Character generation - Revision history

Yair: /* Templates */

2026-05-10T20:30:19Z

Templates

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:30, 10 May 2026
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	* [[Inquisitor (Template)]]: This magus is called in to investigate crimes or question witnesses. The core book [[Guernicus]] template offers an excellent implementation of this very-popular Guernicus stereotype.		* [[Inquisitor (Template)]]: This magus is called in to investigate crimes or question witnesses. The core book [[Guernicus]] template offers an excellent implementation of this very-popular Guernicus stereotype.

	* [[Earth Wizard (Template)]]: Another stereotype of [[House Guernicus]], this magus practices earth-magic in the ancient tradition of [[Mercurian Magic]]~~. While still a [[Quaesitor]], he is more an expert at law than an investigator~~. This is a less-common player choice than the Inquisitor stereotype offered by the core book template, but the background of the House suggests it is ~~a common~~ archetype ~~for actual~~ Guernicus magi.		* [[Earth Wizard (Template)]]: Another stereotype of [[House Guernicus]], this magus practices earth-magic in the ancient tradition of [[Mercurian Magic]]. This is a less-common player choice than the Inquisitor stereotype offered by the core book template, but the background of the House suggests it is an important archetype of Guernicus magi.

	* [[Magical Artist (Template)]]: This is the template offered by the core-book for [[House Jerbiton]], and indeed seems to represent well much of the House. We make some minor notes and observations.		* [[Magical Artist (Template)]]: This is the template offered by the core-book for [[House Jerbiton]], and indeed seems to represent well much of the House. We make some minor notes and observations.

Yair: /* Templates */

2026-05-06T03:56:00Z

Templates

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 5 May 2026
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	* [[Death (Template)]]: This sinister emaciated figure is fascinated by death and decay, and is a master at the art of [[Perdo]]. It is an example of the Puissant Perdo free House virtue, and is very similar to the character of [[Darius]] in the core book, or [[Philippus Niger]] from [[Guardians of the Forest: The Rhine Tribunal\|Guardians of the Forest]]. This is a defining stereotype of [[House Flambeau]], representing a magus from the school of [[Apromor]].		* [[Death (Template)]]: This sinister emaciated figure is fascinated by death and decay, and is a master at the art of [[Perdo]]. It is an example of the Puissant Perdo free House virtue, and is very similar to the character of [[Darius]] in the core book, or [[Philippus Niger]] from [[Guardians of the Forest: The Rhine Tribunal\|Guardians of the Forest]]. This is a defining stereotype of [[House Flambeau]], representing a magus from the school of [[Apromor]].

	* [[Frost Queen (Template)]]: A maga that feels at home in the ~~cold tundra~~ of the far north, she is a master at [[Perdo]] [[Ignem]] and related to the Faerie ~~Snow~~ Queen of ~~Winter~~. It is a member of [[House Flambeau]], that combines the interests of the school of [[Apromor]] and [[Flambeau the Founder\|Founder]].		* [[Frost Queen (Template)]]: A maga that feels at home in the wasteland of the far north, she is a master at [[Perdo]] [[Ignem]] and related to the Faerie Queen of the Icy North. It is a member of [[House Flambeau]], that combines the interests of the school of [[Apromor]] and [[Flambeau the Founder\|Founder]].

	* [[Inquisitor (Template)]]: This magus is called in to investigate crimes or question witnesses. The core book [[Guernicus]] template offers an excellent implementation of this very-popular Guernicus stereotype.		* [[Inquisitor (Template)]]: This magus is called in to investigate crimes or question witnesses. The core book [[Guernicus]] template offers an excellent implementation of this very-popular Guernicus stereotype.

Yair: /* Templates */

2026-05-06T01:25:41Z

Templates

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:25, 5 May 2026
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	The core [[ArM5]] book offers twelve [[template\|templates]] of [[magi]] that can be simply adopted as your starting player character. This is, by far, the swiftest way to create a character - adopting a ready-made one. Each template has customization notes, giving advice on how to easily modify it. Of course, you can also make more extensive changes, but that requires more familiarity with the game rules.		The core [[ArM5]] book offers twelve [[template\|templates]] of [[magi]] that can be simply adopted as your starting player character. This is, by far, the swiftest way to create a character - adopting a ready-made one. Each template has customization notes, giving advice on how to easily modify it. Of course, you can also make more extensive changes, but that requires more familiarity with the game rules.

	Ready-made characters can also be created by more experienced players in your group, or you could adopt one of the starting-characters created by [[Atlas Games]] (see [[Published Starting Characters]]) or the fans.		Ready-made characters can also be created by more experienced players in your group, or you could adopt one of the starting-characters created by [[Atlas Games]] (see [[Published Starting Characters]]) or the fans (see [https://forum.atlas-games.com/t/better-example-magi/173872/300 "Better example magi!"]).

	Each of the core templates belongs to a certain [[House]] of the [[Order of Hermes]], and presents a more-or-less typical or steretypical member of that House. For this reason, it is recommended you read them to familiarize yourself with the magi that are typical in the setting.		Each of the core templates belongs to a certain [[House]] of the [[Order of Hermes]], and presents a more-or-less typical or steretypical member of that House. For this reason, it is recommended you read them to familiarize yourself with the magi that are typical in the setting.

Yair: /* Templates */

2026-05-06T00:59:33Z

Templates

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 5 May 2026
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	Each of the core templates belongs to a certain [[House]] of the [[Order of Hermes]], and presents a more-or-less typical or steretypical member of that House. For this reason, it is recommended you read them to familiarize yourself with the magi that are typical in the setting.		Each of the core templates belongs to a certain [[House]] of the [[Order of Hermes]], and presents a more-or-less typical or steretypical member of that House. For this reason, it is recommended you read them to familiarize yourself with the magi that are typical in the setting.

	Some core-book magus templates, however, are less typical for their House, and certain defining House stereotypes are missing. There are also character concepts that may not be common in the Order, but are common choices for player characters. For this reason, we present here an extended list of templates that you can choose from, including both core book and fan-created templates. Like the core templates, each comes with notes on customization, but also with roleplaying and gaming advice. All templates use only the rules from the [[Ars Magica Fifth Edition\|standard core-book]] (not the [[Definitive Edition]]), but notes on alternatives from ~~[[supplement\|~~supplements]] are added when relevant.		Some core-book magus templates, however, are less typical for their House, and certain defining House stereotypes are missing. There are also character concepts that may not be common in the Order, but are common choices for player characters. For this reason, we present here an extended list of templates that you can choose from, including both core book and fan-created templates. Like the core templates, each comes with notes on customization, but also with roleplaying and gaming advice. All templates use only the rules from the [[Ars Magica Fifth Edition\|standard core-book]] (not the [[Definitive Edition]]), but notes on alternatives from supplements are added when relevant.

	* [[Animalistic Bjornaer (Template)]]: This is the [[Bjornaer]] template offered in the core book, representing a magus at home in nature and in his animal shape.		* [[Animalistic Bjornaer (Template)]]: This is the [[Bjornaer]] template offered in the core book, representing a magus at home in nature and in his animal shape.

Yair: /* Supplementary Material for Magi Creation */

2025-11-20T18:52:36Z

Supplementary Material for Magi Creation

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	* House Guernicus :The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]].		* House Guernicus :The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]].

	* House Jerbiton : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]]. Note that its domus magna is in the Greater Alps tribunal, described in [[Sanctuary of Ice]], but that is an old (4th Edition) book. Jerbiton magi are also influencial in the Tribunal of Thebes, particularly in Constantinople, so players may want to peruse of the [[The Sundered Eagle]]. Discussion of nobility can be found in [[Lords of Men]], and of social influence in the Tytalus chapter of [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]].		* House Jerbiton : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]]. Note that its domus magna is in the Greater Alps tribunal, described in [[Sanctuary of Ice]], but that is an old (4th Edition) book. Jerbiton magi are also influencial in the Tribunal of Thebes, particularly in Constantinople, so players may want to peruse of the [[The Sundered Eagle]]. Discussion of nobility can be found in [[Lords of Men]], and of social influence in the Tytalus chapter of [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]]. If you play an erudite character, focusing on philosophy, you may want to peruse [[Art & Academy]].

	* House Mercere : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]], providing useful information for both Redcaps and Mercere magi. Note that its domus magna is in the Roman Tribunal, which is only described in the 3rd Edition supplement [[Tribunals of Hermes: Rome]].		* House Mercere : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]], providing useful information for both Redcaps and Mercere magi. Note that its domus magna is in the Roman Tribunal, which is only described in the 3rd Edition supplement [[Tribunals of Hermes: Rome]]. Note that trade, which many Redcaps find appealing, is dealt with in [[City & Guild]].

	* House Merinita : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]], and its domus magna in [[Guardians of the Forests]]. Merinitia magi (and all Faerie-touched characters) would probably want to take a look at [[Realms of Power: Faerie]], whcich significantly expands on faerie lore and rules.		* House Merinita : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]], and its domus magna in [[Guardians of the Forests]]. Merinitia magi (and all Faerie-touched characters) would probably want to take a look at [[Realms of Power: Faerie]], whcich significantly expands on faerie lore and rules.
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	* House Tytalus : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]], and its domus magna in [[The Lion and the Lily]].		* House Tytalus : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]], and its domus magna in [[The Lion and the Lily]].

	* House Verditius : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]. Its domus magna is situated in the Roman Tribunal, described only by the 3rd Edition [[Tribunals of Hermes: Rome]] book.		* House Verditius : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]. Its domus magna is situated in the Roman Tribunal, described only by the 3rd Edition [[Tribunals of Hermes: Rome]] book. Note that craft, that Verditius deal with circumvently, is dealt with in [[City & Guild]].

	* (Realm) Touched: If you want to play a character connected to one of the Realms of Power, you may want to read up on that Realm and the supernatural traditions associated with it in the Realms of Power books ([[Realms of Power: Faerie]], [[Realms of Power: the Divine]], or [[Realms of Power: the Infernal]]). Divine characters related to the Church, inclduing pilgrimages and general religious veneration, may also want to read that book ([[The Church]]).		* (Realm) Touched: If you want to play a character connected to one of the Realms of Power, you may want to read up on that Realm and the supernatural traditions associated with it in the Realms of Power books ([[Realms of Power: Faerie]], [[Realms of Power: the Divine]], or [[Realms of Power: the Infernal]]). Divine characters related to the Church, inclduing pilgrimages and general religious veneration, may also want to read that book ([[The Church]]).

Yair: /* Supplementary Material for Magi Creation */

2025-11-20T18:50:20Z

Supplementary Material for Magi Creation

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	* House Criamon : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]. An older (4th Edition) description of its domus magna can be found in [[Sanctuary of Ice]]. Note that travel through the magic realm and its relation to Twilight is discussed in [[Realms of Power: Magic]]. [[The Mysteries Revised Edition]] is also explicitly refrred to in the HoHMC text, providing one optional Criamon mystery (Inscription on the Soul) and possible, encouraged, alterations to the mysteries provided in its Criamon Paths.		* House Criamon : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]. An older (4th Edition) description of its domus magna can be found in [[Sanctuary of Ice]]. Note that travel through the magic realm and its relation to Twilight is discussed in [[Realms of Power: Magic]]. [[The Mysteries Revised Edition]] is also explicitly refrred to in the HoHMC text, providing one optional Criamon mystery (Inscription on the Soul) and possible, encouraged, alterations to the mysteries provided in its Criamon Paths.

	* House Ex Miscellanea : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]]. An older (4th Edition) description of its domus magna can be found in [[Heirs to Merlin]]. Note that some of the House's traditions in HoHS explicitly reference Divine or Infernal traditions described in [[Realms of Power: the Divine]] and [[Realms of Power: the Infernal]]. In addition, Ex Miscellanea traditions can be found in any Tribunal, such as the Hermetic Fecunds (Hunters) of the Transylvania Tribunal described in [[Against the Dark]].		* House Ex Miscellanea : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]]. An older (4th Edition) description of its domus magna can be found in [[Heirs to Merlin]]. Note that some of the House's traditions in HoHS explicitly reference Divine or Infernal traditions described in [[Realms of Power: the Divine]] and [[Realms of Power: the Infernal]]. In addition, Ex Miscellanea traditions can be found in any Tribunal, such as the Hermetic Fecunds (Hunters) of the Transylvania Tribunal described in [[Against the Dark]]. You may also want to read-up on hedge traditions, in [[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]].

	* House Flambeau : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]], and its domus magna in [[Faith & Flame]].		* House Flambeau : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]], and its domus magna in [[Faith & Flame]].

Yair: /* Supplementary Material for Magi Creation */

2025-11-20T18:49:16Z

Supplementary Material for Magi Creation

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:49, 20 November 2025
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	* House Jerbiton : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]]. Note that its domus magna is in the Greater Alps tribunal, described in [[Sanctuary of Ice]], but that is an old (4th Edition) book. Jerbiton magi are also influencial in the Tribunal of Thebes, particularly in Constantinople, so players may want to peruse of the [[The Sundered Eagle]]. Discussion of nobility can be found in [[Lords of Men]], and of social influence in the Tytalus chapter of [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]].		* House Jerbiton : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]]. Note that its domus magna is in the Greater Alps tribunal, described in [[Sanctuary of Ice]], but that is an old (4th Edition) book. Jerbiton magi are also influencial in the Tribunal of Thebes, particularly in Constantinople, so players may want to peruse of the [[The Sundered Eagle]]. Discussion of nobility can be found in [[Lords of Men]], and of social influence in the Tytalus chapter of [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]].

	* House Mercere :		* House Mercere : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]], providing useful information for both Redcaps and Mercere magi. Note that its domus magna is in the Roman Tribunal, which is only described in the 3rd Edition supplement [[Tribunals of Hermes: Rome]].

	* House Merinita :		* House Merinita : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]], and its domus magna in [[Guardians of the Forests]]. Merinitia magi (and all Faerie-touched characters) would probably want to take a look at [[Realms of Power: Faerie]], whcich significantly expands on faerie lore and rules.

	* House Tremere :		* House Tremere : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]]. Tremere totally dominates the Trasylvanian Tribunal, which is described in [[Against the Dark]] - including the House's domus magna. If you play a necromancer or spirit master of the House, you may also want to check out [[Realms of Power: Magic]] for its treatment of ghosts and spirits, and perhaps [[The Mysteries Revised Edition]] for its spirit and theurgic mystery cults.

	* House Tytalus :		* House Tytalus : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]], and its domus magna in [[The Lion and the Lily]].

	* House Verditius :		* House Verditius : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]. Its domus magna is situated in the Roman Tribunal, described only by the 3rd Edition [[Tribunals of Hermes: Rome]] book.

			* (Realm) Touched: If you want to play a character connected to one of the Realms of Power, you may want to read up on that Realm and the supernatural traditions associated with it in the Realms of Power books ([[Realms of Power: Faerie]], [[Realms of Power: the Divine]], or [[Realms of Power: the Infernal]]). Divine characters related to the Church, inclduing pilgrimages and general religious veneration, may also want to read that book ([[The Church]]).

			* Horror: Vampires are dealth with extensively in [[Against the Dark]], which also has general advice on playing horror stories. Werewolves are also connected to Pomerania region in the north-east of the Rhine tribunal in [[Guardians of the Forests]]. And of course, true darkness lies in the Infernal, which can be found in [[Realms of Power: The Infernal]].

	==References==		==References==

Yair: /* Supplementary Material for Magi Creation */

2025-11-20T16:59:21Z

Supplementary Material for Magi Creation

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 ==  Supplementary Material for Magi Creation ==
-[List or describe supplementary material such as ArM books (e.g., Houses books) with useful information for specific Magi and their associations to the Houses]
+* House Bonisagus : The House is described in [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]], and its domus magna in [[Guardians of the Forests]]. Note that intrigue and politics (for followers of Trianoma) are discussed also in the Jerbiton chapter of HoHTL, and agencies and social influence in the Tytalus chapter of [[Houses of Hermes: Societates]]. Followers of Bonisagus may want to accompany their pure, laboratory, research with field expeditions and attempts to integrate hedge magic (discussed in [[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]]), rival magic (discussed in [[Rival Magic]]), or ancient magic (discussed in [[Ancient Magic]]).
 ==References==

Yair: /* Templates */

2025-11-19T19:58:06Z

Templates

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:58, 19 November 2025
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	* [[Storm Witch (Template)]]: This Ex Miscellanea maga is in the Hermetic Tempestaria (weather witches) tradition, and maintains close ties with her hedge wizard brethern. She has great affinity with weather and storms magic.		* [[Storm Witch (Template)]]: This Ex Miscellanea maga is in the Hermetic Tempestaria (weather witches) tradition, and maintains close ties with her hedge wizard brethern. She has great affinity with weather and storms magic.

	* [[Pyromaniac (Template)]]: The stereotypical [[Flambeau]] magus, focused intently on throwing fire at his enemies, is well-represented by the core book's template. Here we only add some more comments and ideas for development.		* [[Pyromaniac (Template)]]: The stereotypical [[Flambeau]] magus, focused intently on throwing fire at his enemies, is well-represented by the core book's template. It is an example of the Puissant Ignem free House virtue, representing a magus from the school of [[Flambeau the Founder\|the Founder]]. Here we only add some more comments and ideas for development.

	* [[Death (Template)]]: This sinister emaciated figure is fascinated by death and decay, and is a master at the art of [[Perdo]]. It is very similar to the character of [[Darius]] in the core book, or [[Philippus Niger]] from [[Guardians of the Forest: The Rhine Tribunal\|Guardians of the Forest]]. This is a defining stereotype of [[House Flambeau]]~~. (Representing~~ a magus from the school of [[Apromor]].)		* [[Death (Template)]]: This sinister emaciated figure is fascinated by death and decay, and is a master at the art of [[Perdo]]. It is an example of the Puissant Perdo free House virtue, and is very similar to the character of [[Darius]] in the core book, or [[Philippus Niger]] from [[Guardians of the Forest: The Rhine Tribunal\|Guardians of the Forest]]. This is a defining stereotype of [[House Flambeau]], representing a magus from the school of [[Apromor]].

	* [[Frost Queen (Template)]]: A maga that feels at home in the cold tundra of the far north, she is a master at [[Perdo]] [[Ignem]] and related to the Faerie Snow Queen of Winter. It is a member of [[House Flambeau]], that combines the interests of the school of [[Apromor]] and [[Flambeau the Founder\|Founder]].		* [[Frost Queen (Template)]]: A maga that feels at home in the cold tundra of the far north, she is a master at [[Perdo]] [[Ignem]] and related to the Faerie Snow Queen of Winter. It is a member of [[House Flambeau]], that combines the interests of the school of [[Apromor]] and [[Flambeau the Founder\|Founder]].
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	* [[Pious Magus (Template)]]: A pious Christian, this magus works hard to maintain good relations between the [[Church]] and the [[Order of Hermes]]. This is another stereotype of [[House Jerbiton]], that works best with some use of supplements.		* [[Pious Magus (Template)]]: A pious Christian, this magus works hard to maintain good relations between the [[Church]] and the [[Order of Hermes]]. This is another stereotype of [[House Jerbiton]], that works best with some use of supplements.

	* [[Stormy Wanderer (Template)]]: This is a magus from [[House Mercere]] that, influenced by his [[Redcap]] [[sodales]], is taken to wandering. The strong connection to storms seems an idiosyncracy of the build that is not reflected well in the House background.		* [[Stormy Wanderer (Template)]]: This is a magus from [[House Mercere]] that, influenced by his [[Redcap]] [[sodales]], is taken to wandering. It is an example using the Puissant Creo free House virtue. The strong connection to storms seems an idiosyncracy of the build that is not reflected well in the House background.

	* [[Muto Specialist (Template)]]: A master of change and transmutation, this magus is a member of [[House Mercere]] descending directly from its [[Mercere the Founder\|Founder]]. This stereotype is suggested by the House's background, and works best with material from the [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]] supplement.		* [[Muto Specialist (Template)]]: A master of change and transmutation, this magus is a member of [[House Mercere]] descending directly from its [[Mercere the Founder\|Founder]]. This stereotype is suggested by the House's background, and works best with material from the [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]] supplement.

Yair: /* Templates */

2025-11-15T11:02:57Z

Templates

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:02, 15 November 2025
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	The core [[ArM5]] book offers twelve [[template\|templates]] of [[magi]] that can be simply adopted as your starting player character. This is, by far, the swiftest way to create a character - adopting a ready-made one. Each template has customization notes, giving advice on how to easily modify it. Of course, you can also make more extensive changes, but that requires more familiarity with the game rules.		The core [[ArM5]] book offers twelve [[template\|templates]] of [[magi]] that can be simply adopted as your starting player character. This is, by far, the swiftest way to create a character - adopting a ready-made one. Each template has customization notes, giving advice on how to easily modify it. Of course, you can also make more extensive changes, but that requires more familiarity with the game rules.

	Ready-made characters can also be created by more experienced players in your group, or you could adopt one of the starting-characters created by [[Atlas Games]] ~~or the fans~~ (see [[Published Starting Characters]]).		Ready-made characters can also be created by more experienced players in your group, or you could adopt one of the starting-characters created by [[Atlas Games]] (see [[Published Starting Characters]]) or the fans.

	Each of the core templates belongs to a certain [[House]] of the [[Order of Hermes]], and presents a more-or-less typical or steretypical member of that House. For this reason, it is recommended you read them to familiarize yourself with the magi that are typical in the setting.		Each of the core templates belongs to a certain [[House]] of the [[Order of Hermes]], and presents a more-or-less typical or steretypical member of that House. For this reason, it is recommended you read them to familiarize yourself with the magi that are typical in the setting.