House Mercere

Ars Magica Primer
Game Setting
Mythic Europe
The Order of Hermes
The Order of Hermes The Code of Hermes The Peripheral Code Hermetic Book Cycle

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This is how mages from each of the other Houses of the Order see House Mercere. It represents what any apprentice learning basic Order of Hermes Lore in Stonehenge, Rhine and Normandy tribunals would pick up and therefore is therefore sketchy, if the house is concentrated in far away tribunals.

Domus Magna - Harco in Rome Tribunal
Prima - Insatella
Symbol - A red cap with a badge that is a yellow triangle inscribed in a blue triangle
Favoured Tribunals - None

The founder of this house lost his magical powers but remained involved in the Order. He assumed a non-magical role valuable to other magi-that of messenger. His followers continue to fulfil that role regardless of whether they possess the Gift; all are officially recognised as magi of the Order. Even non-Gifted Mercere spend 15 years in apprenticeship like other magi. Non-gifted followers of Mercere are more commonly known Redcaps because of the headgear they wear as a badge of office. Redcaps are permitted to attend and vote at tribunal, though usually do not, and are under the protection of the Hermetic Code. This house cannot be joined after being apprenticed to any other.

There are about 10-12 redcaps per tribunal. There are probably only 10 to 15 gifted Merceres in total.