Rhenus Cornibus Reparati
Key Facts
- Favored Tribunals: Rhine Tribunal and neighbouring
- Major Non-Hermetic Virtue: Ways of the River
- Minor Hermetic Virtue: River Magic (Atlantean Magic reskin)
- Major Hermetic Flaw: Restriction (Bound)
History
The Germanic people of old venerated Rhenus Pater, the personification of the Rhine River. Neptunus’ rival and father of all nymphs and rivers. Horned Rhenus was a powerful spirit who had many followers. These followers would submerge their newly born children in the Rhine thus allowing Rhenus to bless them with enhanced vitality and the power of divination. There are also rumours of human sacrifices though the modern Rhenus Cornibus Reparati denies that such practices have ever existed. Explaining it as Roman propaganda which sadly still persists. Rhenus would teach magic to worthy mortals within the Germanic tribes. These mortals could prevent floods, change the running of rivers and predict the future.
As the Romans subjugated the barbarian it was said by Ovid that they broke the horns of Rhenus. Rhenus Pater did seem to have suffered some mysterious damage, something most Rhenus Cornibus Reparati believes to be due to treachery and the Cult of Mercury. The Daimon stopped appearing at the traditions' gatherings and the traditions' powers weakened. Despite this the practices and traditions would be continued and passed on to the next generations, even under the watchful eyes of the Cult of Mercury. Some Rhenus magi even suggest that the Cult stole many of their secrets, most significantly the targeting of roads, a poor copy of their magic which affects rivers. Eventually the Cult and Empire would fall. Rhenus followers could now finally repair their horns and continue their practices undisturbed.
The minor tradition was largely ignored by the Order as weak and beneath notice. The followers of Rhenus had lost much of their former power under Roman oppression and the tradition needed time to rediscover these ancient secrets and most importantly contact Rhenus Pater again. Something they have not yet succeed in doing. Eventually a Pralician magi would reach out and ensure a place within the new house for them. The tradition begrudgingly accepted to avoid destruction.
Culture
The Rhenus cornibus reparati is in a somewhat delicate situation, they had just shaken free from an oppressive Latin overlord when a new arrived. This overlord also seemed to think their own traditions and ways are superior to those which Rhenus taught. Being part of the Order has many advantages however, followers can yet again control rivers with hermetic magic and the Parma is invaluable.
Rhenus magi often keep to themselves, ignoring the large happening within the Order – not an uncommon practice for traditions within House Ex Miscellanea. Rhenus magi tend to stay close to rivers though not necessarily the Rhine itself. The tradition usually gets together in various celebrations, though there isn't much magical significance in these feasts.
A thorn in the traditions side is that they have not been able to contact Rhenus Pater again. The powerful daimon must be biting his time somewhere but he has yet to be located by his followers. Finding him should be the key to unlocking their past power and might even make these new Latin overlords unnecessary.
Similar traditions exist centering around the Danube, Elbe and many other large rivers throughout Mythic Europe. These are mostly treated as lesser versions by Rhenus magi, why honor a child when you can honor Rhenus Pater himself?
Characters
Nymph and Undine blood is very common within the tradition, naturally many specialize within the Aquam and Auram arts. Element Magic is common and so is engaging with the mysteries of Theurgy, calling upon powerful river spirits. Those who have been submerged within the Rhine or similar significant river often have the Reverse of Strength or Divination (Hydromancy) virtues. Most members think little of the Latin Order, however it is undeniably a valuable tool and it's too early to truly oppose it. Better to bid time and continue searching for Rhenus Pater.
The Restriction (Bound) is a consequence of the traumatic subjugation and applies when the magi for example have their hand, arm or feet bound. This is not common knowledge within the Order and Rhemus magi refers to this as having their horns stripped. If anyone would learn the weakness of the tradition, they would be quick to act with declarations of Wizard Wars and whatever other method they can figure out to silence the threat.