Ars Magica: Nova Semitae Saga
Nova Semitae is latin for 'New paths'. It was founded as a refuge for magi who wanted a new life away from the stultifying political situation in 1170. Some 50 years later, it is once again looking for new blood to give it life, but the situation is much different. A vibrant, sometimes anarchic, political situation in both mundane and Hermetic realms makes for exciting times to live in.
The saga will begin in the Winter season of 1220 as the PCs arrive at the covenant.
An Ars Magica Primer may help with understanding the game and setting.
Dramatis Personae
The full list of characters is below. Magi and Companions in italics are NPCs.
The Magi
NPC Magi
PC Magi
Covenant Office Holders
- Princeps: Neanne de Sulé of Verditius
- Magister: Aulus of Bonisagus
- Master at Arms: Aulus of Bonisagus
- Covenant Librarian: Fr. Thomas Ex Miscellanea
Order of Precedence
- Aulus, Senior Member
- Neanne, Senior Member
- Thomas, Junior Member
Companions
- Sir Daniele, a Norman landless knight (played by Tim)
- Sir Jusef, a landless Polish knight (played by Karen)
- Æsa, Norse shieldmaiden (played by Karen)
- Jerôme de Sulé, Turb Trainer
Covenfolk
Main Article: Covenfolk
The other characters at the covenant and in the magi's lives are numerous. See the main article for a full listing. Includes the Turb listing.
- Josef ben Gavrel, Autocrat, Rabbi of Melverley
- Covenant Autocrat: Josef ben Gavrel
- Turb Captain: Marcus, semi-retired
Redcaps
Main Article: Mercer House
The Redcaps who helped in founding the covenant maintain independence in a small part of the covenant grounds. They provided initial vis and funds to float the covenant while a stable mundane population was established, and now enjoy the protection of the covenant without any of the costs. Additionally, such close quarters makes for close relations with House Mercere -- always a good thing to have.
The Covenant of Nova Semitae
Mundane Background
- Mundane Geography and Mundane Politics
- Village of Melverley (The mundane name of the Covenant)
Hermetic Background
Covenant Resources
The covenant is more than just a place for magi, companions, and grogs to live. Their resources are their livelihood. This section covers some of these.
Covenant Library
Main Article: Covenant Library
Mundane Librarian: None
Scribes: Naomi (wife of Josef the Autocrat), Thomas of Oxford
Bookbinders: Eli, and his apprentice, Miriam bat Sholem
Illuminators: None
Local bookworm: Elishiva bat Sholem
Vis Sources and Stores
Main Article: Vis Sources and Stores
Hermetic magi measure their wealth by vis, not by silver. This section details how much vis the covenant has, where it comes from, and how to get more.
Mundane Wealth
Main Article: Mundane Wealth
Despite their desire otherwise, magi still need to worry about where mundane wealth comes from.
Covenant Mechanics
Main Article: Covenant Mechanics
As with many things in Ars Magica, there are mechanics involved. Although for covenants I try not to let it constrict the stories available, it's handy to know what the covenant entails mechanics-wise, too.
Saga Journals
Season Definitions
Winter: Winter Solstice to Spring Equinox
Spring: Spring Equinox to Summer Solstice
Summer: Summer Solstice to Autumn Equinox
Autumn: Autumn Equinox to Winter Solstice
An official journal of this Saga's sessions will be kept here for record-keeping purposes.
Magi
Companions
Important Grogs
House Rules
Main Article: Ars Magica House Rules
No game would be complete without house rules.