Meru Mudi

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab][tab][/tab]The Covenant of Meru Mudi

[tab][/tab]Meru Mudi is the name of the Covenant. It sounds in Latin a lot like Merum Mundi, meaning Pure World (or Clear World). Cunning Anastaj when pitching the call for magi to the West deliberately lets the misconception stand. In actuality the name is Vlach for 'Apple Mountain'.
[tab][/tab]The covenant is situated inside the Vikos gorge, just past its springs (see here). In that spot on the south side of the gorge is a small inclined valley that never sees the direct light of the sun, a 'shadow spot' ( Its walls are aligned NNE and ENE, facing the Towers). There is vegetation and trees of all kinds on both slopes, especially different kinds of apple trees, hence the name apple-valley. At the back of this small valley, framed on three sides by cliffs going up, is a lone hill. Grasses and flower plants abound, but no bushes and only one tree grows there. At the top of the hill is a majestic apple tree, old yet robust. At the foot of that hill the covenant has its buildings. On the east side a dry stream bed flows down to Voidomatis, it only sees flowing water during heavy rains or at melting season.
[tab][/tab]In the heart of the covenant squats a short, fat tower that doesn't quite reach the height of the apple tree behind it. This looks more like a Romaic rotunda than an actual tower. Made of non-endemic purplish-red stone, its a magically erected edifice, well constructed but bulky. Large windows grace it and two bands of blue glazed tiles run around it, each row marking one level. These have sporadically sculpted images of twin fishes or round loaves of bread, both Christian symbols. The tower itself has two storeys above ground, but the ground floor is actually lower, with stairs going down at the entrance. A large basement with a root cellar that has its own entrance completes the tower. (for an architectural description see later).
[tab][/tab]Around the tower 7 outbuildings are found. Five of them are shabby, wooden affairs to house teamsters and servants (though most of them would probably move to the main building during the winter months). A slightly better built stone cottage with a stone half courtyard, houses the blacksmith and his family. A long, rectangle stone building serves the combat grogs as barracks, with a small separate room for an leader, and a commons rooms that also has their gear. There is no palisade or defensive wall.

1215: The covenant has added some more structures. A large house was conjured on the front of the central hill, on the opposite site of the covenant. It went extended modifications to make it liveable as most not hard wood surfaces were conjured out of balsa (including chimneys and fireplaces). One maga and her family currently reside there. Another long stone building was built just outside the limits of the aura, next to the dry gultch and below the path leading to the Rotunda. Positioned as a rectangle with its smaller sides facing the Rotunda and the exit of the ravine, it has very few and small windows and blends with the grey rocks around it. It now houses a smithy and an alchemical workshop. Of lesser import, a wooden paddock for two horses was built next to the barracks.

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab][tab][/tab]The Charter

(Place Holder for the Covenant Charter)

Before the beginning of the campaign the Players will draft their own Charter if they want, with whatever clauses they find appropriate and they are comfortable with. However the Tribunal has three clauses that will be included. This process means that the Players will construct their own Charter, which will be retroactively penned by Anastaj, Christoforos and the Archon before the character join the covenant.

The Tribunal clauses are these:

-[tab][/tab]''In the spirit of good will, and in reciprocal charity of the years Christoforos of Meteora and Anastaj the Vlach have spent guests in the Tribunal's care, the Covenant of Meru Mudi is required to fully host, nurture and succour magi members of the Theban Tribunal, as befitting their station. Thus the covenant is required at any time to provide for no more than one (a) guest Magus for every two Magi in their Charter, including shelter, food and magical assistance in the form of standard laboratory and upkeep for them, any apprentice and/or familiar. This cannot extend more than a year, four (δ) seasons, unless the parties come to a deal with recompense, nor can the individual guest take advantage of this clause more than once (a) every three years (unless ordered by the Board of Magistrates and in their direct employ). Any disputes brought by any side will be resolved by the Conciliatory Board.
[tab][/tab]This clause concerns Magi, including Redcaps in their capacity as messengers or adjutants to the arche, Logothetes or Polemarch. It excludes mundane retinue, beasts of burden and affiliates. Magical assistance in form of laboratory is of paramount importance and will be accommodated when requested over the needs of individual charted Magi, and inside the Aegis and Aura. However due to the inconvenience, the guest Magus is required to present a token to the inconvenienced Host (or the Archon, Logothetes or Polemarch for their adjutants).''

-[tab][/tab]''The Covenant of Meru Mudi is required to harvest an amount of vis annually for the Tribunal, from Tribunal awarded sites that are in their 'sphere of influence'. This requirement can exceed no more than half the declared vis harvested by the Covenant. The Magi may procure substitute vis provided they come into agreement with the Treasury Board. Naturally a token will be awarded for this service, per site, while an ostrakon will be awarded for neglecting this duty.''
[tab][/tab]''Addendum: The Covenant is required to harvest five (ε) intellego vis from the Dodone Oracle site per year.''

-[tab][/tab]''The Covenant of Meru Mudi (and by extension its polites will be held partially responsible for the conduct and actions of any charted metoikoi. In particular, the polites are requested and urged as to the acclimation and teaching of their metoikoi Sodales on the customs and laws of the Tribunal, as well as the system of governance and the rights and obligations of its members. Therefore polites of this covenant will be except from the arche lottery of 1221, and at the same Tribunal the metoikoi may be sponsored for citizenship. This does not except any charted magi, polites or metoikoi, from any responsibilities, duties, requests or assignments from the arche, the Archon, Logothetes or Polemarch.''

[tab][/tab]There was a fourth clause, but Lysandros the Redcap argued that it would suggest urging the Covenant to take 'unwise' actions that could possibly breach two of the Code's articles.

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]The Library

[tab][/tab] At the start of the Campaign the Library of Meru Mudi is a pathetic thing. A single, newly made bookcase of pine wood, set inside the Council chambers. It holds:

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]Books, Suma and Tractatus

The Alexiad
Romaic Greek
[tab][/tab] Written by Alexia Komnenou in the mid 12th century, this is a collection of fifteen tomes (considered one book), that describes the life of her father, the Emperor Alexious. It can be treated as a Suma: Byzantium Lore 5, quality 10. OR by focusing on specific parts as various tractus of quality 10. Choose two of these: Divine Lore, Magic Lore, Leadership, Intrigue, Area Lore: Constantinople, Area Lore: Balkans, Area Lore: Anatolia). Each tractus is one season. Once read as tractus or suma, you can't re-read it as a suma or tractus. (for more information see Theban Tribunal pg 39)

The Bible
Church Greek
[tab][/tab] A normal bible in good condition, compromising of the four gospels and the writings of John (Old Testament translation, New Testament, Eastern Orthodoxy). This is a Suma Theology 10, quality 3 and a Suma Church Lore 3, quality 3. (For more information RoP:D pg 86). Page holder strip shows this belonged to Christoforos of Meteora.

Βίοι Αγίων
Church Greek
[tab][/tab]The life of Saints, Eastern Orthodoxy. Tractatus Church Lore quality 6. This too was property of Christoforos.

Aegis of the Hearth, 4th magnitude
Latin and Classical Greek versions
[tab][/tab]This is a small booklet penned hastily by an unknown author. It contains aegis of the hearth lvl 20, both the Latin and Greek versions.

[tab][/tab]Suma
Animal: 10Q15 ('Forest friends and enemies', Ulf of Bjornaer, Latin, bought by Pavo and Arni)
Corpus: 10Q15 ('The flow of Humours', Elissa the lame, Latin, bought by Pavo and Arni)
Intellego: 10Q15 ('I spy', Fudus of Tytalus, Latin, bought by Pavo and Arni)

[tab][/tab]Tractatus
Magical Theory: Aristocle's (Q11 Hestaphos of Verditius, Classical Greek). Raven's volumes 1&2 (Q11, Raven of Bonisagus [2/2], Latin)
Philosophiae: Ioanne's writing (Q14, Ioannes [1/2] Classical Greek)
Magical Lore: Pavo's (Q11, (Galla Ex Miscellanea of Epidauros, Classical Greek)
Creo: Raven's (Q11, Raven of Bonisagus [1/2], Latin)
Herbam: 'Garden weeds and vines' (Q15, Lisios Meadowlark, Latin)
Ignem: Raven's (Q11, Raven of Bonisagus [1/2] , Latin)

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]Lab Texts

Latin: Infernal Smoke of Death (AM5 127), the Mystical Carpenter (Co 51), Touch of Midas (AM5 153), Aegis of the Hearth lvl 20 (AM5 161). The Stone Cutting Knife (Co 52), the Enchanted Porter (Co 52), Abluere Magica (Co52)
Cl.Greek:The Severed Limb Made Whole (AM5 129), Rest of the Injured Brute (AM5 117), Aegis of the Hearth lvl 20 (AM5 161), Gentle Caress of Asclepius (HoH:S 100), Words of the Unbroken Silence (AM5 148)

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]Enchanted Devices

[tab][/tab] The covenant has three devices:

The Loyal Porter

This is the elevator that services the main building. It's a wooden platform of polished cypress wood, that can carry heavy loads from the basement up to the cistern and between. It is not meant to carry people. Each floor has an opening (that looks like a pizza oven) at waist height, a safety precaution so that no-one falls into the shaft. Knocking three times on a wooden tablet set aside, summons the platform to that floor.

The Vitaliser of Provisions

An old, battered chest that preserves food placed in it. It was placed in one of the basement room. (Covenants pg 52)

The Bookstand of Hespera

A magical lectern that helps in the lab. Adds 2 specialization in Texts, currently in Scylax's lab. (covenants pg121)

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]Specialists

Currently, there are two specialists in the covenant. A blacksmith and a carpenter (both at 6). The blacksmith has his own house and lives there with his wife and two kids. The carpenter currently resides in the barracks.

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab] Vis

The Covenant has one declared source of Vis. The old apple tree in the middle of the hill provides yearly ten (10) mentem pawns in the form of a perfect apple. Additionally four (4) herbam pawns of vis can be gathered if the branch the apple is on is cut correctly (use a silver plated iron sickle, with a handle of Yew. Cutting it otherwise will wilt the four flowers on the branch and the vis will be lost. Cutting the apple first will result in this loss too. Removing the apple after the proper cut preserves the flowers). The tree flowers in spring, and the apple appears then out of season. It rests on the tree until autumn and it is the only fruit produced by the tree. It disappears at the start of autumn, but no wild creature will eat it and not rot will affect it.
There is also progress in acquiring another source of vis in Perama caves.

The covenant has a stock of: 30 mentem, 10 creo, 17 corpus, 7 animal, 8 int, 8 perdo, 10 muto, 8 rego, 16 herbam vis, 21 terram and 6 vim

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]Laboratories

[tableborder][tr][th]No.[/th][th]Size[/th][th]Virtues and Flaws (after W1215)[/th][th]Inhabitant[/th][th]Comments[/th][/tr]
[tr][td]-1β[/td][td]0[/td][td]Low Ceiling[/td][td]Anastaj[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]-1δ[/td][td]-1[/td][td]Low Ceiling, Subterranean.[/td][td][/td][td]Not equipped[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]0[/td][td]++[/td][td][/td][td]Temporary quarters and kitchen[/td][td]No dividing walls[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1α[/td][td]?[/td][td][/td][td]Council room + library + sir Georgios[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1β[/td][td]0[/td][td]Basic lab[/td][td]Scylax[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1δ[/td][td]0[/td][td]Basic lab[/td][td]Shared[/td][td]Used by Raven[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1γ[/td][td]+2[/td][td]Poorly Insulated[/td][td][/td][td]Not equipped[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2α[/td][td]+1[/td][td]Elevated[/td][td]Christoforos[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2β[/td][td]-1[/td][td]Missing equipment, Basic lab[/td][td]Pavo[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2δ[/td][td]0[/td][td]Basic lab[/td][td]Arni[/td][td]To be shared[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2γ[/td][td]+2[/td][td]Basic lab + Spacious or empty[/td][td]Aristocle[/td][td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td]?[/td][td][/td][td]Raven's Home[/td][td]Not formed yet, not in the main building[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]
[/td][td]+2[/td][td][/td][td]?[/td][td]Building outside Covenant[/td][/tr][/tableborder]

More complex:
[tableborder][tr][th]No.[/th]
[th]Inhabitant[/th]
[th]Size[/th]
[th]Refinement[/th]
[th]G. Quality[/th]
[th]Upkeep[/th]
[th]Safety[/th]
[th]Warping[/th]
[th]Health[/th]
[th]Aesthetics[/th]
[th]Spec[/th]
[th]V&F[/th]
[th]Comments[/th][/tr]
[tr][td]-1β[/td]
[td]Anastaj[/td]
[td]0[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]Low Ceiling[/td]
[td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]-1δ[/td]
[td]free[/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td]+1[/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td]-2[/td]
[td]+1Te[/td]
[td]Low Ceiling, Subterranean[/td]
[td]Not equipped[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1β[/td]
[td]Scylax[/td]
[td]0[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]+2 Texts[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1δ[/td]
[td]Free[/td]
[td]0[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]Equipped[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]1γ[/td]
[td]Free[/td]
[td]+2[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-3[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]Poorly Insulated[/td]
[td]Not equipped[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2α[/td]
[td]Christoforos[/td]
[td]+1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]0[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]+3[/td]
[td]+1An[/td]
[td]Elevated[/td]
[td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2β[/td]
[td]Pavo[/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]-1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]Missing equipment[/td]
[td][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2δ[/td]
[td]Arni (shared)[/td]
[td]0[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]Not Finished -3[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2γ[/td]
[td]Aristocle[/td]
[td]+2[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]+0[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]+1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]Spacious[/td]
[td]Not Finished -3[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]R.House[/td]
[td]Raven[/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td][/td]
[td]To be determined[/td][/tr][/tableborder]

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]The Rotunda

[tab][/tab]The main building is situated on the foot of the apple-hill (and more to the eastern side of it), facing NE towards the Towers. It is a circular rotunda, with the entrance to the west and a round 'bump' in the opposite side; that's a small circular tower housing the stairs, an 'elevator' (which is an enchanted device) and the cistern. The entrance is housed in a porch, slightly protruding out, and its a stout, double iron-bound oak door. Three steps lead down to the ground floor, which is made of the same stone as the building, bare of tiles or rugs. The walls are one about meter thick.
[tab][/tab]The inside is a perfect round structure, except the small stair tower in the east. The radius is nine meters, the whole space is around 254sqm (about 2735 sq feet). Small windows facing the north are spaced in a semi circle and covered with leather or wood. Four sets of columns support the structure, numbering 14 in total. Two rows stand near the central area, marking a corridor of 2 meters. Those eight columns are large, square and unadorned stone, extending from the basement, through the two floors up to the roof, and they define (and are hidden inside) the corridors upstairs. The other two rows are to the side, one to the north and the other to the south. They are smaller and round, and do not extend through the building. This vast, dark chamber hasn't been shaped or modified, except for a small room in the east by north east, next to the stairs. This is a lavatory, with a trough, two sets of water pumps and a pair of latrines. This ground floor is obviously unfinished and was at one time used to house livestock. It will need modifications to make it workable.
[tab][/tab]Going down the stairs at the back one enters the basement. This is only three quarters the size of the ground floor, the whole south west side blocked by stone walls and presumably the foundations of the building. It might be possible to carve out more rooms out of the bedrock with care. The whole basement has a low ceiling and little illumination. A corridor runs just past the center, east to west. Just to the north of the stairs is the same room as above, only larger. In particular there are two water troughs for washing. At the north end of the room is a stout door leading to the outside, that is usually barred with two beams. Opposite that, to the south is a small room that can be converted into a laboratory, currently empty (Size-1, Low Ceiling, Subterranean.-1δ). The north east half is completed with various store rooms, each with its own narrow, arrow-slit window. The western part is a low ceiling laboratory, taken over by Anastaj (Low Ceiling,-1β).
[tab][/tab]Up the stairs to the first floor there is the same, dark corridor dividing the building and ending just past the middle. The north east quadrant is taken over by two spaces. Just after the stairs the same lavatory room as below ( two latrines and a trough). After that is a medium sized conference room, that also serves as a small library, with a separate small room for an accountant or seneshal. There is a large,old and pitted table and several chairs. The most astounding feature though is the large arched windows that give a spectacular view to the covenant and the Towers to the north. The lead framework is covered by alchemically clear glass, something very expensive to replace.
[tab][/tab]The north western room faces the western cliffs and has some view of the gorge and the covenant, is around 500sq feet and empty (). The same with the south eastern room, only this one faces the south cliff and part of the tree hill (). The south western room is larger, about 800sq feet, but because it fully faces the apple tree and hill on the incline, its windows are barely over 6 feet from the ground (Size+2, Poorly Insulated,) . All three rooms can be converted into laboratories.
[tab][/tab]The last floor is again parsed into four quadrants. Though the staircase continues up, it leads to cistern; there is a different, wooden stair at the end of the corridor that leads to a trapdoor and the roof above. Right next to the stairs is a lavatory again, but this one is considerably smaller, as most of its space is taken over by the outside cistern. It has only one pump and one latrine. Both southern rooms are empty spaces ( and ). The north eastern room is slightly larger and has a great view (Size+1, Elevated,). This houses the laboratory of Christoforos. The north western room is slightly smaller than the rest (Size -1,), while the south western one, facing the tree is quite larger (Size+2, ).
[tab][/tab]The main stone stairs lead to a roofed space, topped by a wooden, semi circle support of cherry red tiles, just under the main roof. This is open all around allowing fresh air into the structure. Leather covers are supposed to mitigate the cold in winter, but not by much. To the north side is a large, stone cistern that holds water for the indoor plumbing. Twice a week grogs need to refill it, manually bringing water to the basement and then up the stairs (this is an arduous, thankless job that is usually reserved as punishment). Despite being at the top, this part of the stairs does not lead to the roof.
[tab][/tab]From inside the structure a trap door opens to the roof. Its compromised by two circular structures. The larger circle is made of the same rough stone as the tower, goes around it at parapet level and is steep. While it looks like tiles, its actually solid and part of the structure. The parapet is small, just a meter wide and has no protective fence; its very easy for someone to fall to his death, especially if its raining. A large, wooden support has been erected on the top of the structure, covering about half the size of the main building, and making up the roof. Open all around and topped with the same cherry red tiles, it could be closed off and divided into rooms and laboratories, or left open for some kind of watch station, astronomical observation post or pigeon coop.

[tab][/tab][tab][/tab]Money and Resources

Apparently, very little cash. Currently the expenses are way over the income. Anastaj doesn't seem worried though.

Main income is livestock. The covenant owns two herds of animals, situated in the settlement of Vikos and tended by a group of 20 labourers (and 5 dependent). The goats and sheep provide an annual income of 40 m.silver in products, provide good cheese, some wool and leather. This resource can be expanded and/or enhanced with through various methods and plots.

The area has potential for four more secondary resources, two of which will be exploited (that is, the character will research the options, and the players will choose up to two of them to develop if they wish). Each comes with its own tribulations. Characters of course can come up with their own means of income.

State of Finances 1215

Income Source: Lesser (livestock), 40 pounds (status quo)

[table][tr][td]Magi and Nobles[/td]
[td]7x5[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]35[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Companions[/td]
[td]3x3[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]9[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Specialists[/td]
[td]2x2[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]4[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Horses[/td]
[td]1[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]1[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Grogs[/td]
[td]6[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]6[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Dependants[/td]
[td]5[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]5[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Servants[/td]
[td]12[/td]
[td](for 60 points)[/td]
[td]12[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Labourers[/td]
[td]25[/td]
[td](20+5 dependants)[/td]
[td]0[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]Teamsters[/td]
[td]4[/td]
[td](for 72-40)[/td]
[td]4[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Total[/td]
[td]76 points[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]76[/td][/tr][/table]

*Maia and the labourer dependants do not count in the expenditure logistics

[table][tr][td]Buildings[/td]
[td](for 72 points)[/td]
[td]8[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Consumables[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]16[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Laboratories[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]8[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Provisions[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]40[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Wages[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]16[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Weapons and Armour[/td]
[td](6x12 standard, 1x80 expensive, Companions standard <320)[/td]
[td]1[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Writing Materials[/td]
[td][/td]
[td]6[/td][/tr][/table]
*No inflation added

Reductions:
-20 from Labourers on provisions
-8 from specialists
-15 from magic

Total: 128 pounds spent as regular expenses.
*Dimitris the unofficial seneschal and autocrat is not counted in these calculations as a companion nor as a servant.

Total Population: 36 plus 4 teamsters plus a settlement of 25. These numbers will change with the addition of three more magi
*Dimitris is counted in this population census, Maia is not.