8/7/16

johns (GM): Salvate omnes

Joshua S. (GM): hi

Endrite (GM): What's crackin' fam?

johns (GM) casts Creo Imaginem on the silent crowd

johns (GM): i got dies irae and one of its scenario is about a horrible plague

im pumped

Endrite (GM): Such a thing could never happen.

I mean can you imagine?

johns (GM): it isn't the same thing as the Black Death so I'm wondering if it should happen along side black death or instead of

dys: A second plague has hit mythic europe.

Endrite (GM): The plague of anti-Franciscan sentiment.

Joshua S. (GM): lol

johns (GM): it also has two chapters devoted to Ragnarok-style stuff that I feel is cheating

anyway

as I recall last session we left off with Bonfilia mutilating the redcap's son, and one last item unaccounted for, that you heard was sold to the servant of the Pamphili family

Proclus of Rome: Where's Albano?

No we left the last session off with me getting a promissory note from the new guy.

johns (GM): ah right

Archibald of Guernicus: I hope House Guernicus pays up.

Proclus of Rome: I'm ALSO interested in seeing if the pawnbroker has anything else worth selling.

johns (GM): Nothing but crippling debt at the moment but I'll keep you posted

Archibald of Guernicus: Who paid money for the cool explosion effects?

johns (GM): I'm not sure but I think all gms can use it because BR has platinum membership and he made the game room

Proclus of Rome: How long is a roman mile?

johns (GM): 5,000 feet

Proclus of Rome: Nice.

johns (GM): This estate is about 11 miles away on decent roads. Who's in the travelling party?

Joshua S. (GM): aleseta is ~*

Proclus of Rome: I love to travel.

Do I have any long-term fatigue from losing at Certamen?

Joshua S.: no

Archibald of Guernicus: I'm in the travelling party, definetely.

johns (GM): Also I'd like to say that last session was Spring and this will be Summer, so it counts as two separate seasons

as endrite pointed out to me we don't seem to have any grogs

Proclus of Rome: Whaaat?

johns (GM): idk if you guys want to do something about that at some point

Proclus of Rome: Why are you counting this as two seasons?

johns (GM): It need not distract from lab work

Aleseta of Bonisagus: where the grogs at

Proclus of Rome: But also yes please make grogs.

I've made one.

johns (GM): If people would like I could stat up a bunch of really generic grogs that are little more than combat abilities and a personality trait

Aleseta of Bonisagus: have any magi in our campaigns had the magic addiction flaw before

because lol @ the target ease factors

Bonfilia of Verditius: I think I had it once

cant remember

johns (GM): OK, a bunch of wizards roll out and head into the countryside

Following the old Roman roads it is not hard to get to your destination, taking about half a day

Aleseta of Bonisagus: bird

Proclus of Rome: Does Bonfilia get sick?

johns (GM): Leaving the city behind you wander among rolling fields of simple peasants tending crops, humble and happy in their proper role in the Feudal hierarchy as deigned by God

I assume you're walking

As none of you can ride a horse

Aleseta of Bonisagus makes note to get 1 Ride

johns (GM): The Pamphili estate is a little over 1,000 acres. Unusual for this part of the Italian countryside, there is a dense forest of about 30 acres here.

Proclus of Rome: I was going to suggest we take a cart but of course we have no grogs.

Hmm.

What's the Aura?

johns (GM): Dominion 2 around the Manor & village, Dominion 1 in the fields

Proclus of Rome: Aight.

johns (GM): You have Masini the grog if you wish. He can only protect one wizard at a time though!!

Bonfilia of Verditius: I shriek in the presence of this powerful dominion aura.

johns (GM): The manor is average by lordly standards. You wanna walk right up and introduce yourselves directly?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: whats our goal here again

johns (GM): Haha right

You know that a servant of the lord here bought a magical bell from the redcap's son, that has the property of scaring off animals

Your Guernicus buddy, Archibald, wants the bell returned to proper care of House Mercere

Archibald of Guernicus: It should be easy to test if he has it. Set some dogs on him.

If the dogs don't attack, he's guilty.

Proclus of Rome: Wow what?

You could always use your words.

I mean, YOU couldn't, but I could.

Wait we have an Animal specialist, she could just ask them.

Archibald of Guernicus: That's a good point.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: greetings

Archibald of Guernicus: She could ask them to attack, which saves needing a dog trainer.

Proclus of Rome: Or she could ask them if there's been anything unusual happening.

johns (GM): The village has the regular assortment of chickens, cows, pigs, dogs, etc

also Humans (Peasant class)

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "What sort of animals would this servant  want  to scare off?"

"Surely he would not have purchased such a device unless he had a specific purpose in mind."

Proclus of Rome: "I'd imagine if there were any hostile animals, then the beasts of the field would be the most ware of it."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Isn't there a forest near here? Mebbe he had something in mind regarding it."

Proclus of Rome: What's the forest's aura?

johns (GM): Approaching the forest, you feel the stifling presence of Dominion slip away. The small forest has a Magic 2 aura.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: nice

Proclus of Rome: That's worth noting.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: what animales are here

johns (GM): In the forest?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: yes

johns (GM): There's no sign of animals at the edge of the forest. There is no trail leading in (despite what this map says). Do you wish to press further in?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: Are there pigs in an area that might have a slightly weaker Dominion aura?

Proclus of Rome: I'll leave that up to the animal expert.

johns (GM): There are plowing oxen out in the weaker Dominion fields

They tend to have plows attached and manning the plows, a peasant

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I probably shouldn't use any magic by the peasants. I'll need to get near an animal that's not around humans."

I will try to find an animal that is between the forest and town and not with a human. Aura doesn't matter, I guess.

Proclus of Rome: Any ducks or fish?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: it needs to be something i can maintain touch with so fish would be hard

also fish are dumb and weird. pig would be ideal.

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Archibald of Guernicus: Maybe a wild cat, or boar?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: domestic animals are easier for me

also they're more likely to see if something scary is coming out of the woods

animals don't like having magic cast on them, also, so domesticated animals are easier.

johns?

johns (GM): I don't know about animals not liking magic, it's that they don't like the gift of your comrades

Aleseta of Bonisagus: it's in the description of opening the tome of the animal's mind, specifically, because ars_magica.txt

johns (GM): Hmph

Aleseta of Bonisagus: but anyway, are there qualifying animals around?

johns (GM): Within the village there are pigs and such but you need to account for the fact that 5 weird strangers rolling into town, one of them armed, is catching attention from the locals

Proclus of Rome: I mean, I'm not going to take the time to try and wrassle a pig so while this is going the rest of us could try talking to the pries.

Uh.

I mean maybe just me.

Archibald of Guernicus: I'm sure nothing bad will come of all of us doing it.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: does anyone have area lore: this area

Proclus of Rome: Is this within the Roman hinterlands?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: if all else fails, we can just wait until night

johns (GM): Yeah, Area Lore Rome counts here

Proclus of Rome: At full value or at -5 from the Hinterlands penalty?

johns (GM): I am not aware of this penalty

Do whatever you deem honorable

Proclus of Rome: Well, let me see the map again.

johns (GM): OK Rope Kid, I assume you want to camp out somewhere outside the village 'til night?

Proclus of Rome: I think within 10 miles should be fine for a straight Area Lore.

Anyway, what did you want to know, Aleseta?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: if there are any legends about this place

or if it's just random ol italian village

Proclus of Rome: Oh well, you've come to the right guy!

That's my specialty.

You roll at +2 for a specialty, right?

rolling 1d10 + 2 + 8 + 2

(

3

)

+2+8+2

=

15

johns (GM): No legends come to mind. You know the local lord is in service to the large Savelli family, and has a martial reputation. The general area is known for producing good quality olive oil.

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: chef kissing fingers, etc.

yes, let's wait for night

johns (GM): OK

Proclus of Rome: We should consider introducing ourselves at least.

Instead of lurking in the woods at night.

johns (GM): by the way, I suggest this as official heraldry of our covenant: http://imgur.com/qy9pUxI

Aleseta of Bonisagus: but i love lurking

johns (GM): You want to camp in the woods?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: lol

Archibald of Guernicus: We could do the old good magus, bad magus routine, to get him to hand over the bell.

johns (GM): Basically, whether you camp out in the woods or somewhere in the countryside will have an effect

sage old knight voice  Choose wisely...

Aleseta of Bonisagus: woods in this gamer's opinion

Archibald of Guernicus: The woods sounds more interesting, and the aura will aid casting.

Proclus of Rome: I think a Dominion Aura is probably safer.

johns (GM): mmmexcellent

Bonfilia of Verditius: we could have just rested in a barn in exchange for some bread

Proclus of Rome: Please don't give these people bread.

johns (GM): Okay, it's about noon when you arrived, and being summer it'll be 9 hours til complete sundown

Proclus of Rome: We're going to need to ask them for something.

johns (GM): After briefly looking around the village you went into the woods

Proclus of Rome: How large are these woodlands?

johns (GM): Time passes. Roll... Per+Awareness!

30 Acres

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10

(

8

)

=

8

Proclus of Rome:

rolling 1d10

(

9

)

=

9

Aleseta of Bonisagus: ff

Archibald of Guernicus:

rolling 1d10+3+5

(

5

)

+3+5

=

13

(To Archibald of Guernicus): You are the first to notice about 50 paces away a wolf is standing and looking at you all intently. It is not moving yet.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Think we've got an animal after all." I point out the wolf to the other magi

Proclus of Rome: Aaa!

Bonfilia of Verditius:

rolling d10!+2

(

10

+

3

)

+2

=

15

Proclus of Rome: A wolf!

Archibald of Guernicus: "Ye any good at calming the things?"

johns (GM): Bonfilia notices the wolf too but Archibald is the first to point it out

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I... can try." Aleseta says, somewhat nervously.

Archibald of Guernicus: Is it the evening now?

johns (GM): 5 PM

Archibald of Guernicus: Still light, then.

johns (GM): I mean uhhh one hour before Vespers

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling (d10!+5+12+2+2)/2 Sooth the Ferocious Bear

(

(

1

)

+5+12+2+2)/2

=

11

oooh oiooooooh

how many botchers

Proclus of Rome: Awww yeah.

johns (GM): Just 1

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10

(

5

)

=

5

okay

(success)

but

johns (GM): Was that enough margin for the spell to go off?

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10+3+0 Concentration vs. 5

(

10

)

+3+0

=

13

whew

yes

johns (GM): Ok and what's the Penetration

assuming any of us remember BR's houserules about that

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I successfully cast the spell and as am calm as a cucumber, should we know that that is in anno domini 13121.

1321

Proclus of Rome: Were any of use temporarily unable to speak?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: penetration is not high

4-ish

Proclus of Rome: I mean "any of us."

That's how you know if you've been spotted first by the wolf.

johns (GM): You cast your spells with words & gestures correct?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: yes

johns (GM): You get the impression the spell did not succeed, as the wolf bares its teeth, its hair stands up, and then it jerks its head to let out a loud cry

Who here has MR Animal < 16

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

johns (GM): Magic Resistance

and by Animal I mean Mentem

Proclus of Rome: Oh, almost.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: mentem i don't have that much

Proclus of Rome: But I don't.

johns (GM): Anyone who can't resist the effect, make a Brave personality roll vs 12

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10!

(

1

)

=

1

good shit

Masini the Grog:

rolling 1d10

(

5

)

=

5

Archibald of Guernicus: 15 mentem MR, dang.

Bonfilia of Verditius: how is MR calculated now

Proclus of Rome:

rolling 1d10 + 1

(

1

)

+1

=

2

johns (GM): 1/2 Parma Magica + your regular form bonus

Archibald of Guernicus:

rolling 1d10!

(

3

)

=

3

Bonfilia of Verditius: half parma?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: no no

parma *3

johns (GM): ah right

Bonfilia of Verditius: alright then

I resist it all

johns (GM): Great. As for the rest of you:

Anyone who hears the wolf’s howl is

struck with fear of the wolf and of wilderness

places away from the haunts of men.

Someone already in a house will merely

not want to leave. Overcoming this fear

johns (GM): completely requires a Brave roll against an

Ease Factor of 12. Acting sensibly while

responding to it, such as heading back to

the village carefully, requires a Brave roll

against an Ease Factor of 6. Those who

fail the easier roll simply flee in panic.

Proclus of Rome: Uh oh.

Archibald of Guernicus: Parma*3 + form bonus?

Proclus of Rome: Wait 3?

Archibald of Guernicus: I have 5 parma, so I think that means I actually have enough magic resistance. Wait.

Proclus of Rome: If it's times 3 then I pass with flying colors.

johns (GM): Parma is x2 according to the wiki

Parma Magica: grants 2 MR per point

Aleseta of Bonisagus: okay. it's been a while, but i knew it was no longer 5.

Bonfilia of Verditius: I got 15 vs Mentem

at x2

Proclus of Rome: Same, but that isn't greater than 16.

johns (GM): Ok, make a roll of your Brave personality trait then

Archibald of Guernicus: At x2 I have... 15, fuck.

Oh well.

Bonfilia of Verditius:

rolling d10

(

4

)

=

4

Proclus of Rome: Ok I'm going to run screaming away from the wolf.

Archibald of Guernicus: I refrain from screaming, but leg it at full pace.

johns (GM): Great job all

Aleseta of Bonisagus: what is the effect of wolf sound

johns (GM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FPELc1wEvk

Aleseta of Bonisagus: 2 spooky

Archibald of Guernicus: This has been a good lesson on why to improve Parma Magica.

Bonfilia of Verditius: my parma is 7, which is about as high as it can be at this point

still couldnt resist

johns (GM): Leaving the woods and coming in sight of the village, the effect disperses and you feel fine once more

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I guess that would be a good reason to have a bell to scare away animals..."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, my suspicion was right after all."

"Still, no harm done."

Proclus of Rome: "Now would be an excellent time to interrogate the village priest."

Archibald of Guernicus: "You lead the way, Proclus."

Proclus of Rome: Hmm, it's pretty late.

johns (GM): i dont want to keep plopping down a bunch of tokens so you are now a badger shield

Proclus of Rome: I suppose I'll just knock on the priest's door.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: i thought it was 5pm or so

Priest: Correct

A priest answers the door. In Italian he asks, "Hello, who goes there?"

Proclus of Rome: "Hello, I am Proclus of Rome, a philosopher. My compatriots and I were investigating the nearby forest and were attacked by one wolf. Is that usual?"

Bonfilia of Verditius: I stand at the back of the squad.

Priest: He eyes each of you.

Archibald of Guernicus: I'll stand far enough away to listen in without hopefully triggering the full brunt of the blatant gift.

Priest: "The wolf makes the woods unsafe. But what business has you roaming in the Lord's woods?"

Proclus of Rome: "We were investigating certain properties of the woodlands. I'd be happy to explain it if you have the time."

"However, I must confess that we have another motive for visiting your village. My friend is looking for a stolen item."

Priest: "I don't follow."

"There's a stolen item in the woods?"

Proclus of Rome: "I don't know where it is, but we were making inquiries."

This is technically true because I don't remember who is supposed to have it.

Priest: The priest invites you all into his simple home. He has a look of regret upon noticing Archibald in the crowd.

Archibald of Guernicus: I'll keep my head low, and try and give the impression of a bodyguard of some manner.

So at least I don't cause issues for the less offensive magi.

(To Endrite): For reference I believe the redcap's son only said it was the servant of the Lord here before his hands were cut off

(From Proclus of Rome): Hmm, that could even be you!

Proclus of Rome: "Can you tell use anything more about the wolf?"

"My friend was unable to learn more about it before it frightened us off."

Priest: "Well, it's a wolf. From what I've heard of the villagers there's always been a wolf problem in those woods and they know to stay out."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Most wolves stay away from humans. This one is different."

(To Aleseta of Bonisagus): as animal expert, this strikes you as a bit unusual as wolves aren't too common in the developed Italian countryside

(From Aleseta of Bonisagus): Yeah this guy is full of shit!! Let's see your animal husbandry credentials asshole!!

Priest: "Is that so? I've never encountered a wolf myself so I don't know what they're like."

Proclus of Rome: Oh dang, we should have stripped off all our clothes and struck two rocks together. That's a surefire method of repelling wolves.

If I hadn't panicked I would have thought of that!

"Well, they are truly evil beasts in both patience and wrath."

Priest: "Remember Matthew. Beware those who come in sheep's clothing but who are inwardly wolves."

"I guess that isn't really applicable here since you saw the wolf as a wolf. But it's a good lesson regardless."

Proclus of Rome: "We're philosophers, I think we could spot a wolf in sheep's clothing," I say in deep ignorance of the truth.

Priest: The priest thinks a bit to himself. "I heard that a wolf attacked some of the herd animals a few nights ago? No one saw it themself."

"In any case maybe you would be safer staying to the roads and out of the woods. I hope that helps."

Proclus of Rome: "Interesting, where are these animals staying?"

Priest: He points in the direction of a butcher's house that has a pigpen built out the side of it.

Archibald of Guernicus: Pigs at last

Aleseta of Bonisagus: nice

Proclus of Rome: "Perfect, thank you very much."

"Do you suppose that the wolf is a beast of virtue, Aleseta?"

Priest: "I was going to be ringing the bell for vespers soon if you wish to attend. Pax vobiscum, scholars."

Proclus of Rome: "Oh boy, vespers."

Archibald of Guernicus: My ears perk up a little at bell

Proclus of Rome: I'll definitely attend THAT!

Aleseta of Bonisagus: quietly, in Latin, "A beast of virtue? I'm not sure, but I know my spell was cast successfully. The creature resisted it somehow."

johns can i roll MAGIC LORES

Priest: Roll or Take 5 as you wish

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10+4+3 magic lores

(

2

)

+4+3

=

9

fart

Priest: Well it doesn't take much to realize the creature has to be supernatural somehow if it resisted a spell, and it's living in a Magical Aura, so

Who knows????

Proclus of Rome: Not me!

Aleseta of Bonisagus: HMMMM

Proclus of Rome: Well, I'm going to vespers, you should join me.

Aleseta of Bonisagus nods and doesn't go to church, paganishly.

Priest: OK. As it turns out Archibald, he was referring to the large, non-portable church bell on the church

At 6pm he rings and peasants begin filing into the church, leaving the fields and village abandoned

Archibald of Guernicus: My italian is poor, so I didn't know the context when he said it.

I'll skip out on church, the pigs seem more worth my time.

Priest: Proclus attends service, Aleseta and Archibald skip it

I'll assume Bonfilia skips it too unless Prinny says otherwise

Proclus of Rome: What about Bonfilia?

Oh well then.

Bonfilia of Verditius: Yeah I'm not going to attend service.

Priest: Masini tags along with Proclus

Aleseta of Bonisagus: church stinx!!

Priest: We'll catch up with them in a little bit. What are you sinful 3 up to now?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: pig tyme

Priest: Okay, the pigs are in the village (Dom 2), there's also unattended plow oxen in the fields (Dom 1)

Aleseta of Bonisagus: .oO ( pig time )

but the pigs were the ones who were attacked, yeah?

Archibald of Guernicus: Those are some holy pigs

johns (GM): Yeah. Your keen animal handling sense tells you that there are fewer pigs in this pen than there could be.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: i will approach a pig, inoffensive to animalsishly

johns (GM): The pig roots for truffles.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: i will b kind 2 animal and then cast opening the tome of the animal's mind on it

Proclus of Rome: Probably not a lot of truff's in a pig pen.

johns (GM): Here's my experience from working on a farm: Pigs are dumb as hell

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10+12+8+2-6+1 Opening the Tome of the Animals Mind, exaggerated gestures

(

3

)

+12+8+2-6+1

=

20

i fall within 5, so i take a fatigue and the spell succeeds

johns (GM): The pig has no MR! Its swinelike mind is open to you. It oinks in response to your gesticulations.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: look through this pig's memories of the past day

whats up fam

looking for wolf sightings

Pig: A few nights ago, while it was dark out and the humans slumbered, a wolf crept into the village, leapt over the fence of the pigpen, and killed a few pigs

The wolf looked identical to the one you saw in the woods!! Whoa

Proclus of Rome: Some pig.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: [wee-bey gif]

Archibald of Guernicus: Thank you pig.

Pig: The wolf carved up the dead pigs with its claws, slipped them through the fence, then jumped out again

By the time the butcher woke up from the pig's mad squealing the wolf was long gone.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: we solved the mystery, boys

Pig: Scanning you see something else particular

Aleseta of Bonisagus: enhance

Pig: A well dressed human (as best as a pig can qualify aesthetics), with a few other humans he doesn't really recognize, came by the pen

Waved a bell at them

And for some reason the pig recalls freaking out!! It was really scary!!!

This was about a week or so ago. Pig doesn't have a calendar

Aleseta of Bonisagus: cool

i convey this to my fellow pagans

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aha, so the bell's definetely here."

"Do ye reckon he'd hand it over if we found some way to stop this wolf business?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Well, I wouldn't. Even if the wolf were gone, the bell is still valuable. Still, he may be willing to negotiate."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "We should just take the bell back. What's he gonna do about it? Stop us?"

Archibald of Guernicus: He's a nobleman of some kind, right?

I think there's issues about interfering with richer mundanes that own land.

I think

I'll roll Code of Hermes and see if this is a good idea to just take it

Int+Code of Hermes, johns?

Pig: Sure

Bonfilia of Verditius: "He is in possession of the Order's goods, a crime that would warrant execution!"

Archibald of Guernicus:

rolling 1d10+2+3

(

3

)

+2+3

=

8

Pig: lemme grab a bit of specific text on this

actions

must usually be proportionate to the

threat he faces. If a nobleman steals a keg of

beer from a wagon belonging to the covenant,

it is probably fair to steal something of

Pig: equal value in retaliation, or soundly thrash

his tax collectors, or burn the words “You

owe me a keg of beer” through his door. It

is not, according to a Tribunal ruling from

Iberia, appropriate to burn down his castle

and spell the same message with its smoking

Pig: ashes.

Bonfilia of Verditius: This is deprivation of magical resources though.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Well, the bell is stolen property. Biggest issue is the man doesn't recognise our authority, which usually necessitates some violence."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I can threaten him, maybe turn him into a tree if he refuses. Or I could show him the hands of the last person who denied me."

Pig: As a reminder before initiating combat, by BR's house rules, a nobleman has a minor amount of Magic Resistance conferred by their title

Proclus of Rome: Thank you, Pig.

Why are you talking about murder here?

FOR STARTERS, murder is wrong.

Archibald of Guernicus: Magic resistance doesnt apply to swords.

Proclus of Rome: Also, the Savellis would inevitably find out out and burn down our inn.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, how about this. Give him a chance, explain the whole situation, and offer him a good opportunity tae hand it back."

Aleseta of Bonisagus nods.

Archibald of Guernicus: "If he disnae do it, then we begin the threats."

Pig: Service ends at the church. Peasants start to head home for the evening.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Main point is we should be sure tae mention exactly what the bell is and does, so he knows hes in trouble."

johns (GM): Proclus rejoins the party

Proclus of Rome: Right.

Anyway I mention those things I said earlier.

About not murdering.

Bonfilia of Verditius: Alright let's go talk to the dude

johns (GM): k, you're all headed up to the Manor house?

Archibald of Guernicus: Indeed

johns (GM): I don't have a picture of it but just imagine a 2 story stone house, surrounded by a stone wall about 2 meters high with a wooden gate

Knocking at the gate you're met by a footman who asks who you are & what is your business

Proclus of Rome: Sounds like you should have peeped a Pendragon book, in that case!

"Hello, I'm Proclus of Rome. My friends and I are looking for a small bell that was stolen."

Footman: This has to do with the Lord?

Proclus of Rome: "Yes, we believe that it has accidentally found it's way into his hands."

"Through no fault of his own, of course."

Bonfilia of Verditius: mill

johns (GM): glebe

The footman tells you to wait a bit, heads inside, and returns after about 15 minutes to usher you in

Proclus of Rome: Wow, it's just that easy.

Bonfilia of Verditius: I recognize this room

johns (GM): What sort of Knight doesn't honor hospitality?

Proclus of Rome: A monster knight who grew to full size in 10 years.

johns (GM): You're taken to a great hall, lit by candlelight. The Lord of the manor (as distinguished by being best dressed) sits at the table; to his right is a clerk of some sort, to his left, an armed guardsman. The footman introduces you as "Proclus of Rome and his associates."

Proclus of Rome: You should really introduce yourselves.

I bow before his lordship.

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, that's how they do things here, I'll bow too

johns (GM): Does anyone here actually have Etiquette

Aleseta of Bonisagus: no lol

Bonfilia of Verditius: no

Aleseta of Bonisagus: peasants ftw

johns (GM): I'm sure it's not important

Bonfilia of Verditius: I'm a literal peasant

johns (GM): At the very least, you are all dressed like Important People, so that gets you a foot in the door

Sir Pamphili: On the table right in front of the Lord is a little handheld bell. He nods at your approach and bowing.

"Good evening guests. What brings you to my home?"

Proclus of Rome: "I am Proclus of Rome, a philosopher. These are my associates."

You should introduce yourselves.

Bonfilia of Verditius: I step forward. "I am Bonfilia of Verditius, a wizard."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Aleseta of Bonisagus."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, me as well. Archibald, of Guernicus."

Sir Pamphili: who can spot the glaring historical anachronism in this backdrop? not me apparently

Bonfilia of Verditius: I saw it

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Is it the varnished wood?

Sir Pamphili: Everyone present stiffens and grows uneasy at Bonfilia's introduction.

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I can tell you know for what reason we come."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Well, that makes explanations easier."

"Ye have somethin' that shouldnae have been sold to ye."

Sir Pamphili: "And why is that?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: ask not for what the wizards come; it comes for bell.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Because, the man who sold it tae the pawn shop, stole it."

Proclus of Rome: It sounds like they should definitely ask.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Er, you want tae make a convincin' argument to the man?" I look expectantly at Proclus

Sir Pamphili: just checked the chat logs of last week, the handless man sold it direct to the Lord's servant without the pawnbroker involved

Proclus of Rome: That's what I figured as well.

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh

Sir Pamphili: "And this bell was yours originally? What proof do you have?"

Archibald of Guernicus: Whoops

Hm, did House Guernicus offer anything in writing to state they own it?

Sir Pamphili: You have your letter of investigation (I forget the exact term) that you can present to other magi as proof that you're a guernicus on a specific mission

(To Archibald of Guernicus): It refers to the "echanted pendant, bell, and ring of Redcap Timeus"

Proclus of Rome: You should present it.

Hello?

Sir Pamphili:  chirping crickets

Proclus of Rome: Well during this pause in the action I'd like to ask if you detect gemstones with Animal or Terram.

Sir Pamphili: Terram

Proclus of Rome: Ok.

Bonfilia of Verditius: "That bell has passed through the hands of far too many who should never have tampered with it. I assume the man who sold it to you didn't explain its legend?"

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, sorry, my cat was pestering me

Aleseta of Bonisagus: feel felt

Proclus of Rome: I don't like cats.

Archibald of Guernicus: "I've got a letter here stating the items in question. Specifically, referring to a bell tae ward away animals."

Sir Pamphili: The lord looks to the clerk to his right.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Which I believe you've used."

Vilfredo: "He told me he inherited it from his father, who dealt in strange goods."

"May I see the letter?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, his father worked for wizards, and he was  lent  these items. The fool of a son stole them on his deathbed."

I show the letter, for validity

johns (GM): The clerk reads the letter, then hands it to his lord.

Sir Pamphili: "I've never heard of this House Guernicus. They certainly are not lords from around here."

Endrite: AFK a sec.

Bonfilia of Verditius: "As the tale goes, a farmhand had his sheep stolen by wolves night after night. One day, he was approached by a traveling beggar who claimed to have a cure for what ailed him. The beggar presented the small bell, claiming it would frighten away any beast. In exchange for food and a place to rest, the farmhand would be allowed to loan the bell. It saved his sheep from the wicked wolf... yet, when it came time for the beggar to leave, the farmhand refused to return his lease. The beggar cursed the man, and the bell with him. So that he may never steal again... those who handle that bell..."

I toss open my cloak and throw the two hands on the table. "Shall handle nothing ever again!"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: 2 spooky

Sir Pamphili: I need the phoenix wright slam & objection sound effect

Anyway, they all jump to their feet in horror as you throw disembodied (disarmed?) hands on the table

Aleseta of Bonisagus: pocket hands

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh yeah. Lying is way better than telling the truth.

Bonfilia of Verditius: "These are the very hands of the man who sold you that bell, lost to him for his crimes."

Sir Pamphili: The lord slaps the bell off the table towards your feet. "Take it and begone. Never trouble us again. If I catch you on my lands again I will have you hanged."

Archibald of Guernicus: Bonfilia keeping a set of severed hands in her pockets for days on end, just in case they're useful

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Bonfilia of Verditius: I pick up the hands, and carefully wrap the bell in a cloth.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Don't ye worry, I won't be. Thanks for yer co-operation."

Proclus of Rome: Well this wasn't the outcome I was hoping for.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: whispering to Proclus in Latin, "We could help them get rid of the wolf... "

Bonfilia of Verditius: "We will take our leave, and make sure this cursed thing never bother mortal men again."

Proclus of Rome: "I doubt we're welcome."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Saves time running screaming from wolves again, lets be off."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: Aleseta chews her lip. "My lord, if you do not mind me asking, did you acquire the bell specifically to deal with the wolf in the woods? If so, would you like it to be taken care of?"

Sir Pamphili: Still standing and irate, he answers. "What business is it of yours? No, scratch that. Go ahead and find it. Walk into its home and insult it to its face. See if it treats you with hospitality and lets you walk out alive."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Let us leave."

Proclus of Rome: "This is exactly what happened to the last nobleman Bonfilia talked to, by the way."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I'll have you know, Proclus, that Capocci and I are still dear friends."

Proclus of Rome: "Ha."

Sir Pamphili: Do you wish to press the issue or take your leave

Aleseta of Bonisagus: Mumbling in Latin, "Christ, we were only trying to help." She nods and turns to leave with her sodales.

Proclus of Rome: I think we should try going over Sir Pamphili's head.

The forest's aura is very valuable.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: mm

Sir Pamphili: His liege would be the Conte Savelli, who are centered in Albano

Archibald of Guernicus: At this point I haven't actually joined the covenant, so I've got no stake in the forest.

I'll be willing to lend a hand, though

Bonfilia of Verditius: Once we've left I give Archibald the bell. "You may marvel at my expedience and efficiency. Without me, why, by this time we'd barely have the first item!"

Sir Pamphili: You depart. A squad of men at arms shadows you from a distance of about 60 paces, to see that you truly do leave.

Oh, and it's dark outside now.

Archibald of Guernicus: "I can knock yer methods, but I cannae knock results, ye've been a great deal of help."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "We didn't even have to hurt the man. A simple lie was all it took."

Proclus of Rome: "I am greatly disappointed in you. I would have thought that quaesitors would have more wisdom than to trust the easiest solution."

Archibald of Guernicus: "For matters of magi, certainly, but the less I deal with mundanes the better."

Proclus of Rome: "It will take us months, if not years, to gain access to whatever riches this forest holds, all the while the people here will suffer under the depredations of its predator."

"Not all magi have the luxury of locking themselves away in faerie forests."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Riches? I am sure it is nothing but a werewolf or cursed man haunting the woods."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Ye never know with an aura like that, could be something."

Proclus of Rome: "You saw that wolf with your own eyes, there's something there."

johns (GM): Do I assume correctly that you all head home and have this lively discussing on the way

Proclus of Rome: That's what I assume as well.

"If another covenant gets wind of this, we may have lost the entire aura."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Ah well, best of luck to ye all. I won't spread the news of the place around, don't ye worry."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I doubt that man will ever deal with wizards again."

johns (GM): Archibald's mission is complete. 7 Adventure Xp in the spring, 5 adventure XP in the summer

Aleseta of Bonisagus: w00t

Proclus of Rome: Lean times for adventure XP.

johns (GM): Well

You sorta bypassed the adventure entirely

Aleseta of Bonisagus: lol

johns (GM): Which I mean I predicted as a possibility. Which is why I suggest we take this time to watch you all bicker about responsibility and direction

Aleseta of Bonisagus: john "kill xp only" 5hitman

Proclus of Rome: What about Archibald.

Is he heading back to Stonehenge or what?

Aleseta of Bonisagus brutally murders all wildlife in the roman hinterlands to farm xp

Archibald of Guernicus: I'm headed to whatever representative of house guernicus I was originally with

And it's Loch Leglean, not Stonehenge

johns (GM): Archibald can return to Magvillus to report his success, he'll get a little vis in payment for his time + a thank you present from Harco

His Magvillus elder suggests that Vardian's Tomb would be a good fit for him and gives him a letter asking the covenant to accept him, then sends him on his merry way back

Proclus of Rome: Plus House Guernicus owes us 8 libra.

johns (GM): You are duly recompensed the money, no fear

Archibald of Guernicus: Ah, true. I make sure I return with the money.

(To Archibald of Guernicus): 4 pawns of service payment vis. Do you have any preference for type?

Archibald of Guernicus: With 2 seasons on adventuring, I think its 2 seasons for setting up a lab?

So thats my year, thats easy

(From Archibald of Guernicus): I think Terram, probably

Proclus of Rome: Well, I think we need to somehow secure that forest for the covenant.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: same

johns (GM): Okay, you get 4 pawns of Terram from Magvillus, and Archibald gets an item from Mercere called the "Bracelet of Clandestine Insignificance," which has the following effect

The visual and auditory species shed by

the target acquire an anamorphic nature,

tricking the viewer’s mind into misinterpreting

what he is seeing. As long as the wearer

of the bracelet acts in a non-threatening manner

johns (GM): and draws no attention to herself, no-one

will pay her the slightest notice. Their attention

simply glides off her as being mundane

and insignificant. For example, she can walk

through a crowded room and no-one will

notice her passing. But should she stop to

johns (GM): talk to anyone, the illusion is lost for that individual.

For the illusion to work, the victim

must fail a Perception roll with a –3 penalty

(since the illusion involves two senses). The

Ease Factor for this roll is equal to the sum of

a die roll, the victim’s Inattentive (or similar)

johns (GM): Personality Trait, the wielder’s Perception,

and the wielder’s Finesse score. The victim’s

total must exceed the Ease Factor by 3 or

more to reveal the illusion as false. See Houses

of Hermes: Societates, pages 65–66 for more details

of anamorphic illusions.

Proclus of Rome: At the very least, we should harvest the wolf's vis.

johns (GM): i'll make a proper item card for that in a lil bit

Proclus of Rome: Crap I gotta make two item cards for my two items: Euclid's Elements +4 and Hero's Companion.

Anyway, what are our larger plans for dealing with the noble families of Rome?

Archibald of Guernicus: That's probably the best item for me, as it lets me function in normal society.

(To Proclus of Rome): Want to call a proper covenant council meeting to yell about shit

Proclus of Rome: They're all bound to be familiar with us.

(From Proclus of Rome): That's a good idea but we're missing a good few covenanters.

(To Proclus of Rome): it gives me an excuse to step into character

(From Proclus of Rome): Aight, I'll do it.

johns (GM) steps out of GM shoes into PC shoes

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Hello sodales. How was your trip?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "We got that bell back!"

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Decent. Unfortunately, the nobleman gave it up without a fight."

Proclus of Rome: "We got it back by threatening a noble. Yet another court where we have been threatened with death should we ever return."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Technically I didn't threaten him."

Proclus of Rome: "We can't continue on like this. If we set the nobility of Rome against us, we'll find them at our doors."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Are all of you happy with this outcome?"

Archibald of Guernicus: Should I return back, for discussions on the future of the covenant?

As I'll now be part of it

Proclus of Rome: "Not at all. I believe that the nearby forest contains a quantity, maybe even a source, of Vis."

Sure this meeting could conceivably happen at any time.

Bonfilia of Verditius: "It probably contains a dangerous wolf-beast."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I would have preferred to deal with the wolf plaguing the village's animals, but the lord was too angry with us to discuss the idea."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "And very little in the form of rewards."

Proclus of Rome: "Dangerous creatures often contain vis, as everyone knows."

"Besides, Aleseta is an expert when it comes to dealing with animals."

Aleseta of Bonisagus gestures so-so.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "It's better if they're not wild."

"But yes, I still would have preferred to deal with the wolf."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "You can't get anywhere in life if you're not willing to play the game. If I'd been as stubborn and proud as you I wouldn't have gotten my nice longevity ritual, which, again, thank you Bonfilia."

"Nobles should be toyed with like pets and not threatened like wild beasts."

"So, how shall we investigate the forest further?"

this is definitely me talking as a PC and not a bad GM by the way

Proclus of Rome: "Noble families have been chosen by God to rule their lands, as experiments have clearly shown."

I'd believe that a lot more if you were in this room as a player and not a GM!

Aleseta of Bonisagus squints dubiously at Proclus.

johns: How do you do, fellow PCs

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Of course. Isn't that just common knowledge, Proclus?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Is that right, then." I ask paganishly

Proclus of Rome: "In any case, all supernatural occurrences in Rome are our responsibility. We can't very well expect to do our duty if we have to hide from all the knights of the realm."

"Oh yes, God protects them according to their station. It's been proven."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Oh please, the Capoccis will sponsor us. I wouldn't worry about reputations."

Archibald of Guernicus: "They a local family?"

Proclus of Rome: Right here: http://ars-badgame-ii.wikia.com/wiki/Houserules

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Yes."

Archibald of Guernicus: "I'm afraid I'll have to ask ye all to fill me in regarding the covenants dealings, now I'll be joining ye all for longer."

Proclus of Rome: "The sufferance of one noble family is not enough. We aren't mere vassals."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "As I recall the Capoccis asked us to become their subjects and we declined."

Proclus of Rome: "To be able to act freely, we'll need the support of most of the noble families of Rome, in addition to the Church."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "What sort of charlatan would willing be a court wizard???"

Proclus of Rome: "We have dealt with the Cappoci family on occasion and have solved a minor curse they suffered under (at the hands of a Tytalan leper)."

"He's an honorable man, though."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, so long as we're using them and no the other way around, everything's dandy."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I have kept a long and fruitful correspondence with lord Capocci. He is an interesting man with interesting interests, and a friend."

Proclus of Rome: "More worryingly, we have earned the animosity of the Conti family for our role in selling books on... Infernal Lore to the Capoccis."

"A friend? You?"

Bonfilia of Verditius: "It's more likely than you think."

Proclus of Rome: "In any event, there are seven great families in Rome and their rivalries could easily lay us low."

Archibald of Guernicus: I narrow my eyes at Infernal Lore

Proclus of Rome: "And don't think that just because the Papcy is in Avignon that the Church doesn't hold as much power here as ever."

Archibald of Guernicus: "So ye're in the midst of a power struggle, then."

"We, I should say."

Proclus of Rome: "This isn't like other covenants, we don't live in some secluded fortress, away from the rulers of the world."

"All it would take for the Contis to destroy us is to decide to walk down the street."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I wouldn't say we're in the midst of anything. Proclus here wishes we were, though, and always seeks to involve us with the church or other nuisances."

Proclus of Rome: "It is inevitable that we should come to the attention of the Church. Our covenant is located among the consecrated bodies of the dead!"

Bonfilia of Verditius: "The catacombs below are ancient, I bet many of them are decidedly unconsecrated."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Well, consecrated by  someone ... "

Proclus of Rome: "If you doubt the power of God then just walk into the street and see the throngs of pilgrims gathered around the miraculous statue."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Let's not be silly."

"No one doubts the power of God."

"Right?"

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Right, right."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Its an observable effect, to be sure."

Proclus of Rome: "If we continue to go around Rome filling honest merchants' stalls with dirt and chopping off vagrants' hands then we will certainly attract attention. It is inevitable."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "I'd prefer not to be associated with that manner of action. Unlike the rest of you, I have a reputation to care about."

Proclus of Rome: "All I'm saying is that we should make sure that we instead attract attention with our virtuous natures."

"After all, there are many problems in the city that we alone can solve."

"What do you think, Archibald?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "I'm more concerned with the state of hermetic law, frankly. I dinnae have any objections to yer plans, but ye made it seem like the quaesitors here are a little too open to influence."

"I'd rather set about solving that before meddling in mundane affairs."

Proclus of Rome: "The Roman Tribunal is more notional than anything else."

"We haven't been able to collect a source of Auram vis for the better part of a decade."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Above all else, the code of hermes is tae protect us all. So a plan based around safeguarding the covenant is fine by me."

Aleseta of Bonisagus looks at her 1 Auram score.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "It checks out."

Archibald of Guernicus: "I'm no so sure if meddling more will help us, but I've spent my apprenticeship out in a fortress in the forest, as ye put it."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: oh yeah speaking of vis

I want to dip into the funds and buy a bunch

Archibald of Guernicus: "There's a lot tae learn about an urban covenant, it seems."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: I need 10 herbam vis for a Project, we have 9 in the bank now and should have some left over

Proclus of Rome: "What's your project?

"

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "I wish to build us a librarian and lab assistant."

Proclus of Rome: "Oh? Why not just do it the old fashioned way, with money?"

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Because we're wizards?"

Proclus of Rome: "What? Anyway, that sounds fair to me."

"It reminds me that we have almost no servants at all."

"A handful of senior staff, a few maids, and nothing else."

"Again, if we integrate more fully into the community we should be able to attract more workers."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Oh! That reminds me, I was supposed to build a new arm for Udolfo. Haha, that scamp must be dying for it by now."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: You should give him one of those hands you got

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Proclus of Rome: "She left them with Sir Pamphili."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Pity"

Proclus of Rome: "Does anyone have a plan for attracting more grogs?"

"Or ANY competing ideas on how this covenant should be run?"

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "I have an idea"

Proclus of Rome: "Lay it on us."

Bonfilia of Verditius: I didn't leave them

I made a note of picking them back up

Proclus of Rome: Oh well then.

I take back what I said!

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "We should cycle authority based on the planetary movements, such that each Magi has an associated planet, and whichever planet is ascendant when the covenant is forced to make a decision can make a decision the rest should abide by"

Proclus of Rome: "I like it, but wouldn't we need an astrolabe?"

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "That shouldn't be too hard to come by"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Strange, but a fair ruling."

"Do ye have that little respect for Venator, then."

Proclus of Rome: "I have seen him but a few times during my entire career at this covenant. He couldn't even be bothered to attend this meeting."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Naturally Venator would overrule whoever is Planetary Archon of the day"

Archibald of Guernicus: Planetary Archon is a great title

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "I note that with Archibald attending we now have 8 Magi, when there are only 7 planets. I suppose we'll have to exclude one person, like, oh, let's say, Lodewig"

Archibald of Guernicus: Someone should discover Pluto for this poor man

Proclus of Rome: "He's never around anyway. If he isn't in his lab he's off travelling."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: actually it'd be funny if Lodewig's planet was the Full Moon

"Bonfilia and Aleseta, what do you think of this, apportioning responsibility based on random chance?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "The movements of planetary bodies are not random."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, but the events of man are."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Yes but the times that we are called upon to make decisions appear to be so."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Please refer to the Pixatrix."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Hmph."

"Who says we can't be in charge of our own operations?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: *picatrix

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "ALTERNATIVELY, I could just divine who is the best fit for any given situation by consulting the Sortes, which is inerrable and carries the inspiration of the heavens in its humble pages."

Lavinia of Jerbiton hugs her treasured book

Proclus of Rome: "We definitely can't spend all of our time arguing about what to do, especially in front of wolves and lords and so forth."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "To the uninitiated, these movements appear random, but of course, it is all ordered and intended."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Why not? In argument we are able to divine the best course of action."

"It has yet to steer us wrong."

Proclus of Rome: "Only in that we have not yet died and we are still connected to time's arrow."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Didn't it just cost of access to a Magical aura"

"Not to mention, who is going to cobble my shoes now"

Bonfilia of Verditius: "As a collection of small, solitary, businesses I say that anarchy serves this covenant best."

Proclus of Rome: "What do you think, Archibald?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Hm."

"Typically, the most senior magus is the leader, but that's out the window as it were."

"The planetary idea seemed the most fair, given we're all around the same age."

"A skill in debate disnae equal a skill in leadership."

"Or in steering us safely."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "If there is no clear leader, why elect one?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Final decisions, if there's a split of opinion."

Proclus of Rome: "To put it simply, we're foundering."

"Our vis income is terrible and soon I won't have enough for Aegis of the Hearth."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I see."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Your individual actions can have consequences for all of us. I certainly can't mingle with my fellow scholars if people assume I cavort with evil sorcerors."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Then, perhaps, the leader should be the one who can generate the most vis for the covenant?"

Proclus of Rome: "There are Satanic cults running unchecked in the alleys of Rome. Cupid is on the loose. Just about the only thing that hasn't gone wrong is our relationship with the Rat King."

"A stalwart ally."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "An intriguing proposition Bonfilia"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Satanic cults, ye say?"

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Seems that would make me the leader, then"

Archibald of Guernicus: "I won't abide by that, no way."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Ah, Lavinia. It would appear so... yet..."

Proclus of Rome: "Oh yes, they were responsible for a few bizarre murders and we never caught them."

"They left behind a strange ring though."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "I do have this one item worth untold amounts of vis."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Diabolism is the worst crime a wizard can commit."

Proclus of Rome: Do we still have that thing or did Boy Reporter never give it to us?

Lavinia of Jerbiton: I believe he intended to drop the matter entirely without ever bringing it up. I can revive it though.

also if you have the ring then we would've used it as an A/C to track them down by now

Proclus of Rome: You can't just drop Satanists.

Then we must not have it.

Bonfilia of Verditius: let me look up verditius rates

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Next week: Satanists

(for real)

Archibald of Guernicus: "Vis income is a shoddy idea, itll inspire nothing but bickering and in-fighting."

"People unwilling to lend a hand in case it gives power to another, or even sabotaging a vis source for political clout in the covenant. Nah, it'll never work out."

"Needs to be something solid and objective, the planetary idea gets my vote."

Bonfilia of Verditius: The Beggar's Breakfast is worth 30 vis

or more

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Are you going to sell it?

Proclus of Rome: "If we just go by raw value, then Giacopo would be the leader of the covenant, since he can sew about 30 of those cloaks in a month and each one is worth 8 Mythic Pounds."

Bonfilia of Verditius: actually its probably worth 42 vis

I'd sell it if we went with vis leadership

Proclus of Rome: I'm really skeptical that an item that cost 1 vis to make could be sold for 42.

Bonfilia of Verditius: it didnt cost 1 vis to make

Proclus of Rome: How much did it cost?

Bonfilia of Verditius: total vis cost was 9, but thats with my ability to reduce vis costs

the prices are "The standardized price of an item is twice the vis necessary to make it, in addition to the vis required for the project."

Proclus of Rome: That seems crazy to me.

Bonfilia of Verditius: maybe closer to 39 vis

Proclus of Rome: You should probably sell it anyway, we desperately need the vis.

Archibald of Guernicus: I suppose labour is expensive

Proclus of Rome: That's a very generous return on a single season's labor.

Archibald of Guernicus: I got us 4 terram vis, I really should have asked for Vim if we cant cast aegis of the hearth.

Bonfilia of Verditius: that was 4 seasons or more

the beggar's breakfast is the item with 3 enchantments

1 preservation enchantment, 1 +9 recovery enchantment, 1 curse

Proclus of Rome: I'm also not sure how much people would be willing to pay for the curse.

It doesn't seem like a strong selling point.

Bonfilia of Verditius: It's a powerful protection

Lavinia of Jerbiton: no one else seems sold on the vis leadership plan anyway

Proclus of Rome: Anyway we're getting off track here.

"What about you Aleseta? How do you think we should run this covenant?"

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Then my vote remains for anarchy. I see no reason to bend the knee to any of you. And I see no reason for you to bend the knee to me."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I like the idea that we switch leadership with the movement of celestial bodies."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Such an arbitrary governance will surely cause issues."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, but not at any one person, and certainly not at each other."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "You worry about weak leadership? Then what will you do when the weak are made leaders?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "We can moan about the system and not snipe at each other, and be stronger for it."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "There is already a way for wizards to deal with conflict."

Proclus of Rome: "Perhaps it would make more sense for each of us to be appointed leader on any given subject."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Those who have grievances are always welcome to engage in certamen."

Aleseta of Bonisagus nods.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "What are we, a bunch of Tremeres?"

Proclus of Rome: "For example, we could have one officer who deals with Vis income and another who deals with the Tribunal and so on."

"Solving every disagreement with Certamen is impractical, especially given how much we disagree."

"The main problem that I can see with the idea of Planetary Archons is that there is no protection for decisions made under other Archons. That could lead to a covenant that is only capable of making short term decisions."

"Or, worse, a Archons who make extreme and dangerous decisions in the hopes that whoever follows them will be unable to change course."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, that's a concern."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Could one of us truly be such an underhanded snake, to do such a foul thing?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "If only Venator weren't a useless fool."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Haven't you heard, Lavinia? Power corrupts."

Proclus of Rome: "It needn't even be malicious. Imagine one Archon starting a parley with another covenant and then the next declaring Wizard War."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Never ascribe to malice what ye can ascribe to ignorance."

"Unless it's a breach of hermetic law, that's a bit too serious."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Power needn't corrupt. Certainly it did not corrupt blessed Augustus."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "Either way, such arbitrary leadership cannot be allowed."

Proclus of Rome: "The corruption of power is evident everywhere in Rome."

Archibald of Guernicus: Enough, lets put forward systems that specifically place the person suggesting it in charge, to show we can handle power

Proclus of Rome: How so?

Archibald of Guernicus: It was a joke

Lavinia of Jerbiton: lol

proclus failed his folk ken roll

Archibald of Guernicus: You shouldnt give power to anyone who actually wants it, is a good standard to go by

Proclus of Rome: Cosmopolitan of Crete - "It was a joke!"

Bonfilia of Verditius: just a prank

Proclus of Rome: Oldest trick in the book.

"We could rotate leadership the suggested leadership systems and then late vote on which worked best."

Bonfilia of Verditius: "This entire debate only serves to strengthen my argument, anarchy is the only way for us to coexist."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: we seem to be at an impasse. we could all take the flawed random leadership idea to Venator and ask him to enact it which would force bonfilia to comply

though it does have the flaws that endrite points out

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, till a decision is needed that affects us all."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Anarchy is the tool of uncivilized barbarians."

Proclus of Rome: "We could engineer protections into the Planetary Archon idea to prevent unruly government."

Archibald of Guernicus: This is why young magi need leadership.

They all want to be the boss

Lavinia of Jerbiton: what sort of protections

I mean I know what my interests are and would want to make sure they aren't trod upon

Aleseta of Bonisagus mumbles "I don't want to be the boss."

Proclus of Rome: "Well, we could prevent any decision made by an Archon from being countermanded by the next."

Archibald of Guernicus: How about, the decisions an archon takes can only be overturned by a 2/3 majority ruling

Lavinia of Jerbiton: i want to be Big Boss (david hayter, not sutherland)

works for me Archibald

Archibald of Guernicus: It prevents serious abuse, while safeguarding their decisions overall

Hopefully

Lavinia of Jerbiton: meanwhile I will cut deals behind the scenes to ensure my interests are met by the democratic majority

Bonfilia of Verditius: "You'll certainly come to regret this."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: YOU CAN'T CUT BACK ON ANARCHY!!!! YOU WILL REGRET THIS!!!!

Proclus of Rome: "Under what circumstances could this system be dissolved? I can easily see us outgrowing it."

Archibald of Guernicus: "A mutual decision by, lets say 6 of the 7 magi asssigned to it."

Proclus of Rome: "Good idea."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Just in case only one person tries tae cling to a dying system."

Proclus of Rome: "Also, we should have protections in place in case someone ceases control of the planetary spheres."

Archibald of Guernicus: "If we're rotating leaders often, we'll get a sense for each persons capabilities and how the covenant does under them. I reckon a clear choice will emerge eventually."

Proclus of Rome: "I mean 'seizes.'"

Archibald of Guernicus: A plan in case someone takes controls of the planets?

Proclus of Rome: "Well, it could happen. It wouldn't even necessarily be any of us."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Of course not. Hermetic theory is limited to our sphere."

johns (GM): Haha.

That's definitely NOT one of the scenarios in Dies Irae.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: mm haha

Archibald of Guernicus: A breakthrough to sieze control of the covenant

Surely we can all be trusted

Proclus of Rome: "There are more powers in the world than the Order of Hermes."

Archibald of Guernicus: Not to hahaha

johns (GM): Okay I made a handout for our agreement

Did I get it right?

Lavinia of Jerbiton looks around suspiciously at Proclus' remark

Aleseta of Bonisagus: sodales HATE him. one weird trick that takes three lifetimes to uncover.

Archibald of Guernicus: Good thing I have strong fae blood

No aging rolls until 50

Aleseta of Bonisagus: bae blood

Archibald of Guernicus: Ooh

Proclus of Rome: "I think if the planets go out of alignment we should reconvene to decide on another system of governance."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, it'd be important to do so then."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Good Shit.

Can't wait for Bonfilia to get her revenge on all of us

Proclus of Rome: Should I roll for Aegis of the Hearth?

Or do we have anymore business?

Archibald of Guernicus: I like Bonfilia's go-getter attitude but she's definetely evil.

Proclus of Rome: ALSO I CAN SEE THAT THERE STILL ISN'T A CLAUSE FOR PLANETARY MISALIGNMENT!

Archibald of Guernicus: Doesnt she have a virtue based around casting spells in an evil way

Lavinia of Jerbiton: what do we do during QPU misalignment

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh my god. Bonfilia spent the season gathering speed in the corner of her lab

The system is ruined

Lavinia of Jerbiton: lol

Bonfilia of Verditius: I do have that virtue

Archibald of Guernicus: Is it actually satanic, or just in the book for satanic stuff

Bonfilia of Verditius: evil spellcasting gives me the same effect as a spell focus

Lavinia of Jerbiton: It is not inherently evil

Proclus of Rome: I

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, that's fine then.

Bonfilia of Verditius: its not satanic only

Lavinia of Jerbiton: but it is easily abused for evil purposes

Archibald of Guernicus: It's more convenient to work with than being a secret diedne or something

Proclus of Rome: think that the word "abuse" is a bit of a stretch here.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: they think it don't be infernal

but it do

Lavinia of Jerbiton: liesmith can attest that secret diedne isn't as fun as it sounds

Bonfilia of Verditius: it's the magic that the witches of thessaly use

and that Trianoma used

Aleseta of Bonisagus: secret diedne/satanist is bad and dumb imo

Proclus of Rome: Secret tree.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: as is secret tzimisce and all other dumb variants in WoD games

Bonfilia of Verditius: Bonfilia is not a satanist in any way

Proclus of Rome: Liesmith kept trying to get me to play a Tree Diedne but it just doesn't work as well as a Tree Bjornaer.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: strangely enough, for all the fluff about how the Diedne were an Order threatening menance, in play they aren't that strong

Bonfilia of Verditius: its almost like The Man made up all those stories

Archibald of Guernicus: They're exaggerated in future stories to make the insane slaughter seem less one-sided

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Diedne Genocide Revisionism

Archibald of Guernicus: Ah, these guys we pounded into tiny pieces 11 on 1, well, actually it was a pretty big struggle.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Did 6 million pagans really die??

Aleseta of Bonisagus: @_@

Lavinia of Jerbiton: dys are you able to pick up that card and put it in your hand

Aleseta of Bonisagus: yeah the diedne greater virtue is definitely nowhere near cool enough for being an auto death sentence

Archibald of Guernicus: Which card?

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Okay so let's take seasons for the rest of 1321, next week: Satanists. eventually coming up: Proclus' Mine, CThinker's Shipwreck

Bonfilia of Verditius: True Merinitia is a better way to go if you want cool tree magic

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, the item. No, I can't.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: there ya go

Archibald of Guernicus: Merinita sounds great fun, specifically for the path where you become a real fae.

Thanks, johns.

Bonfilia of Verditius: True Merinita dont use faerie magic, and instead learn to control the elements and all beings that reside in them

and then eventually they can become one with their elemental affinity

turning themselves into an eternal, immortal storm or shifting their soul into a mountain

Lavinia of Jerbiton: that's so badass

Bonfilia of Verditius: then they create puppet bodies that they use to interact with the real world

basically they're nature liches

Proclus of Rome: Oh lemme do Aegis of the Hearth.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: as opposed to regular liches, which are Infernal

Archibald of Guernicus: Being a nature lich sounds so good that I feel almost disappointed I didnt know, to make that my character

Lavinia of Jerbiton: by my math we end 1321 with $178 in the bank, I want to spend $40 on herbam vis and suggest $100 for 10 vim vis that'll cover our aegis for the next decade

Proclus of Rome: It's Rego + Vim + Stamina + Aura + Philosophy + Artes Liberales right?

Or is there another bonus since it's a ritual?

Bonfilia of Verditius: my last character built a tower on the clouds and conjured cloud chariots etc., eventually she was going to turn her soul into a massive storm

Aleseta of Bonisagus: i forget, are philo and AL added into ritual rolls?

Lavinia of Jerbiton: You halve Philosophy and AL

Proclus of Rome: Right.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: cool

Proclus of Rome: But there aren't any other bonuses.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: correct

Proclus of Rome:

rolling 1d10! + 23

(

4

)

+23

=

27

There we go, 27.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: any other vis we should buy, or should we sell any? ledger is here http://tinyurl.com/arsvis

Aleseta of Bonisagus: getting anything intellego would be nice

vis or books

Lavinia of Jerbiton: intelligo is currently $15 apiece

which is standard

idk how prices for magic books should be set, if at all. but ill keep in mind what forms are missing resources in the library

8 intelligo vis in storage atm

Aleseta of Bonisagus: oh nice

must have missed that

Proclus of Rome: Studying vis seems like a waste though.

We only get 9 vis per year.

Really 8 since I need the Vim vis.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: studying vis is cool if you're a weakling idiot baby in that art

Proclus of Rome: Wouldn't it be better to get a summa instead?

Lavinia of Jerbiton: books don't grow on trees

Aleseta of Bonisagus: that would be nice, yes.

Archibald of Guernicus: Ooh, intelligo is good.

I've got a lot of that, for investigative magic.

I'll need to get proper scrying sometime.

Proclus of Rome: Alright how's this: I get two year's othe covenant's income if the planets go out of alignment in exchange for not saying "I told you so."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Ok

Aleseta of Bonisagus: i gotta run. thanks for running, johns!!!

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Cheers!

Glad we've reached something approaching an agreement here

Proclus of Rome: Cheers.

Bonfilia of Verditius: I will have vengeance!

Proclus of Rome: Looks like you already did.

The charter has gone missing!

What a twist!

Lavinia of Jerbiton: I merged it with the badger token

Proclus of Rome: I hope this teaches everyone else to show up all the time.

Archibald of Guernicus: This was fun

Yeah, isn't there 2 or 3 magi missing.

Did they even say they cant make it?

johns (GM): Ferris told me he was going to be absent this week but should be good going further

Archibald of Guernicus: Ah.

johns (GM): err Darvin

cumthinker just forgets sometimes heh

Proclus of Rome: Well that's why he didn't get to be one of the cool planets.

johns (GM): Cheers all

Archibald of Guernicus: I didn't even get to be a planet, boo.

Proclus of Rome: See ya.

Endrite (GM): Mystical greetings.

johns (GM): hey

im just setting some stuff up

Endrite (GM): You can take adventure XP when you do Lab work, right?

johns (GM): yes

Endrite (GM): Tight.

A reknowned Jerbiton magus by the

name of Enumerus once wrote a lengthy

treatise on the economics of a covenant,

a copy of which now resides in the Great

Library of Durenmar. In the course of his

Endrite (GM): research he came to a curious discovery:

no matter how precisely he reckoned the

books of his covenant, he could never

fully account for all of its outgoings. After

many years of trying, he eventually gave

up, concluding that it was simply impossible

Endrite (GM): for a mortal man to account for all

such expenditure — there would always

be some petty costs he had neglected,

amounting to at least a pound. Since

then, this phenomenon (and amount) of

undocumented covenant spending has

Endrite (GM): become widely known as the Pound of

Enumerus.

Oh baby I can invent 6 ReTe Rotes a season.

Ok, naming 6 Rotes is gonna be tough.

johns (GM): name them rote 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8, let other wizards scramble to find rote 3

back in a bit