Last night I had an idea for a campaign. But of course, I don't have time to run a campaign, which is frustrating. Then it occurred to me that what I really had was an idea for a covenant setting, not a campaign meta-plot, and that what I really wanted was to do just the "covenant development thread" of a new campaign.
Therefore, I'd like to use this idea to flesh out the covenant that Viscaria was apprenticed in, Laguna Sententia. If you're interested, join in the conversation. If nobody replies, then I'll post it to the call-for-campaign forums and see what happens there.
Viscaria finished her apprenticeship in 1207, so it began in 1192. Rolling randomly,, we say that the covenant was founded 26 years earlier in 1166.
Covenant Background seed:
A group of unloved peregrinators draw the short straw and are sent to investigate dark tidings around a monastery.
To Andru, Primus of House Jerbiton, Summer of 1166
From Norbert Gunthar ex Verditii
Primus,
As directed, this weary lot of peregrinators has at last arrived at the monastery. I do not know if the Church measures the life cycle of monasteries the way we judge covenants, but this is a monastery in Winter if ever I saw one. The abbot has filled us in on the history of the attacks, but there was little information that had not already been supplied to us by your retainer.
It is still unclear to us how the plight of this isolated lakeside community in Iberia came to the attention of such an august personage as yourself, nor how we tyro from such diverse origins came to be appointed with the task of resolving this mystery and preventing further deaths. Then again, none of us are particularly savvy when it comes to political matters.
The misfortune of others proves our own boon, for there was another death the very night before our arrival. The tracks are fresh and we make haste. I leave this missive in the hands of my venditore, should misfortune befall us.
Yours in service,
Norbert Gunthar
Addendum: A hastily scrawled second sheet of paper accompanies the first.
Venditore Alberto,
Located a regio boundary. Not sure if we can return this way. If we do not return within a fortnight, send the letter.
-NG
To Andru, Primus of House Jerbiton, Fall of 1166
From Norbert Gunthar ex Verditii
Primus,
We have located reliable paths into and out of the regio, and have dispatched many of the fell creatures. We have discovered their source, as well -- a portal which we have been unable to shut.
We understand now why this danger was brought to your attention. We have begun establishing a covenant within the regio inside the monastery in order to guard against further incursions from this threat. The monks are grateful for our assistance, but their incomes are meager. What assistance can The Order lend us?
Yours in service,
Norbert Gunthar
PS - Please find enclosed a collection of teeth, worth some 50p of (Form) vis. We hope this evidence will help sway the Order to the perils of leaving this gate unguarded.
To Quaesitor Arnaud
From The Covenant of Laguna Sententia,
Winter, 1167
Dear sir,
Defenses surrounding The Dread Portal are well underway, thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, due to the delicacy of our operations and the ever-imminent threat of additional attacks, for your own safety, we cannot allow you observe operations at this time. We are more than happy to schedule individual interviews with you at Duresca, though of course, we cannot leave the gate unguarded or undermanned.
We wish to convey our fullest understanding and most sincere regret regarding the paperwork this refusal will cause you. Please find enclosed a collection of teeth, worth some 20p. We trust that you will be able to use these funds to acquire a scribe who can expedite our paperwork.
Yours in service,
The Covenant of Laguna Sententia.