This is the character sheet for Clusius of House Jerbiton, played by Arthur.
This topic should only contain the character's stats, background, spells, enchantments, etc. Any development discussions and notes will be posted in the topic Character Creation for Arthur (OOC).
Age: 31 (end of Winter 1204), 7 years after Gauntlet
Warping: 0 (4)
Characteristics: Int +3, Per +2, Str -1, Sta 0, Pre 0, Com +2, Dex 0, Qik -1
Virtues: The Gift, Hermetic Magus, Social Contacts (artists of House Jerbiton), Free Expression, Flexible Formulaic Magic, Improved Characteristics, Inoffensive to Animals, Inventive Genius, Minor Magical Focus (Changing Water), Puissant Muto, Quiet Magic
Flaws: Limited Magic Resistance (Terram), Mentor (Augustus Nero of House Guernicus), Optimistic (Major), Temperate, Weak Spontaneous Magic, Weird Magic
Personality Traits: Artistic +2, Optimistic +5, Naive -2, Organized +2, Self-Confident -1, Temperate +3
Abilities:
Hermetic Arts: Cr 5+2 xp, Mu 12+3, Re 5, Aq 5+2 xp, Co 5+2 xp, Te 6, Vi 3+1 xp
Wizard's Sigil: All of Clusius magic include an element of fluidity and movement to them, usually in a graceful way.
Spells:
Equipment and Wealth:
1198, Summer: 8 xp in Language: Low German (Flemish)
1198, Fall: 15 xp in Corpus
1198, Winter: 2 xp in Creo
1199, Spring: 2 xp in Corpus, Rise of the Feathery Body (ReCo 10), Spasms of the Uncontrollable Hand (ReCo 5) and Curse of the Unruly Tongue (ReCo 5)
1199, Summer: 15 xp in Muto
1199, Fall: 5 xp in Awareness, 5 xp in spell mastery for Wizard's Leap, 8 pawns of vis (4 Aq, 2 Vi, 2 Muto), 2 pounds of silver, 2 Warping Points
1199, Winter: 10 xp in Ride
1200, Spring: 10 xp in Single Weapon
1200, Summer: 5 xp in Intrigue, 5 xp in Organization Lore: Order of Hermes
1200, Fall: 5 xp in Craft: Sculptor
1200, Winter: 2 xp in Magic Theory , books (L5Q15 summae on Mentem and Vim, L6Q20 summa on Animal)
1201, Spring: 5 xp in Ride
1201, Summer: 16 xp in Muto
1201, Fall: 2 xp in Vim
1201, Winter: 16 xp in Muto
1202, Spring: 16 xp in Muto
1202, Summer: 10 xp in Ride
1202, Fall: 5 xp in Intrigue, 6 xp in Magic Lore
1202, Winter: 2 xp in Language: Latin, written lab texts for Mighty Torrent of Water, Sculpt the Living Water, Bind Wounds, Wizard's Leap, Rock of Viscid Clay, Wizard's Vigil
1203, Spring: 21 xp in Terram
1203, Summer: 2 xp in Aquam, new spell Shape the Implement of Neptune's Realm
1203, Fall: 5 xp in Single Weapon, 5 xp in mastery of Mighty Torrent of Water, 6 pawns of vis (3 An, 3 Co)
1203, Winter: 5 xp in Bargain
1204, Spring: 5 xp in Area Lore: Laimunt Valley, 5 xp in Organization Lore: Order of Hermes, 1 Warping Point
1204, Summer: 2 xp in Language: Latin
1204, Fall: 15 xp in Language: High German, 1 Warping Point
1204, Winter: 8 xp in Language: High German
1205, Spring: 8 xp in Language: High German
1205, Summer: 2 xp in Magic Theory
Age: 24 (right after Gauntlet, Spring 1198)
Characteristics: Int +3, Per +2, Str -1, Sta 0, Pre 0, Com +2, Dex 0, Qik -1
Virtues: The Gift, Hermetic Magus, Social Contacts (artists of House Jerbiton), Free Expression, Flexible Formulaic Magic, Improved Characteristics, Inoffensive to Animals, Inventive Genius, Minor Magical Focus (Changing Water), Puissant Muto, Quiet Magic
Flaws: Limited Magic Resistance (Terram), Mentor (Augustus Nero of House Guernicus), Optimistic (Major), Temperate, Weak Spontaneous Magic, Weird Magic
Personality Traits: Artistic +2, Optimistic +5, Naive -2, Organized +2, Self-Confident -1, Temperate +3
Abilities:
Hermetic Arts: Cr 5, Mu 5+3, Re 5, Aq 5, Vi 2 (+2 xp)
Wizard's Sigil: All of Clusius magic include an element of fluidity and movement to them, usually in a graceful way.
Spell:
Age: 31 (end of Winter 1204), 7 years after Gauntlet
Warping: 0 (4)
Characteristics: Int +3, Per +2, Str -1, Sta 0, Pre 0, Com +2, Dex 0, Qik -1
Virtues: The Gift, Hermetic Magus, Social Contacts (artists of House Jerbiton), Free Expression, Flexible Formulaic Magic, Improved Characteristics, Inoffensive to Animals, Inventive Genius, Minor Magical Focus (Changing Water), Puissant Muto, Quiet Magic
Flaws: Limited Magic Resistance (Terram), Mentor (Augustus Nero of House Guernicus), Optimistic (Major), Temperate, Weak Spontaneous Magic, Weird Magic
Personality Traits: Artistic +2, Optimistic +5, Naive -2, Organized +2, Self-Confident -1, Temperate +3
Abilities:
Hermetic Arts: Cr 5+2 xp, Mu 12+3, Re 5, Aq 5+2 xp, Co 5+2 xp, Te 6, Vi 3+1 xp
Wizard's Sigil: All of Clusius magic include an element of fluidity and movement to them, usually in a graceful way.
Spell:
R:Touch, D:Sun, T:Ind
Allows the caster to shape water into an object he is familiar with, giving it hardness and strength up to that of steel. The water changes color to reflect the material used, although it remains somewhat translucent. The tool is molded by the caster's hand, so some familiarity with the tool being shaped is required. An Int + Finesse roll is required to shape the item properly, with an Ease Factor based on its complexity (from 6 to 12). For example, weapons would have an Ease Factor based on their Cost (6 for Inexpensive, 9 for Standard and 12 for Expensive). Failure means the quality of the item is poor, while a Botch on the Finesse roll means the item is somehow flawed. Complex items with moving parts, such as a crossbow, cannot be crafted with this spell.
Because of Clusius' sigil, whenever an item crafted using this spell is touched its fluidity can be felt despite its hardness, and when struck a slight wave effect can be seen on its surface.
(Base 4: Change a liquid into an unrelated solid, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, free requisite)
The boy was born in the outskirts of Dijon from a family of potters. His parents would make the pots, plates and jars that are used every day by the common people, but also the merchants, churchmen and even the households of the nobility. He was the fifth child, with three older brothers and an older sister, so this made for a busy household. It only became more so two years later, when his younger brother was born.
Like his siblings, the boy was exposed at an early age to the tools and raw material of the family’s business. He played with clay and water, sometimes imitating his parents trying to make bowls and containers, but also modeling it to make small toys, houses, animals and characters with which he played, inventing stories that went with them. He was particularly imaginative and creative. But he also tended to play alone, for his brother and sisters were often ill at ease with him.
This unease only grew more pronounced as the years passed and was not limited to his immediate family. It was even worse when other children or their parents were concerned. One could hear the terms “eery”, “fey” and other less delicate words. These were further fed by the many small unnatural disturbances that occured when the boy was nearby.
This widening reputation is probably why, before his ninth birthday, a richly-dressed older man showed up at the family’s shop and inquired about the boy. He introduced himself as Leonard, a scholar. After a few visit, he offered to take the boy to be tutored in the Latin and in the arts, raising him to a better life. Though the boy's parents were quite reluctant at first, they relented after a while. Within a week, the boy was leaving his home and family behind.
The old man was Leonardus of Jerbiton. He did not take the boy as his own apprentice, for the simple reason that he already had one at the time. Instead, he brought the boy north to the first maga he'd trained, Flavia. At the time, she was living at the powerful covenant of Confluensis in the Normandy Tribunal.
During the trip to Confluensis, Leonardus began instructing the boy in how to behave and what to expect from his apprenticeship. He gave the boy one very important command, which he reinforced with magic: "Your name is now Giles. You will no longer use or respond to the name your parents gave you. Do not speak of your home town or family with anyone but me. "
Flavia was not completely happy to get custody of Giles. Though she was ready to take an apprentice, her plan had been to select one from the nobility (like herself) instead of some low-born boy, let alone one whose Gift showed all signs of being unGentle. But she could not deny her pater this request.
Over the course of Giles' apprenticeship, Flavia never asked any questions about his former life – she knew he was low-born and the life of the common people held little interest to her. On the other hand, she encouraged him to develop his artistic side – he could contribute to the beautification of life even despite the deficiencies of his blood.
Like her own pater, Flavia was strong in the Art of Muto, an aptitude she shared with Giles when opening his Arts. She shaped his natural aptitude with fluids into a focus with the transformation of water, while also giving him great flexibility with spells. This came at a cost, however, for Giles would share her inability to expert herself when working spontaneous magic.
After opening his Arts, Flavia set him to the tasks of learning Latin and becoming literate, all the while helping her in her own work. She would often dress him as a page in those early years, instruct him in proper behaviour and send him on errands around the covenant. When she travelled, she brought him along to introduce him to other members of the House and their own entourage of artists.
With such a powerful presence of Quaesitors in Confluensis, Giles could not help but pick up some elements of the laws governing the Order of Hermes, as well as its history and customs. Leonardus visited Confluensis a few times to consult his old friend Augustus Nero of House Guernicus, but also to see the boy and share stories with him. Nero kindly kept an eye on the boy's progress and well-being over the years, suggesting areas of further study and providing advice to the young man.
A few months before Giles passed his Gauntlet, taking the name Quintus Clusius (he uses Quentin amongst mundanes and just Clusius with friends), Leonardus disappeared into Twilight. His passing was declared final and his estate was settled by Nero a few years later.
Summer
My first trip with Augustus Nero was to the city of Ghent and the covenant of Florum. The trip was uneventful. My mater's lessons about travelling amongst the mundane population was well-learned, so Augustus and I kept a low profile whenever we had to stop at an inn. Augustus had a well-trained and experience group a grogs who took care of any interactions with townsfolk we met.
One of the few advantages I had over Augustus was that I could ride on my own, instead of being tossed around in a cart or a sedan chair, like the one Augustus uses. I may not have a Gentle Gift, as my mater often complained, but at least I don't draw any unusual reaction from animals. So I rode near Augustus.
We soon reached Ghent, a bustling trade city. Florum has a large flax farm near the city, and several hundred people work there in the textile factory. We were welcomed there by Rhesus of House Verditius, who was proud to show us around. He warned us against blatant uses of magic even on the covenant's grounds, as many of their mundanes are unaware that their employers are magi. After I was introduced by Augustus, who also explained that I was looking for a place to reside for a while, I was assigned guest quarters. I was surprised to find that they included a laboratory, as well as access to the library. Apparently they are looking for more magi to join them.
I spent the season exploring the city (discreetely of course), meeting the other magi and checking out the library. I did not study much, but that was nice change of pace after fifteen years of constantly scurrying to do Flavia's errands. I learned a bit about the local language as well, if only to be able to ask some basic questions and directions.
Fall
I am a bit stumped about what to study. There is so much yet to learn! Should I broaden my knowledge of the Arts or deepen my understanding in my specialties? Study the Arts or learn some spells? It is so hard to decide!
Florum's library is not as large as that of Confluensis. But I was never allowed to delve into the Confluensis' library, so that hardly matters. I finally settled with studying Corpus, to make it easier for me to cast some of the spells I knew.
Winter
When I mentioned a willingness to pay Florum back for their hospitality, Rhesus explained that the covenant could always use more Vim vis to sustain the Aegis. It was only normal that I offer to spend the season extracting vis.
The maga Prunellie of Merinita offered the assistance of her apprentice Lisebette so that I could extract more vis. She claimed it would be a good experience for the 'girl'. I have trouble using that word for Lisebette, for she is certainly more woman than girl at seventeen. After those months working side-by-side, I had a feeling that she has a crush on me. That was a bit awkward for me. You see, Prunellie had clearly expressed her interest in having a thryst with me. Though a mature woman, she remained quite attractive and I was more than willing to participate.
I was quite surprised, however, when near the end of the season Prunellie invited Lisebette to join us.
Spring
I spent most of my time in the lab, learning low-level spells to compensate for my weakness with spontaneous magic.
My thryst with Prunellie – and Lisebette – continued for several weeks, but then Prunellie sent her apprentice to Florum's vassal at Spider's Palace. Was it jealousy from the older maga for the attention I was giving to Lisebette? I thought so at first. But perhaps the only reason the young woman joined us was to get pregnant. I haven't shared my suspicion with Prunellie, but a distance has grown between us.
Summer
Over the last few seasons, I have tried to pratice my art and see if any of the magi here at Florum are interested in making their covenant more beautiful. Alas, there seems to be little interest in art; all they can think of is their textile business.
Augustus and I have exchanged letters by redcap. I shared with him my experiences at Florum, as well as my musings about Prunellie's behaviour and Lisebette's departure. He wrote of his experience regarding maga who desire children from other magi, hoping for Gifted offspring. Apparently the practice of getting a female apprentice pregnant is not uncommon. At least in this case Lisebette seemed to be a willing participant.
Fall
Leaving Florum behind was an easy decision to make. They lack of opportunity for me to develop and display my art here was the main factor. It will also make it easier for Lisebette to end her exile to Spider's Palace, since it is obvious that Prunellie does not want me to claim the child.
So when Augustus showed up, making a detour on his way to the Rhine Tribunal border, it was an easy decision for me to join him. We made our way to the city of Reims, in Picardy. South of the city is a forest, where several vis sources had been plundered by parties unknown. The covenants who held those as tropaeum raised the issue with the Quaesitor at Confluensis, and Augustus Nero was sent to investigate.
It took Augustus a while to trace the culprits for the theft, which proved to be a fairly powerful hedge mage leading a small band of thieves and brigands. He did not seem inclined to Join, and no match for Augustus. For my part, I helped our grogs deal with the more numerous brigands.
When we investigated their camp (a collection of crude huts), we found vis, silver and a few prisoners. Women and a few children, forced to cook and clean for the brigands. Most eventually returned to their families, but two of the older children had none. A strapping lad aged 13 called Louis and a girl named Adeline a year younger, who both swore to serve me.
There was more vis in the loot than what had been declared stolen. Augustus eventually tracked two previously unknown sources, which he plans on reporting at the next Tribunal meeting. Even after returning the stolen vis to the rightful owners, there was quite a bit of vis left. I also got a share of the silver and other valuables.
Winter
With Confluensis hosting the next Tribunal Meeting next summer, I was asked to remain as a guest this year in exchange for helping prepare the covenant in anticipation of this large gathering and participate in the Tourney for Confluensis. At the last meeting I was still an apprentice, so this would be my first chance to participate. I would also be able to display my art before all of the magi of the Tribunal. What a fantastic opportunity!
In anticipation for this event, I had to select an event where I could make at least some contribution as part of Confluensis' team. The hastiludium seemed my best option. As a junior magus, no one expected me to win, but at least I could ride a mundane horse, which was a requirement for this event. Confluensis was weak in this event, so they had nothing to lose.
So I started my training under the expert care of the master of arms. I saw that Louis has also started training to become my shield grog.
Spring
I am continuing my training for the Tourney. One of my sparring partners is Louis, who is already much better than I am with a sword. But he doesn't know how to ride yet, so for the lance it is another grog that is my training partner. My bruises have bruises!
Adeline has expressed a desire to learn her letters, so I have arranged for her to receive appropriate teaching in this area.
Summer
The Tribunal meeting was amazing! I was toroughly trounced by my first opponent in the hastiludium. My opponent, Alexei of Flambeau, literally sent me flying from my horse on the second pass. My landing was rough, and the chirurgeon told me that I cracked two ribs. Alexei graciously offered vis to help heal my injuries, but I waved it off. Moving around causes me pain, but my injuries are far from life-threathening.
Thankfully, I had already finished my best water sculptures, and with their duration augmented they last for a moon instead of a day. My live demonstration of the art a few days later was more dificult, but one of my fellow Jerbiton applied a bit of magic to help mute the pain.
I got to meet many of my sodales. Some were really unpleasant, but I made several friends. Alexei, for one, praised my courage in attending the hastiludium with so little advance training. My mater of course offered a snide comment about my lack of noble blood, but I barely heard it. Her opinion of me hardly matter anymore.
Several important votes were taken. After all our guests had departed, Augustus spent some time with me to discuss the implications of each one, pointing out the maneuvering that took place behind the scenes and the likely reasons for each covenant's voting on those issues. Fascinating!
Fall
After all the noise and excitement of the last year, including the Tribunal meeting, I needed some time to relax and to think. So I returned to my clay and my art to help me put all of these thoughts into shape. This allowed me to reach two conclusions.
The first one was that I was not and would never be a great warrior. Despite all the excitement and pride that my participation in the hastiludium has brought me, hitting people did not bring me any satisfaction. In fact, I've had nightmares about how some of the brigands died last year. I can recall their screams and whimpers much too clearly. Now, speaking to Louis and Adeline helped me understand that such violence is sometimes necessary, but I don't want to shape my life around it.
The second was that Flavia's attitude towards me would never change. She saw me as inferior for not having born from the nobility and for not have a Gentle Gift. I could either fight this, trying over and over again to convince to her that I was 'good enough' to be her equal. Or I could use it for my own purposes, manipulating her like I saw the various magi manipulating each others at Tribunal. My problem was that I clearly didn't know how to do that effectively. But I knew someone who did.
Winter
Now that the Tribunal meeting is past, I am starting to get the feeling that my presence at Confluensis is no longer so welcome. Although my status as a guest of Augustus has not been challenged by the council, I think it would be best if I did not wait until it is before leaving.
So I have asked if it would be possible for me to arrange for some basic texts, either copies or older books, so that I can continue my studies until I find a covenant to accept me as a member. It has been grudgingly allowed by the librarian. I get the feeling that I will not get the most current texts. Still, these should do for now.
In exchange for those copies, I am spending the season fixing an arcane connection to make it permanent. It is boring and demeaning work, something usually done by apprentices. A not-so-subtle hint.
At the end of the season, I was surprised by how many texts I was allowed to leave with. Two old primers on Mentem and Vim, as well as a recent copy of a root on Animal.
Spring
A few weeks before I was set to leave, Augustus Nero told me he that it might be a good idea for me to travel to the Rhine Tribunal. My grand-pater, Leonardus, was a member of the Covenant of Triamore. Although he had not returned from Twilight, there was still hope that he would. Augustus had exchanged a number of letters with Ulisterius, the leader of the covenant, and he'd agreed to grant me guest status for a few years if I wanted to come and visit. Augustus further suggested that I take advantage of Triamore's library as much as I could, when not advancing my Arts, for it was well stocked in mundane texts of all sorts. He recommended that I read Gregory de Tours' Decem Libri Historiarum if I had the chance.
Augustus also presented me with parting gifts. A considerable amount of silver 'to support me in my travels', and more importantly the services of one of his personal grogs, Eustache. His experience would be valuable to me, and he could continue Louis' training.
Indeed, both Louis and Adeline were adamant that they wanted to come with me when they learned I was leaving. I feel responsible for them, but more then that I respect the oath they swore to me.
We left on 17th day of March, Eustache and I riding horses, while Louis and Adeline were riding a cart with our group's belongings and supplies. This would be a fairly long trip, so we paced ourselves and took good care of our horses. On the evenings, Eustache sparred with Louis for an hour, after they'd taken care of our horses. Meanwhile, Adeline and I took care of setting up camp and preparing the meal. The youngsters were surprised that I would dirty my hands so. To them, magi are much like the nobility. Not surprising, since this is pretty much how most of the magi at Confluensis act. Well, to be honest it is probably the same at most covenants.
We crossed the distance to Triamore in a bit less than a month. We had to make a few detours when the roads were in bad condition, or if we heard about brigands. Louis would have had us go hunting for them, looking for revenge for the fate of his family. We didn't, and Eustache had a talk with him.
When we finally arrived at Bois de Haillot, our first sight of Triamore was somewhat disappointing. The keep appears unfinished and a bit uncared for, although the gatehouse looks well maintained. Ulisterius welcomed me warmly. He is a Jerbiton like me and called a Council meeting so I would also get to meet the other magi: Aline of House Bonisagus, a jovial and friendly older man; Cardrew Ex Miscellanea, a tight-lipped man from Wales; Daria La Gris of House Tremere, who somehow reminds me of my mater, for she dresses splendily and condust herself with the hauteur usually seen in the nobility; Remi of Museau, the recently Gauntleted filius of Ulisterius, who looks more like a warrior than a magus. I was also introduced to Daria's apprentice, a lad she calls Versus.
I was assigned guest quarters and given acces to the library. I'm told that is I need a laboratory, I will be able to use one set up for guests, though occasionally Daria's apprentice gets to use it. Louis and Eustache will be lodged and train with the other grogs, while Adeline will assist the librarian, Isabel, who will also oversee the girl's studies.
Summer
It seems a shame to waste such a beautiful summer in study, but that is in fact what I did. Augustus was right, Triamore's library is a wonder, with hundreds upon hundreds of texts. One could probably spend a century trying to study them all. And fail, for there are just too many.
I shall settle for a few seasons improving my knowledge of Muto.
Fall
This is the time of harvests, both for the peasants and for the covenant. While mundanes harvest their crops, the magi harvest their vis sources. As a guest, I got to help supervise the grogs.
Aside from that, I spent the season extracting vis for the covenant, so that the Aegis can be maintained. Apparently there was some trouble in recent years, so they maintain one that is stronger than average. Creo Vim is certainly not my strongest combination, but every little bit helps!
Winter
Studying Muto again, a subject that I find fascinating. Particularly since it was Leonardus himself who wrote this text. He still hasn't reappeared. I think most of his covenant mates have given up on him. That makes me sad. I'm sure he will come back. Doesn't Twilight just get longer the older you are?
Spring
I finished studying the text on Muto. It was certainly an excellent text.
Adeline's studies and Louis' training are progressing well. They also both started riding lessons, so future travel should be faster. Adeline says she'd like to become my personal scribe when she is good enough. I certainly wouldn't mind someone to keep things organized. I still have my lab notes from a few years ago, but they aren't very well organised.
Summer
It is good to get out of the library and spend some time outside in the summer, so I joined Louis during his riding lessons. Adeline also occasionally riding with us. I'm proud of both of them for their considerable efforts in turning their lives around after their painful experiences, and for becoming such reliable helpers. I told them as much, while they shared their happiness at the opportunities I am giving them to learn and see more of the world. Louis just turned 16 and has grown much in the last 3 years, while Adeline is turning into a smart and articulate young woman at 15.
Fall
I finally followed Augustus' advice and started reading Decem Libri Historiarum, which is indeed fascinating. I wish I had more time to study it. I wonder If I could ask the librarian to prepare a copy for me, so that I could add it to my personal collection?
Winter
After I demonstrated my water sculptures to the covenant for Christmas, Ulisterius asked me if I could provide the covenant a copy of the lab text for Sculpt the Living Water. It is apparently not a widely circulated spell, so Triamore's library doesn't own a copy. I took the opportunity to go through my lab notes and write them down fully. I will start with Sculpt , so that Adeline can copy it for Triamore as soon as it's ready. She will also check with the librarian to see if any of my other spells might be useful, but I doubt it. I have yet to create anything original in the magical arts.
Spring
Writing down lab texts last winter reminded me that I have yet to invent a single spell on my own. So I decided to spend some time in the lab trying to come up with something new. A spell that would shape water into any tool I needed for sculpting, giving it the hardness and strength of steel. It could even be used to make weapons, should we have to need. I just need to study Terram a bit first.
Year 6 (1203 A.D.), Summer
I have created my first new spell! I call it Shape the Implement of Neptune's Realm and it allows me to shape water into a variety of tools.
Fall
Sometimes, when you are a guest, you are exposed to some awkward incidents. At the latest Council Meeting, I was witness to some rather strong disagreements between the magi of Triamore. I will not go into details, but it gave me some valuable insights into how heated things get get between us.
Nevertheless, things are beginning to get comfortable here. I have not petitioned the covenant to become a member, but I am thinking about it.
It was soon time for me to pay my dues to the covenant, so I decided to go on a vis hunt. Eustache had gathered some interesting stories in the nearby village about a strange creature that has been sighted a few miles south of the covenant. When I spoke of it to Remi, he said that it was close to one of Triamore's vis source, so any threat to it had to be investigated. Apparently, several decades ago one of the magi had killed a serpent living in the caves there. Any such creature was sure to pose great danger to Triamore's grogs when to are sent to harvest the source, so it might be best if he went with them. I offered to join them with Louis and Eustache.
Something new had indeed moved into the caves. Not only did we find and kill a troll, but also a pack of monstrous rats. It took us a few days time to hunt them all down. Our grogs suffered some wounds, but thankfully none were severe. We brought back a good haul of vis, both from harvesting the source and from the bodies of the slain creatures.
I spent the rest of the season training.
Winter
It has now been seven years since Leonardus disappeared into Twilight. Since he hasn't reappeared, his Twilight has been declared Final. Augustus Nero, as the Guernicus who registered it, has called his heirs at Triamore for the reading of his Hermetic will, opening of his sanctum and disposition of his belongings.
Though I was not an immediate heir of the older magus, I was present for the proceedings. There was a impressive amount of wealth in gold, raw vis, magical enchantments, books and notes, artifacts and mementos from past adventures. These were easily separated between Flavia, Wilhelm and Eduardus. I was to receive a few minor things, old travel notes and non-magical texts, as well as some mementos.
Things got really interesting when Augustus Nero explained that, amongst Leonardus' possessions were also a secondary sanctum that the old magus had establised away from Triamore. This was a place he went to when he wanted some quiet and tranquility, but he had also some important vis sources out there. It did pause some interesting problems, however, for it was located at almost the exactly between the Tribunals of Normandy, the Rhine and the Greater Alps. None of the vis sources had been registered to those Tribunals. Each Tribunal could (and probably would) claim that the place was within their jurisdiction, if only to get access to those vis sources.
Furthermore, Leonardus had built the kernel of a covenant there, with several buildings and mundanes already in place. He had also set a condition for the location and details of the vis sources be released to his heirs. A covenant had to be established there, and a magus of his line had to lead it and live there. Otherwise knowledge of the vis sources would pass directly to House Jerbiton (embodied by the Primus) and the heirs would have to relinquish any claim to them.
This led to several days of arguments between Flavia, Wilhelm and Eduardus. Honestly, I was bored at first, until I remembered the last Tribunal meeting, Augustus' comments and the stories from Decem Libri Historiarum . I tried to pretend continued disinterest, which wasn't too difficult considering that my elders were essentially ignoring me.
Essentially, all of them wanted to claim the vis sources, but none of them wanted to exile themselves to the remote location and have to head a new covenant. I learned that Flavia had just been offered membership at Valnastium, a considerable honor. Wilhelm was hard at work building a trade empire in Cologne for his powerful covenant, Fenheld. Eduardus, for his part, just said he had no intention of abandoning his active life of intrigue for Montverte. They went at it again and again; they agreed those vis sources were just too valuables to let them go; none of them wanted to be become a simple warden for the others.
In frustration, someone mentioned that they should send the boy to do it – I don't know which one, for despite my best intentions I was drifting a bit. There was a silence, which jolted me back awake. All three were looking at me speculatively.
I almost was panicked. I am certain I stammered. I was no leader, I told them, nor equiped to perform that job. They insisted. I would be able to keep a good part of the vis for the covenant, they said. They pressured me and I had no choice but to comply.
So here I am, trying to come to terms with the fact that I am to create a new covenant. Augustus negociated with the others as to what the terms of my stewardship would be. What the charter of the covenant would be. How much vis would remain for the covenant and how much would be paid to them as a rent.
Privately, Augustus discussed the matter with me. We agreed that I should seek help; assemble a few other magi to help me defend the new covenant and the vis sources. There would be challenges, political and magical. But he was smiling wryly.
I have many letters to write, to seek out magi who will be interested in joining me. Now that the shock has passed, I think that will be fun!
Spring
With spring finally here, we embarked on a fairly long trip. There's no real direct route from Triamore to where we're going, so Augustus Nero had us travelling upstream along the Meuse for a while. When we reached the city of Verdun, astride on the border between the Normandy and Rhine Tribunals.
There, we were able to retain the services of a redcap more familiar with the Rhine lands. Tristam (the redcap) led us east for a few days, moving from small towns to smaller villages between low mountains. This brought us to the Free Imperial City of Metz where we crossed the Moselle river. Several more days over land brought us to the Rhine river and the city of Strassburg.
From there we lost the services of Tristam, for he was headed into the Black Forest towards Durenmar. Instead, we turned south and travelled along the Rhine towards Basel. We could have taken one of the numerous barges moving along the river, but moving upstream was a lot faster on horseback. We went around Basel, for the redcaps there are apparently sensitive about having magi drawing attention to themselves there, particularly when they do not have a gentle Gift.
Instead, we moved further south, into the mountains that Augustus called the Jura. Here, the Alps loom large in the distance when the weather is clear. We followed a tributary to the Rhine into the mountains, where it flowed through a large valley. On the south side of the valley are several small streams trickling down from smaller folds in the mountains. It is in one of those, past a village called Castillion, that Leonardus established his refuge.
The place was a bit bewildering at first. A huge twisted oak dominate the entrance of the small valley, its trunk wide enough that it would take more than five men to surround it. Then, on the east side of the valley, a jumble of crawling up the side of the mountain, with several smaller huts below. Chaotic and confusing came to mind immediately when looking at the sprawling building. Several wings, towers and additions in different style. Some parts are imcomplete, others seem to be in the process of being modified or even torn down. Three or four people could be seen working on the buildings, like lonely ants trying to move a dead fish.
As we approached, a cry went out from a small tower above the main structure. A few men came out to meet us, armed with a variety of weapons hastily grabbed. They escorted us to the yard before the structure. Augustus and I were invited inside to meet the steward, whose name is Julius. The man spoke Latin, though with an accent. As Augustus explained our reason for being here, he bent his head in sorrow, before asking me if I was the Heir. I think I stammered a bit, explaining that I was the filius of one of the heirs. Shaking his head, he asked again if I was the Heir. I said that well, yes, I supposed I was.
Going to a cabinet, he took out a locked box, which he opened with a key around his neck. He took out a flat rock, which he reverently placed on the table, before asking me for a drop of my blood. When the drop feel upon the rock, it glowed for a moment before absorbing the drop.
This confirmed me as the Heir to him. Over the next several weeks, he gave Augustus and I a tour of the place, providing me with an account of the resources available and the work they'd been doing since Leonardus' last visit eight years ago. The vis sources, the sources of income, the relationships with the locals. We also got to meet most of the inhabitants of Leonardus' refuge. An odd bunch, to be sure, gathered over several decades from people unable or unwilling to find a place in mundane society.
Far from enough for an operational covenant, I thought, but it was a decent start. Augustus helped me establish a list of the things – and people – I should look for. After setting things in motion at this end, we set to return to Triamore. Instead of taking the long way back, Augustus used a magical device to teleport us all back.
Summer
Quite busy this summer. I have to secure a multitude of things for the new covenant, so that it can be transported there before winter. There is the matter of the charter, which is being prepared by Augustus after consultation with my mater, Wilhelm and Eduardus. I have negociated with the magi of Triamore for copies of several books to form the kernel of the library. I put Adeline in charge of these, despite her young age.
On that front, like many others, the raw vis I brought back from the refuge made an excellent negociation tool.
The new covenant will also need additional mundanes to handle the countless tasks of maintaining and improving the covenant. Julius, the steward, should be able to find some of those locally, but specialists will be harder to find. I spoke with the redcap who visit Triamore regularly, and he said he would pass the word around. With Basel so close to the refuge, I think the redcaps will be quite important as allies, so I offered him a few pawns for his services to be shared with those who could help.
I have more letters to write to potential candidates for becoming members of the new covenant. And replies to those few answer I got.
I am making lists and more lists – things to do, things to buy, people to contact, ideas. No time for study.
Fall
Augustus has gone back to Confluensis. In fact, he left early in the summer and I'd forgotten to mention it. We've agreed that he would visit the refuge next spring, to act as witness when all of the magi sign the Charter of the covenant.
One of the things I need to do is learn the local language of the valley. I cannot expect all of our covenfolk to speak Latin, and the mundanes of the valley certainly won't. So, in between writing more letters, securing more supplies, recruiting specialists and answering Adeline's questions about the books for the library, I am learning High German. It is different enough from the little bit of Flemish I learned in Ghent that there is very little that sounds the same. Thankfully, one of the scribes is from Strassburg, so he's teaching me in my spare time.
Eustache, Louis and Adeline are now on the road to Basel, along with the few specialist I was able to recruit locally, carrying all of the books, supplies and laboratory equipment. Redcaps will escort them most of the way, with Tristam accompanying them on the first part of the trip.
But I could not afford to spend a month on the road, so I asked Ulisterius if he could teleport me there. He warned me that I would incur some warping from the powerful spell. No help for it, at least until I can devise my own way of quick traveling over long distances. I needed to get back to the refuge before the supplies arrived, see how far the work had progressed and prepare for the next steps.
Winter
The supplies arrived a bit later than planned. Eustache told me they were accosted by a band of armed men soon after leaving Triamore. Not brigands, exactly, but they still had to pay a tribute to pass through unmolested. He thinks this was a band of unemployed mercenaries who were preparing to winter in the Ardennes. This cost my people most of their food and a good part of their silver, which forced them to purchase more before resuming their trip. Tristam more than earned his wage by securing enough funds for them to continue on their way. I have arranged to pay him back. When they delivered my payment at the Copper Rooster inn, in Basel, Eustache and Louis were assured that we should get a redcap asigned to us soon.
While waiting for them, I worked with Julius and some of his people to start setting up several labs for my sodales when they arrive. Basic equipment and furniture had been commisionned locally since last spring. These allowed me to supervise our workers to provide at least a basic lab for most of the magi who will join me next season, and we have the supplies for each magus to complete them. Living quarters have also been arranged near each lab, for I know that most of my sodales prefer a unified sanctum that include both.
My own living quarters are in one of the towers, where Leonardus used to live. He used to have a lab here as well, but years of neglect made it worse for wear. No worry, I'll have time enough to clean it when the others have arrived!
Spring
The other magi have arrived. We form quite the diverse group, with the other belonging to other Houses, each with different interests and abilities. It is my hope that together we will be able to build a strong covenant.
Most of my season was spent giving the others tours of Tugurium, with Julius' help, as well as meeting all of the mundane inhabitants of the covenant. These are just as strange collection of people as one is likely to meet in one place. Apparently Leonardus would bring back here the various misfits and unfortunates he met in his travels along the years. People who were ill-suited to life in more mundane society, for one reason or another. Some left when they felt ready to do so, but many remained and settled down here. There is also a younger generation amongst them, who were raised here. Again, not all of them remained, but enough to build and maintain the collection of structures that Leonardus asked them to. It is interesting to meet each of them, for they have many tales to tell about this place.
Summer
I have started cleaning out and reorganizing Leonardus' former lab, whenever my duties in coordinating the covenant allow me. Seven years is a long time to leave a laboratory unattended, which explains its sad state, but I also think that Leonardus used this lab for some specific purposes I am unfamiliar with. There is equipment here that I do not understand, or which is simply broken. But things are getting better now. After another season I may be able to spend some time working in it, instead of working on it.
Fall
(to be added)
Winter
(to be added)