Im sure Marko will figure something out or just approve it since, in the end, its better we have characters who are capable than one's who keep falling short of whatever is needed at the time. Nothing more tedious than having to constantly switch to plan b or c because abilities arent sufficient to the task.
Im sure we can always tailor things down later if they start to get ahead of the saga and lab accidents can always happen if one goes too far with power.
Let's play it by ear.
OK, so what do we tell Mark? 
And do you guys like the outside-the-castle story better than the inside story? I can make it work either way.
Scott
Well inside the castle poses more problems than its worth, not least of all structural. I think we who are more of the earthy crunchy beatnik variety of magi should welcome being outside the cold, lifeless stone walls of a fortress, but thats just my character's two mythic pounds worth.
What we could have is a chamber in the castle (or perhaps at various places around the middle courtyard/practice field) where permanent circle ring spells could be active (attuned to a given magus/maga) where we could teleport between our respective sanctums to our individual rings in the castle for ease of assembly.
Each ring could transport only the magus it was attuned to but could allow for transport of written notes if someone in the castle needed to contact a magus/maga in his/her lab easily.
Just a thought for others to play with.
We could even build that teleporter thing ourselves. Marie has one year left (short of 20).
When we use Marie's lab (Lab-Rego+4, Items+1, Re +20, Co +6, Int +2, Magic Theory (Rego) +6, Aura+5). She gets a lab total of 44. If we make it some kind of door, we get another +7, for a total of 51.
I'd we willing to let her invent such a construction/constructions in exchange for stuff you guys build for her (using your specialties and time).
Suggest what item you were thinking of. Best of all - since this is before the saga start, we don't have to consider Vis-costs...
As for Marie's extra xp, it would be 8 for MT, and I'd find a way of changing her so the other 12xp get speent as well.
How easy would that be to create?
Scott
Okay, here is my idea:
Item (wooden Door)
base effect: ReCo 25: transport one person one league (=1,5 miles or 2,4135 km).
+1 Touch: level 30
+3 user restriction: carrier of a small silver ring: lvl 33
+1 for twice per day: 34
51 (Lab total)- 34 (level)=17
If you prepare the item yourself, Marie could invent such a door in two seasons. Since she can then use her lab text, she could produce up to three doors in that remaining year: One door is put in a castle so 2 Magi you can teleport out in the morning, and one is put in each of their labs for coming home (you can even bring a guest to the castle).
That's three seasons of work for one invested effect....We don't have any magi in the covenant who would manage a ReCo25 in one season? I know that even before refining her lab or installing any Virtues, Viola could manage a Lab Total of 30 in ReCo. What's Marie's Lab Total?
Scott
I calculated it above (4 posts or so ago). It's 44 for ReCo including Aura.
It would be 50 if we had a telekinesis instead of a teleportation spell (because of her focus), but you could be shot down.
Plus, 25 is the base, we need range touch, so it's a level 30 anyway.
we could use a door (+5 or +7), made of apple-wood (+1)
I assumed a +7 for the doors above.
Someone else could prepare the door. That's not too hard, and if you shift around a few xp to adventuring, you easily get three preparation seasons between you (it's 2 outdoor magi, isn't it?). I could shift some of Marie's xp around so she'd be able to prepare one of the three doors. And remeber. Vis does NOT matter according to Mark's character generation rules
Someone else could prepare the door. That's not too hard, and if you shift around a few xp to adventuring, you easily get three preparation seasons between you (it's 2 outdoor magi, isn't it?). I could shift some of Marie's xp around so she'd be able to prepare one of the three doors. And remeber. Vis does NOT matter according to Mark's character generation rules
Whoops, I was thinking the overall effect was 25, not the base effect. Hmmm.
Scott
Feverish and all here, did nothing today.
And the rest in the same post... 
It seems you didn't understand me. I was actually speaking in support of you, not against 
As per this specific comment, I also agreed with you on the fact that everyone seemed ok for the regio free virtue, while it was potentally more powerfull than some aura. And that, thus, the aura was no big deal.
Of course! This'd explain perfectly why Ihsahn put it outside the castle proper
As marko said, it wouldn't work inside the wall.
You can even keep your original story, since outside aura is 2.
Have some barracks outside, like a remote house, with his lab in it, and hop!
Frankly, I'd say relocate outside for background reasons (I can't see how the tree could have survived inside), take the idillyc surroundings virtues, keep everything else the same.
Found maps there, I'll include them in the wiki 
??? It is, isn't it?
ReCo 25, don't forget the requisites if you want to transport something other than your talisman.
But this asks for:
Base 25, +1 touch, +1 for 2/day = 31. You need a lab total of 62 to invest it as a lesser enchanted device in 1 season.
=> You probably need to do it as a greater enchanted device.
IMO, you'd better create something like this:
Circle of transport ReCo(Te, An, He) 40
range: touch, duration: mom, target: circle
Base 25, +1 touch, +10 unlimited uses.
Then the command word is spoken, this circle transport anything inside it to any place within 1 league either that you can see or that you have an Arcane Connection with.
With an appropriate lab text (there's a higher-level equivalent on the wiki, so you're bound to have lower-level ones. Just post it there for other players to use ), you can create this in 2 seasons (opening, enchanting) if your lab total is over 40.
Actually the spell would need to have Duration:Ring in order to remain permanently active. So level 45.
Circle! you are a genius!
Add casting tablets so no one has to learn it if you haven't sent your spells yet.
There is another complication: Warping by a strong effect
There needs to be a linked trigger for this to be possible, since this is an “undefined group†and a silver ring doesn’t qualify for an Environmental Trigger. This adds some more levels to the effect and forces a greater enchanted device, unless we do Ring/Circle. But that raises issues of Warping, as noted above
Inigo has no particular interest in this project, but that’s partially because I think I’ll rewrite his lab description to put it inside the castle walls. He’s also perfectly happy to walk (or fly in an emergency).
I had some arguments about Scott’s lab, but they were more just to play devil’s advocate than anything. The only issue is really the size, as we discussed – perhaps make it a smaller regio, with only +1 or +2 Size, and keep everything else?
Duration: Rings adds 2 magnitude, so, level 50 
Yes 
Bof... IMO, let him have it. As I said before, I find this far more unbalancing than his custom virtues, and thus find it very strange to bother him with this.
Moreso, it contains enough potential flaws and unknown factors for marko to play with if needed (i.e. where does this tree comes from?)
Ummm I understood you as saying previously that we started mid-month giving us another week. I've personally been pulled several directions and could suse some more time.
Or else I guess I wander in later, up to you.
Tentative draft for Octavian's lab. As i have to rework the history slightly again, I'm not sure if he will have spent the season in refinement that he did. Also, I'm unsure if he will be among one of those that has the +1 size lab. If so, I would add Well-Insulated virtue.
Note I don't have the covenants book, and only got to peruse it from a friend briefly taking down notes so there might be issues.
LABORATORY & SANCTUM:
The Silent Tower was originally built to hold prisoners of repute at Andorra. As such, the tower is secluded at the far side of the keep, away from the other towers of the coven. Over time, the tower no longer housed any occupants and one of the magi with an unhealthy obsession with birds converted it into an aviary. When the Order of Seneca took over, they did not share the same fascination and drove most of the avians away. However, Francisco Florenzo of Flambeau did see the use of maintaining some form of mundane communication and kept carrier pigeons within the tower. Later, when members of House Mercere began settling the coven, the magi saw little need with continuing the practice and released the pigeons. The birds however chose to stay and took to nesting on the rooftop. Instead, the tower was converted into an infrequently used communal laboratory intended only for particularly dangerous or sensitive experimentation.
In 1211, Octavian joined the coven at Andorra. Many of the magi were distrustful of the young Tremere and had no objection when he asked to occupy the tower as his sanctum and laboratory. In the intervening years, Octavian’s duties have kept him mostly away but he has resided there enough for his Gift to scare away the pigeons. Since then a murder of crows has now taken up residence in the abandoned nests.
The tower is 3 to 4 stories high (see below). The first floor operates as a meeting area and further houses a custos and a maid. Octavian’s personal chambers and solarium are on the 2nd floor. The lab itself is on the third floor.
Virtues:
Gallery (minor): The fourth floor was removed when the tower was converted into an aviary. In its place a circular gallery along the walls was added to better observe the birds. The birds also frequently used the railing to perch and be fed by the caretaker. +1 Safety, +1 Aesthetics, +1 Teaching.
Defenses (Free): An inner portcullis can be drawn to keep occupants from leaving or entering. The former was originally used to prevent prisoners from escaping. Later, it allowed the magi to contain any lab mishaps from endangering the rest of the keep. The mechanism lies between both portcullis and is manned out of sight by a custos. +1 Aesthetics.
Superior Construction (Free): Thick sturdy walls allowed for the floors to be built out of stone rather than wood. +1 Safety, +1 Aesthetics.
Grand Entrance (free): As quaesitors are often required to mediate or settle disputes privately between parties, Octavian had the first floor refurbished to conduct such business. He took care to not include the area into his sanctum so as not to threaten others. The first floor of the tower contains an antechamber, a meeting room that doubles as a dining room, and other accommodations for visitors. +2 Aesthetics.
Elevated (free): Octavian’s sanctum lies in a tower of the coven. +1 Au, +1 Aesthetics.
Guard (free): A custos resides between the two portcullises in an adjacent room and controls traffic to and from the tower. +1 Aesthetics.
Person (free): A homely maid by the name of Marjolaine resides on the first floor of the tower. She is slightly infatuated with the darkly alluring master of the tower although she is uncomfortable at the sight of his eyes. Often the lone occupant of the tower other than the guard, she views the tower very much as her own home. -1 Safety, +1 Me.
Spotless & Highly Organized (free): While Octavian’s study requirement and duties keep him mostly away; Marjolaine hopes to attract his attention through exemplary service and makes certain to keep the laboratory impeccable. +1 General Quality, +1 Upkeep, +1 Aesthetics, +1 Cr.
Magical Heating & Lighting (free): The infestation of crows has forced the occupants to rely on magical heating and lighting for the entirety of the tower. The lighting is sparse on the top 2 floors however. +1 Health, +1 Aesthetics, +1 Ig, +1 Im
Flaws:
Empty (free): The third floor of the tower formerly held two floors. When it was converted into an aviary, the magus had the fourth floor removed to create a higher ceiling to allow the birds more freedom of movement. This has made it more difficult to heat and light the laboratory and forces Marjolaine to employ ladders to maintain the cleanliness of the lab. +1 Upkeep, -1 Aesthetics.
Gaudy (free): Once used as a communal lab, many of the former magi have left their mark with contrasting decoration. Octavian views the clash of shapes and colors interesting. +1 Upkeep, -1 Aesthetics, +1 Im.
Infested (free): Crow’s nests litter the shaded side of the roof. The birds have become territorial and have proven resistant to mundane attempts to remove them. When Octavian is occupying the tower, the birds become agitated by his Gift; a telltale sign of the magus’ presence. The windows of the tower are kept closed or shuttered to avoid the birds’ entry. -1 Safety, -1 Aesthetics, +1 An.
Defective Lighting (minor): The lab proper only has windows near the roof allowing only diffuse sunlight to illuminate the area. Even with magical lighting, the high ceiling requires more lighting. Octavian’s natural eyesight is able to compensate for this and as such as he has not made any effort to remedy the situation. -1 General Quality, -1 Upkeep, -1 Safety, -1 Aesthetics.
As for the relations, for the most part Octavian is exceedingly polite and respectful of others unless they actively seek to provoke or antagonize him or break the Code. For the magi that dwell outside the keep he will at least speak with them regarding the boundaries of their sanctum to make sure he doesn't trespass due to his study requirement. While distant, he never turns away those that seek his advice or attempt to strike up a conversation due to his politeness. Although, if they are particularly bothersome, he will politely remove himself from the conversation.
During general coven meetings, he will remain a quiet observer, only commenting once everyone has had their say in a soft-spoken manner. Instead of lecturing on the Code or otherwise frowning upon others, he will offer constructive advice or alternatives.
Specific thoughts on everyone are as follows:
Antonio: Octavian is somewhat disappointed of the archmagus due to his lecherous and somewhat bafoonish disposition. He does respect his title and power however.
Carmen: He treats her with great respect knowing full well her lineage. He internally questions her desire to emulate her father instead of seeking out her own identity. If she hints or shows signs of infatuation as mentionned, he may appear awkward as he is has never experienced such attentions before. She may mistake this for shyness.
Florenzo: Octavian sees him as a potential resource due to his contacts with other covens and the breadth of his travels. Florenzo's regard for Octavian will yield a slightly more cordial relationship.
Marie: Octavian's non-confrontational demeanor might rub off poorly on the Tytalus magus. He does not ask about her dismemberment seeing as it might be a sensitive issue. If it was punishment for some offense she has paid her dues to society or whatever body she offended. If she shares it with him or the coven as a whole, he does not pity her as it was her decision to make the deal with the faeries.
Inigo: Octavian respects him for taking down a dangerous member of the order and hedge wizard. He views him as a potential hoplite if he can eventually overcome his passionate attachments.
Aurea aka buttercup: At times he might frown upon her innocence but he does appreciate the serenity and harmony that surrounds her.
Marcellus/Marcella?: I assume the character will often be out and about rather than at the coven. Coupled with Octavian's own frequent wandering they will probably have met only a few times. His/her skills could certainly prove useful however he will be wary of your character disturbing fae or magical beasts that may endanger members of the order.
Siccus "al-Awar" Bonisagi: Octavian may fear the muslim magi might cause disharmony in the coven because of his birth and religion as Antonio describes many members of the Order of Seneca as thinking themselves crusaders. Although he himself does not have any quarrel with the Bonisagus. He is like to encourage the other magi to potentially defer to Siccus for aid in magical research to gain acceptance.
Dimir Taar: Octavian regards Dimir's willingness to assist other magi in the creation of items as exemplary of what a united order can achieve.
Decimus Scribonious Lepidus Ex Mercere: Octavian is borne mistrustful and does not open himself up to others. He will grow suspicious if Decimus goes out of his way to learn more about him. If Decimus pries or presses the point Octavian will reciprocate and keep a very perceptive eye on the Mercere and his activities. For the most part, Octavian watches the Mercere and Flambeau power struggle carefully and may step in if hostilities escalate but otherwise remains uninvolved.
Dragan:
Probably one of the latter two options. Octavian having experienced the closest thing as one can get to a magi war outside the Schism war seeks order and harmony foremost. However, he is not an idealist and understands fully well that conflict is inevitable so he doesn't need to start it but he will not shirk away from it.
Jarkman: I couldn't find the posting of your character.
Viola: A recent arrival, Octavian takes a wait and see attitude.
Did I miss anyone?
Detailed and consistent lab description. Not overpowered, IMO.
Makes mundane defense somewhat tougher if you claim a mural tower, but that's just typical of Magi, who put their interests first (I did put a comma in that sentence). It shows nicely how studying and fighting sometimes contrast. 
Octavian's lab totals (if I calculated correctly):
Safety-1, Aestetics 5 (So you have 25 xp to spent on one or more rather positive reputations of your lab), General+0, Upkeep+2, Health+1
You've fot +1 on Teaching (one out of two possible Lab activity specialisations
You've got 6 Art specialisations (4 are allowed, which includes no more then 2 Techniques):
Au+1, Me+1, Cr+1, Ig+1, Im+2, An+1
Btw: You wrote the lab servant was homely. Since yoou seem to write American English, I assume that means ugly rather than gemuetlich/cosy (British English). Am I mistaken?
Homely does mean ugly, yes (in both British and American English). I suspect you are confusing it with homey, which means cozy, also both in British and American English.