Quite frankly, I was looking for more Hermetic resources than anything else. I mentioned experts and resources as Siderno is a small, charterless town, and I have no idea of what you might or might not approve. 250 BPs is too much just for experts and silver (silver we have in abundance!), new vis sources are almost unheard of, per Saga background, and raw vis in such amounts well, a player can only dream. As far as experts, 1 more Teacher and 1 more Scribe would probably be useful. Also more soldiers; we have a castle, after all.
An eremite who died a while back with no clear heirs, with a few books (say 1 summae, 7 tractati (Arcane abilities/Arts, a dozen Lab texts), an interesting and specialized Lab requiring some fixing, in a small hidden place with an aura, some vis, and a magic item or two could probably come out to 200 points or less, and still have plenty of BPs left over for experts, wealth and what not.
These guys hired/boarded a ship, maybe we can get a crew? Is there a dock that's of use, at Locri? Naval power might be worth expanding into, although we are not the Aquam brigade. Taurus's mastery of Terram might pique his interest in a project, building a dock, connecting it with the Castle, so that we can legally claim the abandoned town. Just throwing ideas out there.
Andros can certainly listen to Julien's opinion on what is needed at Praesidium Orae.
I'll wait for your input, silveroak, on what you would allow, before I commit to a story.
Here's what I've come up with, all subject to Storyguide and troupe approval. And a successful adventure, I want to make clear no rolls have been made, this is just throwing ideas out there. Input is welcome!
Lucius Malatesta, ex Miscellanea, Malocchio Tradition lived out his last years in his beloved coast of Italy as an eremite. He was Gently Gifted, and throughout his Hermetic career, a very ambitious magus, addicted to interference with mundane politics. He had many allies and influence for a while, but burned it all up avoiding Quaesitorial investigations and more than one Wizard’s march. In his last escapade, he lost his familiar to Tribunal decision, a heavy blow, and disappeared. He essentially retired about 20 years ago to Siderno, an unimportant and charter less town, to disappear from view for a while. There he started to spread his influence again, but old age, continuous setbacks and the loss of his familiar had sapped a lot his drive and energy. Around 12 years ago, he actually reached out to nearby Praesidium Orae for Longevity ritual services, but was rebuffed (for whatever reason, maybe his name was toxic, maybe the message was simply ignored at a busy time, maybe Malatesta had little to offer). Desperate, he started to write tractati and Lab Texts to offer as payment, and perhaps to buy in a spot at the covenant at Locri (Healthy feature + Corpus experts, very attractive to an old man whose LR had failed), but he died in the Winter of 1096.
While alive, Lucius organized a few of the men in Siderno as intelligence gathering agents, teaching them Stealth, Guile, intrigue, and other useful abilities, these were passed on to their descendants. These descendants had much to do with the recent near uprising which led to the shipwreck.
Malatesta's treasures:
"The Wizard's Enduring Will", Summae Me L20 Q 13, 33 BPs, this is a copy of a better book, hastily copied
"An ear for distant thoughts", "Fleeting ghosts of the mind", 2 Tractati Me Q11,
"The Landscape of my inner thoughts made manifest", "The eyes are the doors, and mine is the key", 2 Tractati Imaginem Q11,
"Cursed apparitions begone!", "Master of magic, master of all", 2 Tractati Vim Q11,
"I'll see you bend your knee", "Thoughts on debasing others", 2 Tractati Entrancement skill Q11,
"Let thy enemies fight each other", Tractatus on Intrigue Q11 99 BPs on Tractati
Lab texts: Image from the Wizard Torn ReIm 30, Disguise of the Transformed Image MuIm 15, Eyes of the Eagle InIm 25, Discern Own illusions InIm 15, Prying Eyes InIm 5, Words of the Unbroken Silence CrMe 10, Panic of the Trembling Heart CrMe 15, Sight of the Transparent motive InMe 10, Posing the Silent Question InMe 20, Recollection of Memories Never Quite lived MuMe 4, Vision of the Haunting spirits MuMe 40, Trust of Childlike faith PeMe 10, Enchantment of Detachment PeMe 15, Aura of Rightful Authority ReMe 20, Coerce the Spirits of the Night ReMe 20, 244 levels, 41 BPs
Lab Text of Charged devices for Aura of Ennobled Presence (MuIm 10), a wax seal of a crown,
and Trust of Childlike faith PeMe 10 Pen +50, 9 BPs
Vis: 5 Pawns Me, 5 pawns Im, 10 pawns Co, 4 BPs
—— 186 BPs
25 BPs silver (250 Mythic pounds), this is not actual money, but perhaps ownership of a vessel or two, certainly fishing boats.
Experts:
Fedo, 50 years old: +2 Com, Good Teacher, Well-Traveled, Affinity with living languages, Lame, Poor Eyesight, Fragile Constitution BP 9, this was Malatesta's best student and stooge in charge, and was also badly injured in the magus's final adventure.
4 Grogs, Antonin, Fredo, Vergil, Tulius, with a focus on Stealth, Awareness, Guile, Intrigue, Brawl, Weapon use, and a second language: probably Warriors with Puissant Stealth and a third Virtue to make them stand out. BP 12
(Siderno later on in history-much later on- becomes a focal point of organized crime, so I chose some ruffians)
Other experts/BPs based on Julien’s suggestions, BP variable, 18 points available.
Basically, although useful stuff, no one in the covenant seems to be currently interested in Me/Im. And I think no one has Entrancement. But they can be traded/copied. I thought it would be more realistic than having a bunch of Creo/Co/Te/MT tractati magically appearing. The contested resources Hook might have to do with somebody claiming Malatesta's belongings (he had no apprentices as far as anyone knows), perhaps claiming theft (although the tractati are written by him) or recompense for some past misdeed, alleging he was a member of Praesidium Orae or some such nonsense.
And also, as silveroak indicated, there are other nobles looking to annex Siderno.
My thought was that I wouldn't give out all 250 BP at once- these are after all hidden resources. However some BP can be added as adventure rewards as well. The town has no magical aura, so it is unlikely that a magus settled there to establish a lab- at least not any time recently, though there are some temple ruins which could be interesting sources of magical objects or documents.
In terms of what Jullien is thinking of, the covenant is on the verge of moving from spring to fall, and currently laborers handle 32% of the food production. While the costs and benefits of a number of professionals will need reassessment as the covenant costs increase he is certain there will be a need to replace laborers with more specialized people. Perhaps a master fisherman for the covenant, and a preserves maker...
Adventure 1: Jullien, Gabriell, Aegis, Pazzino, and Bonoro is assigned from on duty shield grogs. 3 cycles, challenge of 12: legal/diplomatic, social, choice
Adventure 2: Taurus and Francesco is selected from on duty shield grogs. 4 cycles, challenge 6: choice, legal/diplomatic, social, combat
If there were an Eremite magus of the order in Siderno, he would be a holy magus who was not Roman Catholic- more likely (and then technically not an eremite) a magus of the Muslim faith who would feel the need to keep out of the view of the Roman Covenant (a covenant of Catholic Holy mages located in Rome)
In the ruins of the ancient temples you find a metal defixio of the Cult of Pluto, and in a separate place a prayer tablet with a song in what appears to be ancient Greek upon it (A Hyperborean hymn- defy the hound of Cerberus: for BP calculation this is a lab text of level 65. (13 BP) The Defixio will also be treated as a lab text for a level 15 effect at 3 BP.
Ok then, let's go for what Julien proposes, these will hardly make a dent on the 250 BPs, unless he's planning on hiring a score of experts. Are these the same people from adventure 1, 1104:
[i]Adventures for 1104:
(castle)- faeries are offering a town charter to a nearby (currently unchartered) town, and are maligning the reputation of the covenant to imply the town needs protection from you. (spring, first challenge social)[/i]
Heh heh, reminds of the Quest for the Holy Grail. Let's hope we don't slip into winter so soon!
Rolls for Adventure #4 ([strike]story to come later[/strike]):
More than a year after the wrecking of the ship on the Locri coast, Andros has finally found time to visit the little town of Siderno. In exchange for Praesidium Orae's discretion, they have agreed to cede land and resources to the covenant, and a small group, many who were involved that fateful day, are journeying there to take stock of what might be found. Julien, Paco, Bonaro, and Phillipe travel there in less than a couple of hours. The people of the sleepy village appear surprised at the well=armed party. Rotund julien, scarred Bonaro, and scary Andros (armed, armored, Great Weapon, the Gift), draw the most attention; the villagers gather in small groups to mutter at each other in low voices. Julien gathers his courage and speaks: "Greetings, good people of Siderno! We come from the fortress at Locri, and we would speak with your elders about work and opportunities." A delegation soon forms, a man called Fedo seems to wield some influence; he clearly knows that the wizards have come to get their due.
Phillipe slips out, he will scout the outskirts and as chance allows, will speak to the beasts of the field, much more comfortable with them than with people.
Julien manages to Charm the people sufficiently that a small feast is organized in their welcome, and the house of one of the villagers is made available for their stay.
Julien Charm (first impressions) + Pre, 5 +2 + _: 1D10 = [2] = 2 = 9, success. Andros has Charm, but the -3 from the Gift would not have helped. Self-evident, want to favorably impress these people.
He makes it clear that there are places for those who work hard, who want to learn, who will live longer in the service of the allies of the Duke of Apullia. Those who want to learn are most welcome, it is not just a place of soldiers, but a place to learn trade, to learn a language, to learn to read and write. Here Andros speaks, and despite his Gift, his enthusiasm for teaching is undeniable. Over the next few days, he gives demonstrations of swordplay, Concentration, Italian, French, Latin.
Andros Teaching + Comm 5+2+2-3(the Gift), + _: 1D10 = [4] = 4 = 10, success
Over the course of a few days, readin', ritin','rithmetic, languages, swordplay, better life, etc..., on full display.
Meanwhile, Julien is busy gathering intel, identifying potential recruits, getting the lowdown on the settlement, and finding things that magi might value. Phillipe informs them of the temple ruins, Julien hires a reliable guide, and they spend a couple of days exploring the remains of an overgrown temple that appears to have been the focal point of more than one cult through antiquity. There are caves, niches, many places to explore. Some actually intact objects (In the ruins of the ancient temples you find a metal defixio of the Cult of Pluto, and in a separate place a prayer tablet with a song in what appears to be ancient Greek upon it (A Hyperborean hymn- Defy the Hound of Cerberus) are carefully moved and packed to be examined later. Andros is determined to return and explore further, he is eager to inform his sodales of his success!
Julien's Intrigue + Int, 3 +1 + _: 1D10 = [5] = 5 = 9, success
Once we gain a measure of trust, Julien uses his talents to ferret out who is who, and who to talk to, and we get a good guide (a local shepherdess) to explore the temple ruins, where we find these hidden resources.
So the adventure takes 7 days, has 2 rewards, 2 Confidence points to Andros, and provides 4 xp to whomever wants it that participated. It does not impact any other activity anyone else has. Andros will read a book, will post later, and take his xp from that other source. Rewards: 1 notch against Contested resources Hook, 1 reward is extra BPs for Hidden resources, silveroak. + those cool potential Breakthrough sources (not that Andros possesses the capability to research them, most probably).
I did not include Pazzino, as I didn't see express approval from darkwing.
*edited to include the story elements, sorry if its flat, wasn't feeling that inspired. Where in the wiki should we post these items?
Hi!
I control none of these companions, so I will cede the opportunity to either darkwing or Quite Possibly a Cat. In case they are unable, I can look at the characters stats, choose appropriate rolls, etc..., and paste CoyoteCode results. And I know Pazzino has both a relic and Confidence, and Gabriele has Confidence to spare. With difficulty 12 and 3 cycles, looks like they''ll need it!
So rereading this I see how this was subpar communication. Aegis, Evan and Hadrian are going on both 2 and 3. I didn't see the Faerie friend challenge and cycles. (Although I may have missed it. I'm really good at that.)
First Adventure, First Cycle
Folk Ken+Per, Pazzino=5(Folk Ken)+1(Per)+1(Assistance, Gabriele)+Stress(4)+(3)Faith Point,Relic=14 Success!
Civil and Cannon Law+Int, Pazzino = 6(Law)+1(Int)+Stress (3)+(3)Confidence=13
Artes Lib+Com, Pazzino = 5(AL)+2(Com)+1(Assistance, Aegis)+Stress(7)=14
Three Successes, a Confidence point of Pazzino's was used, but I'm calling it fair since we get an extra reward out of it and that can buy back the confidence. Second Cycle
Carouse+Sta, Borano 4(Carouse)+Sta(1)+2(Assistance, Aegis, Gabriele)+Stress(7)=14
Charm+Pre, Julien Charm(4)+Pre(2)+2(Assistance, Aegis, Gabriele)+Stress(3)=11 Fail!
Music+Com, Gabriele 5(Music, Lute)+2(Com)+stress(3)+Confidence(3)=13
Note: Music isn't on the list, but it seems fitting. Gabriele's Guile, Fast Talk provides the same outcome, with Julien's assistance. Gabriele should get to choose a reward since he spent confidence. Third Cycle, Combat!
Athletics+Dex, Bonaro 3(Athe, Running)+(2)Dex+2(Assistance, Pazzino, Gabriele)+Stress(6)=13
Brawl+Qik, Aegis 4(Brawl, Dodge)+0(Qik)+2 assistance, Gabriele, Pazzino+Stress(5)=12
Single Weapon+Str, Borano= 6(Single Weapon)+1(Str)+4(Assistance, Pazzino, Aegis, Gabriele)+Stress(2)=13
Adventure One Story
Taxes! The tax man comes around to take some of the covenants money! That's not good at all. But Pazzino watches the tax collecters as they review the books and as it just so happens, the Covenant has been overpaying for sometime now! At first it seems like the tax man is in the right, but when Pazzino actually checks the documents it turns out that one of the fees the Covenant was paying was actually being calculated incorrectly, and the Covenant had been overpaying. Worse for the tax collector, it seems the Covenant is entitled to getting paid back!
The tax man quickly ends up in a tizzy over this. He was sent to get money, apparently was repeatedly told how important this was for some reason or other and failed in the most spectacular manner ever. But the party does a rather good job of keeping the man's spirits up with drink and such, and he eventually calms down. Songs were had, friends were made and everyone was merry. They part ways on good terms.
The very next day the tax man returns! Apparently the Brotherhood decided it was time for a bandit raid! The tax man warns the group about the impending raid and the bandits are caught before they can do any harm. The party runs down the bandits, dodging a few half-hearted arrows before they finally get into melee. The bandits are then slaughtered.
Time: 16 days
Experience: 9
Rewards: 5
Pazzino, and Gabriele can each pick one, since they gave confidence. Theoretically, you could replace the confidence. I'm giving the rest to the covenant though.
Build Points*2= 6 build points
Notch on the indebted hook.
Specialist: Ex-Tax Man, Current Scribe: Latin 5, A.L. 1, Profession: Scribe 6, Magic Theory 1, 6 build points
He joined the covenant after learning how evil his employers really were. He is actually an excellent scribe, and apparently very accepting of magicians. He managed to pick up a little magic theory very quickly.
Money: 60 pounds of silver, the taxes the covenant overpaid.
Crap. Well time to rewrite the story for the adventure. The rewards will change a little as well... time to go fix that.
Edit: Reposted the rewards, they are also changed above.
Time: 16 days
Experience: 9
Rewards: 5
Pazzino, and Gabriele can each pick one, since they gave confidence. Theoretically, you could replace the confidence. I'm giving the rest to the covenant though.
Build Points*2= 6 build points
Notch on the indebted hook.
Specialist: Ex-Tax Man, Current Scribe: Latin 5, A.L. 1, Profession: Scribe 6, Magic Theory 1, 6 build points
He joined the covenant after learning how evil his ex-employers really were. He is actually an excellent scribe, and apparently very accepting of magicians. He managed to pick up a little magic theory very quickly.
Darkwing you get to chose a reward! Archimedes you get to chose a reward too!
Money: 60 pounds of silver, the taxes the covenant overpaid.
Adventure #2: Mercer Mayhem (With a large cast of characters.)
Cycle 1: Magic (die rolls)
7 + 20 Spell: Piercing the Magical Veil (Evan) = 27 Success
0 (no botch) + 9 Magic Theory (Evan) + 3 Int = 12 Success
9 + 5 Magic Lore (Taurus) + 0 Per = 14 Success
Cycle 2: Legal/Diplomatic (die rolls)
0 (no botch) + 3 Order of Hermes Lore (Evan) + 3 Com + 1 Support = 7 Success
6 + 2 Artes Liberales (Taurus) + 0 Pre + 1 Support = 9 Success
3 + 2 Intrigue (Evan) + 3 Com = 8 Success
Cycle 3: Social (die rolls)
3 + 2 Etiquette (hermetic) + 1 Pre = 6 Success
0 (no botch) + 2 Charm (Taurus) + 2 Int + 1 Support + 3 Conf = 8 Success
5 + 1 Guile (Evan) + 0 Per = 6 Success
Cycle 4: Combat (die rolls)
1, 3 -> 6 + 5 Brawl (Taurus in Stone Bull form) + 0 Dex = 11 Success
0 (no botch) + 6 Single Weapon (Francesco) + 2 Qik = 8 Success
5 + 4 Athletics (Taurus in Stone Bull form) + 3 Sta = 12 Success
10 days, 7 xp
8 Rewards:
+1 Conf for Taurus
?? reward for Evan
?? reward for Aegis
Notch for Mercer House Hook
+2 reputation for Covenant
4 pawns of vis (I am assuming, silveroak, that you want us to use the individual reward guidelines for vis rewards, rather than the 6 bp reward which would be LOTS of vis.)
Keep in mind every adventure generates 1 confidence per cycle before rewards are added.
I'm not sure who missed what, but the faerie friend story is 1 cycle with 9 difficulty.
Also the Augustinian Brotherhood did not send the tax collector- they gave you advanced warning that your landlord was sending the tax collector. Your taxes were in fact set to go up per the disadvantage (25% of income- current income is 992 2/5 lbs per year, current taxes are 106 1/4 pounds per year, and should be at 248 pounds/yr. But you were still able to recoup 30 pounds, and get the tax collector recruited to a new scribal position.
Evan's knowledge of Magic Theory makes locating the Regio easy enough, finding their way in proves to be too difficult for the party, but Evan manages to convince the Fae in the area to help. Once inside they wander through it until locating Evan's friend and then they leave the way they came. Everything turned out okay.
Results
Time: 11 days
Experience = 5
Rewards: 1, Evan gets three Au Vis.
On that note, Aegis managed to get 2 adventure xp in spring and 5 in summer when it all maths out. Might 10 and Indi Study, combine for a pretty big net loss on xp. Time to go update sheets!
