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
Main Article: Magi of Nova Semitae
The magi are the undisputed 'masters' of the covenant and village that supports it. There are currently a mix of PC and NPC magi residing at the covenant.
Companions
Main Article: Companions
Companions support the magi in different ways, interacting with mundane society and providing specialized skills that the magi have neither the time nor inclination to learn.
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.
Each player must create three grogs to help populate the covenant. One must be a combat type, one must be a non-combat type. The third can be either.
- 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.
Covenant Magical Items
Main Article: Covenant Magical Items
A covenant as old as Nova Semitae (50 years old at the start of the saga) has a plethora of magical items created to assist the magi or the covenfolk in the day-to-day lives.
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
- Journal of Eos of Tyatlus
- Journal of Joshua Levi of Verditius
- Journal of Veloxia of Bjornaer
- Journal of Geoffroy de Dreux et Jerbiton
- Journal of Obscurus Ignis of Flambeau
Companions
- Journal of Aesa the Shieldmaiden
- Journal of Sir Daniele, Norman knight
- Journal of Sir William Cornwell, English Ex-Crusader
House Rules
Main Article: Ars Magica House Rules
No game would be complete without house rules.