Order of Hermes: Difference between revisions
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The Order of Hermes (also Enigmatic Order of Hermes or, informally, the Order) is the fictional organization to which [[Magi|magi]] in Ars Magica belong. All wizards in the Order of Hermes know a special kind of defensive magic called [[Parma Magica]] and nearly all can use a powerful, flexible form of magic called [[Hermetic Magic]]. Most of them speak [[Latin]] as a common language, enabling magi from across [[Mythic Europe]] to share magical [[Book | books]] and [[Spell | spells]]. | The Order of Hermes (also Enigmatic Order of Hermes or, informally, the Order) is the fictional organization to which [[Magi|magi]] in Ars Magica belong. All wizards in the Order of Hermes know a special kind of defensive magic called [[Parma Magica]] and nearly all can use a powerful, flexible form of magic called [[Hermetic Magic]]. Most of them speak [[Latin]] as a common language, enabling magi from across [[Mythic Europe]] to share magical [[Book | books]] and [[Spell | spells]]. | ||
== | == Hermetic Society == | ||
{{Main|Hermetic Society}} | |||
According to [[Fifth Edition]], there are about 1200 magi in the Order (page 9, first paragraph). Most magi in the Order live in groups called [[Covenant|covenants]] but some prefer a solitary existence. In addition, there are also many [[redcap|redcaps]] that are officially members but are not wizards and are probably not included in that count. | |||
Most [[magi]] reside in [[covenant|covenants]], each binding together a few members. Every [[Magus|magus]] of the Order also belongs to one of twelve [[Houses of Hermes ]]. Most magi also hold other political positions (such as a quaesitor) and/or associate with other Hermetic socities, cults, cabals, or so on. [[Hermetic Society]] is a complex thing. | |||
The Order has its own legal system. [[Hermetic Law]] is based on the [[Code of Hermes]] and the [[Peripheral Code]]. The Order is governed by regional councils of magi known as [[Regional Tribunal|Tribunals]]. The Tribunals operate as courts of law, with the aid of [[Quaesitor|Quaesitors]]. | |||
The | The tribunals are democratic, with each wizard having one vote. This creates a lot of political squabble, as covenants, Houses, societies, and so on vie against each other. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
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The Order was founded in 767 A.D. by the tweleve [[Founder|Founders]] under the leadership of [[Bonisagus the Founder | Bonisagus]] and [[Trianoma]]. Its magic and traditions are loosely based on the ancient Roman [[Cult of Mercury]]. | The Order was founded in 767 A.D. by the tweleve [[Founder|Founders]] under the leadership of [[Bonisagus the Founder | Bonisagus]] and [[Trianoma]]. Its magic and traditions are loosely based on the ancient Roman [[Cult of Mercury]]. | ||
It has since known many political turmoils and upheavals, including the [[Tytalus | It has since known many political turmoils and upheavals, including the [[Corruption of House Tytalus]] and the [[Schism War]]. A brief depiction of the Order's history is given in [[ArM5]] 9-10. The ''Houses of Hermes'' series of supplements further provides details on each House's history. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
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== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Houses of Hermes True Lineages]] contains more information about the Order's law and politics | * [[Houses of Hermes True Lineages]] contains more information about the Order's law and politics. | ||
* [[Houses of Hermes Book | Houses of Hermes]], the [[Third Edition]] supplement | * [[Houses of Hermes Book | Houses of Hermes]], the [[Third Edition]] supplement. | ||
* [[Order of Hermes Book | Order of Hermes]], the [[Second Edition]] supplement | * [[Order of Hermes Book | Order of Hermes]], the [[Second Edition]] supplement. | ||
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Revision as of 11:51, 20 August 2012
The Order of Hermes (also Enigmatic Order of Hermes or, informally, the Order) is the fictional organization to which magi in Ars Magica belong. All wizards in the Order of Hermes know a special kind of defensive magic called Parma Magica and nearly all can use a powerful, flexible form of magic called Hermetic Magic. Most of them speak Latin as a common language, enabling magi from across Mythic Europe to share magical books and spells.
Hermetic Society
According to Fifth Edition, there are about 1200 magi in the Order (page 9, first paragraph). Most magi in the Order live in groups called covenants but some prefer a solitary existence. In addition, there are also many redcaps that are officially members but are not wizards and are probably not included in that count.
Most magi reside in covenants, each binding together a few members. Every magus of the Order also belongs to one of twelve Houses of Hermes . Most magi also hold other political positions (such as a quaesitor) and/or associate with other Hermetic socities, cults, cabals, or so on. Hermetic Society is a complex thing.
The Order has its own legal system. Hermetic Law is based on the Code of Hermes and the Peripheral Code. The Order is governed by regional councils of magi known as Tribunals. The Tribunals operate as courts of law, with the aid of Quaesitors.
The tribunals are democratic, with each wizard having one vote. This creates a lot of political squabble, as covenants, Houses, societies, and so on vie against each other.
History
The Order was founded in 767 A.D. by the tweleve Founders under the leadership of Bonisagus and Trianoma. Its magic and traditions are loosely based on the ancient Roman Cult of Mercury.
It has since known many political turmoils and upheavals, including the Corruption of House Tytalus and the Schism War. A brief depiction of the Order's history is given in ArM5 9-10. The Houses of Hermes series of supplements further provides details on each House's history.
References
- ArM5, pages 9-10
See Also
- Houses of Hermes True Lineages contains more information about the Order's law and politics.
- Houses of Hermes, the Third Edition supplement.
- Order of Hermes, the Second Edition supplement.
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Legacy Page
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at Legacy:order_of_hermes