Nerius Log #6: Ignigena, Part I

The Players
					
Acer, Legatus				Magus		(Ian)
Alfons					Monk
Amil					Tinker
Anchises Tarquinius			Magus		(John)
Atratus					Magus		(Dave)
Clavius					Monk
Cleo					Magus		(Henry)
Dedecus					Magus		(Chris)
Dirnano					Magus
Francois Depard                         Companion	(Scott)
Henry of Louten				Autocrat	(Shannon)
Jean-Luk				Grog Captain	(John)
Jerard					Companion	(Henry)
Jordan                                  Grog
Louis                                   Grog
Marbaid					Magus		(Billy)
Matthew					Grog
Maurice                                 Grog
-mumble,mumble-				Companion	(Billy)
Somnium Lupus				Magus		(Shannon)
Souris					Companion	(Ian)
Stagnum Os				Magus	        (Scott)
Tom					Grog

**
** From a loud, boisterous conversation overheard by the majority of the
** Covenant.  Broken up when Stagnum came out yelling, waving his walking
** stick around.

Francois:  Jordan, wait there we must talk.

Jordan:  If it is profitable, I will speak with you.

F: (whispered) I have an event planned in town tonight and I need the
   right man to help me make it work. (Finally sees Jordan's broken
   arm) And I guess I need to find someone else.

J: I fell off one of those damned stones that we dragged back. It 
   seems that your buddy Stagnum forgot that he was supposed to give me a 
   soft landing.

F:  It serves you right for asking him to do something that's not his style, 
    and he's not my buddy.  Now that you mention it, he was using a new 
    walking stick when he returned.  What happened, did you fall on him?

J:  That stick's a story I didn't see, being laid up as it were.  Louis, 
    Maurice, over here!  Francois wants to know how Stagnum messed himself
    up.

F:  Louis, it seems that you and Stagnum have something in common.  What
    happened?

L:  Well you've heard Henry's version several times by now,  but he went 
    damned easy on Stagnum and Anchises.  Made them sound like bloody heroes.
    Anchises and Stagnum put their heads together and came up with the plan
    to knock over the stones.  Anchises helped us tip them over and Stagnum 
    used his magic.

M:  All he did was wave his hands around.  Did nothing to help if you ask me.

L:  He knocked a few over but it was us doing most of the work.  About two 
    days into it Stagnum disappeared, no where to be seen.  Six hours later 
    the lazy bum comes back with the weeds growing wherever he walked.  It 
    looked as if the plants were trying to stop him from doing anything.  
    He was using his sword to chop the plants into submission, and every 
    once in awhile he'd hack at anything green in sight.  (Mimes Stagnum 
    hacking at plants and chasing any down that try to get away, to the 
    enjoyment of the gathering crowd).  He set right back to work and 
    at once tipped one over onto some sheep.

M:  Yeah, he even had to cough up the dough for them, but the fresh mutton 
    that night was worth it.

L:  Next thing you know, Stagnum's out cold and Anchises is challenging that 
    wizard to a duel.

M:  And he was flat on his back before you could blink.  Didn't even get
    to draw his blade.

L:  The next day Anchises tells everyone to keep working but he has to stay 
    out of it and when you turn around Stagnum is screaming his head off.  
    Turns out he knocked a stone over onto himself.  We dug him out and 
    Dirnano was able to heal him with that wees stuff.
 
M:  Says he's as good as new, but Stagnum don't believe him.

L:  Thinks he need that stick, but if you look close he don't limp.

M:  Yeah, he he can run fast enough when he has to.

**
** From the Memoirs of Henry of Louten, Volume XI

After our trip to the beautiful town of Menec, the Covenant experienced
nearly a season and a half of utter boredom.  The Covenant was completed,
using, to some extent, the stones of Menec, and life began to approach
the comfortable norm of scholars that you see in all of your books.  We
sat around in our fluffy chairs, with pipes in our mouths, reading from
the many interesting historical tomes of the Monastery.

During this period, the magic-users made many of the decisions for the
future of the Covenant.  Jean-Luk, the knight from the Middle Marches,
was named the Grog Captain (although I nearly was elected to that
position), and I was named the autocrat of the Covenant.  As well,
Acer was named the Legatus, which means he shall get to talk to lots
of interesting people in the name of the Covenant.  Cleo and Marbaid
were accepted into the Covenant as probationary members, and put two
seasons of good service into the Covenant, improving it for everyone.
As well, brave warriors still flock towards our Covenant.  The latest
are Girard, and one young man who's name I've never been able
to perceive.  He always mumbles it.

In the summer of 1199, adventure would once again enter our life.  A
tinker by the name of Amil came to the Covenant bearing a book.  Since
it was quite easy to see that it was magical, the magi quickly bought
it from him, for a large number of gold coins.  I was allowed to join
the magi in examing this wonderful new treasure.  The wizards at once
discerned that the book was bound by powerful magic.  They were undaunted,
however, realizing that they could surpass it.  However, in removing
the bindings from the book, they unwittingly released an elemental of
air which, seeming to think that I was the largest threat, set upon
me at once, driving me to the ground.

The following minutes were an exciting chaos.  I lay on the ground,
desperately happy to be in the middle of this adventure, but pained
by the wounds that the beasty had given to me.  In flashes, I saw
Somnium bravely trying to lead the creature away from our Covenant,
and Dedecus quickly following him.  I saw the beast of air settling
upon Stagnum, and Anchises wildly charging him with his sword.  I
remember seeing, through a haze, Dirnano blasting the elemental
with spells of magical destruction, to little effect.  The grogs,
hearing our merry adventure came running to join in, but managed to
block the passage of the remaining magi, who were trying to leave
the room.  

Then, things got really chaotic, making the adventure seem that much
more real.  The winds began to pick up, approaching tsunami speeds,
and Anchises' sword went flying madly about the room, like a wounded
bat.  Acer and Cleo were knocked down by ferocity of the wind alone.
The brave sorcerers began throwing even more destructive magic at
the elemental creature, and, through a combined attack, Anchises,
Marbaid and Dirnano finely managed to dispel the creature.

Our meeting room, here in our newly built Covenant, looked like a
hurricane had gone through it.  Brave Anchises moved towards the
book, now free of protective forces, but still bound by magic,
and explained how he would dispel the final ward on the book.  With
a practiced flip of his hands, and a wry grin, he spoke out the
words perdo vim, and the book disappeared.

**
** Mumbled conversation between two brothers of the Monastery of 
** Saint Nerius, Alfons and Clavius

A: I believe that Saint Nerius is right, that magic is a gift from
   God, but I worry about the soul of one of the number.

C: You speak of Somnium?  The wolf-like one?

A: Yes, brother.  He seems to be quite mad, and the state of the mind
   is simply a reflection of the state of the soul.

C: Agreed, brother.  We should take it upon ourselves to make sure that
   he finds the path to heaven.  By helping him, we may be sure that he
   is able to find himself.

A: Yes, of course, but he seems so far gone.  The way he came charging
   into the church, shortly after the visit of that tinker disturbs me.
   He sat as close to the altar as he could, as if he were warding off
   demons.  And then, the way he looked down at his feet, at the book
   that he must have brought in, and ran out of the church, screaming.
   It quite upsets me.

C: Of course, but we must not judge, but rather try and help the poor
   mad man, and perhaps bring him back to God.

A: Yes, brother, of course.

**
** From the Memoirs of Henry of Louten, Volume XI

However, it was soon clear to us that the book had not been utterly
destroyed, for we soon heard a loud scream from the church.  This,
we would soon discover, was Somnium's way of telling us that he had
located the book.  According to Dedecus, who had, along with Somnium,
hoped to lure the elemental into the church, the book had appeared
right in front of Somnium, and upset him somewhat.

Very rapidly we moved the tome back to the Covenant, and Anchises
cast the spell again, finally succeeding in destroying the wards that
bound the book, and he was able to open it, and we all crowded around,
to see what words of wisdom lay within.  Soon, we would find that
the book was a journal, written by Aequare, formerly of the long lost
Covenant of Ignigena.

**
** From Hermetic History by Custos Notitia of House Bonisagus
** included in a short section on the famous Covenants of the order

Ignigena was founded in the 1128th year of Aries, which is reckoned
989 by the Christian calendars.  It was founded by Lucius, knowledgable
in the art of ignem, and Fauces, a mage devoted to the craft of perdo,
as a covenant of House Flambeau, and was devoted to the research of the
powers of destructions.  It's real location is unknown, as it was reachable
only through a Hermes Gate.  In the the 1134th year of Aries, Lucius
announces that he had discovered the Pearl of Wisdom, a legendary 
artifact that predates the Order, and Ignigena soon began to grow
rapidly.

This caused worry among many other houses, but this worry was soon to
be seen unfounded, for in the 1136th year of Aries, all contact with
Ignigena was lost.  Since no one other than it's members was aware of
it's location, it was all but impossible to find.  Many Flambeau set
off in search of this lost Covenant, but the forays were fruitless.
Soon, Ignigena was forgotten.

**
** From Artifacts of the Order by Custos Notitia of House Bonisagus

The Pearl of Wisdom is a legendary artifact, supposedly existing from
before the time of the Order.  Some even say that it predates the
Cult of Mercury.  It has been held by many magi in the history of
the Order, but it's actual powers are unknown.  It is said to give
great power and wisdom to it's holder, but it has acquired some
bad associations over the years.  Whether these are due to improper
use of it's power or an innate evil is unkown.  Most magi have said,
quite simply, that the Pearl, like all artifacts of power, has often
been misused.  Most recently, the Pearl of Wisdom was associated
with the Covenant of Ignigena, a Covenant of Flambeau with disappeared
many years ago.

**
** From the Journal of Aequare, Filius of Vocito
** 

[The Journal is bound in a cracked, maroon, hard leather cover, which
has an extra fold to wrap around the front of the book and lock with a
low quality mundane lock.  On the front of the journal is a symbol
which looks similar to a Q crossed with two horizontal lines.  The
spine has no markings.]

Month 4, day 17, 1136th year of Aries - first entry

...

Month 4, day 29, 1136th year of Aries - We are all somewhat awed by
the Pearl and it's great powers.  It is clear that without it, we
would not be nearly as far along in the building of the covenant as we
are.  I cannot even begin to understand where it draws it's powers
from.  Today, Fauces used it to shore up the defenses on the library.
Lucius objected (I can't understand why) but we convinced him it was a
good use of the powers.

...

Month 5, day 21, 1136th year of Aries - Lucius has become increasingly
sensistive about the use of the Pearl.  He is getting more and more
secretive, and selfish.  He was never deceptive, but I believe his
greed for the Pearl may be driving him from the rest of us.  Since he
is a founder, none of us younger magi wish to challenge his possession
of the Pearl, and Fauces seems to be uninterested in the conflict,
although I secretly wonder if he really just fears the Pearl's power.

Month 6, day 2, 1136th year of Aries - Lucius is at least still
fulfilling his duties to the covenant, although I believe he spends
entirely too much time with the Pearl in his possession.  He has
provided us with yet another tome on Ignem, which I am sure will make
us the envy of Flambeau all over Europe.  Ardor and I discussed the
possibility of holding the Flambeau House meeting here next time.  Not
a bad idea, as long as we keep them outside the walls.

Month 6, day 5, 1136th year of Aries - Lucius has flat out refused to
let any of the rest of us touch the Pearl, saying that it's power is
too much for any of us to control, and that only he has the wisdom and
strength to use the Pearl wisely.  Fauces called a meeting of all the
magi except Lucius.  Officially, we have determined that since the
Pearl is the property of the covenant, Lucius has crossed the line by
refusing to give it up, and he can thus be legally destroyed.
Unfortunately, even Fauces knows of nothing we can do to harm Lucius
so long as he holds the Pearl.  I will not admit it to my Flambeau
brothers, but I fear that the Pearl of Wisdom will be the death of us
all.

Month 6, day 12, 1136th year of Aries - We met again today, but could
come up with nothing.  We might possibly be able to match the Pearl's
strength with the power of the Abyss, but who knows what kind of
destruction such a conflict would cause.

Month 6, day 19, 1136th year of Aries - Vancust got his way today,
with a plan which may enable us to destroy Lucius, but will probably
kill half of us in the bargain.  Lucius has not shown his face for two
weeks.  We had already discussed using the Abyss to destroy Lucius,
but we decided the danger was too great.  Vancust, after sliencing my
vote by besting me in Inierelte's Certamen, was the one to finally
convince the rest that we had no choice.  I fear for the covenant, and
Thea.  At least I will not have to risk myself in this foolish plan.

Month 6, day 24, 1136th year of Aries - The others made me give them
all of my remaining vis today.  They said they needed something other
than Ignem vis, so that they would have a chance of overcoming Lucius'
defenses.  I entrusted almost all of my stores of Aurum and Mentem to
Fauces - I hope they will at least keep him alive.  I secreted away a
pittance for myself; at least enough to allow me to leave if
necessary.  If I had given them all of my vis, I would not even have
had enough to leave - Perhaps that was their intent.  I have decided
that if Vancust does not die in the attempt to kill Lucius, I shall
have to arrange for an accident in his lab.  He is a fool, and even a
mortal could better protect a lab.

Month 7, day 1, 1136th year of Aries - I believe the plan has
destroyed us.  Vancust and Eluo lured Lucius down to the Abyss, saying
that there was something wrong with it, and they needed Lucius' skill
to help control the irregularities.  Fauces and Ponfarr were waiting,
but I am sure Lucius knew what was going on - the Pearl has made him
wise beyond even his many years.  I was told, as Vancust sneered on,
to wait up top, since my lack of Ignem knowledge would make my
survival in the expected conflagration unlikely.  All was calm for a
while after they went down, but then I heard some muffled explosions,
and I felt the heat rise.  The doors in several of the lower caverns
blew off their hinges from the force of the blast, killing two grogs
on watch, and I saw some flames blast new holes in the mountain near
the peak.  Then, the whole sky went black as the far side of the
mountain blew out, spewing molten rock for what must have been miles,
for immediately, the brush and trees that I could see lower down on
the mountain burst into flame.  The flames spread like wildfire, for I
could see a glow of fire through the mists only moments after the
blast.  I thought the whole mountain was going to go up in flames.
The ground continues to shake even now, and molten fire still flows
down the mountain from the crater on the other side.  The heat is
almost unbearable, but I cannot risk a run to the portal, for some of
the molten rock landed just in front of it, making the way impassable.
Thankfully the Portal was not hit directly, or I would truly be
doomed.  The smoke rising from the forests to the north make the air
here almost unbreathable.  I have retreated to my lab, where I now sit
with Thea, awaiting some sign of who triumphed, if indeed anyone is
still alive but me.  I have scant vis to protect myself, as the other
four took almost all of the vis we all had.  It has been seven hours
and still there is no sound outside other than the grogs.

Month 7, day 3, 1136th year of Aries - I checked the grounds today,
and none of those who went down to the Abyss have come back.  However,
they have taken everything of value here with them, for the whole
place has gone cold.  The magic is gone, and for the first time in 8
years, we have snow.  The smoke has cleared somewhat, at least enough
to breathe, and though I can still see the glow of flames and magma
lower down the mountain, the rock has stopped flowing from the peak.
The grogs are fearful, and I can see that they fear I will leave them
to die.  Ironically, were it not for the fear Lucius conditioned into
them, I believe they would have attacked me by now.  The cold is more
than mere snow.  It cuts so deep it saps the souls of the living.
Three grogs have frozen to death, though they slept right next to a
fire.  After the four that died from suffocation of the smoke, that
still leaves 51.  I have found I can protect Thea and even the mortals
from the unnatural cold with what meager Parma Magica I can bestow on
them, but I could not possibly protect all 64 of the remaining
covenfolk even if I thought their loyalty warranted it.  I have
gathered what I can carry, and I am taking Thea with me tonight.  The
magma by the portal has cooled enough so that I believe I can get past
it.  Once I get to the gate, we will be safe.

Month 3, day 9, 1139th year of Aries - I find that the destruction of
Ignigena has drained the fight from me, and even magic holds little of
my heart now, for Thea has taken all of what I have left.  We have
decided to leave the Order behind us, and avoid the censure of our
brethren in House Flambeau.  I write this last entry only so that,
through it, the Order may be informed of the Ignigena's downfall.  I
am entrusting this Journal with a redcap, to be delivered to Gulam
Laqueo.  I do not believe that any of the five other members of
Ignigena survived, and I believe that the Pearl of Wisdom must have
died with them.  I do not think that the Abyss could have been
destroyed, despite the Pearl's power, but it has surely been
suppressed, and I can only hope that in time, it's abundant energy
will renew itself.  I have sealed the entrance to the Portal, so that
it cannot be found by any but those of the Order.  The entrance can be
found in the cellar of Madame Beuford's boarding house in Vayenne,
along the port; she does not know of the Portal, caring only that the
price of the building was right.  There is another Portal, but where
it goes to I do not know, and only Lucius knew the password.  In any
case, I believe Ignigena will remain safe for the Order to some day
reclaim it.  There are many treasures left behind at Ignigena, and I
wish you good fortune in recovering them, as Ignigena has been nothing
but misfortune to me and my brothers.

			Aequare, Filius of Vocito, once follower of Flambeau

**
** From the Secret Diary of Somnium Lupus

And thus, we soon began to make plans to go to Vayenne, so that we
could travel to Ignigena, and make it's riches our own.  The journey
and adventure held little excitement for me, but I went along, feeling
that it was my duty to my Covenant.  The magi Marbaid, Anchises, Dirnano,
Dedecus, Atratus and Stagnum also wished to journey to Ignigena, and so,
we set off, joined by a number of grogs, and Jerard, a more experienced
warrior.

You sent us a warning on the way, mother, when you caused our fire to
burn out of control one evening, scorching our dinner badly, but we
chose to ignore it, and pressed on towards Vayenne, and the portal to
Ignigena.  Within the city we would again find unwelcome adventure.
There was the thief, Souris, who grabbed Dirnano's purse, before being
caught by Tom.  Matthew attempted to capture her, but the warlock
managed to do little more than slam himself into a wall.  We would
soon find that Souris was a good fighter, and a possesor of amazing
dragon armor, and she would later join. After I managed to find the
portal (followed closely by Dirnano discovering it too), we were
unjustly attacked by the local law, who had decided that Anchises
looked like a threat simply due to the fact that he tried to break
into a house.  Dedecus, Marbaid, Jerard and Stagnum stayed to defend
Anchises, while the rest of quickly retreated, realised that we 
would be in poor shape if the local law confined all of us.

After getting Anchises of jail, we set our grogs to return to the
Covenant, leaving the magi, Jerard and Souris ready to enter the
Hermes Portal.  It lay in the basement of the house that Anchises had
earlier attack, hidden behind a wall of wood, and carefully plastered
shut.  Chanting our ritual, we stepped through the gate, prepared
to face Ignigena.

As I entered the portal, I felt the very air ripped from my body, as
if by a malevolent beast.  Dirnano, more heavily affected than most
of us, commented that the Portal spell must have been flawed.  We
glanced around us, at once becoming uncomfortable, for the area was
quite warm.  What we saw seemed to be out of a book of myth.  On
this side, the Portal was an elaborately carved archway of marble,
veined with gold, and it sat at the edge of a stone circle, on the
brink of sheer cliff.  It was heavily scarred, as if from extreme
heat.

Looking around, we saw that we were near the peak of a large mountain.
Below us was snow, and even further down a valley, but there was no
snow at our elevation.  As my eyes were pulled upwards, I saw a steep
path, leading to a fortress.  To the sides, the walls of the fortress
melded into the the side of the mountain.  Two watch towers also sat
atop the fortress, but no movement could be seen.  Thus we stood,
below Ignigena, surrounded by the History of the Order, preparing to
face what had destroyed one Covenant already.