Ars Magica: The New Tribunal [Maximum 6 players Storyteller included]
The Magi will be from fresh from the Gauntlet to a maximum of 10 years advanced.
We'll handle advancement at the end of a story/chapter depending on the appropriate time passed.
Combat will be handled cinematically (Diceless) for unimportant grogs, minor occurences such as three brigands crossing your path etc. Real danger to your Magi or Companions will be played out with appropriate rules and dice rolling.
Dice rolling: I am very much open for suggestions. A possibility is for me to roll all dice, except for my own magus, which would be rolled by another player. Or I roll ALL dice, or we use a computer programme. Suggestions?
Rules: I would not like to restrict players in their use of rules regarding creation of Magi, Items, Laboratories, Familiars etc. However, I would prefer that the Magi do not seem 'unrealistic'. As I mentioned in a post, having virtues and flaws from all four magical realms might be a little over the top.
I hope for between 2-4 posts/player/week. I understand that Holidays and Summer will slow the Saga. Remember to post abscences in advance.
I hope for creative, witty, in-depth writing. Something that is really enjoying to read. Everybody is not as good at writing as the next fellow, so of course I am lenient, and also expect posts to carry the plot, intrigue, character development etc. forward.
Plotwise, the creation of a new tribunal is huge and will matter a lot, but the re should be ample room for the Magi's own stories and actions to dictate the Saga and influence the overall story arch.
Focus for the campaign will be politics, intrigue and development. The politics for creating the tribunal and for interacting with the Order at large, and intrigue for the many intricate details the Magi have to consider in this Saga. Development comes from the ideas of the Magi in the area. They want change, they want growth, they want to throw off the stiffling yoke of the Rhine and Normandy Tribunals.
The Theme for the Saga, will be rather gothic. It's a dark world, infernalists, demons, dark fey, and even worse dark hearts of men create a world rife with problems. The Magi will see the dreary reality they are in, and may try to comfort themselves with the thought of 'Magic saves all' or 'The New Tribunal will be glorious'. Remember though, that a new tribunal is also a playground for these darkest desires to cavort in.
Regarding the Magi, I hope for a a spread of the Houses with various personality types. A player wishing to be a Quaesitor better have a good grip on the Code.
I'd say that a lot is up to the players. My tentative proposition would be to have players from fresh out of the gauntlet and up to 10-12 years, maybe with a random factor thrown in. Probably with a new covenant - since there are few covenants willing to become the Lotharingian Tribunal, they need all the manpower they can get! I am all for no superiors...