[tab][/tab] During the month past the winter solstice, and the performance of the Aegis ritual that wards the perimeter of the Covenant, new magi have started appearing at the doorstep, one by one with their possessions and retinue in caravans or just by themselves, braving the winter snows. Under the missive of Anastaj, the newcomers used the Halcyon days of this winter to travel from the towns they wintered up the mountains and up the river to the covenant, despite the snows. Named after the tragic daughter of Aeolus whom the gods transformed into a kingfisher, these seven days were a break in the bad weather scouring the mountains, when even the sun was allowed to shine again... not that you could observed it directly since the covenant is in a shadow place. The three young men were welcomed by an absent-minded Anastaj (and a bit preoccupied with...something), who gave them the 'tour' and the 'speech' and after giving each a ceramic Aegis token with the stamp of a saint Christopher, promptly foisted them off to Dimitrios his aide. The young man is a serious fellow and apparently the unofficial seneschal of the place, since he knows everyone and everything, has the keys to all the doors and handles the day to day affairs with stoicism. Moreover he is more forthcoming with information and swiftly performs his duties and any (reasonable) requests.
[tab][/tab] While Anastaj, the eldest of the magi here, is 'busy' in his underground laboratory, there are other magi present. In fact, every member of the covenant except a Bjornaer who missed the Aegis ceremony and is wintering in the far north. The main building of the Rotunda houses their living quarters and laboratories, except the only maga who has a separate house with her family (all muslims!). The snow filled gorge contains seven more outbuildings, five rickety cottages that have been abandoned during winter, a small stone house used by the blacksmith's family, and a long stone building that houses the guards, with a newly made outside paddock for a pair of horses. Some ways down the path bellow the covenant grounds is a newly made stone building with few narrow windows, the purpose or use of which is unclear.
[tab][/tab] Each of the newcomers is provided with his/her own private quarters, simple rooms in the main building that are thankfully warm and watertight, even though not that comfortable, while Dimitrios explains that there are large spaces for laboratories and such in the floors above and below, available for research. He provides a scribed copy of the Charter for their perusal and explains basic things about the life in Meru Mudi (meals, laundry, baths, etiquette and other such 'minor' stuff necessary for living). Besides the sancti of the magi, all other rooms and spaces are open for their perusal.
[tab][/tab] The people of Meru Mudi are a mixed lot. Right from the start it is evident that while everyone is cordial and deferential, there is much mistrust towards the strangers. The greeks are polite but calculating, the vlachs guarded and openly observing, and the few servs are outright fearful and make themselves scarce. Some people are more open to chatter, men and women in direct service to one or more magi commonly called companions, but even they show a guarded stance, sharing little of value. The magi are another matter...
[tab][/tab] The Charter has seven members. Of the two Bjornaer, only Pavo a surprisingly Flamboyant man is present. The Bonisaga named Raven makes her home outside the Rotunda with her family, Aristocles and Scylax have quarters inside. The last two are Anastaj the Vlach, locked up in his semi-underground laboratory (though from what you hear he frequently outs to roam the mountains), nominally the founder and head of the covenant, and Christophoros another founder who is now dead, though his name has yet to be crossed from the list. In the days before the official inclusion of the newcomers into the Covenant, there have been many chance encounters and discussions, people getting to know each other, despite the weirdly oppressive feeling of mistrust that is hanging in the air.
[tab][/tab] On January the 25th, the council convenes in the morning and the new people will be giving their oaths and a place at the (now crowded) conference table. The council is to convene at noon after lunch and all members are required to be present. The small room will quickly fill up. Outside the last remnants of yesterday's storm blow away, trapping you in another week of cold and
snow....
[Hello, and welcome!
[tab][/tab] This adventure starts on January 25th during a Council meeting called by Anastaj to introduce the new comers to the other folk of the covenant. All magi are present, but when and how you come to the council chamber is up to you. It would be good if you split your posts into groups for the first phase of this adventure: the first part should be what is happening now before and during the Council. After that you can add meetings and chance encounters you had during the week with other magi in your quest to get acquainted (some of the 'old guard' can be very social, while others might be recluses and avoid contact until the last minute). These encounters are up to you to flesh out.
[tab][/tab] There are few companions at this time of the year around, and those that are present are busy. Anastaj is 'busy' as well and unless its something important he will see you all at the council itself. Dimitrios will be the person to go to (I am sure I had a description of him somewhere posted...). Please any information you want to ask, put it at the end of your post or do a PM. I will be doing the end of year report for 1215 soon-ish for stuff needed from there, try not to foreshadow. Good luck!]
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