Nigrasaxa Book, First Interlude

When the characters have returned to the covenant, things quiet down for two seasons, giving them the chance to do some research, and giving the players the opportunity to try out the laboratory and study rules.

You will have to guide the players through the rules, as they are relatively complex. Make sure that you understand them properly, first. You’ll want to have read through the “Basic Laboratory Activities” (page 80) and “Experience and Advancement” (page 185) sections of the fourth edition rulebook.

Tell the players about four options: studying Arts from vis (page 190), studying Arts from the library (pages 188-190), studying spells from the library (page 80), and researching spells (pages 80-82). Make sure you pass out information on Nigrasaxa’s library and vis stores (pages 18-19 of this mini-saga). Make sure that they understand the different kinds of books in Nigrasaxa's library, and what vis they have. If a player wants to have his magus study a mundane Knowledge from one of the texts, that is fine. You should discourage the players from having their characters make enchanted items, however — the rules for this are complex, and the process usually takes many seasons.

When everyone has decided what to do, help them follow the appropriate procedures for calculating the relevant statistics and revising their scores. Check their calculations to make sure they are including everything. Remember that those who invent spells get an experience point in Magic Theory for every season they spend at it. You should also remind Thamik’s player to record the vis he gains as a result of his Secret Vis Source.

If the players want to explore the surrounding region, discourage them, reminding them that magi are scholars, and so most prefer to spend their time in research. If necessary, tell them that you have nothing prepared, and would prefer them to stay in the covenant for the moment.

When they have completed two seasons of study, move on to the next chapter. Note that, unless you have particularly long gaming sessions, you are unlikely to get on to the second chapter in the first session.

Attribution