What does a Primus do?

Games Discussion Ars Magica
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What is says on the tin.

Feels like they is a lot of variation between the privileges and responsibilities of primi between different houses. In some cases, primi have near autocratic powers (Tremere), in some, they are more like a king trying to control powerful barons (Tytalus), and in some, they feel more like first among equals (Bjornaer). In some houses, primi can cast members out of the house, where the practice is nearly unheard of for others, though technically possible, I guess. In some houses, primi dictate research, or resource allocation, but for other houses, this makes no sense. Sure, they are essential during the Grand Tribunal, but there most be more to it than that.

Do we know anything solid about the rights / responsibilities of a primus?

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Houses of Hermes: True Lineages (pg 49) says:

Social pressure and threats of Wizard War aside, the only power backing up the authority of a Primus is the ability to expel members. By a First Tribunal ruling, magi are legally required to have a House. House vagrancy can therefore lead to a Wizard’s March.

(It is possible to gain entrance to a new House, but not guaranteed, and most magi won't want to leave their old House).

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I checked “Houses of Hermes” to see if older editions had much to say, and it appears their main power is to say who can join the house and to remove people. Other than that, it’s all very much down to the house.

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That, and…

A primus is an elected position, and the order pretty much runs on voting, so anyone who can get elected to primus clearly has a lot of votes they can influence, though that is a measure of power indicated by the position, not power from the position itself.

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The 12 Primi meet at Grand Tribunal and their role there is more than just ceremonial. Serf’s Parma but check Guardians of the Forest for more detail.

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GoTF p61-2 mentions the Fane of the Founders, and only Primi and their designated representatives know where it is (except Ex Miscellanea, who have a lineage that deals with it). It mentions a ritual every 7 years, and rumours about it.

GoTF also mentions that the Praeco of the Rhine is the Primus of Bonisagus (something that’s specific to the Rhine Tribunal and Bonisagus - every other tribunal has the eldest magus as the Praeco). GoTG p92 also makes clear that the Primus of Bjornaer merely passes on the decision of the council of Elders of house Bjornaer for many issues.

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Just a note on the Bjornaer one; Primus is technically not the leader of House Bjornaer - that would be the Bjornaer Council. As far as the House is concerned, Primus is just the Houses’ representative to the Order and but one of the seats on the Council.

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Primus is a honorary Title that the house grants to someone to further its agenda.

Often held by the most senior of the house

Sometimes held by someone with a special talent deemed to be of use for the house politics

Often carries many voting proxys for tribunals making them a political power

W

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As you say, it varies.

Tremere, high marshal and ranking authority.

Ex Miscellanea, obscure and nearly impotent title holder.

Guernicus, administrator and judge.

Mercere, capo of merchant house/postal service/small magical tradition.

And so on.

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This made me curious about what information about Primuses that is actually in the books, so I looked it up and made a list. Didn’t look thoroughly so might have missed something.

Bonisagus:

HoH TL: Holds considerable power and influence. Can command those of Cannophori rank to drop their research and do another task, can be overturned by the Colentes Arcanorum. Appoints the Tenentes Occultorum. Is Praeco of the Rhine and Grand tribunals. Appoints his successor. Can be relieved of duty by a unanimous Colentes Arcanorum.

Guernicus:

HoH TL: Very little information. Guernicus is ruled by the Magvillus Council which has two tiers. The Primus chairs these councils and sets the order of business. The Primus can be dismissed by the council.

Mercere:

HoH TL: Really no information.

Tremere:

HoH TL: The Primus rules the house. Can channel resources to projects. Appoints and dismisses the Exarchs and the Legatus.

Bjornaer:

HoH MC: House Bjornaer is ruled by the Bjornaer Council, not its primus. The Primus isn’t even the leader of the council unless he has a bear as a heartbeast.

Criamon:

HoH MC: The primas role is to support her house by managing mundane tasks and coordinating the house´s activities. She leads the Central Clutch and the council who rules the Cave of Twisting Shadows. Stays as a ghost, until the Enigma is solved, after being killed.

Merinita:

HoH MC: Really no information. The house is described as disorganized and contrary to each other.

Verditius:

HoH MC: The primus residence determines the house domus magna. It is the sole arbitrator for personal matters between house members. The house has no other structures so this is the only position of authority in the house. He can ask for advice, but final decision is his. Most decisions concern prize fixing and vendettas. His sphere of authority over his fellows is limited. His vote decides ties in the Contest.

Flambeu:

HoH Soc: Loose internal organization. No offices except Primus. Relatively few direct powers, rules more by persuasion than formal authority. Has the authority to preside over gauntlets, organizes the grand tournament. Nominally the leader for Castra Solis but the true power often lies elsewhere.

Jerbiton:

HoH Soc: The Primus has few formal powers. Sole authority to grant membership in the house and residence in Valnastium. May spend a portion of Valnastiums resources on personal projects. Also some ceremonial rights.

Tytalus:

HoH Soc: No information.

tLatL: Leads Fudarus and makes all decisions on ite behalf. Sets challenges for non-Tytalus that wishes to enter Fudarus.

Ex Miscellanea:

HoH Soc: Almost no house culture or organization at all. The primus decides membership in Cad Gadu. Sometimes has a Council of Four to help the primus guide the house.

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