Covenant Library
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
See also: Hermetic Book Cycle
Nova Semitae's library is contained inside the Great Hall, a four-story manor house within the covenant walls. The library takes up the third and fourth floors.
Floor 3:
- The books on this floor covers mostly mundane topics, scribing area, library administration, and the Redcap Records of Stonehenge Tribunal. The latter is in its own section and is relatively accessible, whereas the rest of the library is separated and monitored more closely. Redcaps are regularly found here, conducting research or simply enjoying the resources that Nova Semitae shares with the Mercer House as a courtesy.
Floor 4:
- The books on this floor cover mostly magic-related books. Accessible only from within the library beginning at Floor 3. Requires permission from the Council to use. Within the fourth floor is a separately locked room which contain tomes regarding Parma Magica. The books may not be removed from this room and requires the Covenant Librarian to unlock this room to access it.
There are numerous minor enchanted devices which keep the library at the right humidity, temperature, and lighting conditions. The entire library is suffused with light plentiful enough to read by without an obvious source. Fires up to the level of house fire are extinguished automatically.
Books Overview
Unless otherwise stated, all books are written in Latin.
Book Study Rules:
- Each book has a Quality (Q) rating. This is the number of experience points (xp) you gain from reading it in one season.
- A Summa may be read multiple times until your Art or Ability is equal to the Summa's level.
- A Commentary may only be read once the summa has been exhausted. You may only benefit once from reading the Commentary.
- A Tractatus may only be read once with benefit. However, there is no level limit; these may be read at any time.
Key Personnel
Covenant Librarian: Veloxia of Bjoraer, 1222-1227
Mundane Librarian: Ruth Levi (wife of Josua)
Scribes: Naomi (wife of Josef the Autocrat), Thomas of Oxford
Bookbinders: Eli, and his apprentice, Miriam bat Sholem
Illuminators: Lady Isabella Norton of York
Hermetic Historian: Elishiva bat Sholem
Local Polygot: Franklin
Redcap Librarian: Great William, only deals with Tribunal Records part-time
Hermetic Arts
Nova Semitae's library in Hermetic Arts is of exceptional quality due to the unusually high number of excellent writers who founded the covenant. As such, members enjoy an accelerated path to learning all 15 Arts with many Commentaries and Tractatus to fill out one's understanding. Some summae even allow a second reading to pick up secondary knowledge once they've been completed.
Hermetic Primer (Foundations/Roots) are titled blue
Techniques
Creo
- De Novo, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- Creations. Summa on Creo L11 Q8
- A book recovered from a magus named Rosby, discovered to be a diabolist. Unlikely to be his writings, but all have an air of summoning and controlling demons.
- Ex Nihilo ("Out of Nothing"). Summa Lv 12, Q 11
- (3 + Com 4 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + illumination (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Ardea of Bjornaer, illuminated by Litha of Bjornaer. This book is scribed on vellum, and is bound with laces of green silk whose delicate appearance belies its unnatural tensile strength, between sturdy boards of oak. The content focuses upon the cultivation of a magnificent garden hidden within Crintera's regio, with particular care taken to describe proper cultivation of many herbs of culinary and medicinal usages.
- May be read as a Q14 tractatus in Profession: Gardener (as a tractatus), upon completion of the summa.
- Commentaries on Ex Nihilo by Litha (Q11), Aislinn (Q10), Aulus (Q12), Obscurus Ignis (Q9), Geoffrey(Q8)
- Notes on the Bountiful Harvest. Tractatus Q9
- (3 + Com 4 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1))
- Written by Aislinn
- An Examination of Applications to Enhancing the Body with Particular Emphasis on the Physical. Tractatus Q10
- (3 + Com 2 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1))
- Written by Julissa
- Applications on Vis Extraction. Tractatus Q11
- (3 + Com 3 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1))
- Written by Aulus
Intellego
- Esse Est Percipi ("To exist is to be perceived"). Summa Lv 15, Q 15
- (3 + Com 5 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + illumination (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Justinius of Tremere, illuminated by Litha of Bjornaer.
- This book is scribed on immaculately white parchment, and bound between plates of solid quartz. This text claims the art of Intellego is an extension of one's own senses, not a magical art separate from the magus. (It was the authorship of this book which earned Justen the office of Quaesitor from House Guernicus.)
- When the summa's knowledge is exhausted, it can be studied again as a Q15 tractatus in Awareness.
- Commentary on Esse Est Percipi by Julissa (Q11)
- Summa on the Exploration of Secrets. Summa on Intellego L14 Q10
- A book recovered from a magus named Rosby, discovered to be a diabolist. Unlikely to be his writings, but all have an air of summoning and controlling demons.
- The Noble Art. Tractatus Q10
- A collection of letters between Quaesitor Justen of Tremere of Nova Semitae and Quaesitor Caecilius of Bonisagus of Durenmar, Archmagus
Muto
- Non Sum Qualis Eram ("I am not such as I was"). Summa Lv 11, Q 12
- (3 + Com 3 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Maribus Mercandi.
- This book is scribed with multicoloured ink that seems to shimmer and shift upon the rough, unevenly tanned vellum; it is bound by heavy oaken boards lined with dark blue silk. This book extemporizes upon the limits of essential nature, and postulates that the possibilities of Muto magic are limited only by the imagination of the magus.
- Commentaries on Non Sum Qualis Eram by Aislinn (Q10), Litha (Q12), Joshua (Q11)
- The Malleable Human Body. Tractatus Q12
- Written by Litha
- Bringing out the animal nature in the human form. Tractatus Q5
- Written by Veloxia (1221)
- (3 + Com 0 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1))
Perdo
- School of Apromor, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- Finis Vitae Sed Non Amoris ("The end of life is not the end of love"). Summa Lv 10, Q12
- (3 + Com 3 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Maribus Mercandi. This book philosophizes upon the necessity of death as a means to facilitate new life. This book is of much lower quality than others by the author; it is clear from the covenant's records that it was written hurriedly to complete the library's collection of arts summae. It is scribed upon plain white parchment and is bound between hazelwood boards by strips of dark blue silk.
- Commentaries by Julissa (Q11), Aulus (Q12), Joshua (Q11)
- Glowing Ash. Summa on Perdo L8 Q6
- A book recovered from a magus named Rosby, discovered to be a diabolist. Unlikely to be his writings, but all have an air of summoning and controlling demons.
- Applications of Perdo for Defeating Creatures Fay and Magical. Tractatus Q11
- Written by Maribus
- Destroying Magical Might. Tractatus, Quality 9
- Written by Gronigus Ex Miscellanea. A singular book with two bound tractatus. The front half is a Perdo tracatus, the back half a Vim tractatus. There is a theme of exacting revenge on magical beasts who have wronged him. If both tractatus are read in sequence (Perdo first, then Vim) in consecutive seasons, the reader also gains +5 xp in Magic Lore. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227. (See also Vim for the other half.)
Rego
- The Power of Command, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- Lessons for the Leader. Summa Lv 10, Q13
- (3 + Com 2 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1) + level bonus (2))
- Written by Julissa Criamonis.
- After the summa has been exhausted, this book acts as a Q12 tractatus for Leadership.
- Commentary on Lessons for the Leader by Justen Tremeris (Q14), Joshua Levi (Q11).
- La beauté de façonner son environnement (The beauty of fashioning one's environment). Tractatus Q8
- (3 + Com 1 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Geoffrey of Jerbiton. Magnetic lock to hold the book shut.
- Why Should We Control? Tractatus on Rego Q10
- A book recovered from a magus named Rosby, discovered to be a diabolist. Unlikely to be his writings, but all have an air of summoning and controlling demons.
- Letters between Neanne of Verditius and Lucius of Bonisagus, on Rego, 1204-1208. A series of three Q3 Tractatus.
- A five-year correspondence on Rego between two highly intelligent theorists with an emphasis on Wards. Although the quality is low and unlikely to be worth studying, it does add +1 to Rego research, per the Research rules in Covenants, pp. 98-99.
Forms
Animal
- Dentis et Unguis ("Tooth and claw"). Summa Lv 9, Q12
- (3 + Com 2 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + illuminated (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written and illuminated by Litha of Bjornaer.
- This compendium of beasts gives detailed accounts upon the diets, natural habitats, and mating habits of hundreds of animals, both extant and extinct. This book is scribed on sheepskin vellum and scribed in goat's blood; it is bound with some sort of tough sinew between two heavy (and rather hairy) hide cover-plates.
- Mastering the Beast. Summa Level 14, Q8
- Written by Xavian of Bjornaer. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- Perfection of the Beast. Tractatus Q10
- Written by Litha of Bjornaer
- Mastery of Animal. Tractatus Q9
- Written by Xavian of Bjornaer. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
Aquam
- Mobilis in Mobilii, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- A Flumine Usque ad Terminos Terrae ("From the river unto the ends of the earth"). Lv 12, Q 12
- (3 + Com 3 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Maribus Mercandi.
- This book talks extensively about the mundane and mystical properties of Llyn Efyrnwy and Afon Efyrnwy. The book is scribed on vellum and bound between two oak boards, lined with deep blue silk.
- When completed, also counts as a Q11 Tractatus upon Area Lore: Powys.
- Commentary on A Flumine Usque ad Terminos Terrae. by Aislinn of Tytalus (Q10)
Auram
- Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum ("Let Justice Be Done When the Sky Falls"). Summa Lv 18, Q 11
- (3 + Com 4 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + illuminated (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Aislinn of Tytalus, illuminated by Litha of Bjornaer.
- Aislinn suffered a Twilight experience after performing a ritual that lifted a great drought from England; when she emerged from Twilight two months later, she immediately set to writing this book. Upon publication, this summa earned Aislinn the honourary title of Archmage. The book is written on clean white parchment and is bound between two thin plates of silver, and bound with strips of sky blue silk.
- Commentary on Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum by Litha Bjornaeris (Q11)
- High Flight. Tractatus Q5
- Written by Ceilidh Ex Miscellanea. Per charter requirements, all apprentices must compose and submit an original work to the covenant library just prior to their Gauntlet. This submission, discussing spells and magical explanations on flight using Auram, was submitted by Aislinn's apprentice.
Corpus
- This Too Much Mortal Flesh, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- Sanguis et Lacrima ("Blood and Tears"). Summa Lv 10, Q 15
- (3 + Com 5 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + illuminated (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Justinius of Tremere, illuminated by Litha of Bjornaer. Scribed in blood on pages of human skin, this book gruesomely takes full advantage of form effect bonuses with its subject matter! Despite its grisly appearance, however, this book is quite accurate and informative, detailing the inner workings of the human body in ways which would be dismissed as frivolity by any medieval doctor, yet are confirmed by Intellego magics. Includes roughly drawn, yet accurate, sketches of how to bind certain types of wounds, and how to treat certain illnesses, complete with cross-references and an exhaustive index.
- May be used by those with the Gift as a tractatus on Chirurgy (Q14)
- Commentary on Sanguis et Lacrima by Julissa (Q11), Aulus (Q12), Aislinn (Q10), Joshua (Q12)
- Vita ex Mors ("Life and Death"). Summa Lv 17, Q 9
- (3 + Com 3 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Desiderius of Verditius. Authored by a widely known necromancer, this text postulates on the nature of the relationship between life and death.
- Commentary of Vita ex Mors by Maribus (Q12)
- Corpus et la forme humaine ("Corpus and the human form"). Tractatus (Q8)
- (3 + Com 1 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Geoffrey of Jerbiton, 1230. Silver bindings and magnetic book lock.
- TBD. Tractatus (Q8)
- Written by Obscurus Ignis, 1230.
Herbam
- Vivat Crescat Floreat ("Live, Grow, and Flourish"). Summa Lv 12, Q12
- (3 + Com 2 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + illuminated (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written and illuminated by Litha of Bjornaer.
- This book expounds upon various edible plants native to the Stonehenge Tribunal, and includes preliminary notes upon the design of several spells to prepare food for large groups of people. It is written upon a papyrus-like parchment made from birtch pith, and is bound between oaken boards lined with a fine linen dyed in shimmering green.
- Upon completion, the book grants 5xp in Profession: Herbalist.
- Commentary on Vivat Crescat Floreat by Maribus (Q12), Veloxia (Q6)
Ignem
- Igni Ferroque ("Fire and Iron"). Summa Lv 12, Q10 (see notes, Terram listing)
- (3 + Com 4 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Aislinn of Tytalus and Justiniun of Tremere. Bound into a single book is an Ignem Summa and a Terram summa, by husband-and-wife team Aislinn Tytali and Justen, Quaesitor Tremeris. Despite being two independent summae, they were written with obvious collaboration, and the information on each art is complementary to the other; when studying one volume, treat its Quality as two higher if you have studied the other volumn within the past year.
- The Forgotten Art. Tractatus Q5
- Written by Samuel Ex Miscellanea. Per charter requirements, all apprentices must compose and submit an original work to the covenant library just prior to their Gauntlet. This submission, by Julissa's apprentice, draws on his experience growing up as a Jewish boy in Nova Semitae, and makes complex parallels to the Torah and uses of fire by God. Samuel displays his considerable intelligence and understanding in this two-volume set, but his tendency to use words on the edges of Latin vocabulary make the work less accessible to the novice. Also, after many years of focusing on Magic Theory, Rego, and Corpus (due to Julissa's teachings), he was eager to make his mark in other areas.
- Punctis ad Quod Materias Ignire. Tractatus Q9
- Written by Marcus Cordo of Flambeau. A discussion of various materials and the relative points at which they combust. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- The Hot and the Bright. Tractatus Q9
- Written by Ardor of Flambeau. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- The Cold and Dark. Tractatus Q9
- Written by Ardor of Flambeau. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
Imáginem
- Species and Speculation, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- Imaginem. Summa Level 8, Quality 18
- Written by Rolf of Merinita. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- Delectatio Morosa ("Peevish Delight"). Summa Lv 9, Q14
- (3 + Com 5 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Justinius of Tremere. Covers the art of Imaginem from a philosophical perspective, exploring the natural and meta-natural properties of the fives species. Written on vellum in multi-coloured ink, five different colours for the five species; the colour-coded text increases the summa's quality due to the ease of cross-referencing
- Commentary on Delectatio Morosa by Maribus (Q12)
- Observations from the City of Thebes. Tractatus Q6
- Written by Dozon Fillionis ex Jerbiton. A wonderful collection of interesting views on the topic of Imaginem. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- Procul Videre et Audire. Tractatus Q9
- Written by Fergus of Merinita. An examination regarding the collection of sensory information at a distance. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
Mentem
- Magic and the Sensitive Faculty, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- Mentem Mortalia Tangunt ("Mortality Touches the Mind"). Summa Lv 13, Q12
- (3 + Com 2 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + illuminated (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written and illuminated by Litha of Bjornaer. A memoir on how to write memoirs, this summa explains the way the mind stores and recalls memories. Written on vellum and bound between oak boards lined with deep green linen.
- Commentary on Mentem Mortalia Tangunt by Justinius of Tremere (Q14)
Terram
- Igni Ferroque ("Fire and Iron"). Summa Lv 12, Q10 (see notes, Terram listing)
- (3 + Com 4 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Aislinn of Tytalus and Justiniun of Tremere. Bound into a single book is an Ignem Summa and a Terram summa, by husband-and-wife team Aislinn Tytali and Justen, Quaesitor Tremeris. Despite being two independent summae, they were written with obvious collaboration, and the information on each art is complementary to the other; when studying one volume, treat its Quality as two higher if you have studied the other volumn within the past year.
- Commentary on Igni Ferroque (Terram) by Julissa (Q11)
- The Art of Terram in Glasswork. Tractatus Q6
- Written by Neanne of Verditius
- L'art de Façonner la Pierre ("The Art of Fashioning Stone"). Tractatus Q8
- (3 + Com 1 + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Geoffrey of Jerbiton, 1221. Bronze bindings and magnetic book lock.
- Underground with Gustav. Tracatus Q7
- Written by Carleto of Guernicus. Unusually light in tone for a Guernicus, this takes the approach of a fictional magus named Gustav and problems he faces that require Terram to solve. Gustav would appear to be a recurring character in books written by Carleto. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- Vita de Aeramen. Tractatus Q9
- Written by Cearnach of Verditius. A treatise on the qualities of bronze, particularly for enchantments. Verditius magi who read them treat the Quality as one higher. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- On the Art of Terram. Four tractatus, each Quality 6.
- Written by Ferra of Bonisagus. A single large book with four tracatus, each detailing a particular aspect of Terram. The volume titles are, respectively: Terra ("Dirt"), Saxum ("Rock"), Ferrum ("Iron"), and Argentum ("Silver"). Although better known for her knowledge and command of ghosts and spirits, she is also an Elementalist. Magi who read the series gain a small amount of insight into the other elements if they read the more than one tracatus. The book must be read in order to gain the benefits listed below. A magus need not read it in consecutive season. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
| Read Order | Tracatus Read | Additional Benefit |
| First Season | Terra | None |
| Second Season | Saxum | +2 XP in Aquam |
| Third Season | Ferrum | +2 XP in Ignem |
| Fourth Season | Argentum | +2 XP in Auram |
Vim
- The Stuff of Magic, Summa Level 5, Quality 15
- One of the Foundations (Roots) of the Arts
- Crescat Scientia Vita Excolatur ("Let knowledge grow to enrich life"). Summa 12, Q11
- (3 + Com 2 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1) + resonant material (1))
- Written by Julissa of Criamon. Describes geographical and natural properties that affect the magnitude of an aura, and the ways in which auras might be attuned.
- When completed, may be read as a Q11 Tractatus on Magic Lore
- Commentaries on Crescat Scientia Excolatur by Aulus (Q12), Neanne (Q7)
- Thoughts on Auras, a Second Look. Tractatus Q10
- Written by Julissa of Criamon
- On Extracting the Essence of Power. Tractatus Q6
- Written by Neanne of Verditius
- Hermetic Warding of the Covenant: An Examination of the Classic Aegis of the Hearth. Tractatus Q11
- Written by Aulus of Bonisagus
- Auras for Covenants Anew. Tractatus Q11
- Written by Aulus of Bonisagus
- Arguments About Demons. Tractatus on Vim Q12
- A book recovered from a magus named Rosby, discovered to be a diabolist. Unlikely to be his writings, but all have an air of summoning and controlling demons.
- Concealing Magical Emanations. Collection of three tractatus, each Quality 7
- Written by Torin ex Bonisagus. Ostensibly talking how to make magic use in mundane society more subtle, but the astute reader will notice it also helps to conceal it from investigation as well. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- Destroying Magical Might. Tractatus, Quality 9
- Written by Gronigus Ex Miscellanea. A singular book with two bound tractatus. The front half is a Perdo tracatus, the back half a Vim tractatus. There is a theme of exacting revenge on magical beasts who have wronged him. If both tractatus are read in sequence (Perdo first, then Vim) in consecutive seasons, the reader also gains +5 xp in Magic Lore. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227. (See also Perdo for the other half.)
Lab Texts
Known Lab Texts
The Lab Texts are sorted by Form. Note, lab texts are untranslated unless otherwise indicated.
| Animal Lab Texts | Aquam Lab Texts | Auram Lab Texts | Corpus Lab Texts | Herbam Lab Texts |
| Ignem Lab Texts | Imaginem Lab Texts | Mentem Lab Texts | Terram Lab Texts | Vim Lab Texts |
House Rule: Lab Text Availability
In order to both introduce an element of chance — and to save myself the effort of listing dozens of spells that would have accumulated over a 50-year period — I am introducing the following mechanism to determine if the library contains a given (standard) spell.
1) Check the Form of the spell in the chart below and note whether its availability is Low, Medium, or High
| Form | Availability | Likely Authour(s) |
| Animal (An) | High | Litha |
| Aquam (Aq) | High | Maribus |
| Auram (Au) | High | Aislinn |
| Corpus (Co) | Medium | Maribus, Julissa, Aulus |
| Herbam (He) | Low | Maribus |
| Ignem (Ig) | Low | Samuel |
| Imaginem (Im) | Low | Justinian |
| Mentem (Me) | High | Justinian |
| Terram (Te) | Medium | Justinian, Neanne |
| Vim (Vi) | High | Julissa, Aulus, Neanne |
2) Look up the availability in the chart below and roll percentile (d%) to find whether or not a lab text in the library.
| Availability | Spell Translated | Spell Untranslated | Unavailable |
| Low | 01-02 | 03-17 | 18-00 |
| Medium | 01-10 | 11-50 | 51-00 |
| High | 01-20 | 21-70 | 71-00 |
Here's what the results mean:
| Spell Translated: | The spell is available in the library and has been translated into a readable format. You may use the lab text in the lab immediately. |
| Spell Untranslated: | The spell is available in the library, but the notes are still in the magus' shorthand. If you've translated a text from the magus before, you can treat this result as 'Spell is Translated' above. Otherwise, to use this text, you will need to spend a season decoding the magus' shorthand style first before using the text. |
| Unavailable: | You're out of luck. You will need to invent the spell from scratch, or trade for someone's lab text. |
This list will also include all known lab texts that are created by magi, or discovered using the above mechanism.
This house rule will be available until the number of lab texts reaches a level suitable to the covenant's age. (This make take a while.)
Arcane Abilities
Hermetic Abilities
In general, Hermetic-related books are restricted to magi, although in theory a mundane can learn Code of Hermes or Magic Theory.
Code of Hermes
- An Examination of Code Rulings, Stonehenge Tribunal, 12th Century. Tractatus Q13
- Written by Justinius of Tremere. Although the Tribunal was crippled in the latter part of the 12th century due to politics, a number of Tribunal rulings from earlier in the century provided the material upon which this tractatus is based. More of a overview on key rulings and commentary on the soundness of the decisions made with observations on unanswered questions and potential new conflicts that could arise.
Finesse
- Of Details and Speed. Summa Level 3 Quality 12
- Written by Tacitus of Tremere. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- Venetian Touch of Glass. Tractatus Q6
- Written by Neanne Verditii (1225). A perspective on manipulating Terram magic in particular in order to craft beautiful enchanted devices.
- Accuracy of Location. Tracatus Q8
- Author information has been deliberately destroyed along with what appear to be references that might identify who it is. Original state of the book was probably of higher quality. Exercises for one who practices Rego Corpus to transport themselves and how to not end up where one doesn't want to be. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- And the Magus Was Surprised. Tractatus Q9
- Author unknown. Additional notes in margins speculate the author was an early Tremere, given the frequent Certamen references. Intermingled are references to an obscure Mystery Cult. A second read-through treats the book as a Quality 11 Tractatus on Culte Duello Lore. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- He Who Strikes First. Tractatus Q7
- Written by Leionious of Verditus. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
Magic Theory
- Ab Uno Disce Omnes ("From One, Learn All"). Summa Lv 5, Q12
- Written by Horst of Mercere. One of the few Gifted Mercere of his day, Horst wrote this to quickly educate his fellow magi so they could assist him with more interesting work. Although that didn't work out, his tome is well-circulated in the Tribunal as a fundamental tool for all magi in the apprenticeship and journeyman years.
- Commentaries on Ab Uno Disce Omnes by Aulus (Q12), Neanne (Q7)
- De Artes Nobilis ("On the Noble Art"). Tractatus Q10
- Written by Julissa Criamonis
- Disce Aut Discede ("Learn or Leave"). Tractatus Q10
- Written by Julissa Criamonis
- Enchantments in Hermetic Theory: Lessons from a Verditius Maga. Tractatus Q6
- Written by Neanne Verditii
- TBD. Tractatus Q6
- Written by Magni, 1230.
- Letters between Neanne of Verditius and Lucius of Bonisagus, on Magic Theory, 1199-1203. A series of three Q3 Tractatus.
- A five-year correspondence on Magic Theory between two highly intelligent theorists. Although the quality is low and unlikely to be worth studying, it does add +1 to Magic Theory research, per the Research rules in Covenants, pp. 98-99.
- Letters between Neanne of Verditius and Lucius of Bonisagus, on Magic Theory, 1214-1218. A series of three Q3 Tractatus.
- A five-year correspondence on Magic Theory between two highly intelligent theorists. Discussions seem to focus on new applications of Vim to Parma Magica research. Although the quality is low and unlikely to be worth studying, it does add +1 to Magic Theory research, per the Research rules in Covenants, pp. 98-99.
Parma Magica
NOTE: All texts on Parma Magica must have the approval of the Covenant Librarian before they are studied or copied. They are locked in a particular reading room where the student must study; the books may not be removed, even to be copied. This is to ensure that the knowledge of Parma Magica stays within the Order. Access to the room requires the Covenant Librarian.
- Magus Invictus ("The Invincible Mage"). Summa Lv 4, Q15
- Written by Justinius Tremeris. This excellent text has been used by nearly all of the covenant's magi to boost their skill with Parma Magica.
- Commentaries by Aislinn (Q10), Maribus (Q12), Litha (Q11), Julissa (Q11), Aulus (Q12), Neanne (Q7), Obscurus Ignis (Q8), Veloxia (Q6)
- Ipsa Scientia Potestas Est ("Knowledge Itself is Power"). Tractatus Q14
- Written by Justinius Tremeris
- Parma and the Fae. Tractatus Q11
- Written by Aulus Bonisagi
- Notes for the New Magus. Tractatus Q6
- A collection of letters between Aulus of Bonisagus and Desidarius of Verditius.
- Blunting the Gift's Revulsion, A New Parma Magica Fold. Tractatus Q12
- Written by Aulus Bonisagus in Winter 1220. Details a new 'fold' that allows a magus to use his Parma Magica to blunt the effect of the Gift on mundanes. See Parma Magica House Rules for more details.
- Letters between Neanne of Verditius and Lucius of Bonisagus, on Parma Magica, 1209-1213. A series of three Q3 Tractatus.
- A five-year correspondence on Parma Magica between two highly intelligent theorists. Although the quality is low and unlikely to be worth studying, it does at +1 to Parma Magica research, per the Research rules in Covenants, pp. 98-99.
Penetration
- Infragere Moenin'. Tractatus Q8
- Written by Obscurus Ignis Flambonis (1220)
Realm Lores
Realm Lores do not require a magus, but this information is generally only of use to magi and those who study the arcane. Depending on who you ask, this knowledge may also be considered blasphemous, so even those who are literate may avoid study of these tomes depending on how pious they are. Mundanes may read these books in the Library with a magus' permission.
Faerie Lore
- Pagan Nordic Beliefs. Summa Level 3, Quality 14
- Written by Amadeus of Bonisagus. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- On Faeries: A Guide For Our Order, Part I. Tractatus Q12
- Written by Rebecca of Mercere. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
- The Manor of the Tuatha de Danann. Tractatus Q7
- Written by Fergus of Merinita. Acquired in trade during the Hermetic Fair at the Covenant of Everlasting Flame in 1226. Delivered Winter 1227.
Dominion Lore
- Bestiary of the Divine. Tractatus Q11
- Written by Fr. Thomas Telarious Ex Miscellanea, 1220
- (3 + Com 3 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1))
- Although not illustrated, this tractatus talks about harbingers of the divine with a focus on how to interpret encountering them. (Typically this involves being respectful and expressing piety, given the authour.)
Infernal Lore
- "Introduction to Combatting the Infernal" by Deiectus filius Quirinus scholae Flambonis. Tractatus Q9
- On the Nature of the Infernal. Tractatus on Infernal Lore Q4
- A book recovered from a magus named Rosby, discovered to be a diabolist. Unlikely to be his writings, but all have an air of summoning and controlling demons.
Magic Lore
- Legacy of Merlin. Tractatus Q10
- Written by Litha Bjornaeris. Explores the various flora and fauna unique to the Tribunal.
- Merlinus Caledonensis ("Merlin of Caledonia") by Horst of Mercere. Tractatus Q15
- The Ulster Cycle by Horst of Mercere. Tractatus Q15
Academic Abilities
Artes Liberales
- Logica Vetus et Logica Nova by Aristotle. A series of five Q12 tractatus
- Libri Almagesti by Ptolemy. Summa Lv 5 Q8 (astronomy)
- Quadrivium by Boethius. A set of two Q8 tractatus. (quadrivium)
- De Inventione by Cicero. A set of three Q14 tractatus. (rhetoric)
- Elementa by Euclid. Summa Lv 4 Q9
- Quantifications of the Earthly Sphere by Thomas of Oxford. Tractatus Q11
- Written in 1222, Arithmetic
- The Celestial Bodies in Motion above England by Bartolomeo del Imola. A series of two Q7 tractatus
- Written in 1222-1223, this book contains observations and calculations for horoscopes and the identification of constellations in the sky for the astronomy in England. It also contains some notes on differences from his experiences in Italy with the stars.
- Ars Dictaminis and the Law by Thomas of Oxford. Tracatatus Q11
- Written in 1229, Thomas turns to the well-known art of letter writing and explores ways to use other rhetorical techniques to sway the reader to accept your legal arguments. Given his training in Canon law, Common law, and Welsh law, Thomas though it would be useful for future legal minds.
Common Law
These four books may be referenced in conjunction as a single summa on Common Law, L8 Q7.
- "Leges Edwardi Confessoris" by His Royal Highness, King Edward the Confessor
- "Charter of Liberties" by His Royal Highness, King Henry I (Norman French, with side-by-side Latin translation)
- "Leges Henrici Primi" the laws of His Royal Highness, King Henry I
- "Being a Summary of those Strictures and Liberties Detailed in the Magna Carta Chartarum" by Josef of Shropshire.
Tractatus
- Leges Johannes Primi ("Laws of John I") by Thomas of Oxford, a compilation of laws and writs passed by King John I, Tractatus, Q11
- Written by Thomas of Oxford in 1224
Civil and Canon Law
- The Ecclesiastical History by Orderic Vitalis. Tractatus Q7
- Corpus Juris Civilis - Digest by Justinan (Emperor). Summa Lv 5 Q7
- Judging of Academics by Thomas of Oxford. Tractatus Q11
- Written in 1221, a thinly-veiled attack on the Masters who drove him out of Oxford. Draws on the Corpus Juris Civilis and offers a framework on how to handle accusations on academics and a resolution that is more fair to the accused.
- Conversations between Men of God and Magi by Thomas of Oxford. Tractatus Q11
- Written in 1225, this tractatus explores some of the legal status of magi and where various ecclesiastic jurisdictions intersect Hermetic covenants' business. While this is largely concerned with Nova Semitae, magi of other covenants can draw some lessons that may impact them given the universality of the Catholic Church in much of Mythic Europe.
- The First and Fourth Estate by Fr. Thomas Telarius. Tractatus Q9
- Written in 1223. This tractatus follows some study and a few years of being a member of the Order of Hermes. The First Estate refers to the Church, while the Order is referred to as the 'Fourth' Estate, being neither clerical, noble, nor commoner. Fr. Thomas examines a few cases where the Church and the Order might come into conflict, how it would be approached by the Church, and how magi might avoid scrutiny by being made aware of the Church's laws.
- Service in the Church on Earth, Vol. 2 by Fr. Thomas Telarius. Tractatus Q10
- Written in 1229 after serving 4 years in the Canterbury and Roman Curia courts.
Rabbincal Law
- The Talmud. A series of six books each a Tractatus Q8. (Written in Aramaic)
- The Torah. Summa Lv 4 Q8 (Written in Hebrew)
Philosophiae
- Finding the Perfect Form. Tractatus Q6
- Written by Neanne Verditii. This book approaches the subject from a natural philosophy perspective, and where one might find the best correspondences from the natural world to the magical world. Although it makes references to Verditius runes in enchantment, understanding that House Mystery is not essential. Magi of House Verditius do get more out of the examples, however, and can treat the Quality as 2 higher.
- Metaphysica. by Aristotle. Two books, comprising of two Q12 tractatus
- De Rerum Natura by Lucretius. Six books, essentially comprising two Q10 tractatus (can increase Hedonist personality trait by +1)
- "The Discourses of Epictetus". Eight books, essentially comprising two Q8 tractatus (reading a volume can increase Stoic personality trait by +1)
- Principia Economica de Brittanicae ("Economic Principles of Britain"). Tractatus on Philosophiae (moral philosophy) by Thomas of Oxford (Q11)
- Written in 1223
- On Supernatural Appeals by Bartolomeo del Imola. Tractatus Q7
- Written in 1226, this book talks about the moral imperatives of living a life surrounded by the supernatural and the use of those powers.
- The Morality of Magic. Tractatus Q11
- Written by Fr. Thomas Telarious Ex Miscellanea, 1230
- (3 + Com 3 + Good Teacher + skilled scribe (1) + skilled binder (1))
- With many years' experience of being in the Order of Hermes, albeit as a second-class member, Fr. Thomas has penned this approach on living a moral life within the context of being both a magus and a Christian.
Speak Latin
- Speaking the Tongue of God. Tractatus Q9
- Written in 1226, in English. This book is intended to be for someone literate in english (say, a merchant) whose Latin could use some polishing.
Theology
- The Bible. Summa Lv 10 Q3
Theology (Judaism)
- The Talmud. A series of six books each a Tractatus Q8. (Written in Aramaic)
- Two commentaries Q13 by Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzakhi)
- The Torah. Summa Lv 6 Q8 (Written in Hebrew)
Theology (Pagan)
- Metaphysica. by Aristotle. Tractatus Q12
Welsh Law (Cyfraith Hywel)
- Book of Blegywryd. Summa Lv 4 Q8 (Written in Welsh)
- A compilation of Welsh Law, attributed to Blegywryd, a Welsh jurist who took the oral tradition of Welsh law and codified it for King Hywel the Good of Wales (Hywel Dda, or Hywel ap Cadell). As the core of Welsh law was not regularly changed, this is still a solid foundation for understanding the law in Wales.
- The Law of Llywelyn ap Iorwerth. Tractatus Q8 (2 books) (Written in Latin)
- Written by Iorwerth ap Madog in the early 13th century, these books are part of the "Iowerth Redaction", are relatively recent updates to Welsh Law under Llywelyn the Great. These are more Gwynedd-specific, with notes on how it differs from law practiced in Powys. Contains more judgements and interpretations of Welsh law as applied to specific circumstances.
- Welsh Law and the Church. Tracatatus Q11 (Written in Latin)
- Written by Thomas of Oxford in 1228. After studying Welsh law after the realignment of the covenant to Welsh rule, Thomas took it upon himself to familiarize the laws under which they would be expected to live. There were notable differences in certain areas, which are discussed along with some thought-provoking questions on which set of laws would prevail in a given court case.
General Abilities
Area Lore
- Canaan: The Bible. Tractatus Q5
- Canaan: The Talmud. Tractatus Q5 (Written in Aramaic)
- England: The Ecclesiastical History by Orderic Vitalis. Summa Lv 3 Q8
- Commentary on The Ecclesiastical History (England) by Elishiva bat Sholem (Q9)
- Normandy: The Ecclesiastical History by Orderic Vitalis. Summa Lv 4 Q8
- Commentary on The Ecclesiastical History (Normandy) by Elishiva bat Sholem (Q9)
- Shropshire: "Tales of Shropshire" by Brother Cadmus of Shrewsbury. Summa Lv 3 Q9
- Commentary on Tales of Shropshire by Elishiva bat Sholem (Q9)
- Powys Wenwynwyn: "Powis Castle" by Brother Mark of Poole. Summa Lv 3 Q10
- Commentary on Powis Castle by Elishiva bat Sholem (Q9)
Organization Lore
- Church: The Bible. Summa Lv 3 Q3
- Church: The Court of St. Peter. Summa Lv 4 Q10
- Acquired from the Quaesitores for Aulus of Bonisagus for his training as Proctor of Hermes.
- Church: Dioceses of Bologna and San Marino. A set of 2 tractatus Q7 each.
- Written in 1224-1225 by Bartolomeo del Imola. A discussion of the organization of dioceses and key Church officials of Bologna and San Marino, an area where Bartolomeo seems particularly knowledgeable.
- Church: The Court of St. Augustine. Tractatus, Q8 (each)
- Acquired from the Quaesitores for Aulus of Bonisagus for his training as Proctor of Hermes. A 4-book set.
- Church: Aetatis Sanctus Katarina (Life of Saint Katherine). Tractatus Q9
- Written in 1220 and Illuminated/Illustrated in 1221 by Lady Isabella of York, Illuminator at Nova Semitae. Hagiography of Saint Katherine.
- Church: Service in the Church on Earth, Vol. 1 by Fr. Thomas Telarius. Tractatus Q10
- Written in 1229 after serving 4 years in the Canterbury and Roman Curia courts.
- University of Oxford: The Masters and Minors of Oxford by Thomas of Oxford. Tracatatus Q11
- Writtein in 1227, discussing some of the more and less prominent masters and university officials known in the early 13th century.
- Order of Hermes: Personalities of Stonehenge Tribunal. Tractatus Q11
- Written by Aulus. Primarily for fellow magi of Nova Semitae, this treatise talks about other magi and known interests, enemies, personalities, and projects.
- English Nobility: L'Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal, by Sir John d'Erlay. Tractatus Q9. (Written in Norman French)
- Judaic: The Talmud. A series of six books each a Tractatus Q8. (Written in Aramaic)
- Judaic: The Torah. Summa Lv 4 Q8 (Written in Hebrew)
Profession: Gardener
- Plants for the Art of Correspondence, Tractatus Q9
- Written in 1226 by Lady Isabella Norton of York. Discusses the keeping and use of plants for inks with a focus on flora in Wales and the Midlands.
Teaching
- Erudiendi Discipuli Oxfordium ("The Teaching of Oxford Students"), Tractatus by Thomas of Oxford (Q11)
- Teaching the Unenthused, Tractatus by Franklin of Melverley (Q12)
Special Collections
- Records of the Tribunals of Stonehenge
- As a result of an agreement with the Mercer House, Nova Semitae library is currently the home of House Mercere's records of Tribunal proceedings going back to the founding of the Tribunal. These extensive records are necessarily public and are in a relatively accessible part of the library. Although weighty, it offers magi an excellent opportunity to conduct studies in the following fields. Each Tribunal Session produces the following:
- Code of Hermes. Two Tractatus Q10. The records are primarily the Peripheral Code for the Tribunal
- Organization: Order of Hermes Lore. Tractatus Q9. The records give insight into the personalities and nature of the affected magi.
- First Tribunal and Grand Tribunal rulings are also available, and offer the same tractatus as the regional tribunal.
- As an idea on how large a collection this is, consider that since the founding there have been:
- Approximately 64 Regional Tribunals (The Stonehenge Tribunal actually has had less than this due to political in-fighting and a later founding than the continental Tribunals)
- Approximately 33 Grand Tribunals
- Several extraordinary Tribunals (especially around the Sundering of House Tremere, The Corruption of House Tytalus, and the Schism War)
- The First Tribunals, before the regional Tribunals were split
- A conservative estimate would put this collection at some 300 books over the lifetime of the Order of Hermes — and that's just for the Stonehenge Tribunal!