ORDER OF HERMES

Dark Ages Mage

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INTRODUCTION

Hermetic mysticism focuses on a rigid system of precision and control. The self is a microcosm of the Universe and the source of all potential earthly authority. Metaphor and symbolism are strong in Hermetic praxis, even in the Dark Medieval age, though considerably more of the Ars Arcane hinge upon physical tools and literalism in this age. Ancient writings, dating back to Rome, Greece, Egypt and even Sumer are prevalent, as well as the ubiquitous swords, wands, chalices and even more esoteric components, such as the tears or a Sidhe or dragon's blood. Astrology and alchemy are, likewise, common among Hermetic wizards, and rare indeed is the master's laboratory devoid of at least a star-chart or two and unguents and philters aplenty.

FOUNDATION: Modus (Formidable discipline)

Modus (Latin for method or technique) is the Foundation for all Hermetic magic. It represents the strict doctrine of study, willpower and discipline required to wield the Ars Hermetici. This ethic of perfection reflects itself in all the mage does, enabling him to transcend the boundaries set forth for cloddish and simple men and to wield powers that make the gods themselves tremble. Modus is both the means and the end, the Ouroboros, swallowing its own tail in an endless quest, using focus to beget greater understanding and, in turn, using understanding to further one's focus. While all masters of the arcane craft radiate an aura of other-worldliness that sets them apart, the Modus of the Hermetic Master impresses itself upon the Tapestry in displays of raw, unadulterated power.

● -- The mage is capable of exerting her will to extend a rudimentary degree of control over things outside of herself. At this point, the focus remains on expanding one's knowledge of self, though the promise of mystic might expresses itself in a growing aptitude for more blatant acts of will, spurring the initiate onward.

●● -- At this level of study, the mage comes to understand the truths behind many of the fundamentals of Hermeticism. Her will takes on a forceful edge and she begins to see that power is there only for those who demonstrate the courage to reach out and grasp it. Indecision and meekness (if such can truly he said to exist among any the Order chooses ) are burned away in a crucible of growing power.

●●● -- Now, the mage learns that it is his will that gives justification to the world and his place within it, not the other way around. While the point of view expressed at this level of comprehension cannot be said to be truly dynamic, it can be truthfully noted that the Hermetic wizard is finally ready to begin sloughing off the conception of the possibility of failure. His Art is honed, his power is considerable and he sees the promise of all things laid out before him, waiting for him to reach for it.

●●●● -- With nigh-flawless precision, the mage conducts her every breath, her every waking moment, as an exercise of will and ability. Her being is suffused with the Gift and she is filled with the nagging perception that an unknown, unquantifiable something lies just beyond her capabilities, the promise of limitless mystic might. She is at one with her magic and it flows through her as a natural extension of her spirit, like a movement of her arm or words from her mouth.

●●●●● -- At this, the final level of mastery, the Hermetic mage sees that his journey has just begun. His Modus is transformed, like the Philosopher's Stone itself, and he comes to know that the journey toward perfection and supremacy over the Art is a never-ending one. He moves out of the realm of mortal concerns and into the company of dragons, giants and slumbering gods. His magic makes itself known in all he says and does and none can mistake him for anything but what he is; Magus Rex. (The Hermetic Master may spend up to two points of Willpower per turn.)

Specialties: Control, Destruction, Elements, Transmutation

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PILLARS - FORMA

Each Pillar of the Order of Hermes is a Forma. Each Forma embodies a fundamental aspect of Creation, a pillar that shores up the world itself. These four ancient Forma are: Anima (the "Breath of Life" that flows through every living being), Corona (the "Crown" which grants control over the working of the mind), Primus ( the raw power of magic itself) and Vires ("Forces", mastery over the energies of the Universe). Although the four Formas encompass a great many potential powers, in no case can current Hermetic theory violate certain precepts set forth by the Church (precepts which Bonisagus himself subscribed to and set forth in the founding doctrine of the Order): The resurrection of the dead, the creation of true life and travel beyond the Lunar Sphere. Further, though many scholars of the Order have truck with various spiritual entities, both benign and malefic, their control of those beings hinges mostly upon mastery of the energies that sustain those beings, rather than power over ephemeral matter (spirit).

Sample Foci: Conjunctions or other astrological phenomena, Enochian language (chants, recitation or text), numerology

•  : Anima -- Command of Life
•  : Corona -- Command of the Mind
•  : Primus -- Command of Quintessence
•  : Vires -- Command of Elemental Forces

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HERMETIC ROTES

Aegis Magicus ( Primus ●●● )

Also called the Greater Magical Shield, this rote is a version of Bonisagus' magic that helped bring the Houses of the Order together in peace. It sheathes its wearer in an unseen cloak that warps or cancels the energies of spells directed at him.

System: This rote requires a normal, simple casting ( i t cannot be cast hurried or extended), and its duration lasts for half a day, regardless of number of successes rolled (if cast at sunrise, it lasts until sunset, and vice-versa). The number of successes on the casting automatically subtract (on a one-to-one basis) from the successes of any spell directed against the Aegis wearer, thus either reducing or canceling their potencies, one point of Quintessence must be spent to fuel each such defense, however (regardless of how many successes are drained from an incoming spell). This can be invested into the spell during casting (the caster spends up to three Quintessence to be later used up by the spell as needed) or spent as the Aegis blocks spells. Obviously, if this is cast upon a non-mage, that person cannot spend Quintessence to resist spells; the caster must invest such protective spells with his own Quintessence. If cast upon a mage, regardless of fellowship, that mage may spend his own Quintessence to fuel the armor.

A mage can choose to admit any incoming spell by not spending Quintessence. A non-mage cannot make this choice; the spell automatically blocks any magic (except for spells cast by the Aegis's caster), as long as it still has invested Quintessence points to spend.

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