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I'm up for whenever, so if it's good for the others tomorrow works for me.
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Oct 23, 2014 04:53
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Sunday would be best for me this week out of the days listed above.
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Oct 23, 2014 15:33
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We're lookin' at Sunday, then, call it circa 6-7ish EST.
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Oct 23, 2014 18:12
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For tomorrow: Channel is #provencal on SynIRC, dicerolls are done via .roll <X>d<Y>+<Z>.
Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at 22:51 on Oct 25, 2014 |
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Oct 25, 2014 22:29
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Post-Adventure The conquering heroes return, having fought wolves. They have slain the Red Wolf, a legendary beast that stole and ate children, at the behest of a raven. Several grogs were wounded in the fight, but the worst wounds were healed by Sona's magic potions, and everyone survived. (Except the Red Wolf and its pack, of course.) The raven has agreed to become the familiar of Ealdwine, so long as it is fed its favored diet: eyes. The corpse of the Red Wolf contains three Animal vis, located in its bloody teeth. The rest of the corpse may be of interest if anyone wants to figure out something to do with it. The eyes are both gone. The raven also provided a glowing red stone that contains two Ignem vis, suggesting a source somewhere in the forest. The grogs have taken the rest of the raven's treasures, mostly silver coins and a bit of gold, to share amongst themselves. Ealdwine, Sona and Mariel get 8 XP to spend on anything related to what they did, with no more than 5 XP going into a single skill. Summer, 1220 As summer begins, Jacques returns from his tournament bearing what he claims is the stolen hat of a particularly arrogant Norman Flambeau named Geofric. He puts it on display at the inn. It is an excellent, expensive hat with a peacock's feather in it, and he is quite proud of it. He then gets to work writing a book. Leona remains away all throughout the summer. A letter arrives in July from her, saying that she is currently in Greece, tracking down one of her fellow Bjornaer magi, and will return some time in the autumn. Torvald remains sealed in his lab through spring and summer, coming out only for meals. He claims, if asked, that he is experimenting with sculpture techniques and cannot share his work. The merchants begin to arrive in early June, preparing for the great mercantile fair in July. Business picks up nicely around then, with the inn bustling practically every day. The merchants have no desire to socialize with the magi, and avoid them for the most part. So far, there doesn't seem to be any obvious trouble. What are your plans? Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at 04:56 on Oct 27, 2014 |
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Oct 27, 2014 04:50
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Tremonius is, first, politely asking one of the covenant's servants to help out in the lab and keep it clean. (Hey, you! You're in charge of keeping my lab clean and stocked. Don't bother the mice.") Then, he is continuing his spell research. Rashad is attending the summer fair, hoping to see exactly how they compare to the fairs and markets of his homeland, and also try to better figure out the politics of the region and if there are any Frankish wizards on the area.
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Oct 27, 2014 21:02
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Ealdwine is going to perform the necessary ritual to bond with his familiar. Intellego Auram seems like the most appropriate technique/form here. He also puts out a notice among the hunters of the coven that he will pay (either in coin, woodcraft, or favor) for scraps of raw meat and eyes for his new companion. He also tries to think of how he's going to explain the additional vis use to the council. Flagstone spends his time policing the Inn and preparing for the bustle of the fair. It always brings trouble of some kind, and he will not allow discord to come to his own territory. Anyone with knowledge of his existence (including mundanes - he is not intrinsically repulsive to them) may request his assistance as mediator at this time as well. Edit: Removed conditional actions. Edit2: Vis use stuff. Green Intern fucked around with this message at 03:35 on Oct 30, 2014 |
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Oct 27, 2014 21:22
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Soňa Soňa sits in her kitchen, thinking. The quest to find Ealdwine a familiar was successful; besides finding him a suitable subject, they acquired a fair amount of vis. Even subtracting the value of the potions she had used, there was a net profit. Additionally, there may be a source of Ignem vis nearby; while none of her magic requires it, finding it would still ingratiate the other magi to her, and more vis total might eventually lead to the yearly stipends being raised. The jewel had been in the raven's nest; perhaps it could point her in the right direction. However, not everything was great. While slaying the Red Wolf was appreciated by the locals (even if one grog came out somewhat battered and another seemed strangely upset about the whole thing), there was a chance they had offended the local faerie court. Hopefully Corrigan Fee doesn't still consider the wolf her pet, though even if she didn't, she might not take kindly to them having killed it. Well, worrying about it wouldn't solve anything. Perhaps she and one or two of the others should visit the court sometime; explaining the situation and not hiding from them might appear better to the fae. In the meantime, the merchants were arriving soon. Interesting things would probably be happening in the town while they were there. Additionally, she has been thinking about procuring some new equipment for her kitchen; while the covenant was presently short on funds, she could at least put the word out so that they know to bring some with them next time. A year is plenty of time to find a way to pay for what she needs. Mehdi Mehdi turns to his congregation, having finished reciting the 72 chapters of the Yasna before the sacred fire and making an offering to Ahura Mazda. As they share bread to complete the ceremony, inviting Ormazd and the Ameshaspend in, his mind turns to the community. Despite the hardships they face, they were doing well enough. And there were merchants arriving soon; though his people were not fully trusted in this land, travelling merchants met many different people and tended to be better at dealing with those unlike themselves, and the commerce of the fair was a good chance for his followers, and the town as a whole, to profit and hopefully continue to prosper. He would be attending the fair himself, as well. Not merely to see the merchants' wares (though he was interested in that to), but to assist the community and lead by example; guiding others towards good and living a good life are important parts of the fight against evil. Additionally, he will pray in the days of the fair, asking Ahura Mazda and the Ameshaspend to watch over the town and its inhabitants in the coming days. While this was a good time for the town, there was always a chance of something going wrong. For the spring, Soňa is splitting her XP between Animal Ken and Shapeshifter. 4 each, because why not. Mehdi, meanwhile, let's put both in Leadership. (And, since I keep forgetting to link it, ere is his sheet, on that topic.) Seasonal activities, both are kind of open at the moment. Depending on what happens, either could get roped into another adventure, either initiated by the other players or because of the happenings in the town and surrounding area that draw their attention. Otherwise, Soňa's going to improve her kitchen's Refinement (also trying for Highly Organized and Spotless), have a chat with Ealdwine's raven about that Ignem vis, and maybe put some inquiries into better equipment for her lab out while the merchants are in town, while Mehdi's using his second non-free season of the year to do good works in the area. Also going to ceremonially temper the Dominion towards patience and understanding (i.e. a Calm aura) the day of the fair; it'll only last a few days but hopefully it will have some effect. Would have used personal influence here but that probably wouldn't take effect until the end of the season, which is a bit late. Roland Jones fucked around with this message at 10:16 on Oct 31, 2014 |
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Oct 31, 2014 09:15
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Gerda This is the cruelest season. Cursed to wither in the bright, warm midsummer sun, and repulsed by the loud and dirty disorder of the peasants' fair, Gerda retreats to the seclusion of her lab again to bury herself in a book. Her menagerie, at least, is easily controlled. Wanting to establish a stronger foundation in the fundamental rules of the magical world, she devotes this season to the Ars Magica of Bonisagus himself. It inspires a certain patriotic feeling to work toward becoming stronger in her season of weakness, and soon enough she composes a formal letter of introduction to the more senior Tremere in Provencal, highlighting her areas of expertise and humbly inquiring how she can be of service to the House. Ghorma The cat has taken an interest in the ward of the covenant, young master Raymond II Trencavel, and when he's not busy lazing around in the magic aura he spends a few days shadowing Raymond. What's he into? What does he think of the Chateau and its covenfolk? What is he unhappy about- other than having his titles reclaimed, you know. The kid probably just wants someone to listen to him complain about his hopes and dreams to- and who better than a cute li'l cat?
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Nov 4, 2014 21:06
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Chloe The weather pleases Chloe, and she takes her books outside when she can. Perhaps she really ought to be about other things-- she certainly feels a bit guilty at how unproductive she must look-- but she knows full well she will not be of much use to anyone without a far more thorough grasp of theory. Chloe will read Birth of a Master, this time. Rhys Rhys takes the opportunity to keep up on news from the merchants, and sees to it that his skills are available to settle any disputes that arise from this bustle.
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Nov 6, 2014 05:25
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Alraune Alraune spends the season engaged in correspondence with other Merinita scholars on the subject of becoming a full fay, tracking down leads and generally asking around. Hopefully her colleagues have patience for the rambling letters, full of digressions, doodles, and other things like stories about the butterfly she saw that she thought was a fay but then when she spent the afternoon stealthily following it she wasn't sure but then she started thinking that maybe it knew that she was watching and was trying to keep her from finding out so she grabbed the book she was reading and snapped it closed over it and as it turned out she got bug guts all over the covenant's copy of Theatre of the Mind. Also, do any of her colleagues know how to get bug guts out of books? Mariel Mariel keeps a low profile, but the increased number of travelers makes it easier for her to do what she does to survive. A girl's gotta eat, and if that girl happens to be a wild animal one day of the week she'd better not be a starving, desperate one, after all...
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Nov 7, 2014 02:33
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Summer, 1220 Staying At Home Tremonius Tremonius continues his work on his spell. However, his experiment has ended up taking him into an odd place. The sidetrack with the vines and the rats seems to have led him a bit astray. When the spell is finished, he ends up with what he wanted...but with a significant imperfection. The bushes he creates with his spell are, one and all, foul-smelling, poisonous to the touch in a manner similar to poison ivy, and covered in sharp thorns. While still a useful spell, it is one whose effects no one wants to be round at all. Perhaps vermin were not the best experimental subjects after all. [14:57] <+Morphball> morsrattus: 6 = 1d10(7)-1 - a side effect! [14:58] <+Morphball> morsrattus: 7 = 1d10(7) - a major flaw. Oops. Ealdwine Ealdwine spends the summer performing the ritual to bond himself to his familiar, the raven discovered in the spring. As the season passes, the two bond with each other and the Cords of Power are forged. By summer's end, the pair are inseparable. Ealdwine's Intellego Auram lab total is 6+6+3+3+5=23. The target is 9+25-20=14, so that's more than enough. It costs him five pawns of Intellego and/or Animal vis. Jacques is happy to approve an advance on his vis salary to cover this - a familiar is, after all, a major thing to have. He now has 23 points to spend on Cords. There are three Cords, the Golden, Silver and Bronze Cords, and these are rated between 0 and +5. The Golden Cord reduces magical errors, subtracting botch dice from your magical botches equal to its value, to a minimum of 1. The Silver Cord helps resist mental influence of all kinds, adding its value as a bonus to all rolls involving Personality Traits, and to all rolls that protect from natural influence such as intimidation or trickery. Further, if you are ever overcome by mind-effected magic, the familiar may stress roll its Silver Cord value once per day to free you on a 9 or higher. (If it botches, it, too, gets caught.) The Bronze Cord protects the body, adding its value to your Soak total, to all healing rolls, to all rolls to withstand deprivation and to all aging rolls. (But not Fatigue stuff.) It costs 5 points to raise a cord to +1, 15 to +2, 30 to +3, 45 to +4 and 75 to +5. No Cord may be higher than +5. An extra points are lost, but if you increase your Intellego Auram total, you can spend a season reworking the binding spell and paying a small amount of vis to rearrange the Cords. Both the raven and Ealdwine gain the True Friend virtue for free, and a new personality trait: Loyal (partner) +3. The raven will not die of age until Ealdwine does, and suffers aging only when he does. It can understand any language he speaks and may croak rough approximations of simple human words, being a raven and thus equipped to do so, if not well. It can be taught the same as humans; familiars are exempt from the Might reduction to XP caused by being supernatural. The raven and Ealdwine are Arcane Connections to each other and may affect each other freely with magic. Ealdwine may choose to use the raven's Magic Resistance (9) in place of his Parma Magica, but they don't stack. The raven can use Ealdwine's native Form resistance against spells in place of its own Magic Resistance if that's better. In addition, Ealdwine gets 2 XP to spend on Magic Theory, Intellego or Auram. Sona Sona spends her season organizing her laboratory and working around the covenant. The raven is happy to talk to her, if somewhat self-centered, and explains that it found the delicious stone in the forest, near a lizard nest. The lizards, he says, were not very friendly at all and he avoided them, but he stole the egg from their nest because it was shiny. He can describe the nest's location...as the raven flies, which may not be conducive to walking. It is apparently in a small cave in the side of a cliff, near the south end of the forest. He says that the wood around the cave is sometimes scorched. Perhaps, Sona wonders, a small dragon's nest? But there are no stories about a dragon in the area. Sona increases her Kitchen to Refinement 1, improving its Safety rating to 0. [14:23] <+Morphball> morsrattus: 12 = 1d10(4)+8 - She manages, by the skin of her teeth, to gain the Highly Organized Virtue, giving her +1 General Quality. [14:24] <+Morphball> morsrattus: 2 = 1d10(2) - No such luck on gaining Spotless, though. Sona gets 2 XP to spend on Folk Witch Magic Theory. (Or Profession: Servant but why would you do that) Gerda Gerda devotes herself to reading, her magic having waned in the warmth of the season. The Ars Bonisagi is an exceptional text on the minutiae and history of Magic Theory. It is an in-depth exploration of Bonisagus' life and work on Magic Theory in his own words. This does mean it is somewhat dense and difficult to understand - unpacking metaphor and reference to contemporary events more than two centuries past takes some work - but by the end of the season, Gerda has strengthened her grasp on the fundamentals quite well. Still, she has only begun to tap into the wellspring of knowledge that the book represents. It will take even more study to understand the allusions of Bonisagus, let alone the full depth of his work. Her letters are sent out to the local Tremere, carried by the Redcaps. It will be nearer the end of summer before her replies arrive. Gerda gains 10 XP. Chloe Chloe dives into Birth of a Master. It is, in actuality, somewhat primitive for her - it is designed for beginners and apprentices. The writing is exceptionally clear, of course, but there simply is not the depth that someone of her intellect requires. It is a learning experience, but by summer's end she has exhausted all the book has to teach her and more. Chloe gains enough XP to put her at level 6 Rego, plus 3. It can't go higher than that, despite its Quality. So, 14 XP. Alraune Alraune devotes herself to reading. (And doodling in margins and writing letters and chasing a butterfly.) The book ends up a little the worse for wear from the experience, but it is a wonderful chance at learning for the maga. She begins to expand her horizons, touching on the basics of Mentem. It is quite an interesting read, all in all, and by the end of summer, Alraune feels she has mastered the text's lessons. She isn't perfect - but there's nothing more the book can practically teach her, and while no master, she ends up a serviceable beginner at mind magic. Alraune gains 20 Mentem XP. Mehdi Mehdi knows that a fair is a place of temptation and danger as well as opportunity. Evil lurks at a fair, in the form of greed and gluttony and pride. He gives his sermons and performs good deeds about the town. They are distrustful of the strange outsiders, to be sure, but his charitable giving and aiding of the poor and sick make him friends among the townsfolk. He is strange to them, but he seems to be a decent person, at least. Mehdi gains 2 XP to spend on an appropriate ability. He also gains 1 Faith Point, which does not regenerate daily. His normal Faith Point does. He also expends one Faith or Confidence point to invoke ceremonial influence. (This will eat the Faith Point gained here, if a Faith Point is used.) [14:33] <+Morphball> morsrattus: 8 = 1d10(3)+5. I will be generous, however, and say that he expended a Fatigue level to add his Leadership to the roll a second time - making it an 11, not an 8, which is enough to invoke a Calm temper of +1. All rolls compatible with calmness, peace and tolerance get a +1, while those that run counter to it get a -1. This bonus/penalty fades at the end of the first day of the fair, however. Ghorma Ghorma spends his time following the young Raymond II around. Raymond is a mischevious young man, prone to getting into trouble - trouble that the servants of the covenant get annoyed by, mostly, but which does not come to magus attention. The boy pranks guests at the inn, orders people about and in general is the sort of nuisance that a noble child surrounded by peasants inevitably becomes. He is happy to complain to his new friend, Ghorma, about how the magi don't pay attention to him or give him the respect his rank deserves, and how when he's older he is going to make everyone treat him properly. He's planning something for the fair, and he wants Ghorma to help him with it. He is going to prank the magi at the fair, it seems... Mariel Mariel keeps her head down, picking pockets and making off with small items over the course of the fair. It isn't glamorous work, nor particularly virtuous, but where else can she find something to do? Any other job would lead to questions about where she went every Sunday, and what that chicken blood was all about each Monday morning. No, this is the best thing for it, right now. Mariel gains 2 XP to spend on appropriate abilities, such as Area Lore, Legerdemain or Stealth. Those Heading To The Fair The fair is a bustling place, a miniature town set up in the fields and meadows between the inn and the nearby town. A city of tents and stalls, donkeys and carts. There is much to see there, much to do and many, many people to talk to. The grogs have been given their salaries a bit early this season, that they might go and spend their coin at the fair, as well! Okay, I have for certain: Rashad, Flagstone and Rhys going to the fair. Probably Ghorma as well, I imagine. Anyone else can come along, but will receive no XP for doing so - just the fun of the adventure. You only get seasonal XP for one activity, even if you take a day off to go do something else. What days work best for everyone? And, of course, grogs can attend and spend their own hard-earned coin. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at 02:14 on Nov 14, 2014 |
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Nov 7, 2014 21:03
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I'm in, this time But Actually. I'm open from 7 PM EST on weekdays, and if we want to do something this weekend I could do any time before about 8 PM EST on Saturday or whenever on Sunday.
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Nov 7, 2014 23:19
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Evenings, after 7 or 8 eastern are good for me, or weekends in general.
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Nov 8, 2014 02:33
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My best days this upcoming week are Sunday anytime, and Monday evening (EST). I could probably do next Thursday or Friday evening. Ealdwine is going to take an even 1/1/1 spread on the cords, which leaves 8 points to go to waste. I think I'll have to do some study on Intellego Auram to get those last two points sometime soon. Investing the 2XP in Magic Theory for now. Is it safe to say that Flagstone would have some number of anchors prepared already? Also I'm wondering if it should start the session in a stone body. He's got a gentle magical air, so people shouldn't be inherently repulsed (whether they are OK with a stone man is another story).
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Nov 8, 2014 03:27
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Yeah, Flagstone can reasonably have a stock of anchors prepped. Let's say ten? Ten sounds reasonable.
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Nov 8, 2014 03:43
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I'm up for whenever basically, personally. As long as I get an advance warning I can do my best to be ready then. For XP, Soňa's going to put it into the clear best option,
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Nov 8, 2014 14:21
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Sunday again is my vote.
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Nov 8, 2014 18:42
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My schedule is very strange but atm I should be able to make most anything after 8:30pm est right now
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Nov 8, 2014 19:11
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Okay, sounds like tomorrow night, then! Around 7-7:30 or so EST. If that doesn't work out I'll pick a new day then.
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Nov 8, 2014 19:40
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Okay, new plan. We're looking at Thursday, sometime after 7:00 EST.
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Nov 10, 2014 22:01
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Works for me.
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Nov 10, 2014 22:16
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That should be just fine for me. e: but /msg me on irc close to time because I will forget. neongrey fucked around with this message at 00:12 on Nov 11, 2014 |
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Nov 10, 2014 23:02
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Can do, I might be a little late but i'll be there.
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Nov 10, 2014 23:34
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if I can be there I will...
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Nov 11, 2014 03:09
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This post is a reminder to myself to post tomorrow about the adventure and what happened and poo poo. Watch this space.
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Nov 14, 2014 05:53
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Sorry. I hadn't seen the thread and didn't know we were doing it Thursday.
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Nov 15, 2014 02:23
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The Fair Rhys returns from the fair with some sizable bags of expensive Middle Eastern spices - pepper, cumin and nutmeg. Valuable indeed! He has befriended a Sicilian spice merchant named Russo, pointing the inn's cook (and thus the magi) towards the man, along with Baron Raymond. He also purchases a map for young Raymond II - probably crap, but the boy seems to enjoy it. Ghorma and Flagstone have joined forces, buying a number of goods using money borrowed from the grogs. Flagstone requests the magi pay back thirty pence to cover his costs there - nothing major, really. Ghorma has acquired a bronze bracelet that he is wearing as a decorative collar now. It is covered in strange markings - knots and patterns. Celtic, perhaps. Raymond II comes in a few days later with a few bags of vegetables. He presents the council with the bag and proud grin, saying that he got them from a weird merchant who called himself Hermes. He says the merchant told him the fruits were magical, but to get the magic you have to sing to the vegetable in a beautiful voice, then bit down hard on it just as the song ends. The vegetables are a beet that vaguely resembles a human face, a carrot that looks slightly like a dick and a pair of radishes that seem to have nubs on them sort of like fingers. He seems very proud of what he's done and expects to be praised. Maybe he's not such an annoying kid after all! Meanwhile, Gerda has sent some grogs over to the Mercere tent at the fair, getting prices for books. The Mercere are happy to trade vis at standard lending rates - they make a profit, of course, and the covenant has no real need for it. The books, though, seem like they could be valuable...though the Redcaps have only brought their less valuable materials to test the local market. Summae - 5 pawns/book Guernicus and Tytalus: Debates of the Founders (Code of Hermes, Level 3, Quality 7) The Magus as Craftsman (Finesse, Level 2, Quality 9) Ways of the Seer (Intellego, Level 15, Quality 5) The Lion's Court (Animal, Level 20, Quality 4) Halls of Avalon (Faerie Lore, Level 5, Quality 5) Tractatus - 2 pawns/book On the Ways of Color (Imaginem, Quality 8) Brother of Power (Vim, Quality 9) My Master's Final Experiment: The Death of Borea (Magic Theory, Quality 8) Proceedings of the Fifth Tribunal: An Annotated Guide (Code of Hermes, Quality 10) Unmaking the Ideal (Perdo, Quality 9) The Redcaps will arrange for book trading in lieu of vis payment, but do seek to make a profit in their trades - they want a tractatus of some value in addition to an equal trade for each book. Autumn 1220 Jacques finishes his writings by summer's end. He has used his experiences at the tournament in the north as a jumping-off point for an amusing and irreverent exploration of the Art of Aquam. He has the book added to the library, declaring his service for the year over and setting about to his own experiments. He has named the piece 'The Ducking Pool: A Poem of Humorous Education.' If he is needed for anything, he says, he will be in his lab most of the season. It is a tractatus of quality 7. Leona arrives a few days after autumn begins, bringing with her a skull. She smiles when asked about it but will discuss little other than that the skull belonged to an enemy. She offers her services as a teacher to anyone that wants it during the fall, though she notes that any students must agree on a subject to learn from her. She is willing to speak on her knowledge of Animal, Muto, Perdo, Mentem or Corpus, or on Penetration or the Parma. She would prefer not to write a book, it taking more time than she feels she has to write more than a tractatus. Torvald declares that he will perform his service to the covenant in winter, creating an item for sale. He is going to be out for the autumn along with some of the covenant's teamsters and buyers, to find a proper candidate to purchase from him. The fair ends without any major incidents - there are fewer reports of fights this year than normal, and only a few complaints of theft. What are your plans? Also what do you plan to do with Raymond's gift?
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Nov 15, 2014 02:50
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Did Gerda hear back from the Tremere?
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Nov 15, 2014 05:43
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ah right, i knew i was forgetting something Will post that tomorrow.
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Nov 15, 2014 05:45
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Ealdwine Ealdwine sits in the council chamber, scribbling notes while Raymond II goes on about the great magics of the pile of vegetables. His new familiar, Æðelred, sits on a chair aside him, worrying over some scraps of meat. The ritual was long and worrisome, but successful nonetheless. Ealdwine could already feel healthier, heartier, more focused in his work. It was an accomplishment to be proud of, even if he occasionally found himself brooding more recently. Such was the way of binding a familiar; it was an exchange not just of magical bonds, but of mental and spiritual ones as well. But enough of dwelling on new companions. It was time for new business. "Yes, yes, child. Did this Hermes specify the sort of magic? Nevermind. I would be happy to accept your gift on the behalf of the covenant. We shall see what secrets these vegetables hold. If they prove mundane, then I am sure they shall serve as an admirable stew." Ealdwine winks at the boy, and Æðelred croaks his agreement. "Yes, yes, with mutton." "For my own business, I shall take it upon myself to provide such charms as may assist the covenfolk. I think those to keep the head dry should be well appreciated as harvest approaches." With that, he leaves for his own lab. Flagstone Flagstone lurks in the foundation of the inn. This vine, the Green Rat, was vexing. Were it only simple ivy, he might not have minded. This vine insinuated itself not only on the surface of the structure, but through its holes and cracks, and it was growing bold as well. Flagstone surmises that before moving forward on the validity of the map and Ghorma's promise, he needs to clean house first. The Green Rat must go. Perhaps one of the wizards could assist with the investigation, or maybe he will just rip it out by the roots himself. Flagstone makes his way slowly to the council chambers, a form of granite rising up from the ground before the doors. He loudly stomps his way in, making sure that anyone present hears his demands. "Magi. My home is under siege by this Green Rat. I come to you for aid, as it is surely not any normal vine. It moves with too great a purpose. Do not ignore a danger on your own doorstep!" Ealdwine will investigate these vegetables for magical effects. He will also produce several magical oaken amulets containing the Ward Against Rain spell. I'll need a little bit of guidance on how his Craft Magic applies to this (it's done faster, as far as I understand it). Flagstone is going to seek solutions to the Green Rat. The magi are under no obligation to help him, immediately or even at all, of course.
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Nov 15, 2014 20:29
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Gerda Gerda receives a letter from Protendus of Tremere, senior of the Provencal Tribunal and second to the Iberian exarch. He holds six Tremere sigils, but rarely uses them. He is a member of the mixed covenant of Aedes Mercurii, representative of the god Pluto on their council. (He is himself not particularly pious, but House Tremere felt it important to not let anyone else represent the underworld god.) House Tremere is relatively weak in Provencal. The last great enterprise the House attempted in the area failed for mysterious reasons, and he encourages Gerda to make a name for herself and to keep an eye out for Tytalan plotting. Politically, House Tremere in the Provencal Tribunal prefers to abstain unless matters affect them, and to support the Quaesitores whenever possible. He believes that House Tytalus, the crusaders of the Albigensian purge and some of the magi at Castra Solis to be Tremere's greatest threats in the region. He notes that, as Tremere, they are able to use methods that a Quaesitor normally could not, and channels that they could never access. These tools must be put to use in ferreting out plots and criminals. He encourages Gerda to become a peacemaker and negotiator between magi where needed, and to gain leverage and control over those who would be useful or make trouble. Before Provencal can be reformed for the better, it must be made to stop infighting quite so much. So: go forth, make a name for yourself and insinuate yourself into the affairs of other magi. Contact him if you require advice or support. Also, all of you who care about Tribunal politics know the following - it's a breakdown of local politics and the other covenants of Provence. Aedes Mercurii One of the three strongest power centers of Provencal, they are pagan magi who split from Val-Negra back during the Schism War and settled somewhere in the Pyrenees, around an ancient temple to Mercury. they are known for being rebellious and contentious against authority, and to especially hate Castra Solis. They tend to oppose new covenants that do not immediately ally with them, but they lack unity on pretty much any matter except opposing Castra Solis, so even that's not definite. They resent the power of the domus magna of House Flambeau, and many consider them to be dangerous fanatics. Their greatest public ally is Ara Maxima Nova, with most other covenants attempting to remain neutral or siding against them in important matters. Their greatest enemy is Castra Solis. They control 18 votes at Tribunal. Ara Maxima Nova This is a largely Merinita covenant focusing on the magic of the vineyards and roads of Narbonnais, and the Dionysian Mysteries. They have a histroy of driving out those with interest in the fae or in the ancient past, unless those magi are willing to join or help their Dionysian ambitions. Otherwise, it is neutral towards most others, so long as the magi of Ara Maxima Nova are not prevented from exploring or investigating the Via Domitia. Ara Maxima Nova's public allies are Aedes Mercurii and to a lesser extent Stella Durus. Their greatest enemy is the Coenobium. They control 4 votes at Tribunal. Bellaquin Bellaquin is a strong covenant that has grown somewhat stronger by their recent move from the wartorn Toulouse to the Pyrenees. They are heavily influenced by the Jerbiton, and enjoy gettinv involved in mundane affairs. They welcome new magi and covenants, hoping to improve their own membership and grow resources, perhaps to enable them to form a new Catalan Tribunal. The Andorrans of Bellaquin are known for holding fairs for magi. Their greatest public ally is Aedes Mercurii, though the Bellaquin magi do not so enthusiastically return their support. Bellaquin is also friendly with Castra Solis, the Coenobium, the Ostal des Exiles and Stella Durus. Should the Chteau des Pavons seek to expand its use of the local fair, they will become direct competitors. Their greatest enemy is Tolosa Paratge. They control 5 votes at Tribunal. Castra Solis Castra Solis is the domus magna of House Flambeau and one of the most influential covenants of the region. It is a stronghold in Gascony, producing every kind of military magus that House Flambeau might dream of. It is home to the Tribunal Praeco and the Presiding Quaesitor of the Tribunal. It is a strong advocate for the Church, Crusading nad Christianity. Depending on how well new covenants and magi act, they may be allies or enemies. They are quite generous, but are prone to distrust House Tytalus and to resist any covenant with a strong Tytalus presence. Their greatest public ally is Stella Durus, but they are friendly with Ara Maxima Nova, Bellaquin and the Coenobium. Their greatest enemies are Aedes Mercurii and the Ostal des Exiles. They control 17 votes at Tribunal. The Coenobium The Coenobium is not a single covenant, but a sprawling mass of chapter houses, each home to one or two magi, that banded together under one charter some two hundred years ago. They are one of the eldest covenants in Provencal, and extremely politically powerful. They are composed mainly of Jerbiton magi and Redcaps, and take a rather dim view of new magi that want to settle near a Coenobium chapter house. There are nearly two dozen magi in the covenant, and they will coordinate their efforts to sabotage rivals that don't wish to join them. As a result, there have been few covenants that last long in southern Provence for the past century, but their influences is at least geographically limited and incomplete. They have an open offer to assist those seeking aid, but it's common knowledge that their help always comes with a vague implication of future annexation. The Coenobium does, at least, not agree with itself on all matters, and is caught between Castra Solis and Aedes Mercurii. Their greatest public ally is Castra Solis, at least on most issues, but they are friendly with Aedes Mercurii (to an extent), Bellaquin, Stella Durus and Tolosa Paratge. Their greatest enemy is Ara Maxima Nova. They control approximately 20 votes at Tribunal, depending on how many Coenobium magi show up any given year. The Ostal des Exiles In English, the House of Exiles. They are also called the Faidits, and are made of refugees from other covenants around Toulouse, which failed or were abandoned due to the Albigensian Crusade. They are an odd group, but welcoming of new magi and covenants, hoping to gain their help in the defense of Toulouse from the North. They are open-minded, friendly and easy to work with. Their greatest public ally is Tolosa Paratge, but they are relatively friendly with Ara Maxima Nova, Bellaquin and Stella Durus, though they aren't usually taken very seriously. They control 6 votes at Tribunal. Stella Durus They are a small, mixed covenant (including the notorious Tytalus magus Ducaru) on the outskirts of Narbonne. They are usually to preoccupied with their own work to interfere with others, and aren't particularly likely to get involved with newcomers unless their resources are threatened and the newcomers don't settle between the Pyrenees and Albi, Beziers or Toulouse. They are, however, hostile to anyone else in that zone and will attempt to harass and bully them. (Fortunately, Foix is not really in their targeting zone.) Their greatest public allies are Bellaquin and Castra Solis, but they are relatively friendly with most of the Tribunal, even Aedes Mercurii. They control 5 votes at Tribunal. Tolosa Paratge Tolosa Paratge is a mixed covenant of great nobility hidden in a regio within Toulouse itself. They are currently split over the issue of the Cathars. Some wush to expel them, while others want to protect them. They respond to outsiders based entirely on their stance on this issue - they ignore those who don't care, and get those who do involved in their internal arguments and battles. Most others believe they are self-destructive and, out of a sense of decorum, choose to let them resolve their own issues internally. Individual magi have their own opinions, but no one really wants to act openly. Their greatest public ally, insofar as they have any, is Stella Durus, but most of the Tribunal just wants to sit back and watch. They control 9 votes at Tribunal but rarely align on any issue. Fraxinetum Redux Very few actually know anything about this tiny Arelat covenant. They have never attended Tribunal, but are registered with House Mercere as holding 3 votes. They have never used any. Miniata Sophia A very young Criamon covenant - barely 40 years old. They are focused on teaching a small town near them and seeking enlightenment. They hold 4 votes at Tribunal, but avoid politics entirely, so few bother with them at all. Tres' Band A 'covenant' consisting of the infamous Rusticani magus Tres, based out of a forest in Gascony. They are known to hate most of the Order and never attend Tribunal, but they are known to have three members, all Rusticani, and generally opposed to other magi, depending on how the magi treat the mundane population near Gascony. They are aggressive enemies of any magus that wishes to be a ruler of men, and have no qualms about starting trouble if required...though they'd prefer to avoid doing things that would get them killed. Mystery cults are also known to be in the Provencal Tribunal, quite importantly. At least, some of them. Not all are known. The Legion of Mithras A powerful tradition within the Order, defenders of justice, law and honor. They are well-supported by Castra Solis, and many believe that the Great Temple of the Legion is somewhere in France - perhaps even under Castra Solis itself. However, the truth is unknown. Most of the Legion in Provence is Christian, though a few may actually worship Mithras. If so, they hide it well, and most treat Mithras as an allegorical symbol for Christ. They are quite influential throughout the Tribunal, opposing the Mercurian faction based out of Aedes Mercurii. The two despise each other. The Mithraians are willing to use force to fight the Crusade if needed, despite being Christian - they favor a proactive defense of covenants at risk. They are often individualistic, and are divided on many issues, save their absolute contempt for the Cult of Mercury. The Cult of Mercury The Cult's spiritual center - fractious though it may be - is Aedes Mercurii. They possess ancient secrets from the early history of the Mercurian Cult, and are willing to teach them to those magi whom they feel show promise. They consider themselves the true descendants of Rome, and oppose the Neo-Mercurians of other Tribunals as traitors. Within the Tribunal, they hold many ceremonial positions by ancient tradition, despite being openly pagan, and are supported by long Tribunal law and custom. Few take them really seriously these days - an amusing tradition to some, or a blasphemous and contemptible one to others, but rarely worthy of much thought. Despite this, they still hold quite a bit of secret power and personal influence. They began the revitalization of the Mercurian religion in the 900s, and while it fractured, they are still rather influential among pagans. They focus on recovering their ancient rites and rituals, and they are rigidly isolationist when it comes to mundanes. They have no desire to be involved in the Albigensian Crusade on either side, and while they will work to hide covenants from the Church, they will not fight it. They are intensely conservative, despite the Mithraians and dream of a return to Roman glory. The Knights of the Green Stone A small group of chivalrous magus-knights, primarily found in Toulouse among the Ostal des Exiles. They are publically led by Gilbert of Flambeau and are strongly linked to the Rhine and Normandy. They are widely seen as eccentrics and hold very little political influence, but they do have their own strange mysteries that no one's quite figured out. The Matres and Matrones Founded by the mater of the current Praeco in the late 800s, this cult is dedicated to the advancement of women and their protection. They speak very little of their past, and while they are tied strongly to House Merinita, their imagery draws from the folk witches of France, reverence of Mary Magdalene and other female saints, particularly the Black Madonna, and the patronage of Eleanor of Aquitane, whom they claim was one of their supporters, perhaps even a member. (Some of them say Eleanor was a folk witch who brought her secrets to the cult from the Holy Land.) The cult is not solely Hermetic - they have granted membership to some hedge wizards and even unGifted women who have supernatural powers. Very little is publically known about them, but it is believed that the Praeco, Dama of Merinita, and the Chief Redcap of the Tribunal, Alazais of Mercere, are involved. Perhaps also the First Consul of the Coenobium, and notable magi Mariola of Tolosa Paratge, and Beatrice of Guernicus, who is believed to be in line to become Presiding Quaesitor, since her parens, Tibaut, died last year - and he was the last one. Their mysteries and powers are hidden by the cult, but their goals of advancing women are, at least, known. In any case, the primary issue affecting the Tribunal is interference with the mundanes, and specifically the effects of the Crusade on the Tribunal. Many senior magi, including Leona, are also worried about the growing power of the Coenobium - in recent years their influence has grown quite a bit following the destruction of several covenants at Crusader hands. This is making even their former allies uneasy. Mors Rattus fucked around with this message at 19:48 on Nov 16, 2014 |
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Nov 16, 2014 17:27
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Gerda Gerda is looking healthier, if not any more cheerful, now that summer is fading. She has prepared a neat itinerary which she brings up in council: "Regarding books: I request that a Censor authorize 5 pawns of vis be traded to the Redcaps for The Magus as Craftsman- I believe Torvald will support me in this- or Halls of Avalon, which I am sure will hold little Alraune's attention as well. A basic grasp of magical Finesse is useful for certamen as well as craftsmanship, and we could only be helped by better understanding our kindly neighbors. Furthermore, I am willing to spend my own salary of 2 vis on the tractatus My Master's Final Experiment if another magi purchases Unmaking the Ideal or the annotated Proceedings of the Fifth Tribunal. Doing business with the Redcaps at their quaint little tent now will bring us a better selection in the future." "Regarding instruction: I would humbly request that Leona lecture on the Parma Magica, which I will wish to hear." "Regarding diplomacy: I am planning a visit to the Ostal des Exiles in the winter to formally represent our covenant and meet with some of my housemates. I am willing to advocate on behalf of any causes you wish brought to that covenant if you prefer not to make the journey yourself. I myself do not mind traveling in the cold." --- After the council session, she approaches Ealdwine for a more private conversation. "As I understand it, hedg- er, Ex Miscellanea traditions such as your Rusticani are fairly close-knit. Are you at all familiar with those Gascon upstarts, Tres and his band?" Gerda is going to spend this season (hopefully) learning the Parma from Leona! Ghorma The cat is particularly interested in seeing how Ealdwine's investigation of the mystery vegetables goes, and spends some time lounging around in the magi's lab and pestering Æðelred. Amateur Seeker that he is, Ghorma also spends some time looking into the local mystery cults, trying to put together what is known about them and their capabilities with what he's heard before in his travels. Going to use Order of Hermes Lore (possibly modified by Curious) to figure out what's the deal with the Order of Mercury and the Legion of Mithras- who's involved, what do they teach their initiates, should the covenant be worried?
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Nov 17, 2014 01:54
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Ealdwine Ealdwine considers Gerda's question. His eyebrows rise as he realizes who they are discussing. "I have no personal connection with Tres, nor his band, but I do recall something of his history. He was at the center of an acrimonious trial several years ago. The charges were gross interference with mundanes; the creation of magical arms for the purpose of outfitting an army at least a hundred strong. A covenant...ah, Mistridge, I believe, was laid siege to and ultimately destroyed in what Tres proclaimed to be Wizard's War. Tres saw the trial go in his favor by claiming the army was in his service as members of his covenant, and thus they had not been purchased with the arms. I cannot fault his band for wishing to defend the common man, for it is sadly a rare trait among the Gifted. His prior willingness to engage in open conflict may have been tempered for the time being by the recent proceedings; I think that we should be careful in any dealings we may have with them, regardless. Perhaps I should send some correspondence to them, as one Rusticani to another. Polite introductions are never a mistake, and as a relatively new covenant, we might wish to prove that we are capable of diplomatic action and just governance, both to Tres and the Tribunal at large." -------- Ealdwine will also (if there is time in the season), write a letter of introduction to be delivered to Tres' Band. How it could be delivered to a trio of forest-dwelling hermits, that remains to be seen. Edit: Got a bit of detail from Mors. Green Intern fucked around with this message at 18:27 on Nov 17, 2014 |
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Nov 17, 2014 16:06
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Tremonius "I would, of course, grant the extraordinary vis expenditure. An expenditure of vis now to add to our library permanently seems like a wise decision. We also, might, in future, if any of us are blessed with a good hand, look into copying our library. That way we can trade books to the Redcaps without diminishing our store of knowledge. I, myself, intend to help contribute to said store of knowledge this season. Not to brag, but I have some observations on the use of animals as experimental subjects that might come as a surprise to those individuals who have relied on the traditional view of the matter." "As for your visit to the Faidits, I can't think of anything in particular to bring up with them, but good wishes are always welcome. Perhaps they have some idea as to how to prevent their fate from falling on the rest of the covenants? It would be most unfortunate if some overzealous crusaders decided to take action against more of the covenants of the tribunal. Some in the Church are suspicious of us, after all." "This raises another point that I wished to bring up. This clearly is not something we can do now, but it is a thing to think on for the future, if the rest of you agree it is worth pursuing. As you know, the cult of St. Nerius of Criamon has not yet been given official recognition by the Holy See. If we could somehow promote the cause of St. Nerius to His Holiness, that might serve to blunt any enemies we might have in the Church, and make us safer, in addition, of course, to giving the Saint the recognition he deserves. And since he was born in this very Tribunal, it seems that we mages of Provence have a special responsibility to him." Tremonius will be writing the tractatus "On the Use of Animals in Magical Research; Pavora of Bjorner Refuted" (Magical Theory, Q11) Rashad will be doing his mandated season of work....astrology and hawking
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Nov 19, 2014 05:48
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GerdaEpicurius posted:"As for your visit to the Faidits, I can't think of anything in particular to bring up with them, but good wishes are always welcome. Perhaps they have some idea as to how to prevent their fate from falling on the rest of the covenants? It would be most unfortunate if some overzealous crusaders decided to take action against more of the covenants of the tribunal. Some in the Church are suspicious of us, after all." "My superiors are concerned with the crusaders as well," she adds primly, a bit proud that House Tremere is on top of it. "I have no love for the Perfects, but I would rather avoid an auto-da-fé on our doorstep." Epicurius posted:"This raises another point that I wished to bring up. This clearly is not something we can do now, but it is a thing to think on for the future, if the rest of you agree it is worth pursuing. As you know, the cult of St. Nerius of Criamon has not yet been given official recognition by the Holy See. If we could somehow promote the cause of St. Nerius to His Holiness, that might serve to blunt any enemies we might have in the Church, and make us safer, in addition, of course, to giving the Saint the recognition he deserves. And since he was born in this very Tribunal, it seems that we mages of Provence have a special responsibility to him." "Hmm. There may be something to that. It could be a common point of agreement between covenants that builds into deeper trust, if support is broad enough." --- Green Intern posted:"I cannot fault his band for wishing to defend the common man, for it is sadly a rare trait among the Gifted." "Nor can I fault Tremere for wishing to improve his station, but that hardly outweighs my condemnation of his methods!" She forces a laugh in a way that really isn't very genial at all. Green Intern posted:"His prior willingness to engage in open conflict may have been tempered for the time being by the recent proceedings; I think that we should be careful in any dealings we may have with them, regardless. Perhaps I should send some correspondence to them, as one Rusticani to another. Polite introductions are never a mistake, and as a relatively new covenant, we might wish to prove that we are capable of diplomatic action and just governance, both to Tres and the Tribunal at large." Gerda somehow manages to smile even less than usual. "If you feel that would be wise."
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Nov 19, 2014 07:18
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Ealdwine Ealdwine raises his hand, as if to pause the conversation. "I apologize if I have rankled you so. Perhaps my desire to learn more of an infamous member of my own house has momentarily clouded my judgement. Rusticani are not often close-knit, and they may have some knowledge worthwhile to me. I will take the matter under advisement before engaging in rash action." Æðelred *qworks* gloomily from Ealdwine's shoulder. --------------------------- Still probably going to write that letter.
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Nov 19, 2014 17:49
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Soňa Soňa smiles at the boy as he explains what he found. "That's rather interesting, Raymond." She will leave the matter of discovering if they're actually magical to the others; let the Hermetic magi investigate the mysteries of Hermes. When people are discussing which books to buy, she mostly keeps quiet. "None of those are of any use to me, so I will refrain from offering my opinion either way. This is a matter for you to sort out amongst yourselves." Later in the meeting, she brings up her own discoveries. "I spoke with Æðelred this past season, about the Ignem vis in its nest. It says it came from a nest of lizards in the mountains, and he stole it from them. He told me where to find it, but his directions were for flying there. I can do so myself, but that sounds like a dragon's nest; while I may investigate it and the route myself, I think I will wait until we can prepare a proper group to go there before I try to claim any more vis from it. In the meantime, I will to to plot a route for those who are unable to fly to get there, and ascertain exactly what it is that lives there." When Leona makes her offer to teach the others, speaks up after Gerda does. "I agree with Gerda's request; of everything you can teach us, that is one of the two subjects I can make use of. It will likely be useful in things such as dealing with that nest, as well. "As for my contribution for this year, here." She reaches into her cloak, pulling out two bottles. "Each of these is capable of curing any single wound that is not immediately fatal. They took roughly two pawns of vis each to make, but in the future when I make some I will be able to bring that closer to one each, provided I brew them in bulk. Please use them carefully, and be aware that they are affected by your Parma Magica; you will have to temporarily lower it when you drink these, or you will likely waste their effects." Soňa's contribution for the year is two of her potions that cure up to incapacitating wounds. Anyone who's going on an adventure or whatever without her, feel free to bring them along and have her healing without actually having her around. Her action for the season will be listening to Gerda's lecture on the Parma as well. She'll also spend some time, at most a few days (not enough to keep her from benefiting from the teaching), investigating the vis source the raven told her about. Flying there, seeing if there's a good route for the people who can't fly there, seeing if she can determine what exactly lives there without getting noticed or attacked, etc. Mehdi will be spending the season in worship, meanwhile. Roland Jones fucked around with this message at 00:39 on Dec 1, 2014 |
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Nov 22, 2014 10:32
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One other thing I forgot before: Alraune receives several return letters - most are mere pleasantries and confused requests for clarification. Two, though, are notable. One is from Luc of Ara Maxima Nova His letter is long and somewhat rambling itself, introducing him as a member of the Keepers of a Thousand Tales, exploring the stories of the world for knowledge of the fae. His reputation precedes him - he is a master of Imaginem, Mentem and Vim, and has great knowledge of many mysteries. He would like to meet with Alraune and help her in person, but would of course want her help in return. He is interested in working with the stories of Heracles, and thinks that Alraune may be able to assist him, but would need to show her a path to deeper mysteries. He's somewhat vague about what this would entail, but makes many references to the Greek gods and Dionysus especially. It probablyi nvolves some kind of mystery initiation. The other comes fro Marie of Merinita, one of the more politically powerful magi of the Tribunal. She believes she may be able to point Alraune at those who can teach her further, but would want help in her own goals before doing so. She is much more open than Luc is...but her goals are also harder. She plans to get Aquitaine brought from the Normandy to the Provencal Tribunal, a task that will take some doing and no small amount of political power in itself. Helping her in that may well find Alraune teachers, but it would take some thought on how to even begin helping.
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Nov 27, 2014 00:51
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Alraune Alraune's decision is easy. All that politicking sounds hard. But the other thing? That sounds pretty cool! So it's to Luc that she replies, eagerly, excited to learn more.
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Nov 30, 2014 22:57
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