Ancient Magic Chapter Six: Heron of Alexandria's Legacy
See Also
- The Ars Magica Reference Document
- The Ancient Magic Open Content page
- The Ancient Magic product page on this wiki
Chapter Six: Heron of Alexandria's Legacy
[T]he ancients also describe as mechanicians the wonder-workers, of whom some work by means of pneumatics, as Heron in his Pneumatica, some by using strings and ropes, thinking to imitate the movements of living things, as Heron in his Automata and Balancings, ... or by using water to tell the time, as Heron in his Hydria, which appears to have affinities with the science of sundials.
— Pappus, Book VIII Mathematical Collection
Throughout its history, Alexandria has been the crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean. For centuries, the Royal Museum and Library saw scholars from different cultures meet to exchange teaching and knowledge. Heron of Alexandria, who lived there in the first century AD, wrote extensively on mathematics, physics, pneumatics, and mechanics. His studies of metaphysics allowed him to derive certain principles underlying Neo-Platonic theory, which he shared with his best pupils. This led to the formation of a small order of mechanic-magicians, historically known as the Mechanicians, or wonder-workers of Heron.
According to Heron, all mechanical devices possess both a theoretical and a manual part, the theoretical part being composed of the necessary geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and physics required to design it, and the manual component being the metalwork, architecture, carpentry, or painting necessary to build it. The Mechanicians infused mechanical devices with wondrous abilities through the marriage of these two parts. Among the most famous of these "mechanica" were an exquisite singing nightingale belonging to Justinian the Great, and an automated puppet show which portrayed the lives of gods and men, fabricated by Heron himself.
The Mechanicians spread throughout the eastern Empire but the majority of them remained in Alexandria, taking advantage of its Library and Museum. They remained a rarity, as their magic required both considerable funds and a prohibitively high level of education. As Christianity grew in power, the Neo-Platonic scholars who formed the group's core practitioners became the targets of persecution that further reduced their numbers. The Mechanicians died out sometime during the fifth century. Theon and his daughter Hypatia, both prominent figures during the Library of Alexandria's final years, were among the last known members.
Much of their knowledge was lost during the fourth century when the Byzantine Empire suppressed Heron's works as a pagan heresy. Ironically, the Church subsequently embraced Heron's surviving works centuries later, just as it did those of Aristotle and many other ancient philosophers. This allowed many of his works to survive, preserving some of the Mechanicians' lore.
Adding to the Library
Heron's secrets are unknown to the Order of Hermes at large. If magi think of him at all, they assume that Heron's works are mundane philosophical treatises and that rumors of his magical constructs are just that — rumor. Magi with access to uncorrupted copies of Heron's texts can use them to rediscover his secrets and incorporate them into Hermetic theory. Troupes not wishing to include mechanica in their game may still use his texts in stories, as Heron's teachings played an important part in medieval learning.
Books
Heron's writings are useful summae and tractatus on the Artes Liberales and Philosophiae, particularly on the principles of geometry, astronomy, and mathematics. Few scribes transcribing the ancient scrolls possessed the Supernatural Virtue Mechanica of Heron, however, which rendered these copies worthless for researching mechanica (see below).
Several other Neo-Platonic writers such as Apollonius and Theon were Mechanicians of Heron, and their works might also contain clues that help integrate Heron's teachings into Hermetic theory.
Relics of Empire
Mechanica were always a rarity, but discovering one in the 13th century is not impossible, as they have considerable value as art objects. The practice died out nearly a thousand years ago and the majority of mechanica are even older, making the likelihood of any mechanica still being in working order very small. Merchants or scholars might try to sell a broken one to a covenant as a curiosity. While repairing such devices is impossible without the Mechanica of Heron Virtue, study reveals that these items possess an intricate magic that hints of new potentials in Hermetic theory.
House Politics
Several Houses might be very interested in rediscovering Heron's techniques and incorporating them into Hermetic theory. Naturally, the Bonisagus would be fascinated with the possibilities — especially the creation of sentient magical devices. The magus discovering a way to imbue an item with intelligence as Heron's followers did would reap instant fame.
House Verditius maintains a virtual stranglehold on the creation of automata and complex magical devices in the Order. Heron's mechanica would be of great interest to them, both to preserve their monopoly and to incorporate his techniques into their own repertoire. A method of producing devices with less vis would be a godsend to the House just as devices with a mutable nature would be a dire threat. Heron's methods for creating magical items and automata are unrelated to those used by the House (Houses of Hermes: Mysteries, page 128). Combining the two traditions may prove fruitful — or be utterly impossible.
The military possibilities of mechanica are not lost on House Tremere. Heron's devices are supremely versatile, possessing an otherwise unknown flexibility. Such properties make them very useful for supporting extended operations.
Heron's Art: Mechanica
A new Major Supernatural Virtue, Mechanica of Heron, represents the magical techniques described in this chapter. A surviving practitioner of this discipline could teach it to a Gifted character using the rules for learning Supernatural Abilities (see ArM5, page 166). Since any magus must subtract his Art scores from the Study Total, any magi seeking to use these techniques would be wiser to attempt integrating Heron's mechanical principles into Hermetic theory instead.
Integrating Heron's Mechanica into Hermetic Theory
A magus attempting to incorporate the underlying principles of Heron's Mechanica into Hermetic theory requires a breakthrough in Hermetic theory (see the Introduction). Integrating Heron's Mechanica requires the following two suggested Breakthroughs: Mutable Device and Awakened Device.
Ability Mechanica of Heron
Knowledge of what mechanica are, how to construct them, and how to use them. Primarily used in the laboratory to construct mechanica (see above).
Specialties: Inventing Mechanica, Constructing Anima, working with a particular material. (Supernatural)
Before starting, the magus must obtain uncorrupted versions of Heron's texts and working mechanica. Studying these provides the magus with Insight and provides a one-time bonus to the magus's Lab Total when inventing a Hermetic device that mimics the effects of either a studied mechanica or a mechanica described in one of Heron's texts. Mechanica provide a bonus equal to the magnitude of the device's effect. Uncorrupted texts provide a bonus equal to their Level or Quality (whichever is lower) for inventing a device described in the text. Broken mechanica do not provide Insight. An anima may provide several instances of Insight (one for each of its effects) or serve as a Teacher (see the Introduction) at the storyguide's discretion.
Understanding Mechanica
A magus may wish to use a mechanica as well as study it. The magus spends one season in the laboratory investigating the device as per the Investigating Enchantments rules (ArM5, page 100). If the study total generated exceeds the level of the effect in the device, the magus understands the device sufficiently to use the device in addition to it possibly providing the researcher with Insight.
To Integrate Mutable Device into Hermetic Theory: Suggested accumulated breakthrough points > 45
Study Mechanica: Intellego Vim Lab Total + stress die vs. device spell or effect level
This study is performed concurrently with the first season spent studying a mechanica.
Major Supernatural Virtue: Mechanica of Heron
Heron's disciples used this Virtue to create and animate magical-mechanical devices called mechanica. The character with this Virtue must have The Gift and possess a Virtue that allows access to Academic Abilities. He begins with a score of 1 in the Ability Mechanica of Heron. The Ability can be improved by study, practice, or teaching. Mechanica can simulate any Creo, Rego, Perdo, or Muto effect on Auram, Aquam, Ignem, Mentem, or Terram. Ordinary mechanica may not have more than one effect, but awakened mechanica (see below) may have several.
Creating a mechanica requires a season or more of work in a laboratory after which the Mechanician matches his Intelligence + Mechanica of Heron Ability against a Mechanica Creation Level of (3 x the number of magnitudes of effect in the device). Mechanicians may also add the lower of the Philosophiae or Artes Liberales abilities to the total. They may also receive benefits for Inventive Genius, and make use of Arcane Experimentation (see ArM5, pages 107–109). Frequency of use, Penetration, triggers, and conditions (see ArM5, pages 97–98) can be used to modify the imbued effect and also affect its final magnitude. Mechanica are normally human-sized or larger. Making one small enough to be easily carried increases the Mechanica Creation Level by 3, or by 6 if the item is small enough to hold in one hand. The Mechanica Creation Level decreases by 3 if the device is wagon or boat-sized. Mechanica effects that require additional time to employ reduce the Mechanica Creation Level by 3. (These take 15 minutes per magnitude of effect to employ as per the Ceremonial Casting rules on ArM5, page 83.) These reductions can never reduce the Creation Level below 3. If the total exceeds the Mechanica Creation Level, the character has successfully created the item. Failure (due to experimentation, for example) indicates that time and half the materials are lost. Auras affect mechanica and their construction as per magical devices (see ArM5, page 187).
Construct Mechanica of Heron Total: Intelligence + Mechanica of Heron Ability + (lower of Philosophiae or Artes Liberales) + aura
Mechanica Creation Level: (3 x Magnitude of Imbued Effect) + modifiers
Creating Mechanica Cost: 1 Mythic Pound per 3 points of Mechanica Creation Level
Mechanica Creation Level Modifiers:
Modifier Effect Wagon- or boat-sized –3 Easily carried +3 Hand-sized +6 Additional time to employ –3 Mechanica do not require vis to construct, and are not able to replicate spells that require vis or have a range greater than Voice. Mechanica cost one Mythic Pound per three Mechanica Creation Levels. A Mechanician can create exactly one mechanica in a season; if his total does not exceed the level required for a device, he cannot construct it at all.
One of the advantages of mechanica is their flexibility. With a week's study, a Mechanician can alter a mechanica's effect so long as it uses the same Form and Technique originally contained in the device. The new level of spell or effect cannot be higher than the existing one (including modifications for range, charges, or use). Changing the device's function costs the Mechanician one Mythic Pound to attempt and requires a successful Intelligence + Mechanica of Heron roll against an Ease Factor equal to the creation level of the new item. If the roll fails, the device is unaffected but the money and time are lost. A botch destroys the device.
Alter Mechanica: Intelligence + Mechanica of Heron Ability + (lower of Philosophiae or Artes Liberales) + aura + stress die vs. Ease Factor
Ease Factor: (3 x Magnitude of New Imbued Effect) + size factor – ease of use
Exquisitely sophisticated, intelligent devices are possible, such as Justinian's Nightingale or the Brass Mule of Saris. This requires awakening the inner nature, the anima, inherent in a mechanica. The item in question must be a simulacrum of a living creature; doing otherwise violates the Neo-Platonic ideals used by Mechanicians, producing a lifeless mechanica.
Major Supernatural Virtue: Mechanica of Heron, Continued
To construct a simulacrum of an animal, first choose a species, then consult the Size Example Table to determine its Size (ArM5, page 192). Next, choose a material for construction using the Material Table (ArM5, page 97). These factors determine the anima's Magic Might score. When designing a simulacrum, the Mechanician may add a number of points to the Magic Might equal to the lower of his Philosophiae or Artes Liberales Abilities. The material cost of creating the device and attempting to awaken its anima is a number of Mythic Pounds equal to its Magic Might.
Anima's Magic Might: Size + Material Base Points + (lower of Philosophiae or Artes Liberales)
Construct Simulacra Cost: 1 Mythic Pound per point of Magic Might
Magic Might determines the construction total needed to construct it. Since this is a magical creation, Magic Might is also the automaton's Magic Resistance. The Mechanician can construct a number of Magic Might points per season equal to his Mechanica of Heron Ability + Intelligence.
Once the simulacrum is constructed, the Mechanician compares his Intelligence and Mechanica of Heron Ability plus the lower of his Philosophiae or Artes Liberales Abilities to an Awaken Anima Level of 9 plus the magnitude of the device's potential Magical Might. As with Mechanica, a lab is required and auras affect the process. If the total is insufficient, the Mechanician may continue to work for another season, adding a cumulative +1 bonus to his total for each further season. The anima is awakened when the Mechanician's total in a season exceeds the Awaken Anima Level. If the work is interrupted, the device is ruined.
Awaken Anima Total: Intelligence + Mechanica of Heron Ability + (lower of Philosophiae or Artes Liberales) + Aura
Awaken Anima Level: 9 + Magnitude of Anima's Magic Might
Once the anima awakens, it is a sentient being and possesses mental and physical traits based on whatever creature it emulates. A number of points equal to the magnitude of its Magic Might may be used to modify these traits as per character creation ArM5, page 30. If the base creature does not possess Intelligence, it gains Intelligence +0. At least one Personality Trait is gained based on the form or material of the anima's body (see ArM5, page 110) as part of the new creature's personality these cost nothing and range from –3 to +3. For example, a golden owl might have the Wise or Greedy Personality Traits. Once awakened, the anima can learn Abilities, including languages, as per the rules for training and instruction (ArM5, page 163–166).
Anima are not capable of movement or speech on their own and must have these abilities instilled as constant effects. A number of effects can be instilled in a simulacrum equal to the limits dictated by the Material and Size Table (based on the equivalent size) in ArM5, page 97. Naturally, the effect must be logical and the simulacrum capable of carrying it out. For example, a turtle makes a poor runner and a fish could not fly. The imbued locomotion powers for any sentient mechanica will in practice be a Rego Terram effect of level 20 or 25 (base = 2 or 3 , +2 metal, +1 concentration; +5 self-concentrating; +10 unlimited uses) depending on whether the movement is considered "unnatural" or "highly unnatural." As such, they generally have a level of 12 or 15. Powers may be drawn from those used by automata in Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, page 129. These powers are invested according to the rules for investing a single power in a non-sentient mechanica, above.
The anima are often bound to their creator as a part of their construction and have a Loyal +3 Personality Trait, but this is not required. Most feel gratitude for their awakening and happily serve their creator. Anima are not subject to fatigue. Anima cannot be made into familiars.
Major Breakthrough: Mutable Device
A mutable item is created like a Lesser Enchanted Device with the new Mutable Device property adding +10 to the device's level of effect. If applicable, the Lab Total gains bonuses from the item's shape and material (see ArM5, page 110). Any magus with the Craft Mutable Device Virtue can subsequently alter the device's enchantment at need. With a week's work in the laboratory and the expenditure of a pawn of Vim vis, he can alter the device's invested effect to another one having the same Form and Technique. Any modifications such as conditions or uses per day may also be changed so long as the final level of effect remains the same or lower (including the +10 for the Mutable Device property). For example, a wand instilled with Heat of the Searing Forge, used continually, could be altered to one containing Flash of the Scarlet Flames, usable 12 times per day with a +5 Penetration.
Integration Process
Once an Insight Lab Text is created, the magus can begin the process of integration with Hermetic theory by devising enchanted items which Hermetically duplicate the mechanica's effects. Though a magus cannot create an Awakened Device prior to making the requisite Breakthrough, duplicating the functions of mechanica (which need not be awakened devices) are acceptable sources of breakthrough points for this.
Incorporating the Mechanicians' ability to build enchanted devices without vis breaks the Lesser Limit of Creation (ArM5, page 80), requiring a Hermetic Breakthrough to achieve.
Seeking Heron's Legacy
The easiest way to recover Heron's legacy is through recovering surviving written works and devices. Examination of mechanica reveals clues as who fabricated the device and where. Libraries with corrupted copies of Heron's works may know about the original copies. Armed with these hints, a determined magus can begin his quest for Heron's lost magic.
Minor Hermetic Virtue: Craft Mutable Device
A magus must learn the special Hermetic Virtue Craft Mutable Device before he can create items with the property Mutable Device" described above. This Virtue can be Initiated as part of a Mystery, or taught to apprentices during training. A second breakthrough, also requiring 45 breakthrough points, removes the need for the Virtue, as noted in the Introduction.
Major Breakthrough: Awakened Device
If the researcher has not already discovered Mutable Device, this discovery requires a Major Breakthrough. If the researcher has already discovered Mutable Device, she builds upon existing work and the discovery becomes a Minor Breakthrough requiring 30 points.
To Integrate Awakened Device into Hermetic Theory: Suggested accumulated breakthrough points > 45
To Integrate Awakened Device if Mutable Device Already Integrated: Suggested accumulated breakthrough points > 30
The Writings
Many of Heron's writings survived into the 13th century, although the scholars attribute many to Euclid or Ptolemy. The examples below provide suggested Levels for Summae, but Qualities depend on a given book's condition. All uncorrupted versions of these texts are in Greek. Texts translated into Arabic and their latterday Latin translations are uniformly corrupt.
Automata (Moving Itself) describes the construction of miracles (thaumata) for temples, such as rotating statues, thunderous noises, artificial voices, and doors which open of their own accord. Mechanica of Heron Summa Level 4
Automaton Theatre describes an automated puppet theatre. Replicating this device was a favorite project of Heron's students, but Heron's original possesses unique properties (see below). Mechanica of Heron Tractatus Quality 9
Major Hermetic Virtue: Awaken Device
This Virtue confers the ability to awaken imbued devices.
Through the use of logical principles developed by Heron, a magus can awaken the spirit slumbering within a simulacrum. Magi should take great care in what they choose to awaken, as the resulting personality derives from its form and material. When awakened, the resultant being has one or more Personality Traits based on the material and simulacra of the body, as noted above. When designing simulacra, a magus may add a number of points to the Magic Might up to his Magical Theory score.
Awakened Device's Magic Might: Material Base Points + Magic Theory
Magic Might determines the Awakened Device Level needed to construct it, and the limit of pawns of vis that may be used to instill spell-like effects in it. Since this is a magical creation, Magic Might is also the Awakened Device's Magic Resistance. The device requires sufficient Vim vis to open the enchantment as per making an enchanted device (see ArM5, page 96–100) plus one pawn of Creo or Form-specific vis per point of Magic Might. In addition, constructing the simulacra costs a number of Mythic Pounds equal to its Material Base Points.
The Lab Total for awakening a device is Creo + Form + Intelligence + Magic Theory + aura modifier, and any points exceeding the Awakened Device Level can be accumulated over several uninterrupted seasons of work as when constructing an enchanted device (see ArM5, page 96). The material used to construct the simulacrum's body dictates the Form used, such as Terram for a copper fox.
Awakened Device Lab Total: Creo + Form + Intelligence + Magic Theory + Aura
Awakened Device Level: Awakened Device's Magical Might + (Size x 5)
In addition, the device must be further enchanted to provide it with means of locomotion, communication, or other abilities as per the rules for enchanting items. Once awakened, the device can use any instilled effects it contains at will. Additional powers may be added later if the Material and Size Table (ArM5, page 97) permits. Powers may be drawn from those used by automata in Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, page 130. These Powers may be instilled any time before or after the anima is awakened. An Awakened Device can learn Abilities, including languages, as per the rules for training and instruction (ArM5, page 163–166).
Awakened Devices can be made into familiars but this requires the magus to awaken the device himself.
Awaken Device is not initially compatible with the Automata Mystery used by House Verditius, but further research may allow this Breakthrough.
Catoptrica concerns the geometrical propagation of light, reflection, and the use of mirrors. In it, Heron states that vision results from light rays emitted by the eyes. He believes that these rays travel with infinite velocity. Most scholars attribute this book to Ptolemy. Philosophiae Tractatus Quality 8
Dioptra (named for a surveyor's device) is a vast collection of geometric constructions useful for surveying. Included are engineering principles for tunnel construction as well as methods for transporting and measuring water. A chapter on astronomy gives a method to find the distance between Alexandria and Rome by observations of a lunar eclipse. Artes Liberales Summa Level 4
Metrica is a collection of volumes discussing geometry and logic. Methods for calculating the volumes of spheres and determining cube roots are interspersed with notes for their use in creating mechanica. These mathematical techniques are generally lost to Mythic Europe and the formulae are essential for the understanding of Mechanica. Artes Liberales Tractatus Level 7, Mechanica of Heron Tractatus Quality 10
Pneumatica is a magnificent collection of over a hundred mechanical devices and machines popular in the first century. Among the devices detailed are the infamous Aeolipile (see below), trick jars that give out wine or water, singing birds and mechanical voices, puppets that move when a fire is lit on an altar, animals that drink when they are offered water, or mechanical fountains that dispense holy water after coins are inserted. All function through the use of air, steam, or hydraulic mechanisms augmented by the principles of mechanica. Readers with the Supernatural Virtue Mechanica of Heron may use the volume as a Lab Text when recreating any of the devices described — such a text gives a bonus on the Lab Total equal to its Quality when researching an equivalent Hermetic item. Mechanica of Heron Tractatus Quality 7
Belopoeica, Heron's rarest work, is a collection of war machines with notes on their proper construction and employment in siegecraft. Philosophiae Tractatus Quality 7
Mechanica is a series of three volumes written for architects, ostensibly concerned with moving heavy objects through the construction of simple and complex lifting machines or cranes. It also serves as a text instructing in Mechanica of Heron. Philosophiae Tractatus Quality 8, Mechanica of Heron Summa Level 3
Heron's Devices
Over centuries, Heron and his disciples constructed hundreds of mechanica, but the majority have disappeared. A few remain in the hands of collectors who seldom know their true value. Others await discovery. Examples of the more useful mechanica include the following.
Fire Quencher
This large fire pump uses hydraulic pressure and Heron's techniques to extinguish even magical flames. Mechanicians built many of these devices. The vigiles of ancient Rome and Alexandria used them to protect the cities from fire.
Quench the Flames
PeIg 19
Pen 0, 12/day
R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Group
The bulky cart makes this difficult to deploy, requiring two mules or cart horses to move.
So long as the water tank is full, the pump can extinguish any flames its water jet is directed upon. It quenches an area five paces across with a Perdo Ignem Level 20 effect. Even magical flames are affected.
(Effect: Base 3, +2 Voice, +2 Group; Modifications: 12/day +4) (Level: 9)
Aeolipile
The Aeolipile is the first known device to transform steam into rotary motion. It consists of a hollow sphere mounted so that it can turn on a pair of hollow tubes that provide steam to the sphere from a cauldron. The steam escapes from the sphere from one or more bent tubes projecting from its equator, causing the sphere to revolve.
When properly constructed, it has a mesmerizing effect upon any observers, allowing scholars to focus the attention of students and demagogues to gather mobs. The effects end when the water boils away or the user loses control of the device.
Beguile the Gathering
CrMe 33
Pen 6, 3/day
R: Voice, D: Conc, T: Group
The Aeolipile requires an extensive set up. Bringing the properly prepared water in the cauldron to a boil and bringing the whirling device up to speed takes about 15 minutes. Once started, the Aeolipile functions until the water boils dry or the user's concentration is broken.
Those entering the area of effect become curious and stay to watch for the duration of the effect. A stress roll against an Ease Factor of 9 using an appropriate Personality Trait (like Impatient) can break the hold.
(Effect: Base 4, +2 Voice, +1 Conc, +2 Group; Modifications: +3 Pen, 3/day +5)
(Level: 21)
Thunder Maker
Heron designed many of his devices for use in temples and theater. The thunder maker was used in both to accompany the exit and entrance of gods during plays. Other versions sounded like brazen trumpets, and blared when doors opened, heralding the arrival of priests, magistrates, and imperators.
Bellows filled a chamber that discharged a thunderous rumble. In the close confines of a temple or theater, the effect was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Theurge's Trumpet
CrAu 19
Pen 0, 12/day
R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Room
The device requires at least 15 minutes to recharge after each use.
At its maximum effect, the targets must make a Stamina stress roll against an Ease Factor of 9 or be unable to act in the next round. A target who fails may make additional Stamina simple rolls each round thereafter against the same Ease Factor, and recovers if successful. If the first roll botches, the sound knocks the victim unconscious.
(Effect: Base 3, +2 Voice, +2 Room; Modifications: 12/day +4) (Level: 12)
Finding Heron's Trail
Investigation reveals that the last known Mechanicians lived in Constantinople during the sixth century. Stories hint that Emperor Justinian had Mechanicians in his employ, if he did not practice Heron's Art himself. Among the mechanical marvels of his court were pillar-thrones that rose and fell on command, clockwork sundials, and a glorious nightingale that sang of its own accord. Even the Hagia Sophia with its innovative architecture bears the mark of Heron's dead hand.
Constantinople: The Ruined Metropolis
Once the greatest city in the world, Constantinople has fallen upon hard times. Entire districts stand abandoned or destroyed. Everywhere the traveler looks, the effects of the Fourth Crusade are plain to see. Crusader nobles and Italian merchants have seized ancient homes and villas for their own. These foreigners might be persuaded to sell their "old Roman junk," such as broken mechanica or unread books, to magi. With luck, magi may find themselves obtaining treasures of ancient literature for a pittance of what they might pay in the book-poor West.
Finding Justinian's artifacts is more difficult. The magi must deal with charlatans, thieves, and overly curious Churchmen. The sad truth is that Justinian and his court are 800 years dead, and little survives from that time.
The Churchman
The only uncorrupted text readily available in Constantinople is a remarkably well-preserved copy of Heron's Automata (Mechanica of Heron Summa Level 4, Quality 7), in the original Greek. It lies in the hands of Monsignor Bertrando de Pepoli, an official attached to the Papal legate. Bertrando is willing to sell the book but his price is unreasonably high. He wants a prince's ransom in silver, citing its "blasphemous" contents. After all, anyone interested in such a "dangerous" work is clearly suspect. Negotiations are delicate, for Bertrando has no compunctions about using the legate's power for his own ends. Should he become aware of the magi's true nature, he changes his tune and quickly trades it for a trifling magical favor —a "bargain" which may come back to haunt the magi.
Written in the book's margins is an eyewitness account of Hypatia of Alexandria's burial; how she was laid to rest next to her father, Theon of Alexandria, in one of that city's many Temples of Serapis, along with many codices and scrolls salvaged from the Library of Alexandria. The account contains enough information to locate the temple.
A Beggar's Treasure
News of the magi's investigations makes its way to the ears of Basil the Leprous, the uncrowned king of Constantinople's innumerable beggars. Basil sets a trap for the magi, sending one of his followers to approach the magi. He claims to know about one of the "jeweled toys" they seek and can even describe Justinian's Nightingale accurately.
The beggar leads those following him into a ruined district where a large group of bandits lie in ambush. The beggar does not know about the ambush and the bandits consider him expendable. Accompanying the bandits is the beggar king and his prize possession, Justinian's Nightingale. Basil is convinced that these scholars can change base metals into gold and he intends to take them prisoner until they make him rich! The Nightingale has convinced the outlaw that his ragged followers are more than a match for some "harmless alchemists."
The Nightingale hangs back during the ambush but switches sides should the magi display any magical powers. It had been intending to simply flee and seek out the company of scholars and philosophers, but the magi's appearance piques its curiosity. If any of the magi can knowledgeably discourse on philosophy or natural history, they may have a friend for life.
Alexandria
The Fifth Crusade raged across Egypt and Crusader armies captured Damietta in 1219. They remain there until their defeat in 1221. Crusaders do not return to Egypt until 1249 and the Seventh Crusade.
Alexandria may shock magi coming from the small cities and isolated covenants of Mythic Europe. Alexandria sprawls over several square miles of mud brick and stone. Like Constantinople, however, its population has diminished from its heyday to a "mere" 50,000. A vast fortress, the Citadel, built on the site of the Ptolemaic palace (and the Library of Alexandria), overlooks the city, and numerous madrasas (religious colleges) have made the city one of the great centers of Islamic teaching.
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria still guides visitors arriving by ship to the harbor. The markets are a babble of unfamiliar languages. Goods arrive from as far away as India making pepper, silk and other rarities in Mythic Europe comparatively common. On a darker note, many of the unfortunates from the Children's Crusade of 1212 were sold here as slaves and still labor in the city.
Numerous difficulties beset those searching for Hypatia's tomb. Those without knowledge of the local languages (Arabic and Coptic), or of the city itself, must hire translators and guides. Without disguises, magi risk discovery as "Frankish spies." Blatant displays of magic bring them to the attention of Muslim scholars or sorcerers who may desire the contents of the temple for themselves. As befitting a major center of Islamic teaching, the Dominion is strong throughout the city, with an average aura of four. It is far higher around the numerous mosques, schools, and mausoleums.
The Library of Alexandria
The Library of Alexandria was actually several libraries and museums in the city of Alexandria. By the 1220s, it had achieved a mythic stature through the recovered works of ancient writers. The apocryphal burning of the Library during Julius Caesar's invasion was described as the greatest calamity of the ancient world. In reality, the Library and its scholarly community continued to flourish after the Romans took control. However, the Library suffered from the vicissitudes that beset the Roman Empire, and from Alexandria's endemic mob violence. Slowly, the Library declined in importance, especially after Theodosius I had its most important complex, the Serapeum, razed as a pagan temple in the fourth century.
During the early fifth century, the city of Alexandria fell under the control of Cyril, the Patriarch of Alexandria. At his instigation, the Alexandrian mob burned most of the surviving Library and murdered Hypatia, its last librarian. This marked the end of Alexandria as a major center of ancient learning. Alexandria fell to Arab conquerors in 686, but by then even the Library's ruins had disappeared.
Hypatia of Alexandria
Hypatia was born in 370 AD, daughter of Theon, who was one of the last librarians at the Royal Library and Museum of Alexandria and a man widely considered one of the most educated in Alexandria. He trained Hypatia in the philosophical arts as well as in Heron's magical technique and she soon surpassed him in wisdom. As she grew older, Hypatia became a well-known lecturer at the Library of Alexandria and wrote several important treatises on astronomy, astrology, and mathematics. Some credit her with the invention of the astrolabe.
Hypatia's scholarly prominence accented the fact that she was both female and pagan in an increasingly Christian patriarchal society. Shortly before her death, Saint Cyril became the Patriarch of Alexandria, and soon overthrew the Imperial government in the city. In the spring of 415 AD, a mob seized Hypatia on the street, beat her, skinned her with oyster shells, and dragged her body through the city in triumph.
After her death, her followers laid her to rest next to her father in the Temple of Serapis where they had lived and studied. The surviving Mechanicians had used the temple as a repository for what they could salvage from the wreckage of the Library. They then fled Alexandria before the mob could seize them, leaving behind a treasure trove of ancient lore. Over the years, the Dominion in Alexandria grew more powerful until it subsumed the temple's weakened magical aura. However, instead of being snuffed out, the temple's aura formed a regio that can only be accessed while the Dominion is weak.
Justinian's Nightingale
Hypatia, one of the last Librarians of Alexandria, created the Nightingale from gold, silver, and jewels. Designed as a companion and entertainer, the awakened mechanica's beautiful voice enthralled all who listened to its jewel-like tones. The nightingale watched over Theon and his household, waking them with a clarion voice when fire or robber threatened.
After Hypatia's murder, the bird came to the attention of Emperor Justinian and became a toy used to entertain the Imperial court. Centuries went by as the bird passed from hand to hand, until it was lost during the sack of Constantinople.
The nightingale can tell much of Heron's lore, but it lacks The Gift and the proper understanding of magical theory necessary for it to be able to pass on the secrets of mechanica. It has seen much during its centuries of existence and knows much about the truths behind Byzantine history. The Nightingale loves philosophical debate and can discourse for hours upon Plato and Aristotle.
After centuries of being treated as little more than a pet, the Nightingale has grown very lonely for the kind of scholastic discourse it enjoyed with its creator and his family. The beggar king's rather foolish scheme is the result of the Nightingale's manipulation.
Justinian's Nightingale can relate the tale of Hypatia's burial, including an accurate location of the old temple. It also knows that Heron's Theatre was hidden there, along with numerous mechanica salvaged from the Library of Alexandria. It has no idea that the temple is haunted and will be horrified by its creator's current plight (see below).
Magic Might: 29 (Auram)
Characteristics: Int +1, Per –1, Pre +1, Com +3, Str –3, Sta +1, Dex +2, Qik +2
Size: –6
Age: 800+ (n/a)
Virtues and Flaws: Enchanting Music; Second Sight
Personality Traits: Talkative +3, Loyal +2, Helpful +1
Reputations: Beautiful Voice 3 (Constantinople)
Combat:
Dodge: Init 2, Attack n/a, Defense 8, Damage n/a
Soak: +4
Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20)
Abilities: Artes Liberales 4 (rhetoric), Awareness 3 (alertness), Brawl 1 (dodge), Coptic 4 (crafters), Greek 6 (courtly), Area Lore Eastern Empire 2 (Byzantine Centers), Enchanting Music 6 (awaken), Folk Ken 4 (nobles), History 3 (personal experiences), Latin 5 (listening), Leadership 3 (intimidation), Magic Lore 3 (constructs), Philosophiae 5 (Aristotle), Second Sight 3 (intruders), Sing 6 (joyous)
Powers:
Flying, 0 points, constant, Auram: The Nightingale can fly like an ordinary bird, though its movements are accompanied by a beautiful chime-like sound
Greet the Dawn, 2 points Auram, Init 10: The Nightingale issues a clarion call, awakening everyone within Voice Range.
Voice of Chiming Gold, 0 points, constant, Auram: The Nightingale can speak as well as sing using a tiny voice box and bellows, though only in languages it knows.
Equipment: None
Vis: None
Appearance: The nightingale is made of gleaming gold and silver clockwork with jeweled feathers. Its eyes are twin rubies and its voice is a sweet song.
The Lost Temple-Library of Serapis
Hints and clues lead investigators to the supposed location of the tomb. The ancient Temple of Serapis where Hypatia and Theon lived is long since gone. Mud brick houses cover the temple grounds completely. Mixed into the brickwork are chunks of pillar and stonework taken from the destroyed temple. Questioning those living nearby brings forth a ghastly litany of hauntings and disappearances. Many describe a hideous, skinless apparition who howls curses in an unknown tongue (which turns out to be Ancient Greek). The local holy men have been able to do nothing.
Investigation of the area with Intellego spells determines that a regio might have existed here, but the local Dominion overwhelms any lingering magical aura. Weakening the Dominion might make the magical regio reappear. Characters comparing the dates when the specter materializes realize these occur on the most inauspicious days of the Muslim calendar. On those days, they may reason, the local Dominion must drop below the aura of the regio.
Failing this realization, spells to detect ghosts or magical beings may reveal when the haunt reappears. Although such spells do not help unless the Temple of Serapis is accessible, at those times the spells readily lead to the gate of the old temple.
Serapis
Serapis was a hybrid god whose worship unified the cults of several Egyptian and Hellenistic deities. Ptolemy I introduced him at the beginning of the Ptolemaic Period in Egypt, though Serapis's legacy lasted well into the Roman period. He became the Egyptians' supreme god, embodying the principles of divine authority and the sun, with power over fertility, the afterlife, and healing. Serapis formed a bridge between Greek and Egyptian religions so that both peoples could find common ground in their worship. Through the Ptolemaic Pharaohs and their Roman successors, Serapis was patron and protector of the Royal Library and Museum and many of its buildings were temples sacred to him.
While Serapis is a being of faerie, his temples are often magical sites due to the practices of the Mechanicians and other scholars who dwelt there. The temple where Hypatia and her father lived is one such location.
Entering the Temple
The entrance to the lost temple is a shadow of its former glory. Built into the wall of a rickety tenement is the lintel of the destroyed temple. The pale granite slab is inlaid with worn Greek and Egyptian carvings praising Serapis and promising dire penalties to those who profane what lies under his protection. Examination by anyone with Magic Lore, Magic Theory, or Mechanica of Heron might discover (Ease Factor of 6) that the stone was once part of a much larger mechanica.
When the Dominion aura dips below 4, the doorway to the Temple of Serapis appears as a ghostly archway of shadows beneath the lintel. Characters can enter the regio automatically if they carry a mechanica or bear signs of the Cult of Serapis. Alternatively, characters can enter the regio as described by the rules on page 189 of ArM5. The Dominion aura strength stays below 4 for only a few hours and then returns to normal, trapping anyone inside until the next ill-omened night, which may not be for weeks or months.
The Lost Temple of Serapis
The temple exists in a small level 4 Magic regio, which contains only the temple's interior. The temple's layout is classically simple. Four eternal braziers, one in each corner, fill the central room, or cella, with a flickering red light. As is common with Roman-style temples, the cella stands upon a masonry podium with two rows of pillars inside. Looming over the altar at the far end of the temple is a ten-foot-tall statue of Serapis. The statue gleams in the light from the gold covering its muscular frame, and his bearded face glares down at these intruders.
Behind the statue hangs a velvet curtain leading to the sacred chamber, the adyton, where the priests performed secret rituals. Scattered around the cella are numerous books and scrolls, pulled from the innumerable pigeonholes and racks lining the walls. Several rooms lie beneath the cella, entered through a narrow staircase.
With a hiss of hydraulics, the great temple doors slam shut behind characters who enter, and the ghost of Hypatia manifests, dripping blood and cackling. Exiting the regio before the Dominion rises once more may prove impossible while Hypatia exists.
The Lost Temple of Serapis — map key:
- Altar with Theatre of Heron
- Adyton
- Pillar
- Statue of Serapis
- Cella
- Staircase to Pediment Chambers
- Brazier
The temple has many devices that Hypatia can use against intruders with her Command Mechanica Power.
Statue of Serapis
The statue of Serapis stands over ten feet tall and is made of ivory plates cunningly fitted together over a brass frame. It depicts a Zeus-like figure dressed in a tunic with a magnificent beard. Gold foil and silver inlay covers much of the statue. The statue contains a powerful Theurge's Trumpet (see above) and Hypatia uses it upon intruders immediately. This mechanica is capable of sounding every ten rounds. The flickering shadows and flexible construction of the statue make it appear to move slightly but it is otherwise inert. Anyone desecrating or plundering it finds that Serapis takes an interest in him in the future.
The Ghost of Hypatia
Some decades after her death, the violent cataclysms of Alexandrian politics destroyed what remained of the Library, waking Hypatia from her rest. She found herself trapped within the temple, only able to leave when the Dominion ebbs enough to expose the temple's Magical aura. In time, madness became a blessing.
Intellect gone, the spirit of the once-beautiful scholar prowls the temple, seeking any target for her pain. Her first priority is those carrying Christian symbols. Others, such as the scholars who failed to save her, the mob who killed her, and the soldiers who betrayed her, are all victims for the vengeful ghost.
Magic Might: 25 (Mentem)
Characteristics: Int +4, Per +1, Pre +1, Com +2, Str –2, Sta +1, Dex +1, Qik 0
Size: 0 (non-physical)
Age: n/a (30)
Virtues and Flaws: Mechanica of Heron; Offensive to Animals, Puissant Ability (Mechanica of Heron), Second Sight; Strong Willed
Personality Traits: Prideful +3, Vengeful +4, Compassionate –2
Reputations: Wise Scholar 4 (Ancient Alexandria), Pagan Harlot 3 (Alexandrian Christians)
Combat:
Dagger: Init 0, Attack +6, Defense 3, Damage +2
Soak: +1
Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Unconscious
Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 (11–15), Inc. (16–20)
Abilities: Artes Liberales 5 (rhetoric), Awareness 2 (alertness), Brawl 2 (dagger), Commanding 3 (ghosts), Mechanica of Heron 9 (delicate), Etiquette 3 (scholarly), Folk Ken 3 (students), Greek 5 (Ancient Alexandria), Intrigue 3 (plotting), Latin 4 (Ancient Roman), Leadership 3 (intimidation), Local Area Lore 4 (Rome), Magic Lore 3 (constructs), Philosophiae 6 (metaphysics), Second Sight 3 (details), Teaching 4 (metaphysics), Theology 2 (debate)
Powers:
Ghostly Body, 0 points, constant, Mentem: Hypatia knows she is a ghost and can turn invisible, pass through solid objects, ignore physical attacks, and otherwise take advantage of her non-corporeal form.
Command Mechanica, 0 points, Init +10, Vim: Hypatia may command any mechanica in her presence to do her bidding. These discharge their effects or physically attack as best they can. The mechanica remain under her control while they remain in her presence.
Death Agony, 3 points, Init –1, Corpus: Hypatia can inflict her deaththroes upon a victim. The victim takes a Light Wound and can do nothing except writhe in agony until he succeeds in a Stamina stress roll against an Ease Factor of 12.
Mastery of Forces, 2 points, Init +10, Vim: The ghost redirects a spell or attack against another target. The original attacker must make a Strength check against an Ease Factor of 6 to stop a physical attack. Magi must make a Finesse check against an Ease Factor of 6 to abort their re-targeted spell. If the check fails, the original attacker must roll normally to see if his original attack hits the new target.
Refute, 1 point, Init –5, Vim: Hypatia can nullify a magical effect. This cancels the effect of any one spell or magical effect chosen by Hypatia with a level less than or equal to her current Magic Might Pool plus a stress die. The effect must have a Creo, Rego, Perdo, or Muto Technique or an Auram, Aquam, Ignem, Mentem, or Terram Form for her to refute it.
Equipment: Apparent clothing, jewelry, and a small dagger, but they are all ghostly and really part of her.
Vis: 5 Mentem in a scroll case.
Appearance: Hypatia was once a beautiful woman, but all that remains of her now is a tortured wreck. Her long, black hair is the only remnant of her famous looks. Red-rimmed eyes glare from her mutilated face. Her olive skin hangs in strips where her attackers tore it with oyster shells. Hypatia wears a long bloodstained white robe and sandals in the ancient Alexandrian style.
Eternal Braziers
Two bowls of bronze contain leaping flames that have no source. A jet of non-magical fire doing +10 damage attacks anyone venturing within ten feet of them.
Temple Door
Anyone standing in the doorway or attempting to leave the temple is in danger of being crushed by one of Heron's prized thaumata: the automated temple door. These heavy bronze doors slam shut or fly open with truly amazing speed. Those caught in the arc of the doors must make a Quickness – Encumbrance stress roll against an Ease Factor of 9 or be slammed for +15 damage. The doors can open and close once per round.
The Victors' Spoils
Should the magi defeat Hypatia, they gain a great treasure in ancient wisdom but they must make haste to leave before they are trapped. Many of the scrolls scattered around the temple are Heron's works, including uncorrupted copies of Pneumatica and Mechanica (Quality 10 each). Also present are a dozen broken mechanica of various sorts. Even if the magi cannot repair them, each is worth several Mythic Pounds for their material.
The pediment beneath the temple contains the rooms now entombing Theon and Hypatia. In her rage, the ghost destroyed almost all of the hundreds of scrolls and tablets stored there. Other relics of the Library of Alexandria might have survived her wrath, however, ready for diligent magi to piece them back together.
In addition to whatever survives the battle, one other treasure awaits discovery. In the adyton (sacred chamber) is Heron's Theater, one of the greatest mechanica ever constructed.
Heron's Theater
The automated theater was Heron's greatest masterpiece. Properly attuned and prepared, it shows its own stories, casting its figurines into a variety of roles and scenes. When started, the theater's stage doors open and miniature figures act out dramatic events accompanied by sound effects. Ostensibly powered by knotted strings with weights, it has a surprising tendency to improvise stories on its own. Those studying the theater might be particularly disturbed by the appearance of figurines resembling themselves in these spontaneous plays. Careful examination of these new plays may give inklings of events that have not yet come to pass.
This device would fascinate any magi who seek a method of breaking the Hermetic Limit of Time.
The Web of Mnemosyne
InIm 60
Pen +20, 1/month
R: Voice, D: Conc, T: Group
Once per month, Heron's Theater can predict the future of someone associated with it. The target must be among those watching the play, and the effects last for the duration of the play, which usually takes about an hour. The effect is non-Hermetic and apparently breaks the Limit of Time. As such, investigating it is remarkably difficult.
The play is often highly allegorical, based on the mythic figures and archetypes available in the theater's assembly of puppets and figurines. Interpreting what a play means might be an adventure in itself as characters consult with scholars, seers, and holy men.
Complications
While searching for the surviving remnants of Heron's magic, Seekers may come into conflict with others who have business with Heron or Hypatia.
Magi of Constantinople
Several covenants of the Tribunal of Thebes maintain contacts or demesnes in Constantinople. These magi take a proprietary interest in the city and anyone venturing into it. One covenant, Michaels' Tabula, has actually established their covenant in an abandoned mithraeum in one of the city's many ruined districts. Currently, the covenant numbers about a half-dozen magi, mostly from House Jerbiton. Long-time residents of Constantinople, they have little love for "Franks," or any magi hailing from the kingdoms responsible for the destruction of "the City."
If this covenant discovers the investigating magi, they demand first rights to any mechanica and texts found in the city. This is a flagrant violation of the Peripheral Code, but the magi are presumably far from home and on this covenant's home ground. If friendly relations can be established, the magi of Michaels' Tabula may trade any Heronic texts or mechanica they have obtained over the years for vis or assistance in dealing with interloping Crusaders. Displaying such an interest in these "worthless" items may pique the interest of other magi in Heron's teachings. The Seekers may find themselves with a race to uncover Hypatia's tomb on their hands.
The Shadhali Brotherhood
Near the site of the ruined temple is the humble madrasa of the Shadhali Brotherhood. Ahmed Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi teaches Sufi mysticism to his followers here. The Shadhaliyyah are aware of the tomb as an ancient pagan temple and that the area about it is haunted. They have no other idea of its significance. Should they learn of the site's association with the Library of Alexandria, they may wish to take charge of such dangerous information. These mystics can prove dangerous should the magi provoke them with displays of devilish powers, or harm innocents while in Alexandria. Aside from their impressive martial skills, the Brotherhood wields great influence throughout all levels of the city.
The Sufi view magicians as prideful deniers of the will of God, but if approached humbly they might tell what little they know. For more information on the Sufi sect of Islam, see Realms of Power: The Divine, page 112.
The Dominion aura surrounding the madrasa has an impressive strength of 8, as its mosque contains the tombs of the Brotherhood's founder and several other holy mystics.
Ramifications for the Order of Hermes
Successfully integrating Heron's teachings into Hermetic theory results in some dramatic effects. The most important is a significant loss in wealth and status for House Verditius. With the advent of Mutable Devices, magi have less need for numerous magical devices. As a result, fewer magi purchase such devices from the House. The Order as a whole benefits as individual magi gain power and flexibility. The smaller covenants particularly benefit from this change, given their poorer resources. House Verditius may try to suppress or destroy knowledge of the Mutable Device technique or try to make it a House monopoly through legal means. House Verditius has considerable political capital and this may be enough of an occasion for them to use it.
While the techniques for Awakened Devices remain incompatible with the techniques for creating automata, Awakened Devices make excellent familiars and minions for those able to pay for their construction. Only the richest covenants and groups can afford them. If subsequent research integrates Awakened Devices with the existing automaton-crafting techniques, then the Verditius gain the ability to craft tremendously powerful magical servitors.
The heroic magus able to integrate the Mechanicians' ability to create magical devices without the use of vis would change the face of the Order completely, but doing so would require a Hermetic Breakthrough — assuming it were even possible.
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