Essel

'''“Why Greatness? Why Is Goodness Not Enough?”'''

Born into peasant stock, orphaned at a young age, grew up living/working at a roadside inn on the outskirts of the port city of Lubek. Popular with merchants rich and poor, Essel learned early on to read and understand people of many backgrounds. This became of use to Essel's future parens Tandaline of Durenmar as she travelled to the covenent of Oculus Septentrionalis and the schemes of the Jerbiton covenent in the city proper. Due to Essel's gentle gift it took many visits before a fortuitous manifestation of her gift, whilst frightened during an inn brawl. This caused all the tankards in people's hands to explode stunning the room to silence. Essel was terrified. Tandaline delighted she had the gentle gifted apprentice she needed to carry on her own intrigues. Apprenticed at Durenmar, Essel after a basic grounding in Latin, Magic theory and artes liberalis spent most of her time on the road with Tandaline. From her Essel learned the delicate art of intrigue and how to use it to further the orders interests. Ten years into her apprenticeship (age 22) during a short fostering period with Horst and Dorana of Fengheld and his apprentice redcap Fabian. Essel and Fabian had become firm friends, on a visit to a Hermetic fair, Fabian had been teasing Essel after she adopted a new short haircut to enable her to travel as a male. He made the mistake of saying out loud within earshot of a fairy trader (a wood nymph) "it suits you; I hope you never change again" he then gave a wink and composed a teasing song.This was accepted as payment by the fairy trader to both Essel’s and Fabians surprise, as she was informed, she will no longer age, her hair will grow no longer, and even with the aid of your gift shall you transform or change your apparent age, hair or eye colour, height or weight. At first Essel was furious (she was proud of her long hair, and worried that her apparent youth would make future diplomacy harder) Fabian was mortified by his actions, however Essel was trained in intrigue as every crisis is an opportunity, she utilised this to Blackmail Fabian from then on. Upon completion of her gauntlet, during her guild training she was informed that Tandaline had secured her the Spring tenens role in the Stonehenge tribunal. Upon Essels own intrigues Fabian would also serve in Stonehenge at the Mercere House in Coventry. She had long since forgiven him, but his guilt makes him useful after all.

Virtues
Puissant IntrigueFree, Gentle GiftM, Affinity with Intellego, Diplomat, Linden guild trained, Piercing gaze, Self confident, Tenens OccultorumSpring Tenens, Unaging.

Flaws
Blackmail, Driven (bring peace to the order)M, Greater Malediction (cannot alter apparent age, hair/eye colour shape etc via magic)M, Rigid magicM

Age/warping
27 (apparent age 21)

Abilities
Speak Low German (Friesian -2 to English) 5 Latin (hermetic usage) 4 Speak Norman French (expansive vocab) 3 Awareness (searching) 2 Carouse (staying sober) 2 Charm (first impressions) 3 (5) Concentration (spells) 1 Etiquette (nobles) 2 Folk ken (magi) 3 (5) Guile (elaborate lies) 3 Intrigue (alliances) 3+2 (12) Leadership (intimidation) 3 Order of Hermes Lore (politics) 3 (4) Athletics (grace) 1 Artes Liberalis (rhetoric) 1 Code of Hermes (political intrigue) 2 Finesse (certemen) 2 Parma magica (mentem) 1 Magic theory (inventing spells) 3 Ride (distance) 1 Brawl (dodge) 1 Durenmar Lore (library) 2 Magic Lore (Traditions) 2

Arts
Creo    Intel 10  Muto 3   Perdo    Rego 10

An  Aq   Au   Co 7  He2   Ig   Im 7  Me 1  Te   Vim 2

Personality Traits
Devoted to the order of Hermes +3, Dauntless +2, Empathetic +2

Wizarding Sigil
The Smell of Lavender.

Essel's Laboratory
Virtues: Dedicated BuildingFree, Superior ConstructionFree Flaws: Missing IngredientsFree, DecayingFree Size:0 Refinement:0 General Quality:-1 Upkeep:-1 Safety:0 Warping:0 Health:0 Aesthetics:+1

Specializations: Pe:+1 Me:+1

Notes: Lab totals are halved for - Ignem and Aquam

Spells
Intel Corpus - Sight of the true form (20) R.pers D.mom T.vision -you see the true, original form of any person whose form has been changed or masked. Can see through mundane masks and disguises at lv10 and through the effects of other spells equal to or lower than this one

Muto corpus - The Succubus' trick (5) R.pers D.sun T.ind -Adopt male physical characteristics, eye colour stature hair colour remain unaffected.

Rego corpus - Tossing the brawling brute (10) R.voice D.mom T.ind - throws a person 15ft in the air or 25ft in any direction, causing falling damage if a solid object intervenes.

Rego corpus - Step sideways (15) R.pers D.mom T.ind - caster instantly moves to a location she can see within 50 paces. Dex + finesse vs 6 to land exactly.

Rego corpus - Trap of amber (15) R.eye D.dia T.ind - caster freezes the target in place for the duration of the spell. Target cannot move, speak or make gestures.

Rego corpus - Topple the brutish band (20) R.voice D.mom T.group - same as tossing the brawling brute but with group target.

Intel Imaginem - Prying eyes (5) R.touch D.con T.room - You can see inside a room so long as you can touch one of its walls. You may change your viewpoint within the room.

Muto Imaginem - Aura of Ennobled Presence (10) R.touch D.sun T.ind - +3 rolls to influence, lead or convince others.

Rego Imaginem - Wizard's sidestep (10) R.pers D.sun T.ind

Rego Imaginem - Circle of undisturbed rest (5) R.touch D.ring T.circle - the circle prevents iconic and echoic species from leaving the circle, making the encampment undetectable. It leaves the area a silent black area normally enough at night

Creo Imaginem - Fooling the eye (10) R.sight D.mom T.part - Look at me, allows the subsequent casting of an eye range spell as your next action. (pg133)

Items and Belongings
Items to be confirmed

Magic items to come...

Opinions on Others
Mages Arianwen - Can be as aloof as her heartbeast, direct and forthright. Her Harmonist leanings give me hope however. Cirice - Trapped in a child's body must be a great burden and hardship. Although the last thing she would want from me is my pity for her plight. Edric - Brilliant mind and academic. Greedy for knowledge (and food) Thank the founder for the parma though, don't think I could face talking to him unshielded. Rian - Of all my Sodales I liked him the most, Quiet and considerate, inquiring without arrogance. I'll miss him dearly. Evelyn - innocent as a child, but always flaunting her long perfect hair all the time … Could grow to like her if she gets more worldly, and a lot less vain. Companions Iris - Robin of Loxley - Tancred - A true servant of the order, his loyalty and dedication to duty are to be admired. He is rather too eager to reach for his sword though, and not everything is good or the work of the Devil. Lady Tessora of Artois - Quiet and Pious, must be hard for her to balance her convictions with the harsh world we find ourselves in. Will Scarlet - A very charming man, always looking for the next pretty face. One day he will realize that no woman will give him the adoration, loyalty and love that Gillian will. I hope it works out for them both. Torvi Ylvakrí - As a mage I can relate to being forced from your home and all you knew because of forces beyond your control. Grogs Silk - We all have our cross to bear! Gillian - True love will always find a way. I'll help Will to see what he is missing. Theopania - Has all the talents of a great spy, I just hope I'm not her target. Chimi - Those touched by magic never lead 'normal' lives, I hope she adjusts well to other people, without losing what makes her special. Adelaide - Idolizes Tancred, he leads a dangerous life though. I hope she stays safe. Bryne Vaughn - Willing to risk his life to protect us, I am grateful for his loyalty. Cass - Too easily led astray by Silk, I still have hope for her though and enjoy her company. Doctor Tursten Maynard - Has recently proved his worth, very talented, unfortunately he knows it too. Old Giles - Still fighting fit at his age is impressive, not so sure the 'old' days were as good as he remembers though. Lohse - Has a song for any occasion, can lift the mood just by her presence. Erik - Definitely has anger management issues! craves a glorious death, wish he would try a glorious life instead. Alistair - A fine traveling companion, kept his nerve when we encountered the Giant. Falko - Wounded protecting me from Iudicium's ambush, I'm forever grateful Osanna - Strongly independent, I hope she can make a new life here Oskar - Silk's 'apprentice' - God protect him! Cuthbert - His knowledge of the Nobility will be very useful. Surely his reputation with the ladies can't be true ... can it? Islwyn - Our conversations have been brief - It strains my neck shouting up at him in that tree! Alfred - A most talented chef, just wish Edric would share him with the rest of us sometimes Haeddi - The loss of her gift hit her hard, she still has much to offer though, a good friend with great knowledge. Edward - Seems constantly locked away in Evelyn's tent, often sweaty and exhausted, is Forge companion a title or a euphuism? Richard - Wise and knowledgeable, can hopefully keep our hot heads in line Alison - Competitive with Adelaide, how differently will they turn out? Aroh Byait - Anyone willing to risk their life to protect us, is a treasure to be valued === Essel's Journal === and advancement log 1189 The prelude

After being awarded the great honor of serving the House as Spring tenens, I was ready to leave the familiar and walk my own path. Invitations had been sent to recently gauntleted mages to found a new covenant within Sherwood Forest. A convenient location with easy travel to the Loch Legan and Hibernian tribunals, as well as a deep magical history.

I left Durenmar in company with Tandaline (my parens) who was en-route to Normandy tribunal, stopping briefly at Fenghald covenant. There after some negotiation I left in the company of Haeddi a failed apprentice with much still to contribute to the order. After an emotional farewell at Rouen with Tandaline, we headed to the coast and a boat to England.

In England we stopped briefly at Coventry to check Fabian arrived safely, before setting off for Nottingham. After some struggle we passed through Sherwood Forest to behold the place I would now call Home. Now the true scale of the task was revealed, from the splendor of Durenmar to nothing but a ruin, inside a deep and eerie wood.

The rest of the year was spent establishing a functional lab, inside the cave complex, and introductions to my new Sodales and what few companions and grogs had arrived. As well as the mysterious ‘Robin Hood’

''“Alone in an un-familiar land, the weight of responsibility to my house, to Tandaline and the order itself. The 15 years of my apprenticeship seemed a life time, why do I now feel so unprepared for the future?”''

1190

Spring 1190

It was regrettably necessary to free a group of football playing men, from a prison awaiting execution. I rarely condone interfering with the mundane affairs of the local nobility. However, they were to be executed for a most petty offence, and in good Christian conscience, I couldn’t let this injustice persist. This and the need for additional covenfolk convinced my sodales that we had no choice. The operation was carried out efficiently enough (or so we believed) I spoke to the group and offered them freedom in return for 1 years' service and an offer to stay if they chose after that.

Later in Spring I travelled to Coventry to register the covenant with the Mercere House, after many adventures on the road (learning much about our new covenfolk, virtues and vices) and completing a book deal to begin our library. At Coventry I was able to learn little about the old Covenant that Sage hollow is built around the ruins of (A former Diedne Covenant it seems) as the records were destroyed during the schism war. A reference to a Regulus of Tytalis who had recorded a vis source near our location, but hadn't been heard of for 65 years will be worth looking in to.

Before I could leave, I met Fredegisa The junior Quesetor of Stonehenge tribunal (of scholae covenant) who informed me that she was aware of the prison break (Thanks to Evelin’s hole in the wall spell) How she discovered this I don’t know, ‘fortunately’ she had a solution to avoid any further complications. I was introduced to Sir Balian commander of the Knight’s templar at Newark, who wanted to procure Evelin’s services to create 2 magic devices. After agreeing a fair price, he departed. I wrote to the shadow tower to name Sir Balian as a person of interest and one to watch in the future. And returned home to tell Evelin the good news about her commissions.

''“It had taken mere weeks since arriving to have the code tested against the harsh realities of the world. From interfering with the mundanes in the name of justice. To bandits on the highways forcing me to use magic to defend myself and new friends. To intriguing and deals with a Quesetor who was more interested in the letter of the code than in the justice it aims to give. I must trust my instincts and remain commited to my path, the first year is always the hardest, right?”'' (10xp, leadership 4(5) charm 4(5) Order of Hermes Lore 2)

Summer 1190

In company with Rian, I set out for Cad Cadu, Domus magna of House ex misc. The journey was interrupted by the discovery that Will Scarlet (Turb captain) is cursed with lycanthropy. After escaping our camp, we tracked him across country, this pursuit led us into a magical Regio home to a most curious creature.

This creature was a Giant (with a childlike intellect), who kept an assortment of ‘prisoners’ (unfortunate mundanes) on an island on a lake, for his own amusement. He also grew large ‘vegetables’ that contained vis. After an elaborate escape, involving false trails, a zip line and impressive team work we were able to escape along with the Giants prisoners. In the lead up to the escape I was able to harvest seeds from one of these plants, and hope to grow them at Sage hollow. This Giant will require further investigation in the future. Some of the rescued playthings of the Giant agreed to move to Sage hollow, the remainder were free to return home.

''“Thank the lord I learned that teleport spell, without it we might all still be on that island. Trapped, playthings for a Giant child, an ignoble end for us all.”''

After escorting our new covenfolk to Sage Hollow, we began our journey to Cad Cadu anew. Posing as merchants we made could progress, despite a rather embarrassing interlude. I fell under the charm of Will Scarlet and was enjoying his company greatly, alas I was unaware that Gillian was greatly in love with him (he gave no indication, Damm him!) After discovering the truth, I promised to help her fulfil her desires and suppress my own for him.

''“I will always carry a torch for you Will, and imagine what it could have been like for us. But I could never care for you as deeply as Gillian will for you, as much as I yearn for you! I can’t stand in the way of a love so honest and pure.”''

Finally, we reached Cad Cadu, for a place with such history it was disappointing to see how much it had declined, crumbling and inhabited with insular and warped covenfolk, the mages likewise. Rian received more information about Regulus of Tytalis. We met with Immanola (Primus of House ex. Misc) who delivered a cryptic prophesy and agreed to send a representative to the next Tribunal meeting at Blackthorn.

At Cadu we met Cirice a soon to be gauntleted mage, looking for a new covenant, away from the crumbling Cad Cadu, after getting to know her a little I offered her an invitation to join us at Sagehollow. I’m pleased to say she accepted. (10xp - leadership 4(5) Folk ken 4(5) Order of Hermes Lore 2)

Autumn 1190

This season I decided to visit Schola Pythagoris in Cambridge. Before I could depart, I was visited by Iudicium (senior Quesetor from Blackthorn covenant) who was heading that way, so we shared the road. It was clear from the beginning that he meant to test me, with subtle, leading and probing questions. Culminating in an arranged ambush on the road in which my bodyguard Falko was injured. He tried to blame a former associate of Silk for the deed. I was also let down badly by indiscipline from Cass (who was thankfully repentant when reproached) and Silk (entirely unrepentant)

''“He wanted me to know that he knew everything about my associates (people in silk’s past) he also showed he could harm me whenever he chose (‘Bandit’ raid organized by him) He even had an awakened sword in his grog’s possession, he seemed impressed that I had noticed. He clearly meant to intimidate and threaten me. It worked to an extent I was in such fear the rest of the journey, Silk made a trying situation so much worse. I need Iudicium to respect me as an equal, not underestimate me as a fool!

Luckily, I did not show my fear, I feel I reassured him that I aim to work with all mages to build a stronger tribunal, not working against anyone, especially not himself or Blackthorn covenant. All Covenants must be equal for a stronger Tribunal.”''

I parted ways with Iudicium at Cambridge and met with the mages of Schola Pythagoris, I explained the importance of attending the next tribunal meeting, and potential rivalry with Normandy Tribunal. They listened attentively, but were uncommitted unless Julia of Voluntus also agreed to attend. I accepted this Julia is a rival of Blackthorn, and another political player, I will need to speak to her next year and gain her trust.

While I was in discussion at Schola Pythagoris, the rest of my entourage were attending a local fayre, with much mischief arising, culminating in me having to pose as a faery villain and ‘Winter queen’ to protect a child under the influence of a faerie godmother, from feeding a daemon of pride.

''“You really couldn’t make it up, although I guess we did in part. This Thomas will have a troubled life, although I expect this will not be the last time, we hear of him.”''

(6 xp) Order of Hermes Lore 5, Intrigue 1)

Winter 1190

I spent the winter of this year planting the seeds gathered from the Giant’s vegetable patch. With some intellego Herbam I was able to find the correct soil/light conditions to plant them. To my great relief they have taken and will grow anew in Spring. Grateful for a season of rest after a year of travelling, I was able to enjoy the hot spring, participate in the casting of the Aegis ritual. And attend council meetings.

''“I am grateful my fellow mages have nominated me as Consul for the covenant, it is nice to have their trust. Hopefully next year we can grow the covenant stronger, and make it much more habitable.”''

(2 exposure xp Herbam) 1191

Spring 1191

After hearing the tragic news about Rian’s demise, I resolved to use all the order’s resources to recover his head, and learn more about this Ascian threat. I travelled to Coventry to inform the redcaps and sent out letters to all the covenants to warn them of the potential danger. I sent a letter to Iudicium requesting quesetorial authority to investigate Rian’s death, as well as a letter to his parens both to inform him of Rian’s passing and incase he had any reason Rian might have been targeted. I also commissioned copies of spells that might be useful to speak to Rian’s ghost and to track these malignant spirits (paying with my own vis to speed up delivery). After Stopping briefly to grieve with Fabian, I travelled through the Mercere portal to Durenmar there to use the great library.

At the library I spoke to Murion and Occulties asking their advice, and informing them of the necessity of my investigation. Information was scarce, I found one damaged reference about an encounter with an Ascian by a mage of house Flambeau named Gaius from Provence Tribunal, who encountered an Ascian by the name of Loghrif in the year of our lord 1023. He translated the word as "shadow less" referring to an individual or entity. The Ascian had beheaded Gaius' target and lured Gaius into a later confrontation. (Did they behead Rian to lure us into a future confrontation?) He also identified the creature as belonging to the Magic realm, not infernal or dark Fae.

This Ascian had also taken shelter amidst a marginalized community, the Basque peoples. Loghrif convinced them to summon their pagan deity a storm dragon called 'Sugaar' whilst Gaius confronted the Ascian, their battle ended in stalemate. The storm dragon bound the Basque worshipers to him via magic. Gaius resolved to confront this dragon. That was the last surviving entry.

''"The parallels are clear, the use of a marginalized community, the binding of the community via magic (undead swarm). It is strange that I have found no further reference to Ascians since 1023. Does this Loghrif still survive?. I still don't know whether they pose a threat to the entire order, or just individual mages who interrupt them?". Who had wronged the community at the castle so much that they would sacrifice their lives and children's lives to gain vengeance upon?''

I will continue my research for at least another season. I must be able to return with answers to the most important questions, Are we all in danger or just certain individuals (if so who?) How do they sever arcane connections?. How are they summoned? what is their purpose? How can they be stopped? Is this something Sage hollow can deal with or do I need to start sourcing Hoplites? If Gaius of Flambeau was held to a stalemate with them, what chance do we have?

''“Rian, taken from us far too soon, just like me a young mage with hopes and dreams cut short. A reminder against complacency, mages may live hundreds of years, but we are mortal, one miss-step and our dreams die. Know that you will be missed and always in our thoughts, and forever a pivotal part of Sage Hollow’s history”''

Summer 1191

Research update; It appears Gaius perished defeating the storm dragon, in a noble self-sacrifice. Hoplites sent to investigate his disappearance discovered. This Storm dragon or the Ascians tried to 'bind' him as they did those that summoned the Dragon but his Parma was sufficient to block it. There is no further reference to Loghrif or other Ascians in the Iberian tribunal.

However another encounter is recorded in the Rhine Tribunal at a later date. This report compiled by an investigator from House Tremere, described the aftermath of another encounter this time by the Ascian named/titled Lahabria. Again a marginalized community summoned an entity/deity of death known to them, this entity 'bound' it's followers to it and attempted vengeance on behalf of this group. Fortunately it was defeated, but without further mention of the Ascians. No further encounters have been recorded in the tribunal since.

Following a hunch of mine, I showed the dagger recovered from the Ascians to the Verditius keeper of the forge at Durenmar. He confirmed my suspicion that the dagger was enchanted with a powerful spell that can sever all arcane connections upon contact. This is why we cannot yet locate Rian's head, necessary if I am to raise his spirit to talk with him further. I am content that the threat to the order is low from the Ascians, I know how they sever arcane connections. I still don't know how these disparate groups learned how to summon the Ascians or their deities/entities of vengeance. Or what happened to the Ascians between encounters.

Realizing this is all I am likely to learn here, I intend to return home for the Autumn, I still need to speak to the Folk witch named 'Granny' to see if she has any information for me, and to see if Rian's parens has responded to my entreaty. I also hope my spell book, and mastery tomes have arrived as ordered. Hopefully Sage-Hollow has been uneventful in my absence!

''"I am relieved that my research suggests these Ascians are not a threat to the Order of Hermes in its entirety. More a worrisome nuisance to those nearby. Unfortunately that is Sagehollow, We must remain vigilant and I must continue my duty to recover Rian's head, so that he can find peace. I must encourage my sodales to look to their Parma to protect them from 'binding' with any summoned entities. But what can I do for our mundane members?. I feel this isn't the last we will hear of these creatures. I pray that when the time comes I don't let them down." ''

Autumn 1191

Thankfully I find Sage hollow still standing after my absence, although there have been some changes. Lady Tessora has undergone a divine metamorphosis whilst battling a Daemon, I recall House Mercere have a cult of Heroes who undergo a similar transformation. This however, is a purely Divine transcendence.

"I am pleased for Tessora that she has come to a new and more powerful relationship with God, it must be liberating to receive such affirmation for your faith. I only fear this may cause envy and jealously amongst the church, why a woman with delusions of knighthood should receive this blessing and not them?. She will need our support as she comes to terms with her new life, as it will certainly be more than she ever thought it would be."

We also have new guests; Ailuros and Maahes, 2 mechanical cats of great antiquity, and a great store of magical knowledge. Self-aware to an unprecedented degree, a curiosity to drive any seeker wild. I hope they stay long enough to help our knowledge grow. Their 'quest' to 'reproduce' with Evelyn's aide both intrigues and concerns me as to unintended consequences. But so far, my intrigue outweighs my concerns.

Our latest 'recruit' Torvi Ylvakri is an interesting character. She is a witch from Norway, she reads and speaks the runes long associated with the Order of Odin, could she be a spy or infiltrator for them? I feel this is most unlikely, she is too obvious. Murion however, when she learns of her (better from me than anyone else) might feel otherwise, to this end I have persuaded Torvi to write a book on the Runic language and her folk witch traditions. This will frame her a asset rather than a threat, appeasing Murion and providing the Shadow tower invaluable information if mages do venture North in the future. More dangerous for now is her Pagan faith particularly her unwillingness to hide it around Christians, she will need a chaperone and to avoid dealings with the church, especially the Knights Templar nearby!.

"I have a great deal of sympathy for Torvi, she like many mages was shunned in her home community and compelled to seek a new life in a strange new world. She will need support to adjust to a new land, as I am only too well aware of the challenges awaiting her, as a new arrival to this country myself."

I also felt it was prudent if I informed Sir Tancred of Torvi's arrival at a time and place not conducive to violence, I spoke to him after prayers at the church. He was quite concerned as I expected, he too had heard of the Order of Odin and had battled Pagan witches in the past. I felt the best approach was to 'imply' she was an ally against the enemy (double agent?), supplying us with information to prepare the order of Hermes in case of renewed hostilities. He saw the wisdom in this course of action. I also strongly reminded him that Torvi is a guest of our Covenant and to be treated with respect.

"I do not blame sir Tancred for his concerns, he lived through a time of War, Mages fought mages and the lines between Good and Evil, and Right and Wrong were blurred. I pray we never live through such times. He is Loyal to the Order of Hermes I have no doubt, and his combative nature is solely his way of protecting us from harm, for which I am grateful."

At the council meeting upon my return I was able to collate the information I gathered with Cirice, who also had information on the Ascian's. The cats Ailuros and Maahes had encountered them recently. They had attempted to negotiate with them, they are also of the impression that the Ascians are mortal and most interested in Cirice's pursuit of the Cauldron of her ancestor. Whether they seek to stop her finding it or use her to find it for themselves is uncertain. At the battle of the Red Moon they attempted a ritual using a cauldron, maybe they need this one for a greater ritual of some kind? The Books I ordered before my travels to Durenmar have arrived, I have much to study, if I am to be of service to the Order of Hermes.

Winter 1191