, we should ask him informations about the current political situations in this Tribunal, as well as where the other covens are. It is never too early to be good neighbours to surrounding covens. Additionally, there is still many spots in our own home that are left unexplored -- it should be our priority to know more about where we live." Ordinius do not mind giving the vis to Ignatus, as well for organising a Hunt, perhaps even coming himself as he's somewhat of a war magi, perhaps, perhaps not. Searching for a familiar is one of his goals currently. He's fine for copying the Exceptional Book, as long it's done well. For Vis, he suggests, for now, to keep our vis in one pile and just give it off at requests if everyone agrees to it. He also want to start saying hello at surrounding Covens -- as well what lives in ours. Or just find out more about our place. Cosmic Afro fucked around with this message at Nov 18, 2012 around 22:27 |
| # ? Nov 18, 2012 22:19 |
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Holly does not seem to have an understanding of the fine points of etiquette and social behavior, and beyond that she seems like someone who would be a bit difficult to teach these mannerisms to as well due to her practically reveling in the ignorance which, of course, might suggest that she explicitely turns away from any nuggets of wisdom in this realm that she happens to come across. She is however mature enough to focus on the things she really cares about, namely the faeries, and Ordinus's decision to consult her no doubt delights her judging from the bright smile it elicits. "Why thank you for asking!" She says pleasantly. "I know a fair bit about them. While faeries do love to stir up trouble," the way she says this is more or less absent of judgement. "They will follow rules of visitation. If we set up rules of visitation, they will follow them--provided we honor them of course. We could discuss what sort of rules we would like to endorse, if you'd like. But faeries do love their rules." She drawls out 'rules' like 'rrrrrrrules'. "For starters I imagine it is only polite that we insist they not enter our labs without permission from whomever's lab it is. We wouldn't want our labs disrupted." Even for Holly, it seems, that is unacceptable from the fair folk.
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| # ? Nov 18, 2012 23:11 |
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Aliss murmurs, "Well I certainly don't mind being respectful. I will say I'd like to have... persons, such as..." Her eyes go towards the door, where the little imp of a faery had been shooed out, "That last guest learn, at the very least, to ask our leave. None the less! I defer to those with better knowledge." She adds, towards Odelia, "Regardless, I'm all for continuing with our copying. You never know where spare writings can come in handy. My master once used what SEEMED like quite a book to lay a trap for someone, you know, but that was a long time ago, even when he tells it."
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| # ? Nov 19, 2012 09:38 |
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Durand -- not at the meeting Durand is still at Montpellier. He may be trying very hard to endure student interpretations of Paul's letter to the Romans. Aino - the Meeting Aino keeps to the back, mostly. This is fine, because she is not likely to be lost and forgotten about even when she's quiet. She interjects into the continuing discussion on hunting more Vis sources from the wildlife. "Creatures on the loose are seldom the problem; the problem is when people run afoul of them," Aino observes, ducking her head to step into the bath. She remains standing, mostly by necessity. She also seems to have decided it best if she enjoys the bath separately. "That said, I see the need for additional sources, especially if Ignatius wants to perform his ritual soon." Aino does not seem embarrassed by the talk of side effects, even when Holly blurts it out. "I can certainly accompany a hunting party if it's needed, but I'm at my best in the summer. Call it a habit from dwelling in colder climates." Aino looks over Aliss when she gets that ambiguous look. She doesn't know what to make of it. As an afterthought, Aino comments on the text. "I trust he'll take proper care of it. I don't see why he shouldn't be entrusted with making a copy." Aino mulls about the matter of the vote and decision making. "I have no problem with a regular meeting. It's only appropriate." Her expression sours, slightly, at all the talk of fae. "So long as we don't put too much trust in them, I'm willing to make an arrangement. The terms should be clear and precise, so that it is a mutual arrangement and one not subject to clever reinterpretation." Aino votes yes on the vis being given to Ignatius and with potentially negotiating with fairies. She is also OK with the hunting, though she'll be a little less useful due to penalties to her magic when fall rolls around. After all, bear.
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| # ? Nov 19, 2012 19:23 |
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The Council Meeting Overall, the council's first meeting is a success. The matter of a leader is tabled for the moment - no Rector has been chosen, nor any idea given on what their duties might be. For now, it seems unneeded - certainly, there have been no tie votes that have needed breaking. The vis stores of the Covenant have been determined to be communally owned and managed for the common good. Personal projects are to be approved of by the council, should they cost vis, but will almost certainly be approved of if the magus involved repays the vis within a timely manner. No set length of time has been given, but tradition holds that two years would be adequate in most cases. In this particular case, Ignatius has requested and been given access to four pawns of vis for his longevity ritual. Unanimously, it has been voted that Dmitri will copy out the Liber Simonii Magi, rendering it unavailable for study until winter. The copy, like the original, will be very valuable. It is determined that something will need to be done about the fae infesting the regio in the future. Peaceful negotiation, specifically, is to be tried first. If that fails, something else may need to be tried. Summer, 1220 As the days grow warmer and the planting outside the city walls ends, more travelers become common. Those Companions who spent Spring out of town return, and the town is filled with foreign traders and their guards. An Iberian merchant has come to town - a Saracen, from the looks of him, selling spices and telling tales of the wonders of his people, such as the Bronze rear end of Alexandria, which he says he has never seen but has heard of - a magnificent rear end made of bronze that can pull any weight. He also seems interested in the covenant's shop, and is even spotted a few times at night poking around, though he seems harmless enough. He is not the only strange and foreign visitor. A scarred man riding a fine white horse appears in the early days of Summer, whistling the gateway to the regio open after he got his horse placed in your stable! He wears the red cap of House Mercere, so that's not nearly as worrying as it might have been. His name is Iohannes, and he is from Germany, but does a yearly circuit all the way to Iberia. He will be visiting each summer, he says, and another will come in winter. He lacks any magic himself, but is considered to be a full magus by the Code. Iohannes has no mail for you this season - unsurprising, as you're just settling in - but is happy to share news with you. He reports that you will likely receive delegations from covenants of three different Tribunals in the next few years - the old maps say the land may be considered Iberian, Provencal or Roman due to a number of old statutes and deals. That, he says, will be a sight to see! Before we assign Summer seasonal tasks, you may want to ask Iohannes questions, or other people. If so, now is the time! Iohannes will happily tell you about any rumors you might want to know about, such as what magical animals he's heard of in his travels that might be good for Familiars, or what monsters the locals complain about when he passes through. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at Nov 20, 2012 around 03:38 |
| # ? Nov 19, 2012 20:10 |
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Ordinius of Tremere Ordinius will, after a generous amount of hospitality has been given to the Redcap, ask questions about the current political climate of the three Tribunals converging in Marseille, as well as surrounding covens if they have any particular reputations. Ordinius will also ask if he have heard of any rumours on his travels around the region of any magical animals -- particularly, a bird. Cosmic Afro fucked around with this message at Nov 19, 2012 around 21:53 |
| # ? Nov 19, 2012 21:10 |
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Ignatius The magi finds Iohannes resting in the central chamber of the covenant. "Sir, what know you of the Philosophers of Rome?" Pre-emptively, my action for this season will be a Longevity Ritual with a lab total of: Creo (11) + Corpus (10) + Puissant Corpus (3) + Intelligence (5) + Magic Theory (4) + Aura (5) = 38 To make aging rolls with a chance of losing stats, age/10 round up = 8+Living conditions mod(1)+Magus Mod(1) or 91. MiltonSlavemasta fucked around with this message at Nov 20, 2012 around 03:40 |
| # ? Nov 20, 2012 03:34 |
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Robert of Owen One evening when the Iberian is lurking around the shop that the covenant holds - lurking, perhaps, like the menace that is Johnny Immigrant - a light is suddenly kindled in an adjacent alleyway as a man steps out. "A ha! My friend, I've heard you were in town - but unfortunately, we're not open after sun's set." Robert reaches into one pocket... and tosses the man a fresh fig. "But I'd like to talk to you about a little bit of business. And I've heard you had a story about some sort of phenomenal rear end? Well, never let it be said that Robert of Owen didn't welcome news about an rear end of legend." Pulling out another fig and biting into it, he steps closer. "Join me at the tavern?" Robert attempts to pump the merchant for information and to cut a deal for some spices to mark up later. Aliss the Black "Iohannes, my GOOD man," Aliss says after the supper, "I'd like you to deliver this for me, or pass it along to someone moving back towards the direction of Northampton." Her voice lowers. "And if you don't have any plans for later..." Aliss flirts relentlessly with the redcap despite his disfiguring facial scars. Or perhaps because of them. Regardless, in addition to a short letter sent back to Sir Alan of the moors, she also asks for a bit of information on their neighbors - in the literal sense, as in 'the fellows six days' ride away towards Paris' as opposed to 'the Tribunal.' She also joins in on the magical animal conversations, and inquires also if Iohannes happens to know anything much about the recent or not-so-recent history of their regio.
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| # ? Nov 20, 2012 07:58 |
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Summer, 1220 The Merchant The merchant at first makes a show of refusing wine and alcohol, as a good Muslim, but he is clearly tempted, and Robert manages to get him to drink a little. His name is Faraj ibn al-Yasa, and he is from the city of Tarifa, which is ruled by the Almohad Caliphate, he says. He claims that it is a wonderful place, and that when he visited the lands of the Caliph, Yusuf II, he met with the court sahir, who had powers beyond any he had imagined and many spirits obeying his will. (Robert is not sure what a 'sahir' is. Probably something like 'magus', from context.) He gets his spioes from across North Africa, but has never been to the great lands of Egypt. He claims he plans to visit when he makes some sort of Muslim pilgrimage. However, he has heard that in Alexandria they have many wondrous devices, including the magnificent rear end of which he spoke earlier, which date back centuries. He also quite likes Robert and will happily speak to him later about trade of spices. The Redcap Iohannes is happy to explain the Tribunal politics in the area. The Iberian Tribunal, he says, is a very learned one - but also divided. The Christians of Iberia are at war with the Muslims of Iberia, and many mages are not sure which side to take. It does not help that the Almohads, the Muslim rulers of the area, are supportive of a Muslim order of mages, rather than the Order of Hermes, and that order seems to wish to make inroads in Spain. They don't seem very friendly. Getting involved with them will surely mean dealing with these problems, even at your distance from them. The Provencal Tribunal is less involved in mundane politics. They have ignored most of the Albigensian Crusade, but are very big on internal power games, with a strong focus on competition and supremacy in various fields. If you were to join them, you would need to fight for your rights and powers in the Tribunal, as Certamen is commonly used to solve disputes there. However, should you prove able, you would likely have great influence within the Tribunal, for strength is deeply respected by the heavily Flambeau and Tytalus Provencals. The Roman Tribunal is sharp-eyed and legalistic, being home to House Guernicus. They have access to many ancient texts and libraries left over from the days of the early Order, but you would be watched like hawks and distrusted for your youth...and for housing Ignatius, who is known throughout the Order as the student of a possible diabolist, as well as for having so many who might potentially get involved in noble succession if they were to try. You would need to prove yourselves to them, and they will want you to be under their control. As for close neighbors, there is Castra Solis, which lies a little over a week's journey away and is the Domus Magna of House Flambeau, the great Covenant that officially governs the House. Heading up the coast for six days will get you to Alveus Putus, a relatively young Summer Covenant that is heavily Tytalus. There is the island Covenant of Grand Wave, which lies between France and Italy and is part of the Roman Tribunal. It is a mixed Bonisagus and Tremere research covenant. On the border of Toulouse and Aragon is the Iberian Mercere covenant of Orlando's Rest, where he plans to head next. They are messengers and not very political, he says, but more of a rest house. And, of course, there is the sailing Covenant of the Crisp Winds, a flotilla of ships that travels the Mediterranean hunting trade and vis. They do not often stop in Marseille, but are rarely more than a week or two away by boat in the Spring and early Summer months. Those, he feels, are your closest neighbors - though you will surely meet others when the Tribunals come to recruit you. As for animals, there are many rumors he has heard. For crows and ravens, he says, there are three places above all. The British Isles, where lie the ravens of the Morrigan, an ancient pagan goddess, the three-legged crows of Byzantium, and Ultima Thule, where the ravens of Odin had many children. But, he says, one must be careful in Ultima Thule - the vikings are potent foes! He has heard of the eagles of Spain, who are said to follow the will of the Imperial Eagle, a king among birds. And there are the doves of Rome, but they are holy and would be poor familiars. The Stymphalian Birds of Greece might still live. As he gets to Greece, he also mentions the snakes of Python, powerful serpents of the Earth who are said to still live in Delphi, where the ancient Python once dwelt. He has heard of water serpents here in France, in some of the rivers - poisonous creatures, of course, and many quite dangerous and terrifying to the locals. And another monster he's been hearing about lately is the Tarasque, a strange sort of dragon that has been terrorizing Nerluc, a nearby area. That, he warns, would be a poor Familiar - too powerful and large. He seems somewhat receptive to Aliss's advances, but only flirts back, rather than making any real moves. He is, after all, a busy fellow who cannot afford to be tied down. He is happy, however, to deliver the letter. Any other questions?
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| # ? Nov 20, 2012 18:04 |
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Ignatius Ignatius waves away Iohannes's worries. "Yes, yes, the Roman Tribunal has dealt with Cyril under their nose for decades now. And I was his student. I'm well aware. I was there. I've seen the looks I get. I'm less interested in that and more interested in the Philosophers of Rome; The books say they have potent theurgy based on Platonic metaphysics and have even managed to integrate it with Hermetic Magic. What do you know of them?"
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| # ? Nov 20, 2012 18:13 |
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Iohannes "Ah, yes. The, uh - the Philosophers." He snickers. "If you can call them that. Seek them in the revels in Sicily. Or, I have heard, in Egypt or Byzantium. They have been chased from Rome by priests now! Though I hear they have friends among the Italian merchants in the north, as well."
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| # ? Nov 20, 2012 18:29 |
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Ignatius and Petruchio As the large merchant sits squeezed into a large, rather-comfortable looking chair behind the counter of the Covenant's external store, Ignatius strides in looking very serious in his black research robes. "Petruchio! Important news has arrived! I require an urgent task of you, if you shall so oblige me!" The short man shudders while wedging himself out from behind the counter. "Ignatius, if you want me to buy dragon tendons again, I've told you, they aren't on the open market." "No, I need you to go look for news of a group called the Philosophers of Rome. I hear they have contacts among the merchants of Northern Italia. Perhaps Venetia or the surrounding areas. This is very important. I know how you hate to get out and travel to nice places in Italia..." The two comrades simultaneously burst into laughter. Petruchio puts on his hat, tweaks his moustache, and lets out an unmanly giggle. "Why, yes sir. Only for the good of the covenant would I do such a thing!" They continue laughing as Petruchio strides away, planning visits to all the best inns en route. Petruchio's action for this season is going to be to try and get a more concrete lead on the locations of the Philosophers of Rome by speaking to their merchant friends in Northern Italy. I imagine he's the man for this job.
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| # ? Nov 20, 2012 18:37 |
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Gunther Gunther tagged along to the inn whether invited or not, because he wants to hear stories of faraway places. His language skills are not the best at keeping up - German is his native tongue - but he tries, and he'll listen to pretty much anything, especially if it's interesting or novel. Which pretty much everything from that part of the world is, to him. Odelia Odelia, who has never been much for political maneuvering and is in any case from an area of a different Tribunal entirely, listens to the descriptions of the nearby Tribunals with interest. "Why," she says, "it's a shame that I doubt we'll be able to be considered friends to all of them." The libraries of the Roman tribunals and the Covenant of the Grand Wave interest her, but the others have their own attractions. Less so the Iberians, but you never know; the Provencal Tribunal, however, is closer, especially with Castra Solis right nearby. She falls mostly into thought after that, though she listens to the list of animals, making a point to make that her next area of study. Maybe she'll get at the Aberdeen Bestiary... When Aliss is done and/or only flirting, Odelia barges back into the conversation, mostly to quiz him on any other news he might have to deliver. The talk of the Tarasque in Nerluc appears to have caught her interest; unique events, interesting news. She comes off as intense and has a tendency to interrupt. I haven't decided what to do quite yet for this season, though I've got some ideas. Gunther is willing to travel with Petrucio if he needs an escort, though.
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| # ? Nov 20, 2012 20:58 |
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Robert of Owen Robert slaps the back of the merchant after he tries a little beer. "See? It isn't wine at all!" LATER: Robert stands up from behind a stone wall as the two portly Italians jolly their way around. "Gentlemen!" he addresses Ignatius and Petruchio. "Mind a third horse in your train?" Unless objected to, Robert will accompany Ignatius and Petruchio, if only for the sake of getting a better feel for the landscape. Aliss the Black Aliss listens to this discussion of familiars, and makes a couple of vulgar inquiries couched in flowery language asking if Iohannes has much commentary on the local snakes. However, her main interest seems to be in the Greek ones. The Tarasque is somewhat more worrisome, of course. She also jots a short note of greeting 'To whom it may concern' to Alveus Putus, inquiring if they'd like to do some book swapping or, perhaps, come by for a hunt at some unnamed and poorly specified future point. You know, if they've got the sack for it. Aliss is going to study up the Principia Arborem if nobody has objections during the summer. Also, sharpen up her poleaxe for huntin'. In fact she'll ask Luis, Pierre, and other locals for some commentary on the Chase and its occupants other than the faeries (which seem to be Holly's dish, really) so as to have some idea what to expect, but that seems distinctly a miscellaneous action.
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| # ? Nov 21, 2012 05:37 |
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Quick post due to being kind of busy today! Garen is already at the inn and appears to be getting drunk. He'll report in officially later. Holly will ask Iohannes about any other members of her House that happen to be in the area, she is interested in learning more about Faerie House it seems.
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| # ? Nov 21, 2012 22:48 |
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Finn of Daly Finn has likely spent quite some time in the various taverns of Marseille. He may, in fact, have been in the very tavern of the merchant and Robert were in! Ordinius of Tremere Ordinius will be quite interested in the political climate as told by Iohannes, as well as the various rumours of magical animals he has heard on his journey. He'll show more interest on the Ravens of Odin and the three-legged Byzantium crow than anything else. He'll also inquire if there is any particular book trade that anybody would be willing to make, as he is searching for a good Auram Sumae and a good Intellego book -- primer or regular sumae, but preferably primer at first. Ordinius will slowly prepare his journey for a familiar, and that begins with reading the The Periphyseon, which will max out his Creo. Bettewn studies, as well, he'll spend some time looking at our building, searching for walls that don't seem to lead into any other room they know, and casting Prying Eyes on it. Cosmic Afro fucked around with this message at Nov 22, 2012 around 23:04 |
| # ? Nov 22, 2012 22:47 |
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| # ? May 22, 2013 18:07 |
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Iohannes The local serpents and creatures that Iohannes knows of tend to be of the waters. He speaks of the gargouilles, a sort of river serpent that is often found in French rivers, and the guivre, a weak dragon (for dragons, anyway) that spits venom like a serpent. The strangest of these, he says, is the Carcolh, a giant snail-serpent that lives in the caves to the west, in Toulouse. He has less knowledge of the Python except from myth, but knows that it is said its descendants retain some of its powers of earth and its venom. As for Merenita in the area, Iohannes says that there are a few beyond the two here. He has met two in Alveus Putus, who are studying the local lutins, a sort house faerie of France. There are also one in the Covenant of Crisp Winds, who is chasing mermaids. He is happy to take any letters. He says they may take up to a year to arrive, especially if they're off his route, but he can reach Alveus Putus within a season. He's sure that Alveus Putus and Castra Solis at least will be interested in book trades, though they may want vis instead of books for some of their materials. He also suggests trading with the Covenant of Crisp Winds when they dock in Marseilles, though they may have special preparations you must do for the books, to let them last on the ships. After a few days, Iohannes moves on, his horse rested and with new messages to deliver. Seasonal Activity Time! Okay. We've got at least one group of Companions heading to Italy in search of rumors. Post what all your characters are doing for the season, but that sounds like an Adventure to me, so I will shortly have grog stats made for those who have no one to send on the trip. Also: notable inhabitants of the chase are largely deer and boar, including a large boar that has killed three men and whose hide is tough as leather, and a white hart that has outpaced every horse or hound that's chased it. Beyond that, well, the rest of the forest is said to contain wolves and perhaps even bear, but they are dangerous. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at Nov 22, 2012 around 22:54 |
| # ? Nov 22, 2012 22:50 |
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