Stonehenge in 1013
For the purpose of describing the setting, we divide the area of Stonehenge into five regions.
- Wales
- Mercia
- Wessex
- East Anglia
- Northumbria
Wales is home to two old and strong covenants, namely Cad Gadu and Blackthorn, in addition to the nameless covenant eradicated in 1011. The Diedne fled completely when the nameless covenant fell, and the region sees no further conflict during the Schism, and the Order is trying to rebuild.
England was unified about 100 years prior, from four older kingdoms. When Knut conquered England in 1016, he divided her into four earldoms, corresponding to these older kingdoms.
Northumbria is in the North, spanning from coast to coast. The Schism war still rages, with Diedne raiding from their powerbase in Loch Leglean. There are three Covenants which survive the Schism, including the Flambeau stronghold of Ungulus.
East Anglia on the East Coast (South of Northumbria) and Wessex on the South Coast (West of East Anglia) have always had little Hermetic activity. There was a covenant in Kent, called Roma Nova, but it fell in 1008.
Mercia is in the middle, bordering on all the other three fiefs as well as Wales. She has seen a lot of action in the Schism War, particularly in the early years, including the fall of Lumen already in 1003. Also the mundane population suffered greatly from the war, and when Eadric rose to power as Ealdorman from 1007, he outlawed magic and started prosecutions to the best of his ability. Hermetic magi gave up holding their covenants, and most fled the region.
Hermetic Customs
The dangerous times has taught the magi to be discreet. Unless travelling with the force of numbers, magi will disguise as mundane people. The cocern is not only the enemy in the Schism, but also the witch hunters of Eadric, and their likes of mind.
The old covenants would generally be known to men of power, and they rely on fortification and power to keep enemies away. New covenants would rely on subterfuge to go unnoticed.
More details
Northumbria
In Northumbria, covenants are under attack from Diedne wizards from Loch Leglean and their Giant allies.
Having won the War on the Continent, the Order sends reinforcements to Loch Leglean from 1013. This turns the War in Northumbria and Loch Leglean from 1014/15, and Diedne loose quickly.
By 1017, Diedne is no longer a threat, but Northumbria is devastated.
Mercia
Eadric Streona became Ealdorman of Mercia in 1007 [wikipedia]. He was the first earl under Knut, but was killed by Knut in December 1017.
Eadric rose to the post of ealdorman following a number of devastating battles of the Schism War. He immediately started outlawed magic, in all its forms, and both Hermetic and hedge wizards were hunted down.
By 1013, Eadric's rule is stable and mundane society is starting to recover from the devastations of the War. People are optimistic. Magi keep a low profile.
Eadric was given the epithet "Streona" (translated as "The Acquisitive”) in Hemming's Cartulary because he appropriated church land and funds for himself. wikipedia This gives rise to an ongoing conflict with the Church and its allies.
Wessex
Like East Anglia, and Wessex always had smaller Hermetic populations, and have not seen battles of the Schism for years.
Knut arrived first in Wessex in 1015, and took her under his direct rule at first.
Wales
In Wales the Order is strong. Cad Gadu saw little of the war. Blackthorn is rebuilding.