Mystikae Eikona: an ArM Saga - Recently Updated Pages

Vis Sources

argentius — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:49:26 CDT

Stories for the Dev (Terram Vis) currently averaging 3 per season:

Contested

Deep in the underground passages of the covenant is a tiny alcove in which is a vein of obsidian. Four times a year as the seasons change some of the obsidian is imbued with terram vis and may be harvested. Amount: Contested each season by telling a story to a Persian Dev (pre Zoroastrian spirit). Communication + 1 if Persian language speciality (storytelling), + 1 if Free Expression virtue, +1 if Persia Lore (stories) =>6, -3 (and no bonuses) if language used is not fluent Persian (the Dev will still understand, but wants to hear Persian spoken well) + Simple die v 6

Currently averaging 3 per season, as the daughter of one of goatherds tells the stories (Com: 2 +1 Persian (storytelling) +1 Free Expression). The girl’s father (a good Muslim) is not happy with his daughter imperilling her soul by holding converse with this "Devil." What if she falls for its smooth talk of other worldly pleasures? Should the magi try to educate this young girl in Persia Lore to enhance their harvest? Perhaps some of the more powerful hermetic magics can be employed to increase the girls Com? To what effect on the other coven folk? Perhaps a search should be made to find a professional storyteller? What effect would removing the girl have on the Dev? What if the girl bares a child of the Dev? Perhaps the Dev can be bullied into giving more, or should be destroyed, and the harvest just taken?

Nobody has pushed the boundaries (using a stress die) of the storytelling genre that pleases this spirit, so no-one knows what may happen in the case of getting it all very badly wrong (botching). Certainly no vis now, and perhaps none next season, as well as an increase in the difficulty by +3 per botch?

The Cauls of the Foals (Animal Vis) currently 6 each spring:

Uncontested

In the spring of each year, the covenants herd is gathered so that proper care may be given to the mares in foal. The blind canyon used for this purpose is a little removed from the sancta of the magi, and has proven to be beneficial for the birthing. Each year, during spring, the covenfolk responsible for the herd can collect the birth sacs and placentas of the newborn foals for processing by one of the magi. This processing requires a number of lab days equal to 10 - (Rego+(average of Animal & Vim) [minimum 1]. The lab work is generally passed down to one of the lower members of the council, assuming that no-one volunteers. There appears to be no correlation between the number & gender of the foals born each year, and the quantity of the harvest. It is unknown what may happen if the mares are moved to another location for their foaling.

The Skins of the Serpents (Perdo Vis) currently averaging 6 each Autumnal Equinox.

Contested

Physiologus writes, that when the serpent grows old and his eyes grow dim, he will fast for forty days until his skin is loosened. He will then wriggle through a narrow crack in the earth to slough off his old skin. The serpent is rejuvenated by shedding his skin, and he can thus live a long time. Thus the snake is a wise animal, for he knows the secret to long life.

Each year, on the three nights of the first full moon after the autumnal equinox, as the year begins to wane, serpents in the hills to the east of the covenant shed their skins. These skins, if collected as they are shed, will each contain a single pawn of Perdo vis. The number of skins collected is equal to the number of successful stress tests of + Per + Awareness v 9 (to find the serpents as they are shedding). A test of Dodge - Brawl (Fist) v the Serpents Attack +2 to avoid being bitten is also required. This is a dangerous task, as there is some risk of death. Compelling unwilling covenfolk to undertake it will have a deleterious effect on morale. There are usually about a dozen reckless/brave grogs willing to undertake the collection of this vis, and as yet, no-one has died. Perhaps a greater yield can be achieved if the grogs are assisted/protected by appropriate magics e.g. Eyes of the Cat to make the search easier, and some MuCo effect to make the gatherers more resistant to venom.

The Cave of Magic (Vim Vis) variable, one (or more?) pawns at each solstice & equinox.

Uncontested

Three days travel to the west of the covenant, deep into an unusual limestone formation, there lies a chamber with what seems to be a minaret rising to meet the roof of the cave. Around the base of this structure are mystical symbols carved into the floor of the cave, with five depressions having the ideographs for Creo, Intellego, Muto, Perdo, and Rego etched into them. There is a weak and flickering magic aura here, which will produce one pawn of Vim Vis if one pawn each of Creo, Intellego, Muto, Perdo, and Rego vis left for an entire season in the depressions around the base of the column. At the end of a season, the Vim vis can be harvested, and the technique vis can be collected or left in place to produce more Vim vis.

There have been no experiments to discover what would happen to the production of Vim vis, or to the flickering aura, if the number of pawns of Technique vis were to be increased, or harvested on a regular basis. Currently the site is used intermittently, and is not guarded while it is in use. If a large investment in Technique vis were to be placed in the cave, in the expectation of an increased harvest of Vim vis, the cave would certainly need to protected in some way, and monitored for changes in the aura.

The Lightning Catcher (Auram Vis) nine pawns (one every ten days) from the Summer Solstice to the Autumnal Equinox:

Uncontested

On a ridge overlooking the covenant is a windmill, in a design similar to those of the Persian geographer, Estakhri (or Abul Qasim Ubaidullah ibn Abdullah ibn Khurdad-bih, to give him his proper name). Generally, this machine is used to grind grain, or to draw water from a very deep well. However, in summer, when the weather is hot and dry, it may be used to harvest Auram Vis during the thunderstorms that produce little or no rain, but much wind and lightning. These storms are easily identified by the golden tops of their clouds, allowing the necessary preparations to be made.

In order to harvest the lightning, the millstones must be faced with one dozen new lambs fleeces before the Summer Solstice (ensuring a feast of Spring Lamb for the covenant! and a very busy time for the covenant’s percamenarius), and the grist to be added to the mill must be thirteen pieces of amber, each with a flying insect embedded within it. The amber must be added as the first breezes of the storm stir the vanes of the mill, and must be left until the storm has blown itself out. It can be (and has been) reused from storm to storm and Summer to Summer, but the lamb skins must be renewed each year. If any of the pieces of amber are handled, or become wet, after having been processed through the mill during one of these storms, the lightning captured as Auram Vis will be dissipated. Collection can be managed by using wooden utensils, or Rego Terram magics, to gather the amber, and transport it to a laboratory for extraction. The Vis need not be extracted from the amber immediately, but the risk of its loss makes this the preferred option, and enables the pieces to be used for the next harvest.

The downside of the use of the mill for this purpose is that there can be no other productive work obtained from it during the summer season, for once the lamb skins are removed from the stones, they are ineffective when replaced. This obliges the covenfolk to grind grain and draw the necessary water by hand while the Vis harvest is in progress. Perhaps other methods of water extraction and milling can be found, or another windmill constructed?

The Purest Salt, the Blessed Water

10 Pawns, 6 of Imaginem, 4 of Aquam, collected annually on September 14th

Uncontested

The great salt basin of Tuz Golu lies about 60 miles northeast of the covenant.

Tuz Golu, also called Tatta in ancient times, is a closed lake with no way out, surrounded by plateaus on 4 sides. The sources feeding the lake are insufficient, so in summer, evaporation causes the lake to dry out and a 30 cm layer of salt forms. .

Tuz Golu is one of the richest salt beds in the world. Salt can generally only be taken from the lake from July through August. To ensure clean salt it is only collected from areas where the surface layer is more than 5-6 cm thick. The salt is dug, the dirty layer is removed and the clean salt is gathered into mounds and then loaded for transport.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14th) at dawn at one location on the lake bed there is a final accumulation of purest white salt. This defies collection unless certain magic is performed. If it is, the salt may be removed, up to 6 pawns of Imaginem Vis. The collector, if he has a jug, may then collect the water that wells up to the amount of 4 pawns of Aquam Vis.

Grogs

ivanhartley — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:53:06 CDT

Specialists (non-purchased)

Iskender bin Kemal

Chief miner
Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre +2, Com -1, Str +2, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik -1
Age: 32 (32), Height: 5'8'', Weight: 170 lbs, Gender: Male, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Improved Characteristics, Puissant Mining, Craftsman, Sharp Ears (Hearing: +3), Social Handicap (Unpleasant odor), Grudge (Ibrahim Yahudi), Reckless
Personality Traits: Brave +2, Loyal +2, Reckless +3
Combat:
Mining Pick: Init: -1, Attack +6, Defense +3, Damage +2
Knife: Init: -1, Attack +7, Defense +3, Damage +4
Dodge: Init: -1, Attack --, Defense +3, Damage --
Fist: Init: -1, Attack +7, Defense +4, Damage +2
Kick: Init: -2, Attack +6, Defense +2, Damage +5
Soak: +2, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Arabic 5, Athletics 4 (wrestling), Awareness 1 (search), Bargain 3 (goods), Brawl 4 (Fist), Carouse 3 (stories), Chirurgy 2 (wounds), Mining 6 (metal ores) [Category: Consumables], Covenant Lore 1 (names), Folk Ken 2 (peasants), Guile 1 (tall stores), Climb 3 (underground passages), Single Weapon 4 (Mining Pick), Stealth 2 (sneak), Survival 3 (underground passages), Village Lore 2 (history)
Equipment: Workman's Clothes; Good quality clothes
Encumbrance: 0 (1)

Hakim Ibrahim Yahudi (ben David)

Physician to Mystikae Eikona
Characteristics: Int +1, Per +2, Pre -1, Com +1, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex +2, Qik 0
Age: 37 (37), Height: 5'6'', Weight: 150 lbs, Gender: Mal, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Custos, Academic Abilities, Puissant Chirurgy, Affinity with Chirurgy, Ability Block (Martial), Busybody, Generous
Personality Traits: Devout Jew +0, Meddlesome +2, Wry Humor +1,
Reputations: Jew 2, Gossip 1, Excellent chiurgeon 3
Combat:
Dodge: Init: +0, Attack --, Defense +0, Damage --
Fist: Init: +0, Attack +2, Defense +0, Damage +0
Kick: Init: -1, Attack +2, Defense -1, Damage +3
Soak: 0, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Hebrew 5, Arabic 4, Greek 3, Latin 2, Aramaic 1, Persian 1, Chirurgy 8 (binding wounds), Medicine 5 (physician), Cappadocia Lore 4 (history), Awareness 3 (determining effect), Charm 2 (being witty), Folk Ken 3 (nobles), Theology, Jewish 3, Philosophiae 2 (natural philosophy), Civil and Canon Law 2 (Byzantine & Orthodox), Islamic Law 2 (Seljuk Rum & Sharia), Jewish Law 2, Swim 1 (long distances), Calligraphy 1 [Category: Copying Torah]
Equipment: physician's instruments, working clothing, fine clothing, religious items
Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Juliana Paidianites

Blacksmith and mother of twins
Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre +2, Com ‑1, Str +2, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik ‑1
Size: 0 Age: 29 (29), Height: 170 cm, Weight: 75 kg, Gender: Female
Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Craftsman, Improved Characteristics, Puissant Blacksmith, Second Sight, Disfigured, Generous, Missing Eye (Melee: ‑1, Missiles: ‑3)
Personality Traits: Generous +2, Brave +2, Loyal +2
Combat:
Hammer: Init: +0, Attack +8, Defense +3, Damage +10
Dodge: Init: ‑1, Attack ‑‑, Defense +4, Damage ‑‑
Fist: Init: ‑1, Attack +7, Defense +5, Damage +2
Kick: Init: ‑2, Attack +6, Defense +3, Damage +5
Soak: +2
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, ‑1, ‑3, ‑5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: ‑1 (1‑5), ‑3 (6‑10), ‑5 (11‑15), Incapacitated (16‑20)
Abilities: Greek 5, Athletics 4 (wrestling), Awareness 1 (search), Bargain 2 (goods), Brawl 5 (Fist), Carouse 3 (stories), Chirurgy 2 (wounds), Blacksmith 5 (fine work) (2) [Category: Consumables], Covenant Lore 1 (names), Folk Ken 2 (peasants), Guile 1 (tall stores), Single Weapon 3 (Hammer), Stealth 1 (sneak), Survival 1 (camping out), Village Lore 3 (history), Second Sight 4 (invisible)
Equipment: Forge; Heavy Leather Apron
Encumbrance: 0 (1)

Ieronymos
(Covenant carpenter)
Characteristics: Int +0, Per +0, Str +1, Sta +1, Pre +1, Com +1, Dex +2, Qui 0
Age: 33 (33), Height: 5’9” (175 cm), Weight: 178 lbs (81 kg), Gender: Male, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk; Clear Thinker, Sharp Ears, Venus's Blessing, Busybody, Covenant Upbringing, Lecherous
Personality Traits: Loyal +1, Lecherous +3, Determined +1
Combat
Dodge: Init +0, Attack n/a, Defense +3, Damage n/a
Fist: Init +1, Attack +6, Defense +4, Damage +1
Kick: Init -1, Attack +5, Defense +2, Damage +4
Knife: Init +0, Attack +6, Defense +3, Damage +3
Soak: 1, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Awareness 3 (Hearing), Brawl 3 (Punching), Carouse 2, Charm 5 (Seduction), Craft: Carpentry 6 (Furniture), Craft: Woodworking 4 (Decoration), Etiquette 1 (Covenant), Folk Ken 3 (Women), Greek 5 (Covenant dialect), Guile 1 (Lying to women), Latin 4 (Jargon), Music 1 (Singing), Mystikae Eikona Lore 2 (Who's Who), Turkish 4 (Jargon)
Equipment: Carpentry tools, Clothing
Encumbrance: 0

Soldiers

Aelred of Shrewsbury

Leader of the covenant's warriors
Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre -1, Com -1, Str 0, Sta +1 (1), Dex +2 (2), Qik +2 (2)
Age: 45 (45), Height: 5'9'', Weight: 170 lbs, Gender: Male, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 1 (2), Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk, Warrior (50/50), Puissant Leadership, Weakness (talking back to magi), Generous
Personality Traits: Loyal +3, Cheeky +2, Brave +1
Combat:
Axe & Shield, Heater: Init: -1, Attack +14, Defense +13, Damage +6
Kick: Init: -3, Attack +6, Defense +5, Damage +3
Dodge: Init: -2, Attack --, Defense +5, Damage --
Fist: Init: -2, Attack +5, Defense +5, Damage +0
Soak: +8
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: English 5 (military talk), Arabic 1, Greek 1, Cappadocia Lore 3 (monsters), Welsh Border Lore 2 (monsters), Awareness 5 (in combat), Bows 4 (Bow, Long), Brawl 3 (Kick), Carouse 3 (with fighting friends), Folk Ken 1 (magi), Great Weapon 5 (pole axe), Guile 2 (getting extra rations), Leadership 5 (in combat), Ride 2 (battle), Weaponry 2 [Category: Weapons and Armor], Order of Hermes Lore 3 (grogs), Single Weapon 7 (Axe), Stealth 3 (when armored), Survival 1 (when in a group), Thrown Weapon 4 (knife)
Equipment: Shield, Heater (Init: 0; Atk: 0; Dfn: +3; Str: 0; Cost: Standard); Full Metal Scale Armor (Soak: 8) (Soak: 8; Protection: 7); Pack, Normal clothing
Encumbrance: 4 (4)

Osred of Hereford

Weapons Master & former Varangian

Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre 0, Com +2, Str +2, Sta 0, Dex +1, Qik 0
Size: 0 Age: 32 (32), Height: 170 cm, Weight: 75 kg, Gender: Male
Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Affinity with Single Weapon, Affinity with Great Weapon, Warrior, Disfigured, Driven (Drill all covenants turb), Infamous
Personality Traits: Brave +3, Loyal +3, Pious ‑1
Reputations: Fierce 4 (Greeks)
Combat:
Great Axe: Init: ‑1, Attack +14, Defense +7, Damage +12
Bow, Long: Init: ‑3, Attack +9, Defense +4, Damage +10
Sword, Long & Shield, Heater: Init: +1, Attack +13, Defense +12, Damage +8
Sword, Long: Init: +2, Attack +13, Defense +9, Damage +8
Dagger: Init: +0, Attack +8, Defense +5, Damage +5
Knife, Throwing: Init: +0, Attack +2, Defense +0, Damage +4
Sword, Long (mounted): Init: +2, Attack +16, Defense +12, Damage +8
Sword, Long & Shield, Heater (mounted): Init: +1, Attack +16, Defense +15,
Damage +8 Dagger (mounted): Init: +0, Attack +11, Defense +8, Damage +5
Knife, Throwing (mounted): Init: +0, Attack +5, Defense +3, Damage +4
Dodge: Init: +0, Attack ‑‑, Defense +4, Damage ‑‑
Fist: Init: +0, Attack +5, Defense +4, Damage +2
Kick: Init: ‑1, Attack +5, Defense +3, Damage +5
Soak: +7
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, ‑1, ‑3, ‑5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: ‑1 (1‑5), ‑3 (6‑10), ‑5 (11‑15), Incapacitated (16‑20)
Abilities: English 5 (battle craft), Demotic Greek 3 (instructing the turb) (8), Brawl 4 (Dagger), Bows 3 (Bow, Long), Great Weapon 6 (Great Axe), Single Weapon 7 (Sword, long), Athletics 2 (running), Awareness 2 (alertness), Carouse 2 (power drinking), Covenant Lore 1 (rules), Folk Ken 2 (grogs), Hunt 0 (on horse) (2), Leadership 4 (in battle), Ride 3 (battle), Stealth 2 (hide), Survival 2 (woods), Teaching 4 (soldiers)
Equipment: Full Metal ScaleArmor (Soak: 7) (Soak: 7; Protection: 7); Shield, Heater (Init: 0; Atk: 0; Dfn: +3; Str: 0; Cost: Standard); Horse
Encumbrance: 3 (5)

Osred arrived in what remained of the Byzantine Empire too late to join the Varangian Guard in Constantinople, and to take advantage of the riches that might have been his. Instead of joining a crusade, he deceided to sign on as part of Theodore Lascaris newly established Varangians in the Empire of Nikaea. He rose to be a section leader and weapons instructor, only to be dismissed when the Emporer married Yolanda of Flanders, and she took a dislike to the scarring on his face.

He has been trying to whip the turb into shape for about a year, since arriving in late spring 1219.

Servants

Peregrine's servants may be found here.

Domazhir's adopted family may be found here.

Other Grogs

Kasim al-Tabbaakh
Chief cook
Characteristics: Int +2, Per +1, Str 0, Sta 0, Pre +1, Com +1, Dex +1, Qui 0
Age: 30 (30), Height: 4'11" (150 cm), Weight: 160 lbs (72.5 kg), Gender: Male, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk, Affinity with Cooking, Puissant Cooking, Covenant Upbringing, Proud
Personality Traits: Perfectionist +2, Domineering +1, Stubborn +1
Combat:
Dodge: Init: 0, Attack n/a, Defense +3, Damage n/a
Fist: Init: 0, Attack +3, Defense +3, Damage 0
Kick: Init: -1, Attack +3, Defense +2, Damage +3
Knife: Init 0, Attack +4, Defense +3, Damage +2
Soak: 0, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Awareness 2 (searching), Bargain 4 (Foods & Spices), Brawl 2 (Defense), Covenant Lore 4 (what people like to eat), Craft: Cooking 7+2* (Cooking for crowds), Etiquette 3 (Covenant), Folk Ken 3 (Covenfolk), Greek 2 (Cooking jargon), Latin 3 (Hermetic dialect), Leadership 4 (Kitchen staff), Order of Hermes Lore 1 (Etiquette), Survival 2 (Cooking), Teaching 2 (how to cook), Turkish 5 (Covenant dialect)
Equipment: Clothing
Encumbrance: 0

* due to his Affinity with Cooking, Kasim has 18 xp toward his next level.

Xenophilus

Teacher of Languages
Characteristics: Int +1, Per +1, Pre +2, Com +2, Str +1, Sta +1, Dex -2, Qik -2
Size: 0, Age: 38 (38), Height: 168 cm, Weight: 70 kg, Gender: Male
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Custos, Academic Abilities, Linguist, Educated (50/50), Ability Block (Martial), Weak Characteristics: -3, Noncombatant
Personality Traits: Garrulous +2, Hungry for Knowledge +3, Finicky +2

Combat:
Dodge: Init: -2, Attack --, Defense -2, Damage --
Fist: Init: -2, Attack -2, Defense -2, Damage +1
Kick: Init: -3, Attack -2, Defense -3, Damage +4
Soak: +1, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Greek 5 (storytelling), Latin 5 (academic usage), Greek 5 (prose), Aramaic 5 (Storytelling), Hebrew 5 (academic usage), Persian 5 (poetry), Arabic 4 (poetry), Turkic 4 (expansive vocabulary) (10), Artes Liberales 5 (Scripts), Teaching 4 (Languages), Charm 2 (first impressions), Etiquette 2 (nobility), Folk Ken 2 (townsfolk), Scribe 2 (copying), Covenant Lore 2 (personalities)
Equipment: Scholarly robes, books of poetry and stories in the languages he reads
Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Hassan the Potter
Master of the pottery works in Avanos
Characteristics: Int +1, Per 0, Str 0, Sta 0, Pre 0, Com +1, Dex +3(1), Qui -1
Age: 37 (37), Height: 5'10" (178 cm), Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg), Gender: Male, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 0(1), Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Craftsman, Light Touch, Puissant Pottery, Lame, Social Handicap (sycophantic toady)
Personality Traits: Shrewd +2, Obsequious +3,
Combat:
Dodge: Init: -4 Attack n/a, Defense -4, Damage n/a
Fist: Init: -2 Attack +2 Defense -2 Damage -1
Kick: Init: -3 Attack +2 Defense -3 Damage -1
Knife: Init -2 Attack +3 Defense -2 Damage +1
Soak: 0, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Area Lore/Avanos 2 (Geology), Area Lore/Mystikae Eikonos 3 (People), Awareness 2 (Spotting the out-of-place), Bargain 5 (Pottery), Carouse 2, Charm 2, Craft: Pottery 6+2 (Tableware), Etiquette 3, Folk Ken 2 (Customers), Greek 4 (Mercantile), Guile 4 (Feigning sincerity), Leadership 4 (Workers), Teaching 4 (Pottery), Turkish 5 (Mercantile)
Equipment: Clothing, Knife
Encumbrance: 0
Aging Results: +1 Aging Point in any characteristic (Dex)

LIBRARY GROGS

Biblios Lexilogos

Aging Librarian/Scribe/Bookbinder

Characteristics: Int +2 (1), Per +2 (1), Pre ‑1 (1), Com +2 (1), Str ‑1 (1), Sta ‑1 (1), Dex ‑1 (1), Qik ‑1 (1)
Size: 0 Age: 47 (47), Height: 162 cm, Weight: 60 kg, Gender: Male
Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Custos, Academic Abilities, Linguist, Puissant Artes Liberales, Poor Eyesight (Penalty: ‑3), Poor Hearing (Hearing: ‑3), Weak Characteristics: ‑3
Personality Traits: Loyal to Established Magi +2, Suspicious +3, Irritable +3
Combat:
Dodge: Init: ‑1, Attack ‑‑, Defense ‑4, Damage ‑‑
Fist: Init: ‑1, Attack ‑4, Defense ‑4, Damage ‑1
Kick: Init: ‑2, Attack ‑4, Defense ‑5, Damage +2
Soak: ‑1
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, ‑1, ‑3, ‑5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: ‑1 (1‑5), ‑3 (6‑10), ‑5 (11‑15), Incapacitated (16‑20)
Abilities: Greek ‑ Demotic 5 (Librarianship), Arabic 4 (academic usage), Aramaic 4 (academic usage), Greek ‑ Attic 4 (academic usage), Hebrew 4 (academic usage), Latin 4 (academic usage), Persian 4 (academic usage), Artes Liberales 4 (logic), Magic Theory 1 (copying texts), Bookbinding 6 (mystical materials) [Category: Writing Materials], Calligraphy 6 (illuminated capitals) [Category: Writing Materials], Scribe 6 (copying), Awareness 2 (books), Covenant of Mystikae Eikona Lore 2 (history), Etiquette 2 (Magi), Folk Ken 2 (magi), Leadership 1 (in the library)
Equipment: The necessary equipment for a Librarian/Scribe/Bookbinder
Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Atticus

Optimistic Scribe

Covenant: Mystikae Eikona
Saga: Cappadocia
Characteristics: Int +3, Per +1, Pre ‑2, Com 0, Str ‑2, Sta +1, Dex +3, Qik ‑1
Size: 0 Age: 27 (27), Height: 160 cm, Weight: 55 kg, Gender: Male
Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Failed Apprentice, Educated (50/50), Magic Sensitivity, Ability Block (Martial), Covenant Upbringing, Optimistic
Personality Traits: Optimistic +3, Loyal +2, Pious ‑1
Combat:
Dagger: Init: ‑1, Attack +5, Defense ‑1, Damage +1
Knife: Init: ‑1, Attack +4, Defense ‑1, Damage +0
Dodge: Init: ‑1, Attack ‑‑, Defense ‑1, Damage ‑‑
Fist: Init: ‑1, Attack +3, Defense ‑1, Damage ‑2
Kick: Init: ‑2, Attack +3, Defense ‑2, Damage +1
Soak: +1
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, ‑1, ‑3, ‑5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: ‑1 (1‑5), ‑3 (6‑10), ‑5 (11‑15), Incapacitated (16‑20)
Abilities: Demotic Greek 5 (slang), Attic Greek 5 (making new words), Latin 5 (big words), Artes Liberales 2 (logic), Athletics 1 (running away), Awareness 2 (searching), Carouse 2 (rude stories), Charm 1 (witty), Concentration 2 (study), Covenant Lore 2 (rules), Folk Ken 2 (magi), Guile 2 (evading trouble), Magic Lore 2 (elementals), Magic Theory 2 (copying), Order of Hermes Lore 2 (Peripheral Code), Scribe 5 (copying), Teaching 2 (one‑to‑one), Magic Sensitivity 3 (auras)
Equipment: Quills and ink; Parchment
Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Angelina

Flirtatious, Unaging, Scribe

Covenant: Mystikae Eikona
Saga: Cappadocia
Characteristics: Int +2, Per +1, Pre +2, Com 0, Str ‑2, Sta +1, Dex +2, Qik ‑1
Size: 0 Age: 21 (15), Height: 160 cm, Weight: 55 kg, Gender: Female
Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Failed Apprentice, Educated, Unaging, Ability Block (Martial), Covenant Upbringing, Offensive to Animals
Personality Traits: Loyal +2, Frivolous +3, Flirtatious +1
Combat:
Dagger: Init: ‑1, Attack +4, Defense ‑1, Damage +1
Knife: Init: ‑1, Attack +3, Defense ‑1, Damage +0
Dodge: Init: ‑1, Attack ‑‑, Defense ‑1, Damage ‑‑
Fist: Init: ‑1, Attack +2, Defense ‑1, Damage ‑2
Kick: Init: ‑2, Attack +2, Defense ‑2, Damage +1
Soak: +1
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, ‑1, ‑3, ‑5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: ‑1 (1‑5), ‑3 (6‑10), ‑5 (11‑15), Incapacitated (16‑20)
Abilities: Demotic Greek 5 (flirting), Latin 4 (hermetic usage), Attic Greek 4 (academic Usage), Artes Liberales 2 (logic), Awareness 2 (searching), Carouse 2 (rude stories), Charm 2 (witty), Concentration 2 (study), Covenant Lore 3 (rules), Folk Ken 2 (magi), Guile 1 (evading trouble), Magic Lore 3 (regiones), Magic Theory 2 (copying), Order of Hermes Lore 2 (Peripheral Code), Scribe 4 (copying)
Equipment: Quills and ink; Parchment
Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Neon Tzetzes

Cowardly, Avaricious, Bookbinder

Characteristics: Int 0, Per +1, Pre ‑1, Com 0, Str 0, Sta +2, Dex +2, Qik +1 Size: 0 Age: 23 (23), Height: 165 cm, Weight: 65 kg, Gender: Male Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0) Virtues and Flaws: Custos, Academic Abilities, Light Touch (Subtle Manipulation: +1), Puissant Craft, Ability Block (Logic), Avaricious, Hunchback (Penalty: ‑3 on agility, balance and Com rolls involving good looks) Personality Traits: Avaricious +3, Brave ‑2, Loyal +1 Combat: Dagger: Init: +1, Attack +6, Defense +3, Damage +3 Dodge: Init: +1, Attack ‑‑, Defense +2, Damage ‑‑ Fist: Init: +1, Attack +3, Defense +2, Damage +0 Kick: Init: +0, Attack +3, Defense +1, Damage +3 Soak: +2 Fatigue levels: OK, 0, ‑1, ‑3, ‑5, Unconscious Wound Penalties: ‑1 (1‑5), ‑3 (6‑10), ‑5 (11‑15), Incapacitated (16‑20) Abilities: Demotic Greek 5 (the prices of things), Latin 2 (academic usage), Attic Greek 2 (Academic usage), Awareness 1 (search), Bargain 4 (trade), Brawl 1 (Dagger), Carouse 3 (drinking), Charm 3 (smooth talker), Covenant Lore 2 (who's who), Bookbinding 5 (precios materials), Folk Ken 1 (peasants), Guile 4 (fast talk), Village Lore 2 (local customs) Equipment: Workman's Clothes; Working tools Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Eudokia Daphopates

Percamenarius (Left! Left!! The OTHER LEFT!!!)

Characteristics: Int +1, Per +1, Pre +1, Com +1, Str 0, Sta +1, Dex +1, Qik +1 Size: 0 Age: 25 (25), Height: 165 cm, Weight: 65 kg, Gender: Female Decrepitude: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0) Virtues and Flaws: Custos, Academic Abilities, Light Touch (Subtle Manipulation: +1), Puissant Craft, Ability Block (Martial), Continence, No Sense of Direction Personality Traits: Brave ‑2, Analytical +3, Loyal +1 Combat: Dagger: Init: +1, Attack +5, Defense +3, Damage +3 Dodge: Init: +1, Attack ‑‑, Defense +2, Damage ‑‑ Fist: Init: +1, Attack +2, Defense +2, Damage +0 Kick: Init: +0, Attack +2, Defense +1, Damage +3 Soak: +1 Fatigue levels: OK, 0, ‑1, ‑3, ‑5, Unconscious Wound Penalties: ‑1 (1‑5), ‑3 (6‑10), ‑5 (11‑15), Incapacitated (16‑20) Abilities: Demotic Greek 5, Latin 3 (academic usage), Attic Greek 3 (Academic Usage), Awareness 1 (search), Bargain 4 (trade), Brawl 1 (Dagger), Carouse 3 (drinking), Charm 3 (smooth talker), Covenant Lore 1 (who's who), Percamenarius 5 (sheep skins), Folk Ken 1 (peasants), Guile 4 (fast talk), Village Lore 3 (local customs) Equipment: Workman's Clothes; Working tools Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Meet the Gang

Peregrine_Bjornaer — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:45:40 CDT

Herewith you will find brief bios of the Story Guide and the players. See just what a disreputable lot they really are. Especially the Americans.

Kevin Nikolai Payne (Alpha Story Guide)

A longtime roleplayer (beginning with D&D in 1976), Kevin is defined by the following virtues and flaws: Jack of all trades--master of none. Orthodox Christian, musician (singer "with a degree"), radio (newsketeer and news anchor), author, gamer, avid reader, history and rail buff, bonsai enthuiast, Mr. Eclectic. He'll let other decide which are the virtues and which the flaws.

Kevin works as a reporter and weekend news anchor for two radio news stations (one in Quincy, IL and one in Kankakee, IL). He is co-founder of the Orthodox Christian parish in Quincy, Illinois. He sings with the Muddy River Opera Company as a chorister, and with various other groups and as a soloist in his region. He stays pretty busy and says he has yet to be bored other than momentarily when listening to yet another droning politician.

He has been GM for campaigns ranging from D&D (original and 1st ed., plus 3rd and 3.5), Middle Earth Roleplaying, Traveller, Morrow Project, Car Wars, Serenity, 7th Sea (roll and keep), Fudge Deryni, Conan (Mongoose), and Ars Magica 4 and 5. He has played in more games than he cares to admit as well as being an avid wargamer. He used to play in the Middle Kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism too, if you remember Nikolai the Purple Bard in the early 1990s.

Favorite Quote: "Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn't mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar."--Edward R. Murrow, Pioneering U.S. News Broadcaster

Ray Smith (Peregrine ex Bjornaer)

Ray has lived most of his life in the Central Texas area, but recently relocated to a hamlet in Pennsylvania for family reasons. He is also an as-yet-unpublished writer, currently working on his first novel (a murder story) and short stories; most of his works tend to be fantasy, with a sprinkling of science fiction or urban fantasy. He has, in his former Ars campaigns, written background stories for the campaign involving his characters, some of which can be found on his deviantArt page

He has been gaming off and on since he was introduced to AD&D in high school in 1980, and has played or run a wide gamut of games. He has played in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd edition AD&D/D&D, Champions, DC Heroes, Star Trek (Fasa), Mechwarrior, GURPS Fantasy, GURPS Vampire, Marvel Super Heroes, Star Wars d20, and 4th and 5th edition Ars Magica (with fond memories of practically all his characters), as well as running campaigns for GURPS Supers and GURPS Fantasy. He has also invested in a number of gaming books for a variety of systems that he will, much to his regret, probably never get to play as part of his relatively extensive book collection.

He has also been active in the Society for Creative Anachronism in the Stellar Kingdom of Ansteorra, where he is known as Andre de Chartres (which he has also taken as his pen name). Ray/Andre served as baronial herald for the Barony of Bryn Gwlad (m.k.a. Austin, Texas) in the late 1990s.

In addition to his email (cuteolpuddytat@yahoo.com), he can usually be reached on yahoo! messenger (cuteolpuddytat) and often on AIM (molikthefurre).

(Currently playing/maintaining: Peregrine, Ariagne Trichina, Elene of Constantinople, Stefanos, Tamar, Kasim al Tabbaakh, Hassan the Potter, & Ieronymos)

Favorite Quote: "A mind in motion tends to stay in motion, a mind at rest tends to stay at rest." - Noah Chinn

Ivan Hartley (Domazhir Slipoi, filius Hephaestia, ex Verditius)

I spent my early years on the coast of New South Wales (Australia), roughly 70 miles south of Sydney. Insufficient time was wasted on the excellent surf beaches on that part of the coast, and when I was sent to a Brisbane based, Anglican boarding school, in a vain attempt to educate the little heathen that I was, and remain, I was mightily disappointed with Queensland's fabled Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise isn't. I have travelled a little, seeing something of Japan more than 20 years ago, a little of Europe some years prior to the Japanese excursion, and lived in London in the late 1980's.

I fled the parochiality of Brisbane in the mid 1990's, to return to London, where I had had some interesting jobs in the past. I lived in France for a year, and my French is slightly better than Jenhay's Greek! [He doesn't usually include the gestures ;-) Ed]. I prefer cats to dogs, and would have a couple of them if my girlfriend and I didn't live in a 4th floor appartment. The time I don't spend gaming (I play Shadowfist - The Queen of Cardgames!), or reading (not long finished a Byzantine history, and have just started a 2 part study of the medieval Balkans), I fritter away as a contract hitter in accounting SNAFUs. I wish I'd studied engineering when I left school.

I've never done any web based RPGs previously, but have been messing about with them in face-to-face games since the 70s. I've played/GMed D&D (in many versions), Bushido, Feng Shui, Traveller, Chivalry & Sorcery, and Warhammer Fantasy RP and, of course Ars Magica . Of all the systems and settings I've played/GMed, Ars and Mythic Europe is by far my favourite. I like the idea of realism, combined with the "real-life" myths and legends of the appropriate area. That said, I also like a magical feeling, with all sorts of strangeness in and around the covenant. I'm not into intra-party grief, unless it is the intention of the entire group to play that way, in which case, bring it on! I like my characters to be grounded in the society in which they operate, which may include being outcast from that society.

Favourite Quote: "There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't!" - Unknown source, but my mate Ben claims it is his.

Pelle Kofod (Tellus ex Bonisagus)

Pelle finds himself in illustrious company, with people who've played since before he was born!.
He has been playing various RPGs since the late '80's, but almost exclusively face-to-face, pen'n'paper - usually as the GM, in a wide variety of systems.

Pelle has lived his entire life in europe, and is currently trying to teach physics to highschool students who are more interested in... well, just about anything else, really.

Pelle is very much a cat person, but feels odd talking about himself ;)

Peregrine's Servitors

Peregrine_Bjornaer — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:10:52 CDT

Elene of Constantinople

Peregrine's chambermaid/maidservant

Characteristics: Int +1, Per +2, Str 0, Sta 0, Pre +3, Com +1, Dex 0, Qui -1
Age: 17 (17), Height: 5’0” (152 cm), Weight: 107 lbs (42 kg), Gender: Female, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Custos, Faerie Blood (Sidhe), Noncombatant, Optimistic
Personality Traits:
Combat
Dodge: Init: -1, Attack n/a, Defense -1, Damage n/a
Soak: 0, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Awareness 3 (Looking for things), Bargain 3 (Selling), Cappadocia Lore 1 (Local geography), Carouse 2 (Flirting), Charm 3 (Appearing trustworthy), Constantinople Lore 3 (Merchant Quarter), Craft: Sewing 2 (Mending), Etiquette 2, Faerie Lore 2, Folk Ken 2, Greek 5 (Mercantile), Latin 1 (Covenfolk), Profession: Chambermaid 2, Ride 1 (Long distances)
Equipment: Clothing
Encumbrance: 0

Elene has not been at Mystikae Eikona very long, having arrived in the summer of 1218 when her father died nearby en route to Maraş. She had no other family. Her father’s had no contact with his brothers for a number of years., while her mother (who used to tell her tales of the faerie when she was a child) left without a word when Elene was almost a woman.

She is oddly glamorous, with fair skin that has tanned somewhat since her arrival, amber (almost yellow) almond-shaped eyes, and hair that is varying shades of blonde depending on the season (ranging from straw-blonde in the summer to platinum-blonde in the winter). When performing her duties, she wears a simple home-spun gown. The rest of the time, she wears dresses that she sewed herself; while not elegant, they are always colorful and well-crafted.

Despite her loss, she tends to be upbeat, and privately believes that it was God’s will that brought her to the covenant. Although Orthodox by faith, she normally downplays her beliefs so as not to alienate those around her who may not believe as she does. In her time at Mystikae Eikona, she has learned enough Latin to perform her duties adequately, to understand what’s being demanded of her and to ask what needs to be done

Stefanos
Peregrine’s guard
Characteristics: Int 0, Per +1, Str +1, Sta +2, Pre 0, Com 0, Dex +1, Qui +1
Age: 19 (19), Height: 6’1” (185 cm), Weight: 190 lbs (75 kg), Gender: Male, Size: 0
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk, Tough, Warrior, Fear of Heights (Minor), Humble
Personality Traits: Brave +2, Loyal +2, Humble +1
Combat (in full kit)
Short Sword with Shield: Init -1, Attack +11, Defense +12, Damage +6
Short Sword: Init -1, Attack +11, Defense +9, Damage +6
Knife: Init +2, Attack +5, Defense +4, Damage +3 Dodge: Init -2, Attack n/a, Defense +4, Damage n/a
Fist: Init -2, Attack +5, Defense +5, Damage +1
Kick: Init -3, Attack +4, Defense +3, Damage +4
Soak: 12, Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Area Lore: Kayseri 2, Athletics 3 (Running), Awareness 3 (Bodyguarding), Brawl 3 (Punching), Carouse 1 (Drinking songs), Chirurgy 1 (Combat wounds), Folk Ken 1 (Women), Greek 5 (Military), Ride 1 (Speed), Single Weapon 6 (Short Sword), Thrown Weaspons 2 (Improvised weapons)
Equipment: Knife, Short sword, Shield (Heater), Full Metal Scale Armor
Encumbrance: 3

Stefanos is, in most ways, typical of the upper-echelon of covenant guards. While not native to the covenant, he has served Mystikae Eikona faithfully since he was recruited in Constantinople by Aelred about three years ago. He is tall, with dark eyes, long black hair and a neatly-trimmed mustache and beard.

Tamar
Peregrine’s guard
Characteristics: Int 0, Per +2, Str +2, Sta +1, Pre +1, Com 0, Dex +1, Qui +1
Age: 22 (22), Height: 6’7” (201 cm), Weight: 290 lbs (114 kg), Gender: Female, Size: +1
Decrepitude: 0, Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk, Improved Characteristics, Large, Warrior, Ambitious (to become the greatest warrior), Compulsion (Competitiveness), Oversensitive (to disrespect towards women)
Personality Traits: Brave +2, Loyal +2, Competitive +2
Combat (in full kit)
Short Sword with Shield: Init +0 Attack +10, Defense +10, Damage +7
Short Sword: Init +0, Attack +10, Defense +7, Damage +7
Bow: Init -2, Attack +9, Defense +6, Damage +8, Range 15
Dagger: Init -1, Attack +5, Defense +4, Damage +4
Dodge: Init -1, Attack n/a, Defense +4, Damage n/a
Fist: Init -1, Attack +4, Defense +4, Damage +2
Kick: Init -2, Attack +4, Defense +3, Damage +5
Soak: 8; Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-6), -3 (7-12), -5 (13-18), Incapacitated (19-24)
Abilities: Animal Handling 2 (Horses), Area Lore Cappodocea 1 (Geography), Area Lore Pecheneg Khanates 2 (Geography), Awareness 2 (Spotting), Bows 4 (Short bow), Brawl 3 (Fighting dirty), Greek 3 (Covenant), Hunt 2 (Tracking), Kipchak 5, Ride 1 (Long distance), Single Weapon 5 (Short sword), Survival 2 (Steppes), Turkic 3 (Covenant)
Equipment: Dagger, Full Metal Scale Armor, Short sword, Shield* (Heater), Bow* (Short)
Encumbrance: 2
* In combat, she will carry one or the other, almost never both. If by chance she is carrying both, that will increase her Encumbrance to 3

Tamar doesn’t discuss her past much...okay, she doesn't discuss it at all. There are many rumors that have circulated since she showed up three or four years ago and demanded a job in heavily accented Turkish (she has since also learned to speak Greek). Some people say that she’s half Giant. Some say that she used to be a man but was stricken by a curse that changed her sex. Some say she’s descended from the Amazons of legend. All agree that any speculation as to her background should not be argued in her presence unless you greatly enjoy pain.

She is believed to come from north of the Black Sea somewhere, where she learned to ride, swordfight, and shoot the bow. She arrived at the covenant with her own arms and armor, as well as a horse with full barding (which has since found its way into the covenant’s herd). Tamar takes her duties very seriously (and makes it a point to look as fierce and intimidating as she can when she’s working). She can be very competitive at times, and will often find herself drawn into a game of “anything you can do I can do better,” even when it involves something that she’s not very good at.

Tamar is a towering giant of a woman, easily dwarfing practically everyone else in the covenant, and her impressive musculature only adds to her intimidation factor. She is rather tan, with straw-blonde hair and blue eyes. Her "off-duty" clothing tends to consist of a home-spun tunic and breeches with soft leather boots...while hardly typical feminine wear, it does suit someone comfortable in the saddle.

Companions

Peregrine_Bjornaer — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:04:41 CDT

What is known of Jenhay Vilonthar

Played by Ivan - ivanhartley@gmail.com

Jenhay began his life of strife as a young warrior within his tribe, on the Pontic Steppe. North of the Caucasus Mountains, south of the Don and Volga rivers, and bounded by the Black sea to the west and the Caspian Sea to the east, a lush, beautiful country in which to breed marvellous horses. Pressure from the Cumans eventually drove him from his native land, as his tribe were either obliged to pay tribute to these new overlords, or be destroyed. Jenhay chose the third way – he would become a mercenary and take as much revenge as The Blue Sky would allow.

He fought for the Russian Princes against each other and the Cumans, the Eastern Romans, Byzantines, as others know them, Greeks as they sometimes call themselves, against the Cumans, and against the Turks. He fought for the Turkish Sultan, against the Byzantines, the Persians, and the Cumans. In battle he was ferocity personified, as he exerted himself the wine dark birthmark on his face became darker. He earned himself a reputation for this amongst the Greeks against and with whom he fought. His Turkish comrades regarded him as a cold-blooded killer for his slaughter of any Cumans he came across on their campaigns.

His travels as a mercenary have given him some linguistic skills. Jenhay is able to make himself understood, with some difficulty, in Turkic, Persian and Greek. This is very useful in getting his point across in his current business activities, although, he is certain that a little more practice could alleviate some of the difficulties he experiences from time to time. Perhaps, if one of his deals goes badly, he could acquire a local wife in settlement, thus improving his Greek?

He has now given up his life as a mercenary, in favour of making a living by lending the loot he plundered over the last ten years. He has a reputation as pagan usurer with the local (Greek/Cappadocian/Byzantine) Christian population. He drives a very hard bargain, and rigorously insists on the terms of his agreements being met. His spreading reputation for ferocity amongst these folk is of assistance to him in enforcing his deals, and as yet, he has not had to employ any of the weapons he typically carries when collecting a debt.

He is very careful not to involve his previous employers in any of his current dealings, as he is reasonably happy at the covenant of Mystikae Eikona, having met Humbert, with whom he shares an interest in horses. He thinks that having to push too hard against the ruling power might be a little beyond him and may result in being driven away from this region. Besides, he’d probably have to take a loss on his business dealings, and that is unthinkable.

Who knows, perhaps he and Humbert can make a decent living from “improving” the horses of this region, so that they rival those of his beloved steppe.

Ariagne Trichina
Steward of Mystikae Eikona
(Played by Ray)

Ariagne hails from the Thessalymike region of the Eastern Empire, on the west shore of the Thermian Gulf near Mount Olympus. She was married to a landed nobleman named Athanasios and had borne him two sons and a daughter. Over the course of their marriage, she became more and more involved with the running of his estate, to the the point where she was in charge of everything by the time her husband was tragically taken from her some time ago. Their oldest son inherited his father’s title and lands, while their daughter served as a lady-in-waiting until she was wed herself not too long ago.

By custom, upon Athanasios’s death Ariagne was faced with with the choice of either (a) entering a convent or (b) remarrying. Not satisfied with either option, Ariagne went with (c). She had long heard rumors of an order of scholars who weren’t what they seemed; discreet questioning of some of her acquaintances and a hasty journey led her to the doors of Mystikae Eikona, accompanied by her young son and the shade of her dear departed husband (who has, in death, taken more of an interest in his wife and her happiness than he had in life). Fortuitously, her arrival at Mystikae Eikona several years occurred shortly after the departure of the previous steward.

Ariagne is somewhat petite, with olive skin, auburn hair and dark brown eyes. She is very strong-willed and can be stubborn at times, especially when she feels she is right. She is also very determined to do what is best (even when those with whom she is dealing don't realize that what she is proposing is for the best). She is astute enough to know when to push and when to let things go. She is also a skilled negotiator, and has no small experience in dealing with Byzantine politics, albeit not at the highest levels. She grudging accepts that, although she is the Steward of the covenant, that she may have to make considerable concessions when dealing with the Magi, although she will try to get them to see her side of the situation as well as making sure they accept the consequence when they discover that she was right after all. Her top priorities are the welfare of her son and of the covenant; luckily, the two have not yet conflicted. She has some knowledge of horse husbandry, and will be interested to learn some about mining, agriculture, and pottery so that she will be able to make better informed decisions about those aspects of the covenant’s prosperity.

Although Greek is her native language, she also speaks both Latin and Turkish with a slight accent, and can read and write in both the Latin and Greek script; she does not yet know how to read or write Turkish, although that is also on her agenda.

Covenant Magic Items

Peregrine_Bjornaer — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:39:11 CDT

The Table of Babel

Material/Size: Hard Stone (Obsidian)/Huge (20 pawns)

Description: A large, rectangular table made of obsidian, measuring approximately 18 feet long by 4-1/2 feet wide.

(Intellego Mentem) The item’s effects reproduces those of the spell Thoughts Within Babble (AM5, p. 149), affecting all those within the room with the item when activated; the trigger is the phrase “Allah Akbar” said while touching the table.

Base Level: 5 (Understand the meaning behind spoken words)
Range: Voice (+2 magnitudes)
Duration: Sun (+2 magnitudes)
Target: Room (+2 magnitudes)
Effect Frequency: 2x/day (+1 level)
Total Level: 36

Vis cost to instill effect: 4 pawns Intellego and/or Mentem
(Note that there is still room in the table to instill 6 pawns’ worth of magical effects)

Covenant Cost: 16 pts

The Ring of Fire

Material/Size: Precious Gem/Tiny (15 pawns)

Description: This item consists of a ruby set in a gold ring; the setting is designed to resemble tongues of flame licking up the edges of the stone.

(Creo Ignem) The effects duplicate those of the Level 35 spell Ball of Abysmal Flame (AM5 p. 140); the trigger is the phrase "is exuro!", said while pointing the ring at the target.

Base Level: 25 (Create a fire doing +30 damage)
Range: Voice (+2 magnitudes)
Duration: Momentary (base)
Target: Individual (base)
Effect Frequency: 24x/day (+5 levels)
Total Level: 40

Vis cost to instill effect: 4 pawns Creo and/or Ignem

Covenant Cost: 16 pts

Domazhir's adopted family

ivanhartley — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:24:40 CDT

In the spring of his fifteenth year (1190), Ieuan left his village of Llancarfan in the Vale of Glamorgan to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Richard, Coeur de Lion was in London, making the last preparations for his Crusade to the Holy Land, and the youthful Ieuan was keen for adventure, and the guarantee of heaven that a crusade would bring. In the late summer of that year, he left the isles that were his home.

Ieuan served in Richard’s army in Sicily, witnessing the sack of Messina, and in Cyprus, where the heretic Greeks were put to the sword. He attended the celebrations of Richard’s marriage to the beautiful Berengaria, and then, with them, travelled to Acre. He fought at the siege of Acre, the slaughter of its garrison, and witnessed the disintegration of the crusade as the nobility bickered over the spoils, and Richard’s henchmen threw down the banner of Leopold of Austria. Ieuan was also at Arsuf, Ascalon and Jaffa, and was, for a short time, within sight of the walls of Jerusalem itself, but by now, his thirst for adventure had been slaked, and his hope of heaven diminished by all the death he had seen.

When Richard finally concluded a peace with Yūsuf Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn ibn Ayyūb (Saladin), a disillusioned Ieuan took the opportunity to travel through the holy land on his way home. His travels took him north, and eventually into Cilician Armenia, where he met a young woman, Theodora Prasomales, wandering dazed and confused after her village had been destroyed by a Seljuk raid. He took care of her, and she of him, and they now have a son, Gwilim. Not long after Gwilim’s birth, the newly formed family found a place at the covenant of Mystikae Eikona, where they have been for nineteen years.

Ieuan still thinks he is on his way back to Wales, but Theodora knows better. He has been away for thirty years, and has been living with her for twenty of those. Gwilim knows little of Wales, only that which his father has told him, and is much more Greek than Welsh. Theodora is perfectly happy to let Ieuan have his dream, knowing that there is little risk of him leaving Mystikae Eikona.

The family have been living at the covenant for most of Gwilim’s life, and certainly for all of it that he can consciously remember. This is now home, however much Ieuan fails to recognise it. At Mystikae Eikona they are part of the community, they have friends and comrades amongst the other covenfolk, and now have a very comfortable living as part of Domazhir’s household. The Magus treats them with respect and courtesy, and has even begun placing enchantments onto Ieuan’s and Gwilim’s arms and armour, to aid them in the current troubles. Theodora is, reasonably, content. Moving her from here will require the destruction of this community, which does not seem likely from her lofty vantage point.

Gwilim does not share his father’s desire (however weak) to travel to Wales. He has grown up here, and he can gain access to the training in swordsmanship that is his burning desire. Here, too, he is well known to the young ladies, and may, one day, begin a family of his own.

Ieuan, Theodora and Gwilim inhabit the upper floors of the fairy chimney, above Domazhir's laboratory (ground floor) and living quarters/studio (first floor). Domazhir regards the whole of the chimney as his sanctum, and his family of guards/sevants are thus under his protection.

Ieuan ap Gryffyd (Domazhir's Guard, Husband of Theodora, Father of Gwilim)

Covenant: Mystikae Eikona
Saga: Cappadocia
Characteristics: Int -1, Per +1, Pre 0, Com -2, Str +2, Sta +1 (1), Dex +2 (2), Qik +2 (2)
Size: 0
Age: 45 (45), Height: 170 cm, Weight: 75 kg, Gender: Male
Decrepitude: 1 (2)
Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk, Warrior (50/50), Linguist, Well-Traveled (50/50), Weakness (talking back to magi), Poor Student (Learning: -3), Offensive to Animals
Personality Traits: Loyal +3, Cheeky +2, Brave +1
Combat:
Bow, Long: Init: -1, Attack +12, Defense +8, Damage +10
Axe & Shield, Heater: Init: +1, Attack +15, Defense +14, Damage +8
Kick: Init: -1, Attack +6, Defense +5, Damage +5
Dodge: Init: +0, Attack --, Defense +5, Damage --
Fist: Init: +0, Attack +5, Defense +5, Damage +2
Soak: +8
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Welsh 5 (military talk), Arabic 3 (Orders), Greek 3 (Orders) (2), Anatolia Lore 4 (monsters), Palestine Lore 2 (monsters), Awareness 5 (in combat), Bows 5 (Bow, Long), Brawl 3 (Kick), Carouse 3 (with fighting friends), Folk Ken 1 (magi), Great Weapon 5 (pole axe), Guile 2 (getting extra rations), Leadership 3 (in combat), Order of Hermes Lore 3 (grogs), Single Weapon 8 (Shield, Heater), Stealth 3 (when armored), Survival 1 (when in a group), Thrown Weapon 4 (knife)
Equipment: Shield, Heater (Init: 0; Atk: 0; Dfn: +3; Str: 0; Cost: Standard); Full Metal Scale Armor (Soak: 8) (Soak: 8; Protection: 7); Pack
Encumbrance: 2 (4)

Theodora Prasomales (Domazhir's servant, wife of Ieuan, Mother of Gwilim)

Characteristics: Int 0, Per +1, Pre +1, Com 0, Str 0, Sta +1, Dex 0, Qik +1
Size: -1
Age: 33 (33), Height: 120 cm, Weight: 45 kg, Gender: Female
Decrepitude: 0
Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk, Keen Vision (Sight: +3), Second Sight, Skinchanger (Raven), Obsessed (shiny things), Small Frame, Weak Characteristics: -3
Personality Traits: Picky +3, Avaricious +3, Loyal +2
Combat:
Dodge: Init: +1, Attack --, Defense +3, Damage --
Fist: Init: +1, Attack +3, Defense +4, Damage +0
Kick: Init: +0, Attack +2, Defense +2, Damage +3
Soak: +1
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-4), -3 (5-8), -5 (9-12), Incapacitated (13-16)
Abilities: Greek 5 (Storytelling), Arabic 3 (Bargaining), Turkic 3 (Bargaining), Welsh 3 (Understanding her husband), Awareness 3 (searching), Bargain 3 (shiny things), Brawl 2 (Fist), Carouse 2 (stay sober), Charm 3 (witty), Chirurgy 3 (wounds), Covenant Lore 3 (people), Folk Ken 3 (peasants), Hunt 3 (from the air), Music 4 (sing), Steward 3 (house-keeping), Stealth 2 (sneaking), Village Lore 2 (people), Second Sight 3 (from the air)
Equipment: Clothes; Household equipment; Magical raven cloak
Encumbrance: 0 (0)

Gwilim ab Ieuan (Domazhir's Guard, Son of Ieuan & Theodora)

Characteristics: Int -1, Per 0, Pre -1, Com -4, Str +2, Sta +2, Dex +3, Qik +2
Size: 0
Age: 19 (19), Height: 170 cm, Weight: 75 kg, Gender: Male
Decrepitude: 0
Warping Score: 0 (0)
Virtues and Flaws: Covenfolk, Affinity with Single Weapon, Puissant Single Weapon, Warrior, Afflicted Tongue (Stammer), Obsessed (Improving Single Weapon ability), Poor Communication
Personality Traits: Brave +3, Loyal +2, Quiet +1
Combat:
Axe & Shield, Heater: Init: +1, Attack +16, Defense +14, Damage +8
Fist: Init: +0, Attack +8, Defense +7, Damage +2
Dodge: Init: +0, Attack --, Defense +8, Damage --
Kick: Init: -1, Attack +8, Defense +6, Damage +5
Soak: +9
Fatigue levels: OK, 0, -1, -3, -5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: -1 (1-5), -3 (6-10), -5 (11-15), Incapacitated (16-20)
Abilities: Greek 5 (fighting), Welsh 3 (Understanding his father), Cappadocia Lore 3 (warriors), Athletics 3 (running), Awareness 4 (in combat), Bargain 2 (weapons), Brawl 5 (Dodge), Carouse 1 (drinking), Single Weapon 6 (Shield, Heater)
Equipment: Shield, Heater (Init: 0; Atk: 0; Dfn: +3; Str: 0; Cost: Standard); Full Metal Scale Armor (Soak: 9) (Soak: 9; Protection: 7); Pack
Encumbrance: 2 (4)

The Library

ivanhartley — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:42:38 CDT

Selected Volumes in the Covenant Library

Summa: "The 12 Laws of Creo within Hermetic Theory" (Topic: Creo, Quality 6 Level 12) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 18; Author: Unknown - copied from House Tremere Library at Coeris.

Summa: “Creo Invocare: God’s Gift of Subcreation” (Topic: Creo, Quality 7, Level 10) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 17; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Summa: “On the Particular Uses of Creo in the Laboratory” (Topic: Creo, Quality 7, Level 8) Language: Greek; Covenant Cost: 15; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Summa: "Insights into the Nature of all Forms" (Topic: Intellego, Quality 5 Level 15) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost 20; Author: Caecilius Bonisagus at Durenmar.

Summa: "The Indescernible Aspect of Truth" (Topic: Intellego, Quality 11, Level 10) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 21; Author: Tarquin ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "Observer and Species" (Topic: Intellego, Quality 8, Level 8) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 16; Author: Sperber ex Bjornaer.

Summa: "The Challenge of Essential Nature" (Topic: Muto, Quality 14, Level 10) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 24; Author: Vermilio ex Bjornaer.

Summa: "Metamorphosis of an Apprentice to a Master" (Topic: Muto, Quality 10, Level 9) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost 19; Author: Urgen of Bjornaer at Crintera.

Summa: "The Beginning of the End" (Topic: Perdo, Quality 7, Level 11) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 18; Author: Phillipus Niger of Flambeau.

Summa: "Puissant Control of Thought, Matter & Energy" (Topic: Rego, Quality 7, Level 14) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 21; Author: Stanislaw of Krakow.

Summa: "The Fundamental Nature of Beasts" (Topic: Animal, Quality 20, Level 8) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 28; Author: Harald ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "Water of Life" (Topic: Aquam, Quality 5, Level 9) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 14; Author: Ermanitu ex Tytalus.

Summa: “Auram Invocare: The Breath of God” (Topic: Auram, Quality 7, Level 10) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 17; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Summa: “A Mighty Wind” (Topic: Auram, Quality 7, Level 8) Language: Greek; Covenant Cost: 15; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Summa: "Investigating the Ineffible Connection" (Topic: Corpus, Quality 8, Level 19) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 27; Author: Grigorios ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "The Life and Form of Man" (Topic: Corpus, Quality 14, Level 18) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 32; Author: Nicodemos ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "Anatomy of Birth" (Topic: Corpus, Quality 14, Level 15) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 29; Author: Idelle of Mainz ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "Expositions on the Ephemeral Nature of Our Bodies" (Topic: Corpus, Quality 7, Level 12) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 19; Author: Benjamin ex Flambeau.

Summa: "The Physician of Hermes" (Topic: Corpus, Quality 5, Level 3) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 8; Author: Arwya ex Criamon.

Summa: "The First Discussion With the Living Wood" (Topic: Herbam, Quality 17, Level 11) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 28; Author: Diomedus ex Merenita.

Summa: "Ignis et Glacies: Fabricatio et Exitium de Ignem" (Topic: Ignem, Quality 8, Level 9) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 17; Author: Benatarus ex Jerbiton.

Summa: "The Elementary Premise of Fire" (Topic: Ignem, Quality 21, Level 6) Language: Latin; Cost: 27; Author: Ignatius ex Flambeau.

Summa: "A Brief Introduction to the Noble Art of Ignem" (Topic: Ignem, Quality 8, Level 5) Language: Latin; Cost: 13; Author: Sitis Ignoscor ex Flambeau.

Summa: "The Principles of Deception" (Topic: Imaginem, Quality 12, Level 8) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 20; Author: Vatutin ex Miscellanea.

Summa: "The Philosophical Examination of the Mind" (Topic: Mentem, Quality 23, Level 9) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 32; Author: Michael ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "On the Grudging Assent of Matter" (Topic: Terram, Quality 8, Level 19) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 27; Author: Dorius ex Verditius.

Summa: "Gaea's Stirring, Rhea's Tears" (Topic: Terram, Quality 8, Level 10) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 18; Author: Lucius ex Tytalus.

Summa: "Winds of the Spirit" (Topic: Vim, Quality 5, Level 9) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 14; Author: Sigurd ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "The Essential Nature of Magic" (Topic: Vim, Quality 16, Level 15) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 31; Author: Rachel the Younger ex Tremere.

Summa: "Reflections on the Edge of Twilight" (Topic: Vim, Quality 9, Level 22) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 31; Author: Whispering of Chimes ex Criamon.

Tractatus: “On the Efficacy of Zephyrus” (Topic: Auram, Quality 7) Language: Greek; Covenant Cost: 7; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Tractatus: “On The Incantation of Lightning” (Topic: Auram, Quality 9) Language: Greek; Covenant Cost: 9; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Summa: "The Core of Rhetoric" (Topic: Artes Liberales, Quality 10, Level 5) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost 25; Author: Giovanni ex Tytalus.

Summa: "The Treatment of Injured Warriors" (Topic: Chirurgy, Quality 9, Level 4) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 21; Author: Lux-Astella ex Flambeau.

Summa: "Law of Man and God" (Topic: Civil & Canon Law, Quality 9, Level 2) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 15; Author: Johann ex Bonisagus.

Summa: "The Code Interpreted" (Topic: Code of Hermes, Quality 12, Level 5) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 27; Author: Galien ex Bonisagus.
Summa: "Deus et Allah: Duos Visio de Divinus" (Topic: Dominion Lore, Quality 9, Level 6) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 27; Author: Amaltheus.

Summa: "Via Ut Nusquam quod Undique" (Topic: Enigmatic Wisdom, Quality 6, Level 9) Language Latin; Covenant Cost: 33; Author: Rosmarus ex Criamon.

Summa: "The Courtly & Ecclesiastic Graces" (Topic: Etiquette, Quality 8, Level 3) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 17; Author: Morneme ex Merenita.

Summa: "De Animalibus" (Topic: Magic Lore, Quality 12, Level 5) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 27; Author: Lugnasa ex Miscellanea.
Summa: "A Primer for the Theory of Magic" (Topic: Magic Theory, Quality 10, Level 3) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 19; Author: Perchnosius of Malmo.

Summa: "The Christian Church, a House Divided?" (Topic: Orthodox Church Lore, Quality 8, Level 2) Language: Demotic Greek; Cost: 14; Author: Brother Flaminius of Cappadocia.

Summa: "The Perfect Science of the Ancient Greeks" (Topic: Philosophiae, Quality 10, Level 5) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost 25; Author: Tempus ex Criamon.

Tractatus: "On Conducting Oneself at Church Councils" (Topic: Etiquette [Church], Quality 7) Language: Demotic Greek; Covenant Cost: 7; Author: Brother Flaminius of Cappadocia.

Tractatus: "Recognising the Adversary and his Minions" (Topic: Infernal Lore, Quality 10) Language: Demotic Greek; Covenant Cost: 10; Author: Brother Flaminius of Cappadocia.

Tractatus: "Notations on the Theory of Magic" (Topic: Magic Theory, 4 x Quality 8 in one volume) Language: Latin; Covenatn Cost: 32; Author: Perchnosius of Malmo.

Tractatus: “Bonisagean Effulgence in Greek Mysticism” (Topic: Magic Theory, Quality: 7) Language: Greek; Covenant Cost: 7; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Tractatus: "The Governance of Covenants" (Topic: Order of Hermes Lore, Quality 8) Language: Latin; Covenant Cost: 8; Author: Vasilli Strekalovskii of Paparotno.

Tractatus: “Improving Parma” (Topic: Parma Magica, Quality: 8) Language: Greek; Covenant Cost: 8; Author: Metatarzes filius Argentios.

Tractatus: "Resolving the Dichotomy of Creation and Eden" (Topic: Theology, Quality 5) Language: Demotic Greek; Cost: 5; Author: Brother Flaminius of Cappadocia.

Lab Texts from Metatarzes

Lab Text: Aegis of the Hearth (ReVi; Level: 10)

Lab Text: The Good Witness (CrMe; Level: 25; Magic Aligned)

Lab Text: Charge of the Angry Winds (CrAu; Level: 15)

Lab Text: Divide the Gathered Essence (ReVi; Level: 25)

Lab Texts

Lab Text: The Voice of the Bjornaer Magus (MuAn; Level 15)

Other Texts in the Library:

Proposed Lab Texts

Total Cost = 53

Lab Text: Lab Text: Image of the Beast: InAn, L5, ArM5 117 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Creating An Empty Book From a Filled One: PeAn, L3, Covs 97 - Cost: 0.6

Lab Text: Avaraciousness of the Ptolemies, The: ReAn, L4, Covs 100 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Binding the Mundane Codex: ReAn, Req Optional, L5, Covs 97 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Circle of Beast Warding: ReAn, L5, ArM5 120 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Disguise of the Putrid Aroma: ReAn, L5, ArM5 120 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Footsteps of Slippery Oil: CrAq, L5, ArM5 121 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Clear Sight of the Naiad: InAq, L5, ArM5 122 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Subtle Taste of Poison and Purity: InAq, L5, ArM5 122 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Test of Fastness and Fading: InAq, L5, Covs 96 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Touch of the Pearls: InAq, L5, ArM5 122 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Reveal the Hidden Words: MuAq, L5, HoH:S 98 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Comfort of the Drenched Traveler: PeAq, L5, ArM5 123 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Cloak of the Duck's Feathers: ReAq, L5, ArM5 124 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Air's Ghostly Form: CrAu, L5, ArM5 125 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Chamber of Spring Breezes: CrAu, L5, ArM5 125 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Wind at the Back: ReAu, L5, ArM5 128 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Physician's Eye: InCo, L5, ArM5 130 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Eyes of the Cat: MuCo, Req An, L5, ArM5 131 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Slipperyness of the Eel: MuCo, Req An, L5, SemE 35 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Stickyness of the Lizard's Toes: MuCo, Req An, L5, SemE 35 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: The Succubus's Trick: MuCo, L5, HoH:S 97 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Touch of the Goose Feather: PeCo, L5, ArM5 132 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Curse of the Unruly Tongue: ReCo, L5, ArM5 134 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: In Christ's Footsteps: ReCo, L5, GotF 96 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Spasms of the Uncontrolled Hand: ReCo, L5, ArM5 134 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Conjure the Sturdy Vine: CrHe, L5, ArM5 135 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Hunt for the Wild Herb: InHe, L5, ArM5 136 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Probe Nature's Hidden Lore: InHe, L4, ArM5 136 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Pass the Unyielding Portal: MuHe, L5, ArM5 137 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Curse of the Rotted Wood: PeHe, L5, ArM5 137 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: A Useful Inculcator of Comments: ReHe, L4, Covs 99 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Brew the Healing Tonic: ReHe, L5, A&A 70 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Dance of the Staves: ReHe, L5, ArM5 138 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Moonbeam: CrIg, L3, ArM5 139 - Cost: 0.6

Lab Text: Palm of Flame: CrIg, L5, ArM5 139 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Tales of the Ashes: InIg, L5, ArM5 141 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Many-Hued Conflagration, The: MuIg, L5, ArM5 141 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Tremulous Vault of the Torch's Flame: ReIg, L5, ArM5 142 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: False Window: CrIm, L5, HoH:S 68 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Prying Eyes: InIm, L5, ArM5 144 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: A Visible demand for Repair: MuIm, L5, HoH:S 65 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Taste of the Spices and Herbs: MuIm, L5, ArM5 145 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: The Clandestine Mask: MuIm, L4, HoH:S 98 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Taste of the Dulled Tongue: PeIm, L5, ArM5 146 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: By His Work: CrMe, L5, HoH:TL 73 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Recollection of Memories Never Quite Lived: MuMe, L4, ArM5 149 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Blinded Sentry, The: PeMe, L5, GotF 73 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Tip of the Tongue: PeMe, L5, ArM5 150 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Scribe the Perfect Circle Re: CrTe, L4, TMRE 96 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Probe for Pure Silver: InTe, L4, ArM5 153 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Invisible Glassworker, The: ReTe, L4, Covs 51 - Cost: 0.8

Lab Text: Unseen Arm: ReTe, L5, ArM5 155 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Scales of the Magical Weight: InVi, L5, ArM5 158 - Cost: 1.0

Lab Text: Sense of Magical Power: InVi, L2, ArM5 157 - Cost: 0.4

Lab Text: Sense the Nature of Vis: InVi, L5, ArM5 158 - Cost: 1.0

Vis Stores

Peregrine_Bjornaer — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:21:10 CDT

This is just a proposal for the allocation of 100 pawns of Vis in the covenant stores

Creo: 3
Intellego: 5
Muto: 3
Perdo: 17
Rego: 10

Animal: 11
Aquam: 0
Auram: 11
Corpus: 1
Herbam: 1
Ignem: 2
Imaginem: 0
Mentem: 2
Terram: 28
Vim: 6

Known Attributes of Peregrine of Bjornaer

Peregrine_Bjornaer — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:54:53 CDT

Redacted character summary (note that the summary is incomplete, since more information about the character would only become known to others through play; this information would most likely have been gleened from correspondence with Sowa ex Bjornaer regarding Peregrine's moving to Mystikae Eikona upon his gauntlet).

Covenant of Origin: Taneb’s Tooth, Transylvanian Tribunal

Known Virtues: Affinity with Aurum and Deft Form: Aurum; Adept Lab Student and Book Learner; Wilderness Sense.

Known Flaws: Chaotic Magic and Deficient Form: Ignem.

Known Abilities: Peregrine has excellent grasp of Latin and is sufficiently versed in Magic Theory to set up his own laboratory. He has sufficient knowledge of the skills that an Hermetic magus should know upon taking the oath (i.e. minimum scores in Artes Liberales, Code of Hermes, Concentration, Parma Magica, and Penetration).

Description: Peregrine is not physically impressive. He is of average height (5’6”/168 cm) and slim of build (115 lbs/52 kg), with shoulder-length straight black hair and piercing black eyes. His clean-shaven and delicate features, combined with his size, give him the appearance of a young man in his mid-to-late teens rather than a fully gauntleted magus who would have to be in his early twenties at the least.

His wizardly robes, which he dons as “formal” wear, are colored to reflect his heartbeast’s coloration: bluish-gray back and sleeves, tan front, and grayish-white around the legs, with a finely embroidered feather motif from head to toe. When not garbed as a wizard, he normally wears brightly-colored clothing from his homeland (akin to figures 4, 8, 10, & 13).

Peregrine is a remarkably cheerful fellow, and is almost never seen without a smile and an easy laugh to share. He is also possessed of an acerbic wit, and can be rather sarcastic at times. He is fairly athletic, a nimble climber with an exceptional sense of balance. He normally takes his meals in the great hall with the others unless he is trapped in the lab, in which case he will have Elene bring him his food. He has yet to travel by horse or cart since his arrival at Mystikae Eikona.

Boons and Hooks

argentius — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:37:09 CDT

Hooks (definite):

Tribunal Border--between the Theban and Levant Tribunals.
Beholden--to Sinews of Knowledge Covenant in the Greater Alps Tribunal. For the purchase of an exceptional book and for sharing in the creation of the portal between the two covenants, Mystikae Eikona owes 5 pawns of vis twice yearly (Christmas and June 29), plus a season's service per year or equivalent in books or enchanted items. In addition Sinews has the right to demand an important boon at least thrice more before the debt is erased in 1230.
Contested Resources -- (details needed)
Unknown Hooks--(I know the details, the players don't. Yet. If ever.)

Boons (definite):

Vast and Labyrinthine--almost every chimney has an underground passage to the caves and it is possible to move from center covenant to the caves without ever going outside, albeit some of the passages are a tight squeeze.
Hidden Ways -- the underground passges that riddle the area, possibly reaching as far as Goreme and Cavusin
Mystical Portal--a Hermes Portal between the covenant and Sinews of Knowledge in the Greater Alps Tribunal
Secondary Income--Horses (10 L/year), Pottery (20 L/year)
Exceptional Book--purchased from Sinews of Knowledge (details needed)
Hidden Resources--(details needed)
Local Ally--Yusuf Musharrem Bey, governor of Nyssa for the Seljuk Sultan

Hooks (proposed)

War Zone (as suggested by Kevin - I agree)

Boons (proposed)

What is known of Domazhir's Laboratory and Sanctum

ivanhartley — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:39:09 CDT

Domazhir is very proud of his laboratory, now that he has managed to get it arranged in a manner that suits him, and his staff properly organised. He is willing to show others around it, Afoseomenos, Magi, and covenfolk alike, and extends a cordial invitation to all of them to pay him a call in his, current, proudest posession, from which he expects to make items which will win him renown.

Unfortunately, things are not quite as he would have them, as he has been unable to overcome the presence of his predecessor in this laboratory, Rashid al-Damashqi, recently passed into final twilight... One of the downsides of having taken over another Magus' well developed laboratory.

The Forge at Mystikae Eikona:

Owner: Domazhir Slipoi
Location: Fairy Tower
Floor: Ground
Names Added to Sanctum Marker: Domazhir & Rashid al-Damashqi

Size: +1 (1) [75 sq. m.]
Upkeep: +4
Safety: +4
Health: +1
Aesthetics: +9

Virtues & Flaws

Virtues
Gallery (Minor Structure Virtue): Safety: +1; Aesthetics: +1; Teaching: +1 The work of Rashid al-Damashqi
Lesser Expansion (Minor Outfittings Virtue): General Quality: +1; Upkeep: +2; Specialization: Creo +1 The work of Rashid al-Damashqi
Lesser Feature (Minor Structure Virtue): Aesthetics: +1; Feature: Lofty Ceiling; Auram: +1 In the Nature of the Structure
Dedicated Building (Free Structure Virtue): Upkeep: +1; Aesthetics: +1; Rego: +1 In the Nature of the Structure
Magical Heating (Free Supernatural Virtue): Type: Superior; Safety: +0; Health: +1; Aesthetics: +1; Ignem: +1 The work of Rashid al-Damashqi
Magical Lighting (Free Supernatural Virtue): Type: Superior; Imaginem: +1; Aesthetics: +1; Texts: +1 The work of Rashid al-Damashqi
Lesser Feature (Minor Structure Virtue): Aesthetics: +1; Feature: Forge; Enchanting Items: +1 The work of Domazhir
Lesser Feature (Minor Structure Virtue): Aesthetics: +1; Feature: Wheel; Enchanting Items: +1 The work of Domazhir
Superior Tools (Free Outfittings Virtue): Upkeep: +1; Safety: +1; Enchanting Items: +1 Domazhir made these himself, being a master blacksmith - he'll probably have to maintain them likewise
Guard (Free Outfittings Virtue): Aesthetics: +1
Servant (Free Outfittings Virtue): Aesthetics: +1; Mentem: +1; Intelligence: +0; Safety: +0
Highly Organized (Free Outfittings Virtue): General Quality: +1; Increased Refinement The work of Domazhir

Flaws
Predecessor (Free Supernatural Flaw): Safety: -1; Warping: +1; Experimentation: +1 The missing, and lamented, Rashid al-Damashqi
Lesser Focus (Minor Structure Flaw): General Quality: -1; Feature: Forge; Enchanting Items: +2 The work of Domazhir, to enhance his item creation

Features
Lofty Ceiling: Type: Lesser In the Nature of the Structure
Forge: Type: Lesser The work of Domazhir
Wheel: Type: Lesser The work of Domazhir

Enchanted Items
Effect Level
The Tireless Servant The Legacy of Rashid al-Damashqi

Domazhir's Sanctum:

Domazhir claims the entire fairy chimney as his sanctum. He has taken over the ground floor for his laboratory, and uses the floor above for his living quarters and studio (which he has yet to fill). On the upper floors of his sanctum, he has housed his family of servitors, Ieuan, his wife, Theodora, and their son, Gwilim. Father and son share the duties of shield grog/guard, while Theodora mangaes the household (as she sees it). Ieuan's family can't possibly have occupied all the available space at the top of this chimney, so perhaps there will be room for Domazhir to house more staff.

The only visible acces to the structure, for anyone unable to fly, is a broad, open staircase up the outside of the chimney, to a platform on Domazhir's living level, and then up a narrower flight to the level above to the lowest level occupied by Ieuan and his family. Internal access between the floors must be available, but it is not obvious to visitors. There are many windows allowing in light and air, on all levels except that of the forge.

Known Attributes of Domazhir Slipoi, filius Hephaestia, ex Verditius

ivanhartley — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:36:20 CDT

Domazhir is a swarthy, heavily bearded Slav. At 170 cm [5'8"] and 75 kg [155 lbs/11 stone] he is unremarkable in his height and build. Being physically superior to many magi, he tends to be a bit too sure of himself in mundane situations, and lacking in perception of things not presented plainly to him, he often misses the cues that would prevent trouble from arising. He has dark, shaggy hair, dark eyes, and is left handed. He owns a finely crafted, well used, suit of full chain mail, along with the other panoply necessary for a foot warrior on the modern battlefield. He is as comfortable in this, as he is in his leather apron at his own forge.

He trained and gauntleted in Lemnos, at one of the known forges of Hephaestus
It is rumoured that he experimented during his gauntlet to achieve a more poweful item than would otherwise have been possible
Domazhir is a Pagan, and worships Svarog, his sons and clan, and Mati-Syra-Zemlya
He is a master blacksmith/swordmaker, with an interest in the equipment of warriors
It is possible that he has spent some time as a mundane mercenary
His magical proclivities lie in Terram, and he has a strong grasp of the theory of magic
Born somewhere in the lands of the Slavs, Domazhir speaks Slavic as his mother tongue, as well as the scholarly Latin he learned during his apprenticeship
From his time as a journeyman smith, he has learned a little common Greek, Russian and Turkic
Do not ask him to explain anything for you, it will take an entire season for you to beome less knowledgeable than you were previously
Although very poor at explaining matters to others, he is swift to learn in any way available

Domazhir's sanctum staff can be found here.

Information on Domazhir's Laboratory and Sanctum can be found here.

Laboratories and Sancta

ivanhartley — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:49:43 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

The Magi

ivanhartley — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:45:05 CDT

The Founders

The First-Comers

Metatarzes filius Argentius ex Bonisagus (currently disceptator), 1145-

Albanus filius Flammaria ex Flambeau, 1145-

Rashid ibn Ayyub al-Damashqi of Ex Miscellanea, 1145-1211 (Final Twilight)

The Second-Comers

Iakovos filius Zoraya ex Bonisagus, 1146-

Annais filia Guillemaque ex Criamon, 1147-

Crispinianus filius Cadfael ex Jerbiton, 1150-1205 (died at the hands of Seljuk Sultanate guards)

Bertholomeus filius Artavasdas ex Mercere, 1163-1205 (as per Crispinianus)

The Younger Magi

Peregrine filius Sowa of Bjornaer

Peregrine, a newly-gauntleted Bjornaer magus, comes to Mystikae Eikona from the Transylvanian Tribunal.

He is an Aurum specialist.

Joined the Covenant in 1220.

Peregrine's Journal.

Humbertus Eques of Guernicus

Humbertus, a member of the Covenant for at least 10 years, is of all things a good hand with horses. His was the idea of supplementing the covenant's income by raising fine equine beasts for sale, mostly to the Seljuk Rum who appreciate fine animals.

He is one of the rare House Guernicus magi who is NOT a Quaesitor.

Joined the Covenant in XXXX.

Tellus of Bonisagus

Tellus of Bonisagus has been at the covenant for just over ten years, as a guest and as a member.
He's known for his abilities as a teacher and writer, as well as for his fascination with Terram.

Domazhir Slipoi of Verditius

Played by Ivan: ivanhartley@gmail.com

Domazhir has been at the covenant for the last year. He has spent his time crafting his own superior tools, and organizing his laboratory spending the autumn season refining his laboratory, and making his forge a feature of the laboratory. The winter was passed in thoroughly cleaning the lab and accustoming his newly acquired forge companion and shield grogs to his routines. Now that all of that is out of the way, perhaps he can get down to making some useful items for the covenant.

Joined the covenant in 1219.

Known Attributes of The Founders

argentius — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:49:54 CDT

Metatarzes filius Argentius ex Bonisagus

founded the covenant in 1145
Metatarzes filius Argentius is an elderly (though not infirm) man of medium height and slight build. In fact his nickname among some of the less-respectful members of the covenant is “Beanpole” (which he knows, and finds amusing). He is balding, and while has only a minimal beard, but long mustaches—all a pure white, almost like summer clouds. It is not known exactly how old he is, though he appears to be about 75.

Metatarzes is known as an expert in Creo and Auram arts. Those were his focus as a young magus, though in later life he has expanded his range substantially and as been seen to perform some complex work in Intellego, Rego, Animal, and Vim. Even so, he is recognized as a good generalist rather than a specialist. His sigil is a slight breeze carrying a whiff of ozone as before a lightning strike.

Metatarzes is acclaimed in House Bonisagus and almost as famed in the Order, not the least because he managed to found a covenant that has not yet been made to choose a tribunal. He has a reputation as a fine magic theorist, researcher, and (pardon the term) a renaissance man.

In the covenant he is the only member who has regularly been re-elected to the office of disceptator, or council-head. He has served almost every other 7-year term since the founding in 1145.

Metatarzes has a familiar who accompanies him almost everywhere. A Dalmatian hound, it is named Afosiomenos, or “Spot”. It is not uncommon to find Metatarzes and Spot seated on a fall of stone, discussing some esoteric and unfathomable bit of hermetic lore, for Spot has the gift of speech.

Metatarzes is an indefatigable author and most of his lab texts have been translated (not all by him, but with his permission and aid) and are in the library. He created the Aegis of the Hearth spell used at the covenant. He has written Summae and Tractatus on a variety of subjects, found not only in the library but also in many places in the Order.

He has created only six magic devices, but they include useful tools such as The Physicians Perceptive Eye and The Tin Miners Spoon, both of which have been of great benefit to the covenant. He has an amber wand that has been seen to have some interesting effects, but he does not divulge them and uses it only rarely.

Of course with so many fine accomplishments there must be some issues. In the last decade or so Metatarzes has experienced two twilights and both have left him behaving a trifle odd. Perhaps not a trifle, since the rumor of his sometimes strange behavior has spread beyond the covenant to the Order. What that may bring to the covenant, no one can say.

Still, Metatarzes is generally a wise, friendly, and only moderately cranky old man. It is easy to forget he is a puissant magus who could turn you into a spot of lightning toasted cow dung if angered.

Albanus filius Flammaria ex Flambeau

founded the covenant in 1145
Albanus is a native of England, and was raised in the vicinity of Shrewsbury. He is very tall, almost 6 feet and some suggest he has giant blood. His hair is dark gray with a wide streak of flaxen blonde running from crown to left ear. He wears no beard or mustache. His eyes are a piercing blue.

While everyone knows Albanus is at least 90 years of age, he is quite well-preserved and appears to be no more than about 40.

Albanus has a temper problem and is easily angered. It doesn't help that he enjoys argument for its own sake and insulting people who irritate him. He often seems troubled but blames the incompetence of others in the covenant for his troubles. He can be a bit rash with accusations.

He seems able to endure great hardship, and is an inveterate walker, rarely riding an animal or a cart or even magical transport. He spends much time in the caves and has searched out many hidden places, including the Chapel of the Mystical Ikon.

Albanus speaks and reads English, Latin, Arabic and Greek.

Albanus is known to be quite skilled with Creo and Ignem (he is a Flambeau, after all), and to have magic that is virtually flawless. He often needs a sharp rebuke (verbal or physical) to prevent him from going too far while performing magical activities. He has a ring he enchanted that has been seen to contain certain ignem effects, at the least. It is known that he excels also at Perdo, and is very good with Terram and Vim. His spell repertoire is rumored to be more than 40.

Many of his faults are forgiven because he is an experienced vintner, especially adept at creating sweet vintages. He keeps an extensive cellar of his own and other wines and can be cajoled into sharing without too much trouble.

Iakovos filius Zoraya ex Bonisagus

joined the covenant in 1146, considered a founder

Iakovos lives rather in the shadow of the great Metatarzes, yet he is no mean magus. His mystical life appears to be devoted to experimentation, and more often than not his fairy chimney has served as an actual chimney with smoke (and even less healthy things) emanating forth.

He holds the record for number of wizard's twilights at the covenant, and is clearly suffering from scarring and warping.

The covenfolk tend to avoid him because of his tendency to change shape--or it may be a recurring illusion that makes him sometimes appear as a snake-man, then as a donkey-headed man, then as something else all to hideous to describe.

Yet those who do approach and make acquaintance find him to be a pleasant companion, albeit one that may look quite different in five minutes time.

He is known to be accomplished in Intellego and Imaginem.

Annais filia Guillemaque ex Criamon

joined the covenant in 1147, considered a founder

A strange and moody woman, Annais is best known not for her magic, but for her weirdly realistic (and not at all medieval-looking) paintings.

She does not make a display of her abilities, but spends most of her time either in her fairy chimney or wandering Cappadocia with her magical painting kit.

Some speculate she seeks to understand the Enigma by painting landscapes, but who can really understand a Criamon?

Contrary to popular belief, she does not go by the name of Lydia outside the Covenant (nor has she ever met a man with hairy eyebrows and a fake mustache with a cigar named Marx).

known attributes of Tellus

argentius — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:54:46 CDT

Prefered Art: Terram.

Known Virtues: Good Teacher, cautious sorceror, probably some sort of bonus to Terram.

Known Flaws: Small Frame and Deficient Form Herbam.

General Covenant Information

argentius — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:31:58 CDT

The covenant's general aura is 3. About 30 years back the elder magi, with some help from elsewhere, set most of the fairy chimneys appropriate for use as sanctum and lab space at 5.

There are only six fairy chimneys with aura 5. All other possible lab space is 3.

Known Attributes of Humbertus Eques

argentius — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:20:32 CDT

Humbertus Eques filius Livia
aka Humbert de Venosc
aka Humbert du Cheval
of House Guernicus

Known Virtues: Inoffensive to Animals, Affinity (Mu), Animal Ken, and a focus dealing with animals.

Known Flaws: Lame, Problems with Intelligo, and a curse or injury which prevents him from remembering the circumstances of "the Crisis."

History Notes

argentius — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:37:56 CDT

Links to pages about Cappadocia

www.magnificenttravel.com/cappadocia.html Most web pages about Cappadocia have something to do with travel, but many of those have some wonderful photos and some tidbits of history. This is one of them, and with links (at the bottom) to the three cities near the covenant: Goreme, Zelve and Avanos.

http://cappadociatraveltours.com/sf-articles-of-Cappadocia_Monuments-tp-4.htmAnother site with all kinds of information, including the ancient names of the cities and provinces. Very helpful. Click the links on the right to check out the various locations, many referenced in the saga.