Redcap Quaesitor.

"There is a story in the Hibernian Tribunal ..." implies, that there are no records. The purpose is of course, that every SG can make up his mind about it. But it is not an Hermetic case from which to draw any conclusions about the correctness of the Flambeau's actions.

Cheers

Sure, I'm well aware of the language of what "There is a story..." actually means. If the SG makes up his mind about it there IS a Hermetic case, or there IS NOT a hermetic case, depending on his decision. In any event, if there isn't a case, it could be brought up and tested. Whether or not a Redcap can be a legitimate target of a Wizard's War declaration is a very interesting legal question which would be great fun for Tribunal. If presented as part of an actual Trial as laid out in HoH:TL, then the facts are agreed to, and the legal issue is whether a Redcap, despite being entitled to being addressed as Magus or Maga, can be targeted in a Wizard's War just because he doesn't have a gift.

The Ars Magica 5th Edition text makes this explicit.

So, the Code (and Redcaps take the Oath) does specifically say that they are Magi, and Wizard's war is a defined as a conflict between two magi, that allows them to step outside the bounds of the Code.

The "wizard war declared on Redcap" has been a staple of the game hooks since 3rd edition (at least). The redcaps do have ALL the rights that a normal magus has. They refrain from voting mopst of the time, but they are 100% members of the order, not second rate ones.

Xavi

It is far more tricky than that, as I just find out. Let's stick to ArM5 for simplicity.

On p. 17 you find what a magus is in ArM5: "A magus (feminine maga, plural magi, feminine plural magae) is a powerful wizard, even when he has just finished his training. ... Although magi are very powerful, they are also limited in important ways by The Gift, their ability to work magic. ... "
So this is the definition of the use of the word magus in the rules and the narrative of the ArM5 authors, plain and simple.

On p. 12 you find "All members of House Mercere (...), regardless of whether they possess The Gift, are officially recognized as magi of the Order."
So this means, that in official texts of the Order - like the Hermetic Oath - a Redcap is called a magus. Hence about the Hermetic Oath I was wrong and too fast - here magus includes unGifted Redcaps.

Cheers

An ungifted redcap quaesitor could make a really good NPC, especially if your PCs are up to no good. Play him as an excellent investigator, a brilliant social observer and a very very clever individual. Backed by an array of unknown magical devices and his own vast experience, he could be a real threat to players.

Obvious deficiencies such as vulnerability to magical mind tampering could be tempting options for naughty magi, but they'd have to wonder if the clearly genius level redcap has already thought of that and taken precautions (backed up his memories with an item? a ring that restores any altered memories, a device that lets him know if someone has messed with his mind).

I'm liking this idea.

"Just one more thing..." :smiley:

There is a couple paragraphs in HoH:TL(pg70) about Redcaps helping Quaesitors..."Unless they possess devices invested with Intellego effects, Redcaps are at a disadvantage when investigating magi directly. They are also by far the least able to defend themselves should the need arise. Therefore, it is unusual, but not unknown, for a Redcap to conduct a direct investigation of a Magus. They normally gather information in mudane society and pass it on to a Quaesitor."