"I transcribed a few documents, but the Val-Negra collection--much of it in poor physical condition--is so extensive that I spent more time reviewing what I could than attempting to duplicate them. Abaddon's spectral avatars manifested most frequently in that area. He seems to be deeply possessive of the archives, and has been known to chastise the librarian for not keeping them in what he believes are proper order."
Vares folds his hands. "The best 'copies' available are those in mind. Redaction is still a persistent problem. Val-Negra seems to have suffered less with post-Schism War revisionism than most Covenants." Another, quiet, shared rebuke. Flambeau, Tremere, and Guernicus all participated in that revisionism.
"Abaddon's Power may be beyond that of an Archmagus. Identifying his physical vessel proved next to impossible. He permeates Val-Negra itself. Defeating him permanently would require overcoming Val-Negra's nearly unprecedented Aegis--Magvillus is rumoured to be one of the few that might match it--and then unraveling the enchantments which he has placed on himself over generations. To challenge him to a Wizard's War would likely be suicidal for any but the greatest Magus.
"And understand this: the vagaries of the Magic Realm are such that the smallest misstep can send one into adjoining Twilight. I learned to cultivate a more cautious approach to magic while there Warping accumulates all too quickly. Spells other than momentary or instantaneous do not dissipate on their own: they have to be undone. As a consequence, many of the most formidable Hoplites would risk being plunged into prolonged or Final Twilight if a March was attempted against Abaddon. Now, he and much of Val-Negra are beyond the reach of the Order. What Tribunal can continue to claim authority over a Covenant which has deparated the material plane? The Rhine? Greater Alps? Abaddon is Bound to Val-Negra. He does not seem to be able to project himself outside of its boundary. Any who seek that Covenant must deal with him, but he does not appear to constitute an ongoing threat to the Order."
He addresses a technical matter. "Does the Order claim to maintain its hold over those who no longer 'live' as we know it? Magi who have slipped into Final Twilight yet left their physical, still-animate bodies behind have had their protections revoked on more than one occasion. If protections do not extend to them, can we expect ANY of the Code to apply? Again, the Rhine and, to some extent, the Greater Alps appear to do so, the former with its provisions for 'emeritus' proxies and the latter with its Criamon dealings, but I have heard things said of the Greater Alps which make it one of the last Tribunals I would choose to inhabit. Presumptions of authority that value the 'dignity of the lineage' more than any Magus, junior OR senior."
Vares shakes his head. "Until and unless we transcend the Limit of the Soul, we cannot make that assertion. Val-Negra's unique properties make that question pivotal. I would advise sending only experts in Mentem, Vim, and perhaps Imaginem, with an excellent grasp of both Intellego and Rego and a need for Muto."
The Quaesitora's echoing of Octavian's imprecations upon Ludoviccio stretch Vares' patience and tolerance. He has heard his Sodale defamed too often. "I told you. Ludoviccio was engaged in a study of material pertaining to Val-Negra when he entered Twilight. This seems to have formed a conduit between Barcelona and the Mentem Twilight domain which surrounds Val-Negra. When he emerged from Twilight the resonant Contagion of that link drew him through to the vicinity of the Gate. It was a freak occurrence which cannot be replicated. Or if it can, then by someone who is willing to undergo Twilight and who can control the experience. Consult the Criamon on that if you will."
. But what courage! A visitor to a strange covenant, who boldly casts his lot in with an expedition to explore the last known portal to Val-Negra! And to discover that Metron, the last renegade shadow, was hiding out in there. Surly he must be a devious devil to have slipped past your watchful eyes the way that he did.
. However, a Quaesitor’s duty does not expire when you cross imaginary lines. According to ruling by Grand Tribunal, Val-Negra lies within Provencal’s jurisdiction. Tribunals are not bound by geography. But they abandoned it. I think we have a shot at annexing it. We plan to eventually annex you guys too, but we’re in no hurry. Nothing would fundamentally change. They way you guys act, you are essentially part of Iberia in all matters except you lack a vote because you refuse to admit you are part of us. Just plain stubborn.
