12/11/16

johns (GM): Vis Market Adjustments

rolling 1d2 Techniques Adjusting

(

2

)

=

2

rolling 2d5

(

4

+

5

)

=

9

Perdo, Rego

rolling 1d10 Perdo

(

3

)

=

3

rolling 1d10 rego

(

6

)

=

6

johns (GM):

rolling 1d4 forms adjusting

(

1

)

=

1

rolling 1d10

(

4

)

=

4

rolling 1d10 corpus

(

2

)

=

2

Endrite (GM): How long is a combat round?

johns (GM): 6 seconds

Endrite (GM): Nice, time to make Diameter duration Wizard's Sidestep.

c'thinker (GM): hello

whoa what's this

johns (GM): bookworld

c'thinker (GM): wheres my dang lab

Endrite: I really don't understand what the point of having Wizard's Sidestep last for a Sun duration is.

c'thinker (GM): pre-buffing

Endrite: Boo.

johns (GM): did we forget to give aristocritus a lab

ooops!

c'thinker (GM): is venator going to escort another magus to the edge of the roman tribunal

if hafl is really quitting you could just slot me in where beatrice is

Endrite (GM): Hmm.

Do we have to spend seasons to set our labs back up?

Joshua S.: probably

also, aleseta's jam: https://www.facebook.com/1396766067317012/videos/1517971275196490/

c'thinker (GM): the twice-daily buffing regimen is one of the defining characteristics of hermetic magi, is probably the point of sidestep being Sun

johns (GM): who is the pagan spirit with the candles on the head?

Endrite (GM): It doesn't seem like the thing you'd use on a regular basis since it makes it impossible to blend into society.

Joshua S.: that's frau holda

also terrorizing the children at the end of the video, ftw

c'thinker (GM): what are these little things down in the lower right

johns (GM): i recently got invited to some celebration of St. Lucia, who also has the candles on head thing going on there

is this just what Germanic people do for fun?

Joshua S.: it is

it's a shame that all my family retains is that we open presents on christmas eve.

my ex-gf's family was swedish and she had to play st. lucia in some pageant every year

Endrite (GM): Putting candles on your head seems like a fire hazard.

johns (GM): that sounds like a lot of fun, getting hot molten wax in your hair

Endrite (GM): And after the Ghost Ship fire we all need to remember our commitment to staying cool about fire safety.

johns (GM): cthinker those are little door icons but i didn't bother putting them in place

c'thinker (GM): oh

they looked like little drawbridges

dys: I don't have a door.

johns (GM): We're adopting the "open office" philosophy here

dys: I don't have a doorway either.

c'thinker (GM): install a door, but it's mortared into the wall and there is nothing behind it

johns (GM): briefly cutting back to Winter 1328

Joshua S.: ayy

johns (GM): Aleseta had the privilege of escorting your captive back to Dragon's Rest to figure out a ransom arrangement

Aleseta of Bonisagus: cool

johns (GM): The local redcap Elijah specializes in these matters and offers to negotiate a deal on your behalf. Or you can give it a shot yourself using your best judgment or Bargaining skill

Aleseta of Bonisagus: what's elija's cut

johns (GM): 20% or a pawn, whatever's greater

Aleseta of Bonisagus: fair enough

she has no bargain.

she'll let him negotiate.

Elijah of Mercere: "I offer two options: 4 pawns of Technique vis, any combination you desire, or 7 pawns of Form vis-- Aquam and Ignem."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Any combination of Aquam and Ignem?"

Elijah of Mercere: "Yes."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Very well. 2 Aquam and 5 Ignem."

Elijah of Mercere: "Okay, I'll handle all the logistics from here then."

"Say, didn't the Roman tribunal ban raiding here?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: (we have no ignem vis)

"It did."

Elijah of Mercere: ".. Well, ok. Cheers."

johns (GM): Time passes

Poor Proclus returns home to find a letter from his beloved, berating him for his long absences, for withholding the secrets of his powers from her, etc.

dys: Make her a perfectly circular apology note.

c'thinker: nice

johns (GM): Venator is saddened at the loss of one of your grogs and apologizes for sending you on such a dangerous mission. He offers to spend a season each training Parma and Penetration to those who are interested.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: nice

dys: How much does he have to offer on each? Parma never hurts to have.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: yeah aleseta will take him up on that PRONTO

her parma is garbo

johns (GM): He can teach 12xp to a single student, 9xp to 2 students, or 6xp to multiple students

Archibald of Guernicus: My parma is probably fine since I'm the only one who resisted the aegis, but more doesnt hurt.

Proclus of Rome: I'm heartbroken.

johns (GM): Dys, Aleseta, and Archibald all attending? Then it's 6xp for you all, 1 season spent learning Parma, 1 season learning Pen

Aleseta of Bonisagus: :blessed:

Archibald of Guernicus: I am dys, that's 2 people not 3

johns (GM): err

lol right.

Archibald of Guernicus: I'll attend if no-one else with a more dire need for parma takes it

Proclus of Rome: I shan't be attending any lessons since I don't actually like Venator.

c'thinker: whoa am i missing out on xp here

johns (GM): Whoa, character development on Proclus

Archibald of Guernicus: You can take it, cum thinker.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: whoa hey guys. welcome to eb parma.

Archibald of Guernicus: If you want it.

I'll attend if I can get 9 or 12xp, otherwise nah

Aristocritus Bonisagi: i'll do it

Aleseta of Bonisagus: so 9xp??

or 6?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: bonisagus crew, securing all the xp

johns (GM): sounds like Aristo and Aleseta only on the Parma lessons

Aleseta of Bonisagus: btw i put it in the thread but orsu is teaching for 3 seasons in the past, but whatever:

Latin (up to 11)

Artes Liberales (up to 12)

Greek, Arabic, or Hebrew (up to 9)

Divine Lore (up to 10)

Aleseta of Bonisagus: Theology or Philosophiae (up to 4)

Teaching (up to 5)

he can grant up to 12xp for a single student, 9xp for two, 6xp for more than two.

johns (GM): 9xp apiece

Aleseta of Bonisagus: nice

johns (GM): lavinia will learn some arabic, ill do the math another time

Aleseta of Bonisagus: cool

johns (GM): Anyone want to spend a season learning Penetration?

Archibald of Guernicus: :twisted:

Aristocritus Bonisagi: i'll

in typical Greek fashion

Aleseta of Bonisagus: aleseta does

johns (GM): Okay, then 9xp for both of you again

Aleseta of Bonisagus: sweet

johns (GM): Outside your quiet comfortable labs churns the steady turmoil of mundane politics. The Holy Roman Emperor arrives in Rome to be crowned; the Pope having no interest in the matter, he is crowned by a leading member of the Colonna family.

Months later, the Emperor appoints an antipope, who in the winter 1328 flees the city with an Orsini Cardinal in pursuit.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: nice

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Rome is in a lot of trouble.

johns (GM): dpends if you feel any of it concerns you

You did learn recently that you have at least 1 party spying on your covenant, the Baron di Conti

Aleseta of Bonisagus: nice

Venator ex Misc: "I've heard you all have been making a bit of an impression on the locals. It might be good idea to ensure people only know good things about you all."

Proclus of Rome: I don't know why anyone would spy on us.

"Most of us don't have anything to hide."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Have we? How so?"

johns (GM): hmm, off the top of my head

-Stalked a nobleman's daughter

-Buddies with the Capoccis

-Insulted the Pamphilis & Contis to their face

Aleseta of Bonisagus: lmao

johns (GM): -Spread a rumor about the Contis being tied to magic

Archibald of Guernicus: Entered a tournament and cheated

Aristocritus Bonisagi: - cut off a bunch of hands

johns (GM): -Robbed a church of its relic

Archibald of Guernicus: Brainwashed a noblemans son

Aleseta of Bonisagus: yeah but like... what BAD stuff

Archibald of Guernicus: Killed a nobleman to get with a girl

johns (GM): iirc you brainwashed the Nobleman of Montcuq himself

Proclus of Rome: Uh excuse me, that was duel.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: montstumped

johns (GM): -Murdered Nunzio, a minor member of the aristocracy, and burgled the Bufalinos

Proclus of Rome: It was a duel!

johns (GM): huh this suddenly seems a lot worse when I put it all together like this

Archibald of Guernicus: It sounds like we're storied, lovable rogues and should be well-regarded

johns (GM) passes a note to a player

Aristocritus Bonisagi: would romans know about stuff that happened in montcuq

johns (GM): Nah actually you're in the clear there

Venator considers this all carefully. At this moment, one of your more bumbling covenfolk arrives with a letter.

Archibald of Guernicus: "We should interfere as little as possible, frankly."

johns (GM): you there endrite?

Pugnalo: "I was out buying more garlic when this beautiful lady handed me a note!"

"She said to deliver straight here. I didn't even know people knew where here was!"

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Let's see it."

Pugnalo: He hands you the note, do you want to read it?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: sure

Archibald of Guernicus: It says... 'exploding runes'?

johns (GM): What's all this white powder in the letter

Aleseta of Bonisagus: lol

Jeanne de Ys: "Greetings Magi of Vardian's Tomb," it reads "I have come to your city of Rome in search of the history of the Order of Hermes. While my business takes me throughout Italy, I would be most grateful for your generous sponsorship, as I do not wish to be in violation of the Roman Tribunal's laws on vagrancy. In exchange, I can offer information on any notable artefacts I discover on my travels. Please send a messenger with your reply to the Pamphili Estate outside of Rome."

It's signed "Lady Jeanne de Ys".

Aleseta of Bonisagus: pampy estate

gentlemen, this woman is a baby

Jeanne de Ys: There's also a wax seal of a clove on it.

johns (GM): there's nothing in the rules that says a baby can't be a wizard

Jeanne de Ys: Presumably her Sigil.

The Prima of Criamon is a baby.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: i have no OoH lorez

"Does anyone know of this woman?"

Archibald of Guernicus: We really need to get someone who has

This is getting ridiculous

None of us know a thing

Aristocritus Bonisagi: i have ooh lore!

Jeanne de Ys: Give me an Order of Hermes Lore roll.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: I am here and also have lore

strange how proclus and lavinia are never in the same room at the same time?

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, GMPC bails us out huh

Aristocritus Bonisagi:

rolling 1d10!+4+3 lore+int

(

7

)

+4+3

=

14

Jeanne de Ys: Heh.

Lavinia of Jerbiton:

(To GM) rolling 1d10!+4+2

(

4

)

+4+2

=

10

(From Jeanne de Ys): You've never heard of her.

Lavinia of Jerbiton:

(To GM) rolling 1d10!+5+2 faerie lore

(

4

)

+5+2

=

11

Lavinia of Jerbiton:

(To GM) rolling 1d10!+2+5 divine lore

(

4

)

+2+5

=

11

Lavinia of Jerbiton:

(To GM) rolling 1d10!+4+2 infernal lore

(

6

)

+4+2

=

12

Lavinia of Jerbiton:

(To GM) rolling 1d10!+4+2 magic lore

(

2

)

+4+2

=

8

(From Jeanne de Ys): Great stuff, you've never heard of her.

Lavinia of Jerbiton:

rolling 1d10!+2+2 augustan lore

(

7

)

+2+2

=

11

(From Jeanne de Ys): She's actually Virgil in disguise.

(From Jeanne de Ys): Not actually true.

(To c'thinker): My lore results came up empty. Have you heard of her.

johns: "I have heard it said, that artefacts are a good thing to have."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: -- says me

Proclus of Rome: At least she had the courtesy to ask before meddling.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, never a bad thing."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I don't see the harm, I suppose."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "I can't say I've heard of her before though, even as a fellow Jerbiton."

Proclus of Rome: "Maybe she just joined."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: oh proclus is here too? this is getting confusing

Archibald of Guernicus: They're even interacting

Proclus of Rome: We're all here.

Archibald of Guernicus: This is a one of a kind moment

Lavinia of Jerbiton: no gms, only pcs

complete anarchy

c'thinker: i'm back

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Should we summon her here or go to speak with her at her current lodgings?"

(To GM) rolling 1d10!+9 etiquette

(

1

)

+9

=

10

Endrite (GM): It goes without saying that Ys is not a real place.

Archibald of Guernicus: Ys is a nation in Dominions 4.

Orsu Paganacci leans head out doorway.

Orsu Paganacci: "Is this woman comely?"

Endrite (GM): Saying you're from Ys is like someone in 2016 saying they're from Latveria.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: ... they post in the slavchat thread?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "I've certainly never heard of any Jeanne de Ys."

Orsu Paganacci: is ys a faerie thing

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10+3+7 Faerie Lore

(

8

)

+3+7

=

18

Pugnalo: "Oh yeah, she had a pretty dress on and no warts and she had all her hair and she didn't have a mustache and both her eyes were straight."

Orsu Paganacci gives a "not bad" nod to Pugnalo.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Well, can't hurt to go meet the lass."

Orsu Paganacci: " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7NitmzzZX8#t=6s "

Endrite (GM): Ys is a city or country that sank beneath the sea for its wickedness, but it mostly appears in popular stories about Chivalric romance.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Perhaps she's here to see the well?"

Lavinia of Jerbiton: lmfao

"We should be charging admission for such an important site, Aristocritus."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Ys isn't a real place. Or at least, not a place for mortals. It's a place of legend, possibly of faerie."

(From Aleseta of Bonisagus): cool. thx.

Endrite (GM): Oh sorry, that was just the common knowledge on Ys that anyone who reads for pleasure knows about.

What I posted for everyone to hear, I mean.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Some mermaids say they come from Ys. In any case, no mortals come from there."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Ah, well that's perfectly fine."

"Nothing wrong with a bit of fairy blood. Builds character."

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Could just be a Hermetic name."

Proclus of Rome: "I don't know why you'd name yourself after somewhere that doesn't exist."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Odd name for a Jerbiton. I'd expect it from a Merinita."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "It's strange, though perhaps in the 600 year history of the order we can expect a few wizards to deviate from the narrow stereotypes of their lineage."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: #FaeLivesMatter

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "We should set up a really nice reception for this Maga."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Ach, it's a fancy title tae seem mysterious. No harm in it at all."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Any objections to sending a reply asking her to come here?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus shrugs.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: none here

Proclus of Rome: "I don't see why not."

Lavinia of Jerbiton: I send for the scribe to write a letter in reply.

Endrite (GM): Which one?

Ariam?

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Sure.

Ariam the Ethiop scribes.

Endrite (GM): What do you want him to write?

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "To the esteemed Maga Jeanne de Ys,

We are honored by your missive. We look forward to the privilege of hosting you at Vardian's Tomb at [whatever is 2 weeks from now]."

Endrite (GM): Alright, sounds good.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: Sign, seal, and deliver.

Endrite (GM): Alright, who do you want to send to deliver the letter?

Lavinia of Jerbiton: The fellow who gave us the first one

Pig.. Pug? Something with a P.

Pugnalo: "Me?"

He points at himself.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Yes, be a good lad? Take it where you received it from."

Pugnalo: "The garlic stand?"

Lavinia of Jerbiton: "Oh, that's where you got it? Well go to the Pamphili's estate and take it to Jeanne."

Pugnalo: "Ok, I'm not even scared of the Pamphili Wolf."

"You'll see," he says as he leaves.

Lavinia of Jerbiton: I'm already not paying any more attention to him.

He's just a covenfolk after all.

johns (GM) suddenly plops a GM screen down

Proclus of Rome: Oh no!

johns (GM): So, pending a reply from Jeanne, who has any ideas on how to deal with spies? Or do we even want to?

Proclus of Rome: We should ask everyone if they're a spy.

Archibald of Guernicus: If only we had a mentem specialist

Unfortunately hes in a mentem institution.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: Aleseta will use cats to follow (non-Order) comers and goers to the covenant to see where they go/what they're up to.

johns (GM): lol dys :/

Aristocritus Bonisagi: dark chuckles

Proclus of Rome: Are cats good spies?

johns (GM): A couple things I want to get in order too

There are alarm wards on the Library and the general entrance with passwords on them. Who should have Library access? And for the main entrance, you are okay with a steady stream of laborers, servants, teamsters etc.?

Proclus of Rome: Well, I don't see who would want to steal our books.

They could always just ask for copies.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: in aleseta's opinion, only the magi should have direct access. anyone else should need to request books from the magi.

Proclus of Rome: What about scribes?

And maids.

Don't want dusty books, after all.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: we could put the important texts in a different room

Proclus of Rome: The problem would still exist.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: The dust problem?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: scribes don't need to take books at will.

who needs maids when you have magic

johns (GM): 2nd problem to also consider: You have massive stacks of cash (bog coins). Where is it being held? Keep in mind there has been a recent bank crash and a massive devaluation of gold caused by a faerie king from the Sudan

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "It takes a scribe many days to copy even a basic text. They don't need daily access to the library."

Proclus of Rome: Do we have any non-maid methods to clean the library?

I mean, I do.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: best practices for scribe-related security

Archibald of Guernicus: We should store it in a room only accessible through magic.

Avoid the mundane problem altogether.

We keep a smaller amount accessible normally, but for serious expenditure we need to open the vault.

johns (GM): cool, want to scribble a valut location somewhere on the map?

Proclus of Rome: Isn't that Secure Holding?

johns (GM): Sure. I also thought that was a dungeon.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: could put it off the armory

johns (GM): Sealing your prisoners behind solid stone is pretty badass

Aleseta of Bonisagus: le casque face

Proclus of Rome: The shield grogs are in and out of the armory all the time.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: or off the secure section of the library

Archibald of Guernicus: Maybe I should make lab texts for Archibald's Unwelcome Entrance, for my sodales

So we can use it for storage

It's very convenient to have

johns (GM): Okay-- then I'll say the Money is behind solid stone in the Vault/Dungeon, your Parma book is in a special ultrawarded room of the Library

Proclus of Rome: You just need to make one, really.

Sounds good to me.

Archibald of Guernicus: I'll look into what's required to make one sometime before next week then

johns (GM): Excellent.

Aleseta's cats begin stalking the covenfolk.

This is.. day 1 of the spyhunt.

On night 1, your steward approaches Archibald.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: sick

Sir Sebaste the Steward: "Ahem.. Master... " shuffling uncomfortably in Archie's presence. "We have some credits coming do, and I need to make a withdrawal from the vault. Would you mind.. ?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Already?"

Wait, who handles our expenses IC

Proclus of Rome: Sir Sebaste the Steward.

Sir Sebaste the Steward: He bristles. "Are you suggesting I made a mistake?"

Archibald of Guernicus: I'll try rolling folk ken to see if he's making this up

rolling 1d10!+3+3

(

8

)

+3+3

=

14

Sir Sebaste the Steward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SmoBvg-etU

(To Archibald of Guernicus): He seems on the level.

Proclus of Rome: Wait a minute, is money even real?

Sir Sebaste the Steward: Sebaste quietly considers alternate employment options in his head as Archibald stares him down.

Proclus of Rome: lol

Archibald of Guernicus: "Sure, sure. Sorry, just a bit on edge after sealing the stuff up."

I head down and open up the vault

Sir Sebaste the Steward: Sebaste gruffly starts piling some money into a bag, then turns to you.

" Respectfully, master, it is your money but I cannot do my job properly if you are going to take half of it out without letting me know!"

Proclus of Rome: ???

Aleseta of Bonisagus: mmmm

Archibald of Guernicus: "What?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus:  wax tablet scratch

Archibald of Guernicus: We did count it before sealing it right? Right?

Orsu Paganacci: "Yeah I counted it before stealing it. Sealing it. I sealed it."

(jk)

Proclus of Rome: I Shall Seal the Ledgers

(From Archibald of Guernicus): I should have stolen it and started an unsolvable plot of intrigue shouldnt I

Archibald of Guernicus: "That's ridiculous, we counted it just yesterday!"

Sir Sebaste the Steward: "I'm counting it right now,  m'lord . There should be nearly 300 pounds in here but there can't be more than.. 200 right now."

Proclus of Rome: "There's only one person here who can even open the vault."

Archibald of Guernicus: I examine the stonework to see if its been opened through less precise methods than my own spell, which returns it to normal afterwards

Proclus of Rome: "Naturally, Archibald is above suspicion."

"The Aegis of the Hearth should prevent anyone else from robbing us."

(To Archibald of Guernicus): Nothing indicates anyone has disturbed the stonework

Archibald of Guernicus: "The spell tae enter was my own invention, no-one cast it spontaneously within an unfriendly aegis."

We do have a tytalan terram expert hanging around but his player is not even here for me to accuse. Sad!

Aristocritus Bonisagi: I am but a humble elementalist.

Sir Sebaste the Steward: terram is an element

Proclus of Rome: "I can't imagine anyone here would steal from the covenant. Why would they risk their immortal soul for temporary reward?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye, I wouldn't believe my sodales capable of such an act. Though the solution must be hermetic, the stonework is untampered."

"Perhaps... the gold was never there tae begin with."

Sir Sebaste the Steward: "A real mystery" mutters your steward under his breath.

Archibald of Guernicus: "If someone used creo terram, and it expired after a day, they could have stolen it before it was sealed."

"Or perhaps even imaginem."

Proclus of Rome: "That would require someone to have paid us over 100 Mythic Pounds in a very short time."

"A 'Sun' duration at most."

"I mean, a 'Moon' duration."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Someone could have stolen the gold and used Muto Terram or some other magic to temporarily disguise the fact until later."

Proclus of Rome: "We haven't made any transactions of that magnitude."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Id est, we counted some false gold."

Proclus of Rome: "Hmm, but that would require piercing the Aegs of the Hearth."

Archibald of Guernicus: "If a magus of sufficient strength to perform these illusions in here had entered the covenant, they would have taken everything. Who could stop them if they did?"

"Either we accepted false gold from somewhere, or someone here put fake gold in."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I believe the Aegis would dispel illusions, but not necessarily transformations."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Maybe someone had a debt to pay, and was ashamed to admit it, thinking they'd replace it later. It's not necessarily an act against the covenant."

Sir Sebaste the Steward: "A debt of 100 pounds!!"

Proclus of Rome: "I don't have any debts, that I know of."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Myself neither, but if we investigate our sodales we should do so assuming only the purest intentions unless proven otherwise."

Aristocritus Bonisagi: it was Ronnie's Wizard

Archibald of Guernicus: That bastard has had it in for us since day 1

Proclus of Rome: "Who would steal our money to pay their debts?"

Aristocritus Bonisagi: you never see him. very suspicious

Archibald of Guernicus: See? He takes the money and immediatlely leaves.

Proclus of Rome: "Surely, if they had need of money they could have just created it for themselves."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Exhausting the covenant's vis would be a far bigger act against us, though."

How much terram vis to make 100 mythic pounds

Aristocritus Bonisagi: very little i think

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "This sounds like more of a... conventional debt."

Sir Sebaste the Steward: there some math on turning vis to money in either hermetic projects or transforming europ

Proclus of Rome: "But any grog could come to us with their problems, couldn't they?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Any grog couldn't produce false, disappearing gold, though."

Sir Sebaste the Steward: "What about that alchemist"

Proclus of Rome: The Wealth of Croesus

CrTe 30

R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group, Ritual

Creates 13,000 silver pennies,

amounting to 650 Mythic Pounds.

into the design on the obverse and

Proclus of Rome: The magus’s sigil is incorporated

reverse of each coin. An Intelligence

+ Finesse roll allows the caster to

of a specific realm’s coinage; an

match the design otherwise to that

Ease Factor of 9 means that only an

Proclus of Rome: Note that the coins are made of

expert would notice the difference.

unusually pure silver; even English

silver — considered the purest in

Mythic Europe — cannot match

it in quality. Furthermore, coinage

Proclus of Rome: created with this spell is free

from nicks, scratches, dents, and

tarnish, and unlike a large proportion

of coins in Mythic Europe,

have not been clipped or divided

to make change.

Proclus of Rome: (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Group)

Sir Sebaste the Steward: 6 pawns for 650lb, not bad

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, huh. 100 is about 1 pawn.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: the spell that just makes a huge lump of gold is just 2 or 3 pawns isn't it

Proclus of Rome: You can make even more wealth more easily if you were willing to not make it in coin.

Here's an example:

Boundless Wealth

of the Oceans

CrAn 20

R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Group, Ritual

Proclus of Rome: Creates 3,000 pounds of pearls,

equivalent to over one million pearls

about half an inch in diameter.

each one about a quarter of an ounce

These are remarkably large pearls,

in weight. Good quality sea pearls

Proclus of Rome: usually sell for about three Mythic

Pounds per ounce (Covenants, page

141). Each pearl is identical to its

fellows, and is somehow marked by

the sigil of the caster.

(Base 5, +1 Touch, +2 Group)

Sir Sebaste the Steward: A ritual spell has to be at least L20 so a minimum of 4 pawns

Aristocritus Bonisagi: oh, right

Archibald of Guernicus: That's a lot of money, Proclus.

Why isn't Aleseta letting us live in luxury?

Proclus of Rome: Such a project would Destroy Mythic Europe.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: lol

Archibald of Guernicus: A small price to pay

Aristocritus Bonisagi: there are a bunch of rules about creating wealth i think

Sir Sebaste the Steward: oh no anything but that

Proclus of Rome: I mean there's LAWS about creating wealth.

It's 10 Mythic Pounds per magus per year.

Sir Sebaste the Steward: The Invisible Hand of the Market as described by Adam Smith is a powerful daimonic entity that will destroy you if you print currency

Proclus of Rome: But this is why I don't think a magus is robbing us.

He wouldn't need to.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: lol

Archibald of Guernicus: I wonder who else could pull off this trick, though.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: What's on the other side of the vault? Any old catacomb tunnels beyond or below?

Proclus of Rome: Maybe the spy is stealing from us.

Archibald of Guernicus: A sealed stone room, untouched.

And yet the money vanished

This crime smells hermetic

Proclus of Rome: What if they snuck in after you?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "What other traditions or beings have the ability to pass through stone? Dwarfs?"

Sir Sebaste the Steward: Hm

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Earth elementals?"

Archibald of Guernicus: Archibald does not have magic lore or fairy lore so

Sir Sebaste the Steward: Relevant lores for ideas

Zita of Mercere: Rolling magic lore

rolling 1d10!-1+7

(

5

)

-1+7

=

11

Aristocritus Bonisagi:

rolling 1d10!+4+3 magic lore + int

(

5

)

+4+3

=

12

Aleseta of Bonisagus:

rolling d10+3+7 faerie lorez

(

5

)

+3+7

=

15

Aristocritus Bonisagi: hmm

Zita of Mercere: Conf point to get an EF 15 roll, if we dont get anything from Aristocritus or Aleseta's

johns (GM): Earth elementals sure, Nightwalkers maybe (you're not sure the full extent of their powers), Ghosts/Other spirits

Aristocritus Bonisagi:

rolling 1d10!+4+3 tytalus lore+int

(

3

)

+4+3

=

10

johns (GM): Faeriewise Dwarves/dwarflike creatures seem the best bet but as far as you know they don't work near cities

Proclus of Rome: Wouldn't Klybutes Lore be a better roll here?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: wait a minute

johns (GM): Tytalan Lore: You think this would be a fun prank to play on an apprentice, and then to punish them for their money disappearing it

Aristocritus Bonisagi: damn it's true

Archibald of Guernicus: That's Tytalus!

Aristocritus Bonisagi: wasn't the tytalus covenant enlisting a bunch of nightwalkers?

Proclus of Rome: Really?

Why would they do that?

johns (GM): The Tremere are known for using Nightwalker agents

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh great, even worse.

johns (GM): Anyone else have any other lores?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: oh, maybe the tremeres

Archibald of Guernicus: We did piss off the tremeres making the volcano covenant

johns (GM): I feel this has made things even more confusing than before, oops

Proclus of Rome: Oh I do.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: it was one of the things that came up while i was chatting to the tenens at tribunal, i think

Archibald of Guernicus: Divine lore. God got rid of our wealth.

Proclus of Rome:

rolling 1d10 + 2 + 7 Divine Lore

(

7

)

+2+7

=

16

Maybe God is punishing us for hoarding wealth.

johns (GM): Proclus, you realize this clearly some sort of trial of Job deal going on here

Aleseta of Bonisagus: lol

Proclus of Rome: Have we been tithing?

johns (GM): Hope you have no loved ones cause they're about to die horribly

Archibald of Guernicus: Hmm. No, none. Phew.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: here's to the gift

Archibald of Guernicus: What do you think I am, an NPC?

Proclus of Rome: Oh no, I love my fellow covenanters with one major exception.

johns (GM): :(

archibald can't help being scottish, Proclus

Aristocritus Bonisagi: We should set up an alarm ward in the vault, to begin with.

Proclus of Rome: Heh.

That's a good idea.

Have the cats found anything?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: hmm, i suppose any kind of elemental would have to be pretty powerful to enter through the aegis

johns (GM): Sure, let's bring the cats back into play

Proclus of Rome: What if it was just creating a hole underneath the room and allowing the money to fall into the hole?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: yesss

Cat: oh I think I saw an episode of mission impossible where they did that

Aleseta of Bonisagus: cat chat

Cat: they drilled a hole into the bottom of the vault and then put a heater in that melted the gold so it oozed into the hole

uhh anyway

Aristocritus Bonisagi: anachronism cat

Cat: One of the street cats returns, dragging a clove of garlic in its mouth.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "That's odd."

Cat: It drops it and plays with it for a bit. "Meow. The fat one and the dumb one went for a midnight meeting with a hooded man. What's that about? Meow?"

Proclus of Rome: Cats love TV, it's a fact.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Hmm. Thank you, cat."

Proclus of Rome: "Do cats not have names?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Where did you get this garlic?"

Cat: "Meow. Market setting up. Lots of carts and not enough eyes to watch, hehe."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Nice."

Aleseta of Bonisagus tells the magi (only)

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I assume the fat one is our new grog, Napolino. The dumb one is Pugnalo."

"Who is the hooded man?"

Archibald of Guernicus: Laurel and Hardy, our new grogs

Proclus of Rome: "He did seem a little slow."

Cat: The cat rolls around and purrs.

"A man. With a hood."

"Oh! A charm!"

"Around the neck. Gold, with a crown."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Hmm."

"Does that sound like anything?"

Aleseta of Bonisagus tells the others

Archibald of Guernicus: Does it sound like anything we've seen?

Cat: A very good Roman lore check would let you know, a decemt Roman lore check will give some insight

Proclus of Rome:

rolling 1d10 + 2 + 9

(

7

)

+2+9

=

18

Archibald of Guernicus: Seems very good

Proclus of Rome: Could be.

Cat: Proclus has heard of a Merchant's guild, comprised of various leading influential people in the city, who use this as their sigil. The crown is in recognition of the latest addition to the Colonna coat of arms, and a sign of Ghibelline affiliation.

Proclus of Rome: Oh, like the Emperor's crown.

Archibald of Guernicus: Ah, the commercium.

Proclus of Rome: It sounds like we've found our spies.

Cat taps nose knowingly

Proclus of Rome: But they certainly couldn't have found their way into the vault.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Perhaps they had help. Worse, perhaps they were coerced by magic."

Archibald of Guernicus: "We should meet this merchant for ourselves and get some answers."

Proclus of Rome: "We should talk to Pugnalo and Napolino."

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "Agreed."

Proclus of Rome: "If they've been bewitched then it should be clear when we question them."

"Also we wouldn't have to leave the covenant."

johns (GM): They're scheduled to come back to work in the morning.

Or you could go to one of their homes in the city.

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

If we break into one of their homes then we might be able to catch them while they're still under the influence.

On the other hand, if they're spies, they'll certainly come back here tomorrow.

Archibald of Guernicus: Why not both?

Proclus of Rome: Because if we break into their houses they'll know we know and they won't come in tomorrow.

Archibald of Guernicus: We could break in while they're here at work

johns (GM): we need an archon

Archibald of Guernicus: We have a lot of people at the covenant, so doing both things at once is feasible

johns (GM): 1 proclus 2 archibald 3 cthinker 4 aleseta

rolling 1d4

(

3

)

=

3

Aristocritus Bonisagi: power flows through me

johns (GM): its destiny.

Proclus of Rome: The stars have decided.

Zita of Mercere: "I can take a look at their houses, I'm good at that sort of thing."

"They'll never know I was there."

Orsu Paganacci: "Zita, before you go... "

(just a sec, sorry)

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Exactly what I was thinking."

Orsu Paganacci: "I have a charm to make you more stealthy."

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Interrogate them at the covenant and send Zita around to investigate."

Proclus of Rome: "So we wait for tomorrow?"

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Yes."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Perhaps post a mundane guard to the vault tonight. Just in case."

Proclus of Rome: "I see no reason why not, even though we all feel a little silly about having someone guard a blank wall."

johns (GM): haha

better put them inside the vault to be extra safe.

(2 weeks later) "Oh shit, did someone remeber to let the grog out?"

Proclus of Rome: Oh man.

Archibald of Guernicus: Stuff a grog inside, good idea

Aristocritus Bonisagi: who will volunteer to guard the Amontillado

Proclus of Rome: The word "Back" is misspelled when yoiu right-click a token.

Archibald of Guernicus: A grog inside and a grog outside

johns (GM): what the

that must be new endrite

Proclus of Rome: Yeah.

It's nuts.

johns (GM): Ok, so your two beloved grogs come to work bright and early

Archibald of Guernicus: The amazing roll20 staff go back to add spelling mistakes to existing code

Orsu Paganacci:

rolling d10!+3+0+3+10 Charm of Stealth (+3 to Stealth for Sun) on Zita before the excursion

(

3

)

+3+0+3+10

=

19

i succeed but gain a fatigue, no bigs

Archibald of Guernicus: Neat charm.

Orsu Paganacci: "Mmm."

johns (GM): They each go to work as though nothing is out of the usual, Napolino tending to the weapons and armor, Pug carting in food and supplies

Proclus of Rome: We should interrogate them separately.

Who is the best at that?

Archibald?

Archibald of Guernicus: I have -2 pre and -3 com

The blatant gift just makes people hate me not do what I say

I could spont some mentem though, lemme check difficulties

Proclus of Rome: Well I thought that as a Guernicus you'd know how to find the truth.

I apologize for my error.

Orsu Paganacci: Orsu is pretty good at talking, but not intimidation, and better with women.

(To Archibald of Guernicus): Are you able to detect magics?

Archibald of Guernicus: Archie is more of a find evidence and go out to behead the infernalist sort of guernicus.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: i have uhh

hey wait i have 5 leadership

Orsu Paganacci: leadership can be used to intimidate

johns (GM): maybe that's why you keep being chosen as archon

Proclus of Rome: I have +5 Folk Ken, which I hope isn't the best in the covenant.

(From Archibald of Guernicus): I could spont something with vim, which is now decent thanks to the great book

Aristocritus Bonisagi: isn't the gift penalty also 5 points though

Proclus of Rome: Yes.

Orsu Paganacci: i thought covenfolk acclimate to it

Proclus of Rome: These guys are new.

Orsu Paganacci: mm

Aristocritus Bonisagi: we can just parma them up

Orsu Paganacci: lol

johns (GM): You'll have to touch them and do a little ritual which they'd be aware of but yes

Orsu Paganacci: "Hey, Napolino, Pugnalo. You haven't been properly blessed by the magi. You're new here, but it's time to go through with it. No worries, it will protect you."

btw i'm charm of guile and presenced up

Napolino: "Gosh, really?"

Orsu Paganacci: "Yeah."

"It should only take a few minutes and won't hurt a bit."

Napolino: "Ok!" he says enthusiastically.

"Beats polishing iron all day!"

Proclus of Rome: I can do it.

Orsu Paganacci nods.

Archibald of Guernicus: Before we give him parma, I want to try sponting some intelligo vim to see if he's got any active magic on him

Proclus of Rome: Go for it.

Archibald of Guernicus: Level 5 to detect any active spell, +1 touch, +1 conc I believe

Napolino: momentary is fine

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, then itll be easy

Unless I botch

Napolino: Also you can roll first and then determine the strength of what you're detecting later

Archibald of Guernicus:

rolling 1d10!+9+9+3+3

(

9

)

+9+9+3+3

=

33

Napolino: since InVi difficulty goes up with relevant spell detected

Right, this is easy

He has a 10th magnitude Non-Hermetic effect, form equivalent to Mentem on him

You detect the sound of a silver chime as well

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: mysterious!

Archibald of Guernicus: I whisper to my sodales, since I assume they're here too

"He's enchanted, a mentem effect."

Proclus of Rome: "Well, that's good news."

"It means they haven't betrayed us."

Orsu Paganacci: "Hmm."

Proclus of Rome: "Still, this means our spy problem is more than a noble house getting upset at us."

Archibald of Guernicus: To spont Unravelling the Fabric of Mentem on him is base 1, then +1 for touch

So just rolling for botch really

rolling 1d10!

(

9

)

=

9

No botch

Napolino: The difficulty of Unraveling goes up with the spell level of the target

Proclus of Rome: That's a General spell.

Yeah.

Napolino: The effect on Napolino is 10th magnitude, equivalent to L50

Orsu Paganacci: holy shit

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh. 10th magnitude.

Orsu Paganacci: wtc

Aristocritus Bonisagi: whoa what

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh god.

Ah jesus

Napolino: lol

Proclus of Rome: Hey watch it with that.

Archibald of Guernicus: So this would need... a level 40 effect to undo

Proclus of Rome: Don't take the Lord's name in vain with a careless oath.

Archibald of Guernicus: Not sponting that!

"This spell... is 10th magnitude!"

Aristocritus Bonisagi coughs up blood

Napolino: lmao

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "It must have an incredible penetration to survive in the Aegis."

Archibald of Guernicus: "If our mentem is the earth, then this spell is the heavens."

Aristocritus Bonisagi: is there any way we can learn more about it than just its magnitude?

Napolino: your aegis is only L15 right?

Proclus of Rome: 20.

Napolino: Hm, ok

There's nothing more you can really discern because it's Non-Hermetic. The chime is a sigil of some sort.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: @_@

Proclus of Rome: Uh oh.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "What traditions have such powerful charms?"

Proclus of Rome:

rolling 1d10 + 7 + 2 Divine Lore

(

9

)

+7+2

=

18

Napolino: God, apparently

Proclus of Rome: OR one of the banned methods of Holy Magic.

Archibald of Guernicus: That's ridiculous. No-one would abuse holy magic to harm others.

It could be infernal, though.

I mean, they are merchants.

Proclus of Rome: But who is being harmed here?

Archibald of Guernicus: The free will of man

Proclus of Rome: Besides us, I mena.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I would imagine it would be a tradition that focuses on powers of the mind... "

Proclus of Rome: Good argument.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: Think how the genius locus of the vault must feel.

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Napolino: "I'm here for my blessing, masters!"

Proclus of Rome: "Ah, certainly."

"Where is Pugnalo?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "We should ask him some questions anyway."

Napolino: "Stocking shelves if he's doing his job, I hope!"

Proclus of Rome: "Also, please be aware that, as a layman, I am unable to perform blessings or indeed any other church function."

"The Parma Magica is, in fact, a fully Hermetic ritual, so named because it excludes references to outside forces."

"Though of course, it is impossible to imagine that it functions outside the will of Almighty God."

"However, it is necessary to make this distinction when you consider the state of education and practice at the time of Bonisagus."

Orsu Paganacci rolls his eyes Corsicanishly.

Napolino: "Oh... "

Proclus of Rome: "Ah, right of course."

"Just stand still for a moment."

I'll give him 1 (one) point of Parma Magica.

Bringing me down to +4.

Napolino: "I hope it worked!"

Aristocritus Bonisagi: do you get to choose how much? i thought it was just a split

Proclus of Rome: Yeah, you can.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: nice

Proclus of Rome: Oh wait.

for each point in Parma Magica, with their

consent. He must touch each person to start

the protection, and it lasts as long as at least

one character can see the other. The magus

may cancel the protection at will, at any distance.

Proclus of Rome: While a magus is protecting others, his

effective Parma Magica score is reduced by 3

points, both for himself and for the other people

he is protecting. If the magus has a Parma

Magica score of 3 or lower, his Parma Magica

provides each character, including himself,

Proclus of Rome: with a Magic Resistance of 0. In the magus’s

case, this is added to his Form resistance, and a

magus protected by another magus’s Parma

Magica may also add his Form resistance.

Napolino: i want to clarify something though I fear it may make things worse to say this

the effect is 10th magnitude in part because if has 20 levels of penetration built in

Proclus of Rome: So I'm reduced to 0, since we multiply by 2(?).

Napolino: nice, nows our chance to kill Proclus

Proclus of Rome: That's fine, the Parma here is just to negate the Gift social penalty.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: i love it when a plan comes together

"Well, do you feel any different?"

Proclus of Rome: However this means I won't be able to extend my Parma to Pugnalo.

Napolino: "I'm always happy to serve mlords!"

Aleseta of Bonisagus: "I can extend mine to Pugnalo."

Aristocritus Bonisagi: you can drop the sharing at any time and repeat it for pugnalo i think

Proclus of Rome: That's true.

Anyway, who wanted to question him?

Aleseta of Bonisagus: our quaesitor i thought

Proclus of Rome: Go for it.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: maybe someone with Charm

since the only thing i can do is intimidate him

Orsu Paganacci: time for good scholar / bad magus

Archibald of Guernicus: Man with no social skills here

And my character has none too, so someone else do it

Aristocritus Bonisagi: *negative social skills

Orsu Paganacci: "Napolino, do you like having a job here at the covenant?"

Napolino: "Sure! Good food & easy patrols."

Proclus of Rome: Doesn't he just patrol up and down the cul-de-sac?

Napolino: sweet gig eh?

Orsu Paganacci: "Yes, yes. Of course. It's a serious job, though, guarding the magi and their holdings. You understand that, yes?"

Proclus of Rome: Really sweet.

Napolino: He nods enthusiastically.

Orsu Paganacci: "Good. From time to time, there may be people outside the covenant who may try to use your job here as a way to harm the magi. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Napolino: "Course not!"

"I'd give them a right thrashing if they tried!"

Orsu Paganacci: "Of course not. And you haven't met with any strangers recently, since you took the job here?"

Napolino: "I.."

He looks surprised.

He purses his lips, folds his arms, and shakes his head. "Mm mm."

Orsu Paganacci narrows his eyes.

Proclus of Rome: Mmm.

Orsu Paganacci: "If you have something to say, Napolino, it would be best to say it before the magi have to ask you."

"I'm on your side, after all. I know what a fine grog you are. I can see you have great potential."

Napolino: He just shakes his head and refuses to speak anymore.

Orsu Paganacci: "A man with your strength and reputation, you're a great asset to us."

Napolino: His jolly demeanour- gone.

Orsu Paganacci sighs.

Orsu Paganacci: "Are you sure you don't want to say anything? I can explain almost anything away if you tell me. But if you have to tell it to... well, the magi... "

Orsu Paganacci makes a fist into palm motion and shrugs.

Napolino: He looks a bit sad but is doggedly silent.

Orsu Paganacci looks to the magi.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "We know you and Pugnalo went to meet with someone last night, Napolino."

Napolino: Silence

Archibald of Guernicus: "Aye. A merchant."

Napolino: ".."

Orsu Paganacci: (in Latin) "Perhaps the enchantment prevents him from speaking of it."

Proclus of Rome: "We could ask him what he did before going to sleep last night."

"He might remember that."

Archibald of Guernicus: "Almost certainly. A spell of that power could utterly rewrite someone's mind."

Aristocritus Bonisagi: "Do  you  know that? Do you remember last night?"

Napolino: He shakes his head and refuses to talk.

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

"Perhaps we can be more careful when we question Pugnalo."

Orsu Paganacci: be back in ~15

Archibald of Guernicus: "Well, do you think he'll speak if we ask anything?"

"Most likely this enchantment makes several topics forbidden."

Proclus of Rome: "I think if we are more delicate we might be able to sidle around the problem area."

Pugnalo: Alright, Pugnalo is here and parma'd

Aristocritus Bonisagi: chalk up another poorly-timed afk from me

(From Aristocritus Bonisagi): AFK

Proclus of Rome: Alright!

Archibald of Guernicus: "Maybe we could try to discover what parts of the covenant he's been to."

Proclus of Rome: "That's a good idea."

Archibald of Guernicus: "If he's gone exploring, he'll have knowledge he shouldnt have, and he wont realise he's giving it away."

Proclus of Rome: I have Charm +7/

Archibald of Guernicus: Good luck, sodales

Proclus of Rome: And Com/Pre +1.

I want to see if Orsu can do it better.

Or Aristocritus.

(To Archibald of Guernicus): want to ask around the covenant about these two's movements?

Proclus of Rome: Meanwhile, I want to pose an idea to you.

Oh here he comes that Orsu.

Archibald of Guernicus: Charm +7 is still good enough to probably work

Orsu Paganacci: sorry, still away (sort of), but orsu has 11 charm (14 with his charm bonus) and 5 pre

johns (GM): wowza

Archibald of Guernicus: Well then

That settles things

Proclus of Rome: Nice.

Archibald of Guernicus: Go, diplomancer

Orsu Paganacci: what am i charming?

johns (GM): The dumb guy

Orsu Paganacci: oic

rolling d10+14+5 Charm + Pre

(

2

)

+14+5

=

21

Pugnalo is charmed

Orsu Paganacci: Small talk him and try to get him to reveal something about his market/midnight connection without bringing it up directly or implying anything bad is going on.

Pugnalo: He asks you some questions before you get to the market

He's inquiring about how the Hermetic Magic regard your non-Hermetic magic

Orsu Paganacci: lol

Proclus of Rome: The diplomancer has become the diplomated.

Orsu Paganacci: just some casual chill questions from the cov's dumbest grog

Pugnalo: "Do you know what they think about, um, H-.. Hermetic Property? And Magical Creepers? I mean, Creatures?"

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh it's a creature.

We can harvest it for vis

Aristocritus Bonisagi: a creature... from ys???

Pugnalo: a creature from ycs.

Proclus of Rome: "Well, the question of Hermetic Property is an interesting one. Clearly, most Hermetic covenants sit on land owned by a noble lord. However, most act autonomously."

Aristocritus Bonisagi: the worst kind

Proclus of Rome: "Fortunately, Vardian's Tomb has its own charter that gives it full rights of alienation."

Pugnalo: "I see, I see.."

"You must have really neat Magic defenses around here then"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Yes." I say, and don't add anything else

Orsu Paganacci: "Extensive."

Pugnalo: "Nice"

"..... what are they"

Proclus of Rome: "Why do you ask?"

Pugnalo: "Just.. curious?"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Very complex stuff, ye wouldnae get it, just don't worry about it."

Pugnalo: "Ok then.."

Proclus of Rome: "Well, we have the wall we built over the vault entrance."

"But only Archibald can open that."

"Oh, you should show him your lab notes, that might explain things."

Pugnalo: Pug nods. "I'd like to see those"

Proclus of Rome: Hmm, I seem to have gotten carried away.

Archibald of Guernicus: "Um, Proclus, a word in private while Orsu continues his conversation."

Orsu Paganacci continues chatting.

Proclus of Rome: "Yes?"

Archibald of Guernicus: In private "What's yer plan here exactly? Are ye suggesting this man understand hermetic concepts?"

Proclus of Rome: "I thought it would be best to show him how friendly we were."

Archibald of Guernicus: "If someone's enchanted him, and he memorises and repeats this information, we're passing along the entrance to the vault to whoever's doing this."

"And with powerful mentem effects like that, even in the aegis I'm worried about confronting them. Suppose one of our sodales less invested in the form and their parma were to fall under their control?"

(From Aristocritus Bonisagi): Back

Proclus of Rome: "But certainly if they're capable of creating a Level 100 Mentem effect then they have no need to open our vault to rob us."

Pugnalo: who said level 100

that's ritual magic

Proclus of Rome: I mean Magnitude 10.

Sorry.

Archibald of Guernicus: Let's not get silly here

Aristocritus Bonisagi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd9muK2M36c

Archibald of Guernicus: "Well they're doing something here, and doing it surreptitiously. Passing along the notes seems like a mistake."

Proclus of Rome: "Can Pugnalo read?"

Pugnalo: probably not

Archibald of Guernicus: "I doubt it, but if he views it and something reads his thoughts, they could see what he saw."

Proclus of Rome: "Oh, good point."

"But can we really allow Pugnalo to leave now that Napolino know we're onto him?"

Archibald of Guernicus: We could spont some PeMe on Napolino

Proclus of Rome: Why?

Archibald of Guernicus: So that he doesnt know we're onto him?

Proclus of Rome: But then wouldn't whoever is looking into their memories see the blank spot?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: we could write something down to send as a message to whoever's reading the memories

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh

That's a good idea

Someone scribe up a message then, so he can see the 'lab notes'

We can decorate it with pretty but meaningless symbols

So it looks fancy and hermetic

Proclus of Rome: Could work.

What kind of message do you want to send?

No Archibald, Aristocritus is saying that we'd just write a letter to the enchanter and have Pugnalo deliver it in his memory.

Ariam the Ethiop prepares to scribe.

Archibald of Guernicus: That's what I said too

Aristocritus Bonisagi: we just need to have pugnalo remember delivering the letter. Easy

Archibald of Guernicus: Though I said to do that instead of showing him the actual lab notes, since the enchanter will view that specific memory

And see the note we wrote to them

Orsu Paganacci is telling Pugnalo all sorts of lies about the cov's defenses.

Pugnalo: "There's a dragon in the basement? No kidding?"

Proclus of Rome: How ridiculous!

Archibald of Guernicus: What should the note say then

I think we should try to meet with this thing, if its interests are benign. If they're a hedge wizard, well that's what Ex Misc is for.

Proclus of Rome: >:(

Pugnalo: lol

Aristocritus Bonisagi: if it's a hedge wizard capable of casting that kind of spell i think that's what hoplites are for

Lavinia of Jerbiton laughs hedge magically

Archibald of Guernicus: Join or Die is the usual call, actually. They get offered the join part.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: Die or Die

Orsu Paganacci: Die Hard or Die Harder

Archibald of Guernicus: I dont think its a wizard though, the questions about magical creatures has me wondering if its perhaps some sort of creature itself

Orsu Paganacci: prob fae

Proclus of Rome: It's possible.

They love to mess with memory.

johns (GM): archibald would not have detected it if it were fae, as he was looking for Magic aligned effects

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, so it wasnt divine either then

Aristocritus Bonisagi: maybe we should just write something simple like "who are you and what do you want from us"

Proclus of Rome: What about a Merinita?

Archibald of Guernicus: So its magic for sure, alright

If theres a merinita with level 50 mentem effects messing with us, the only solution is to find the bastard and wizards war him.

Proclus of Rome: Well, it would be a breach of the Oath of Hermes.

Archibald of Guernicus: The other big lead is this merchant, whoever they are. Someone said dwarf before right?

Proclus of Rome: Since it would be scrying.

Archibald of Guernicus: Dwarves love gold

Proclus of Rome: Dwarf?

johns (GM): dwarves are a predominantly fae being

Archibald of Guernicus: Ah.

Proclus of Rome: The person who they met in the market was of normal height.

Archibald of Guernicus: True.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: man-shaped earth elemental

Archibald of Guernicus: They did hide their face though

I think this mystery merchant is our culprit, a magical creature

Proclus of Rome: It's possible.

We could try to confront him instead of sending him a letter.

johns (GM): You haven't quite sussed out his ID yet

is the thing

other than he's part of the Merchant's Guild

Archibald of Guernicus: What if the letter says 'Behind you, idiot' and then after he finishes reading the memory we jump him

Proclus of Rome: We'd just follow Pugnalo and Napolino.

Orsu Paganacci: true

johns (GM): Someone could've suggested that 2 hours ago :)

Archibald of Guernicus: And miss out on all this spellcasting and theorising?

Proclus of Rome: Uh excuse me it's important to get all the facts.

johns (GM): you're right sorry

theorychat rules

Aristocritus Bonisagi: the archon decided. nothing we could do

Archibald of Guernicus: Do we even need to break into their homes at this point. There's nothing to find.

Oops

Proclus of Rome: I assume Zita already left.

Archibald of Guernicus: Oh, there might be, if this creature jumped them at their houses

She has magic lore

Might be a Clur

* Clue

Zita of Mercere: What's the harm in breaking in

Proclus of Rome: Well part of it is that you're the only one going.

Orsu Paganacci: mm

Aristocritus Bonisagi: she'll be fine im sure.

Zita of Mercere: Surely the creature is not lurking in their homes right now. Definitely.

It'll be fine

johns (GM): Dex + Sneak

Zita of Mercere: Before heading in, I activate the enchanted clothing I have. Doublet of Impenetrable Silk.

Orsu Paganacci: don't forget your +3

to stealth

Zita of Mercere:

rolling 1d10!+4+11+3

(

5

)

+4+11+3

=

23

+3 to that actually, forgot pussiance

* puissance

johns (GM): You find their homes in a slummy neighborhood of the Esquiline Hill

You have little difficulty getting in, because no one has invented door locks yet

Zita of Mercere: I can pick locks anyway, since I have legerdemain which should logically cover that as its about sleight of hand and criminal acts.

Proclus of Rome: "Locks" are usually boards you put over the door.

johns (GM): The two have made some notes that you find-- outlining the covenant's shape, entryways and so on. Pugnacio's are crude drawings, Napolino has written down the names of the Maga and various little notes on what they do

Zita of Mercere: In italian?

Orsu Paganacci: i thought they couldn't read

wat the

johns (GM): Pugnalo can't

Orsu Paganacci: FUCK

johns (GM): Can Napolino? I didn't check lol

Orsu Paganacci: he can't

no artes liberales lmao

WHATTA MAROON

Zita of Mercere: Oh shit. This creature enchanted him to be able to read and write.

johns (GM): In that case, no names, just drawings and sketches

Zita of Mercere: He's messsing with our grogs.

Orsu Paganacci: haha

Proclus of Rome: Flaws: Obese, Dark Secret (Educated)

johns (GM): lol

Zita of Mercere: Lmao

Please do that now

That's good

johns (GM): But seriously. 10th magnitude mentem effects, effortlessly stealing mountains of gold is one thing-- but teaching a Serf to read? Horrifying

There's nothing else at their homes

Proclus of Rome: If he's a free townsman then he's allowed to read if he feels like it.

Zita of Mercere: I take a mental note of the little notes they made, including his notes on the magi

How useful does he think each magus is

johns (GM): he recognizes the clear leader of the covenant, Aristocritus

the "alpha" magus

Orsu Paganacci: lol

Aristocritus Bonisagi: lol

Zita of Mercere: Damn if it ain't true

Proclus of Rome: It's right there in his name!

Zita of Mercere: If a greek is in charge, no wonder our money is vanishing

johns (GM): doh hoh oho

Okay, so back to the letter you're writing

What are you asking your mystery antagonist?

Proclus of Rome: We should ask him why he hasn't just asked us.

Archibald of Guernicus: A message saying that we would prefer to speak in the open, and that he releases the enchantment on our innocent grogs.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: thats good

Archibald of Guernicus: We invite them to the covenant. He already knows where it is and the layout, so there's nothing to lose meeting him here.

I think we should also try to follow this mystery antagonist though, just to see if we can learn anything.

Proclus of Rome: I think that could work.

johns (GM): Who wants to track Pug?

Proclus of Rome: I know I can't.

Zita of Mercere: +21 to stealth here

johns (GM): lol

Orsu Paganacci: pug tracker

johns (GM): Okay. Pug actually asks if he can leave earlier than usual today, so he can attend the Fair.

Faire.

Zita of Mercere: Ye Olde Faire

Orsu Paganacci: LA FAIRRO

Proclus of Rome: Faerie???

Orsu Paganacci:  drops mead mug

johns (GM): Assuming no objections

Oh

Aristocritus Bonisagi: auew

sure

johns (GM): As regarding the note

Zita of Mercere: Go to the faire buddy

johns (GM): Pug says: "I can't read very well... uh, in this light. May I take this with me"

Archibald of Guernicus: "Oh, of course."

johns (GM): Ok.

Dex + Stealth to tail your target, Zita

(To Zita of Mercere): Do you have any local area lore?

Orsu Paganacci:  in steven segal voice  "You won't be able to read very well by the light of your grave, either."

johns (GM): Pug: "We're all already standing in a grave.."

Orsu Paganacci: lol

Zita of Mercere: What was the relevant area lore

johns (GM): Rome

Proclus of Rome: Rome.

johns (GM): Jome

Aristocritus Bonisagi: jome (69)

Orsu Paganacci: blomb

Zita of Mercere: I copied the sheet from Proclus' one before but he had area lore naples

johns (GM): lol

Very useful!!!! not!!!

Zita of Mercere: I mean, I wanted area lore

Of this area

johns (GM): Ok ok

That's fine, just make a tracking roll please

Zita of Mercere: And I assumed he wouldnt have a completely useless lore

Proclus of Rome: I don't have Area Lore: Naples.

You're thinking of Area Lore: Canaan.

johns (GM): UHHH ARE YOU SAYING NAPLES IS USELESS

Zita of Mercere: Weird.

johns (GM): Home to the greatest magician who ever lived?!?!

Aristocritus Bonisagi: naples is good for growing grain

Zita of Mercere: Alright, is that int+lore?

johns (GM): No no

I'm asking you to make a Dex + Stealth roll

Zita of Mercere: Oh oay

rolling 1d10+21

(

8

)

+21

=

29

johns (GM): Whew.

Zita of Mercere: Might just manage it, dont know how perceptive this illiterate grog is though

johns (GM): Not very. He's not even a grog.

He's a laborer. He barely exists beyond a figure on a spreadsheet.

Note in hand, he wades through the dense crowds of the Faire, approaching a well dressed man in a cloak who is flanked by bodyguards.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: i am not a number!! i am a bound laborer

Proclus of Rome: Who could this mystery man be?!

Orsu Paganacci: mmm

johns (GM): The man is recognizable to anyone with a bit of lore-- He's Flavio Bonaccorso, a wealthy goldsmith who is in fact sponsoring today's festival

among other expensive projects of late

church windows, artists, etc.

Orsu Paganacci: mm

johns (GM): and has announced his candidacy as the next Magistrate of the city once the current once passes

Proclus of Rome: Hmm.

Zita of Mercere: Ooh.

johns (GM): Anyway. Pug walks up to him, initially hindered by the bodyguards. Flavio allows him to approach and listens carefully to what he says, and reads the note he passes.

Flavio looks around nervously. He shoos away Pug, who looks confused.

Assuming no other actions taken, he starts wading through the crowd away from the fair, guards in tow

Zita of Mercere: Time to switch quarries to this guy

johns (GM): Another stealth roll if you please..

johns (GM) rolls some dice

Zita of Mercere:

rolling 1d10+21

(

5

)

+21

=

26

johns (GM): Very Hard success

Zita of Mercere: Oh, I just realised. Stealthing in town means that Ways of the Town applies.

Add 5 to that.

johns (GM): Flavio is in too much of a hurry to watch his back. He makes his way into one of the finest neighborhoods of the city and ducks into a nice, multi-story house. One of his watchmen stays behind at the festival, one goes into the house with him.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: that's our redcap (?)

Zita of Mercere: I'm a redcap and live at the covenant, I'm legally your equal.

Proclus of Rome: All these damn meddlers!

I'm sorry for the blasphemy but they're ruining my life!

johns (GM): meddling ftw

What next, Zita?

Aristocritus Bonisagi: are those red things peppers or strawberries

Zita of Mercere: I would LIKE to go back and tell the magi to do things sensibly here.

Proclus of Rome: Pepper?

johns (GM): wild strawberries aren't anachronistic right

Aristocritus Bonisagi: everyone stop everything while we determine the history of the cucumber

Proclus of Rome: Clearly those are marrow.

I mean merrow.

Zita of Mercere: But I have a +4 ambitious personality trait. I think that's a roll to see if I can resist breaking in now to investigate.

Lol ct

Proclus of Rome: I mean maerrowe.

johns (GM): dude you don't know how annoying it is to find a decent art and it has huge honking anachronisms in it

like, mechanical clocks

Proclus of Rome: I know this feeling.

johns (GM): clear glass

Zita of Mercere: How do personality rolls work, on a 6 or more you're compelled by them? Well lets try

rolling 1d10+4

(

10

)

+4

=

14

I break in

johns (GM): Ok.

Hm, sorry if this is a little annoying but I gotta take this next part to whispers

Proclus of Rome: IF ONLY THIS HAD THE PENDRAGON PERSONALITY SYSTEM!!!!!

That's fine.

johns (GM): Also how much longer do folks want to play today? I'm good for another hour but don't know who has to bail

Zita of Mercere: I'm sorry to engage in a solo venture.

Aleseta of Bonisagus: i can't go much longer

have to go get some cat foodz

Zita of Mercere: Actually, johns, if its alright with you, can we do this maybe midweek or something?

I have exams this week, starting uh

Proclus of Rome: I'd like to suggest to my sodales that we put the Aegis of the Hearth on a boat so we can invade Ponza without being harried by the djinni.

Zita of Mercere: Tomorrow morning

Aristocritus Bonisagi: ACCORDING to wikipedia the cucumber has been in europe since Roman times

johns (GM): Right

Let's pick this up next week then

Zita of Mercere: I have an exam in 9 hours actually, woo

johns (GM): I'll resolve this mini ep with Zita through steam or whatnot

Proclus of Rome: Well, uh, maybe later.

johns (GM): Next week we finalize this and then get to Jeanne de Ys?

Proclus of Rome: Sure.

johns (GM): also you can't put the Aegis on a boat without a major breakthrough

Aristocritus Bonisagi: oh, next week my hedge wizard will be ready

Aleseta of Bonisagus: cool cool cool

johns (GM): a boat is a structure, not a boundary

Aristocritus Bonisagi: i just have to redo some virtues

Proclus of Rome: Ah.

I see.

Zita of Mercere: Yeah we can resolve this next week

Aristocritus Bonisagi: one of the other covenants in the tribunal is full of hermetic sahirs right?

Proclus of Rome: Well, maybe.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: we could ask them for advice

Aleseta of Bonisagus: okay, gotta run. thx johns.

Zita of Mercere: Farewell.

johns (GM): yeah, Sansarron

in Tunis

Endrite: See ya.

johns (GM): cheers rope kid

oh. bye.

Endrite: Who knows what they do?

Zita of Mercere: Good game, thanks for running.

Aristocritus Bonisagi: gg

Endrite: See ya.

johns (GM): that is a good idea aristo

i was also planning a session or two or three based on visiting them at some point anyway

Aristocritus Bonisagi: downside: maybe they will want some of the vis

dys: When will the volcano covenant be fully built and operational?

Endrite: It takes a while.

Well, see ya.

johns (GM):

rolling 1d10!-3 lavinia aging 1328

(

4

)

-3

=

1

rolling 1d10!+4 masini aging 1327

(

4

)

+4

=

8

rolling 1d10!+4 masini aging 1326

(

2

)

+4

=

6

rolling 1d10!+4 masini aging 1328

(

8

)

+4

=

12

Yo yo