Vardian Log #23: A Day for Damnation --- "No Certamening Grogs." --Dave [after Certus Certamened Acutus] "Nice Sword." --Acutus [about the Pope's sword] "Wait! I'm in Certamen!" --Demoror [to Warriors throwing Pilums of Flame at him] "Ye serpents, ye generations of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" --Matthew 23:33 --- Season: Summer, 1204 Dramatis Personae: Abrogo Grog Acutus of Ex. Misc. Magus (DougO) Andrea Apprentice of Medicus Anser of Tremere Magus Arridere of Jerbiton Magus (Dave) Bolo Warrior (Dave) Bran da Crustum of Flambeau Magus/Quaesitor Cappy Goat Cardinal Alfonso Cardinal Certus of Bonisagus Elder Magus Christophano Grog Coniuratus Sorcerer Demoror of Quaesitor Magus (Billy) Dissulto Demon Excubitor of Tremere Magus Felix Companion (Shannon) Ferramentum of Verditius Elder Magus Flamma of Flambeau Maga (Eric) Francis of Assisi Saint Frederick Demon Giovanni Grog Guernicus of Quaesitor Founder Hadrian of Flambeau Elder Magus Insolitius Georgius of Criamon Magus Irena Grog Lamneth Healer Father Leo Confesser Luigi Grog Captain Luke of Jerbiton Elder Magus Marlon of Tremere Magus Maximus Sanctus Zealot Medicus of Jerbiton Magus (DougL) Mediocris Grog Mercutio Grog Moraiel Demon Nasan Demon Smith Paulus Ex-Grog Rana Demon Frog Recanto Grog Rupes of Bjornaer Magus (Shannon) Samo Grog Segundo Warrior (Billy) Silva Ambages of Merinita Maga Taron of Bonisagus Elder Magus Terra Natus of Erimor Elder Magus Tiro of Jerbiton Magus (Chris) Turelli Grog Velox of Mercere Redcap Zhar-Pitza Bird Bird ** ** From the Journals of Certus I have become worried after recent events. Over the last few days, rumours have been circulating around the Covenant, saying that Taron paid Felix to kill me. I have also heard that Flamma said that she was quite upset, and that Taron should have asked her. Now, usually I would ignore such rumours, for I know that the Code would prevent anyone from making such a blatant move against me. However, the circumstances are quite odd this time. Shortly after Demoror made his magic teapot, some time ago, Flamma began having tea with him every day. A harmless enough event. However, a short time before these new rumours began to circulate, Rupes and Tiro began attending this tea. Now, Medicus has joined them as well. I am beginning to suspect that there may be some dark conspiracy going on within these halls. It is something that I shall have to investigate as soon as my studies allow me the time. ** ** From Rupes' Book I first began attending Demoror's teas simply because Flamma was. I have shared my plans with her, and offered her a place in the future of the Order, but I still do not trust her entirely, and thus I wanted to keep an eye on her when she and Demoror spoke every day. However, since that time, I have learned that the teas are very useful, mainly because Tiro started attending shortly after I did. Tiro is an excellent source of rumours. He might be very useful to help me keep on top of things, if my plan works as I wish it to. Just today, he told me an interesting tale about Meles. He said that he had spoken with Meles recently, and that Meles had told some story of being dragged down to the Underworld, and then finally managing to return. I am quite disappointed with Meles, for I thought that in his new life as a demon, he would become more cunning with his lies. It seems that he is destined to be as much of a failure as a demon as he was as a magus, however. Expected of a Criamon. I shall have to remember to warn Tiro that talking with Meles is probably a violation of the Code. ** ** From the Journals of Certus It seems that although he is a fool, Arridere at least knows how to learn from his mistakes. A few years ago, he destroyed the mind of a grog during a petty scuffle in our kitchen. At the time, I chastised him severely, and ensured that he would never do it again. However, Arridere has now taken the next step, and tried to undo his idiocy. Arridere and Flamma took poor Paulus up to Francis, a wandering preacher who was in Rome to talk with the Pope. Apparently, Francis promised to take care of Paulus, and assured Arridere that he would be restored within the year. Now, I don't believe that the priest will actually be able to do anything, but at least Arridere understands that what he did was wrong, and has shown the other grogs that he is trying to fix his mistake. Arridere left with Francis when the preacher left the city, but unfortunately has since returned. Ah well, you can't have everything. ** ** From the Chronicles of Salvadore, Autocrat of Vardian's Tomb It was Certus of Bonisagus who opened the Council Meeting of Summer, 1204. At once, he begin to show his outrage at the rumours that had been circulating around the Covenant. Noting that Marlon of Tremere was the only member of the Covenant who was not present, Certus than proceeded to make accusations against him for an extended period of time. After making accusations against Marlon, Certus proceeded to Certamen all of the younger members of the Covenant, forcing each to abide by the condition that they would not hurt members of the Covenant, unless their life would be put in danger by not doing so. Certus first Certamaned the five younger magi who daily have tea together, and then moved on to Acutus and other less mysterious individuals. Certus won all of his Certamens, and now all younger magi of the Covenant must abide by that rule. ** ** From Rupes' Book I do hope that Certus' accusations against Marlon are false. When Flamma and I first chose him to be the third member in my prophecy, it was because he was the only other one in this Covenant that I thought would desire the power that I was trying to gain. He also seemed a great scapegoat, in case my plans ever went sour. I would be terribly upset if I now had to go and get a new Tremere, so that my prophecy would not be invalidated. ** ** From the Chronicles of Salvadore, Autocrat of Vardian's Tomb When the younger magi woke up, the Council Meeting of Summer, 1204 was able to proceed. At that time, Insolitius Georgius of Criamon, who had come to speak with the members of Vardian's Tomb, came forth. First, he spoke of his background, saying that he was from the Covenant of Saint Nerius, located in Northern France, and that he had been travelling through Europe for the last few years with a Merinita Maga named Silva Ambages. Insolitius said that he had found the enigma years ago, in religion, at a lake near Saint Nerius, and was now trying to bring the Church and the Order closer. In Rome, Insolitius has set up a Mission, named the Mission of the Magic of God, and has been there, healing people for some time. Now, Insolitius wishes to create a great magic item. After explaining all of this, the Criamon proceeded to shows the members of the Covenant a vision. In this vision, there was a very beautiful lake, shrouded in a light fog. Suddenly, out of the fog came Pope Innocent III, walking across the water and wielding a magnificent sword, covered in runes. He was waving the sword in front of him, and banishing demons as he walked. Then, the vision shifted, and we all saw Insolitius up in Rome, healing people. Finally, the vision showed many magi, working together on a magical sword, and celebrating as they put the finishing touches on it. Beginning to speak again, Insolitius said that he was seeking Magi now to help him create this sword, which would bring the Church and Order together. At once, Ferramentum and Terra Natus volunteered their aid. After saying that faeries would probably be killed by the sword, and pointing out that Verdi was sending more magi than us, Insolitius got more recruits, namely Demoror, Luke, Medicus, Rupes and Tiro. Finally, Insolitius said that he was disappointed that Arridere and Medicus were not helping, for he said that Cardinal Alfonso had assured him that they would. With that additional aid, Insolitius finally left our Council. After Insolitius, Velox of Mercere spoke. He brought word of a fair that was scheduled to occur in Champagne, France in the Summer of 1205. He said that it was to be a grand trading place for magics, and that magi from all over the Order would be there. At once, many of the magicians of the tomb began making plans for magic items and books that they could sell at the fair. Before the Council Meeting was brought to an end, however, Taron presented a plan that had been brought to him by Luigi, our grog captain. Taron said that he had agreed that the magi of the tomb would help Luigi to reclaim his kingdom, which existed through the mirror in his room. In return, Luigi had offered to give the Covenant the yearly fruit off of a tree in his kingdom, which he was sure was magical. To encourage magi to help Luigi on this expedition, Taron promised that the first year's take from the vis tree would be split among the magi who helped Luigi to liberate his kingdom. Several magi volunteered at once, and as soon as Luigi's mirror opens again, an expedition will go forth. With no other business, the Council Meeting was called to an end. ** ** From Rupes' Book ** A Few Weeks Later I went up to Rome to help out with that magic sword at the start of this season, and was bored beyond belief. They had over a dozen magi up there, doing no more than sitting around making vis. I had thought that they were going to do something exciting. Perhaps I shall go to help with the sword if they actually do something interesting, but as of now, I am severely disappointed. ** ** From Rupes' Book ** Just Before Mid-Summer, 1204 Over the last weeks, I have been investigating Acutus' sword for him, and attending tea every day. The lab work has been quite boring, but the teas have been very interesting. The strangest rumour that I have heard of late is that Demoror somehow got a note, sent back to him from the future (through the mirror, I expect). Unfortunately, when I questioned Demoror about this, he refused to say anything. Today's tea was by far the most interesting of any of them. While we were sitting there, drinking tea and talking, Arridere burst in for no apparent reason. Minutes later, Certus interupted our tea as well, somehow knowing that Arridere was there. Certus began to yell and make accusations. He said that two of his pieces of the skull of Vardian were missing, and that Arridere had stolen them according to Eyes of the Past. He then said that there was a demon in the Covenant, and that he was sure that it was either Arridere or Marlon, who was still missing. Now, of course I knew that there was a demon in the Covenant, but it seems that Certus still will not believe me when I tell him that it is Meles. Ah well. In any case, Certus finally charged Arridere to return those pieces of the skull, and threatened Wizard's War if he did not. It seems that when we leave through Luigi's mirror, Arridere now will be going with us, hoping to recover the pieces of the skull that Arridere says he took. ** ** From the Epic of Luigi, as told to his beautiful wife ** Mid-Summer, 1204 It was in mid Summer that my mirror opened again, and I final began to make my preperations to retake my kingdom, which has been stolen from my in be absence. The first thing that I did was gather together my grogs. I took the majority of the Covenant's warriors, namely Abrogo, Christophano, Giovanni, Irena, Mediocris, Mercutio, Recanto, Samo and Turelli. I was quite careful not to take Antony or Pepino, for I had already decided that neither of them would be the Grog Captain after I left, and I did not want them causing problems. I did not want to take Bolo either, for the same reasons, but he was unfortunately too good of a warrior to leave behind. With my grogs all chosen, I told Taron that all was ready, and that the magi should be gathered. Finally, my kingdom would be mine again. My plan was finally underway. ** ** From Rupes' Book It was in mid-Summer that I heard that Luigi's mirror was open again, and that the grogs were all ready to go. Thus, I grabbed the book of prophecies that I had written and prepared to leave. I was saddened that Flamma was not there, for I would have liked my ally in this plan along when I planted my prophecies far in the past. Unfortunately, she had left to the Levant for the Flambeau meeting weeks before. However, I was ready. With my book under my arm, I set out towards Luigi's quarters. My plan was finally underway. ** ** From the Chronicles of Salvadore, Autocrat of Vardian's Tomb Luigi's expedition to recover his kingdom has now left the Covenant. It was a huge group that set out, probably one of the largest that our Covenant has ever seen. Four magi, namely Arridere of Jerbiton, Demoror of Quaesitor, Rupes of Bjornaer and Medicus of Jerbiton, helped Luigi to lead the warriors. Nine of Luigi's most faithful grogs also went to help him regain his kingdom, as did the warriors Bolo, Felix and Segundo. The expedition was rounded out by the Covenant's Healer, Luigi's wife and Medicus' apprentice. I hope they all return, for recruiting that many replacements would be a tremendous amount of work. ** ** From the Epic of Luigi, as told to his beautiful wife Thus, we set out through my mirror, and began marching towards my castle, which had been from taken from me in my absence some time before. As we approached my castle, I was pleased to see that my colors were still flying over the walls. My blue and gold flag fluttered beautifully in the light breeze. However, it looked to us as if the castle were empty. As we stood in front of the draw bridge of my castle, Rupes cast a spell, destroying the bolts in the bridge and causing it to fall. Suddenly, when we walked across the draw bridge, there was a great shouting, and people burst out from hiding. I was quite pleased to see that the citizen of my kingdom had prepared a surprise party for my return. Ribbons and sackcloths filled the sky, and I knew that I was home. Frederick, who Antonio had unjustly accused of plotting against me walked towards me, offering my crown, which he had been wearing in my absence. Suddenly, Frederick fell down dead. I was quite upset. Arridere, one of the foolish magicians, had decided that he was a demon, and had hit him with a demon slaying spell. How could he do so to one of my citizens without asking? So what if he were a demon? He seemed to be acting better than Arridere, the stupid magus who had mudered him. Demoror then began making accusations against me, saying that I was consorting with demons, and other such foolishness. Finally, I managed to get rid of most of the magi by telling them where the vis tree was, and by convincing them to go off and retrieve the magic there. ** ** From Rupes' Book While at Luigi's castle, I went to Luigi's scribe, and gave him my book of prophecies. I asked him to make copies of it for me, and to distribute it to any magicians who came to the Castle. He, of course agreed, in exchange for the perfect armor that I had made for Luigi several months ago. Now, as long as some of the founders gain the prophecy, my plan will work, I am sure. Thus, I set out with the others to go to the vis tree, and collect our reward for helping Luigi to retrieve his castle. Of the grogs, we took only Recanto, Mercution and Mediocris. All of the magi went except for Arridere, and all of the companions except for Felix. As we walked towards the vis tree, Demoror kept reading from the note that Tiro had said he had gotten from the future. Suddenly, he exclaimed something about betraying the founders, and I became quite worried, for my own prophecy was meant to deceive the founders of the Orders. Thus I challenged Demoror to an immediate Certamen, with my condition being that I be allowed to read his note. As we argued, and prepared for Certamen, suddenly three woodsmen came into sight. Before we could react, three Pilums of Flame lifted up from their swords, and each one hit Demoror. What followed was chaos. The three grogs each took out a woodsmen, although Mediocris took longer than any of his fellows. However, Mercutio picked up one of the swords that had been carried by a woodsmen, and suddenly he began trying to attack Demoror as well. Bolo and Recanto were finally able to disarm Mercutio, at which point he returned to normal. Of course, by this time, Demoror and I were well into our Certamen, for such waits for no man. I won, of course, and took Demoror's letter from his unconcious body, and began to read it. I was quite mystified. Apparently, the letter had been written by Demoror, enchanted with vis, and then somehow sent back in time by Demoror and Taron. It told of the whole Order crumbling, and the magi of Vardian's Tomb being scattered. Further, it told of three great mistakes which Demoror had made, and said that these had contributed to the end. First, it said that Demoror should understand that he could not fool demons. Second it told him not to trust his friends, for one associated with the church would betray us all. Lastly, it said that we did not have the strength to oppose priests, and that we should accept help. Overall, I do not know what to make of Demoror's note from the future. Only a Quaesitor or a Criamon would have written such a confused note, rather than just explaining what must be done. In any case, I filed the note away as an interesting puzzle, and then waited for Demoror to wake. As we waited, a frog began hopping around. He said that his name was Rana, and that he was a Gift from Moraiel. The rest of the magi and grogs began chasing him around, and all rushed off into the forest. As I sat with Demoror, the frog came back, and hopped right up to me. For a bit, I spoke to Rana. He was apparently a demon frog, and Moraiel, who had sent him, was a demon as well. Rana spoke of the woodsmen being sent by a Nasan, and said that it was all a mistake. After I decided that Rana had no more to tell me, I killed him, took his vis, and then waited for the others to return. Someday, I will teach them all of the benefits of patience. Without further incident, we arrived at the vis tree. It was an olive tree, one of the largest that I had ever seen. Near the tree was a magical bird, which several of the magi recognised as the Zar-Pitza bird. One said that he was magical, and another that he was the wisest bird in the world. While Demoror collected the olives from the tree, Medicus shot arrows at the bird, trying to kill it. After that had failed, we talked with the bird for a time. He told us some very interesting facts about two demons who lived in this place. He said that one was very powerful, and that the other was just a snack. However, before we could gain more information from the bird, a huge shadow fell over the whole tree. Looking up, we all saw that the shadow belonged to a huge griffon, who was flying straight at the Zar-Pitza bird. The Zar-Pitza bird would have escaped, but fortunately Medicus was bright enough to create a huge wind, to stop him from flying away. He wanted our vis to fly away no more than I did. Flying at the trapped Zar-Pitza bird, the griffon bit him in half, and then we all heard a cry from behind us. During the conflict, a magus had approached. In a quick lull in the battle, he introduced himself as Guernicus, and said that Medicus was in deep trouble, for he who killed the Zar-Pitza bird was doomed to die within the day. With that ominous prophecy spoken, we turned back to our battle with the griffon, which had flown to the ground, and begun advancing towards Mediocris and Recanto. Both grogs went down quickly, as grogs often do, and then the griffon turned towards Medicus. In one bite, the griffon had swallowed Medicus whole, and thus was the prophecy of Guernicus fulfilled. Grabbing their hurt companions, Bolo, Demoror and the others began to flee. I was quite frustrated that so much vis was getting away, but had no choice, and thus I turned to leave as well. At least we still had the twelve olives that we had earlier collected from the vis tree. By the time I caught up with Demoror, Guernicus, who had been with him, had already left. Thus, we all collected our wits and began to proceed back to the Castle. However, as we proceeded back towards the Castle, we were again attacked, this time by bow men. Somehow, we seemed to be a magnet for trouble. Several of us were hurt by bowshot including, of course, Mediocris. However, our grogs were able to deal with them fairly quickly. When we questioned the two survivors, they tried to pray to a 'Maximus Sanctus' and finally revealed that Arridere had sent them. Demoror and I both realized the significance of this fact, for his note had said that one associated with the Church would betray us. Finally, after bandaging our wounds, we were able to return to the Castle with no further incident. Demoror and I both wanted to have a discussion with Arridere. ** ** From the Epic of Luigi, as told to his beautiful wife After the magi went off to the vis tree, that trouble maker Felix started gambling with my local townsmen. I should have thought to warn them that he was a cheater. Felix managed to win an entire town after a bit of dice throwing, but fortunately the losers managed to trade him a 'magic' goat named Capella in exchange for everything else that he had won. Quite lucky; I would have hated to have to buy that village back from the cheater. Even better was that I managed to get rid of the last of the magi. Arridere heard some rumours about priests looking for the magi, and he got real excited, and ran off to chat with them. Hopefully, when the rest of the magi return from the vis tree, they'll head straight off, so I won't have to deal with their silliness at my castle. ** ** From Rupes' Book Unfortunately, by the time that we got back to Luigi's castle, Arridere had fled. What Luigi told us, however, confirmed my suspicions. I tried to get Demoror to call a march against him, but the Quaesitor would not listen to me. After staying the night at Luigi's castle, we made our preperations to leave the past. Somehow, Felix managed to convince us to stop by the home of a sorcerer in this time named Coniuratus, and thus we stopped at his lab on our way home. Coniuratus was packing when we arrived. Apparently, he planned to go up to France with Guernicus. I was quite pleased when I learned that he had picked up my book of prophecies from the Castle, and planned to show it to the founders when he spoke with them. Somehow, I was able to contain my joy. We stayed with him only long enough for Felix to collect a magic slipper, and then we went on. Next, we stopped by the home of an old hermit, who Demoror talked to for some time. The Quaesitor was very private, and would not speak in front of us. Quite suspicious. Finally, we were all prepared to leave the past. But, as we went to the pool that marked this side of Luigi's mirror, we found that we could not pass through. Somehow, the mirror had ended up closed, and we were on the wrong side. Fortunately the other magi were all very sensible, and agreed with me when I said that we should wait for a few weeks for the mirror to open on it's own. So, we went to Luigi's, prepared to wait there. Unfortunately, Luigi said that he thought that the priests might return, and that we might be in danger. So, we instead went to Coniuratus', planning to ask him if we could stay there. Unfortunately, Coniuratus acted quite unfriendly this time, and didn't want to let us stay. And then, Demoror proved to me once and for all that he was not trustworthy. I had had my doubts about Demoror ever since he refused to march Arridere, who was obviously behind all of our troubles. However, when Demoror walked into Coniuratus' Twilight Room, my doubts were crystalized. When Demoror finally emerged from the Twilight Room, he showed that he believed in the Criamon foolishness that had destroyed the fool Meles before him. At once, he tatooed himself with a Criamon rune. Little scares me, but having a Criamon Quaesitor in my Covenant comes very, very close. After this fiasco, I wanted little more than to simply go to the pond and wait until the mirror opened again. However, Demoror insisted upon going to speak to the hermit again, and since the others wished to as well, I had little choice. This was fortunate, for the hermit actually had some interesting information. When we told him of the mirror, and how it had been closed, he said that there was a demon named Moraiel who might be powerful enough to open the mirror. He said that a demon in town named Nasan would know where Moraiel was. So, we went to the town. I hoped that Nasan might be weak enough that we could slay him and take his vis. I have my suspicions as to why Demoror wished to see him. Demoror and I went in to see Nasan together, and he told us many very interesting things. I am still not sure what to believe, and what not to, for demons are the essence of deception, but then I also do not see why he would have lied in most cases. As was expected, Nasan started off by trying to corrupt me. He offered me a wimpy seventh rank Terram spell, that I could invent, with some work, if I really wanted to. Demons are so silly. After that failure, Nasan began to speak with Demoror. He kept insisting that Demoror had made a deal with a demon named Dissulto for immortality, and went on to say that Dissulto was always making problems. In fact, the Nasan insisted that it was Dissulto who had controlled the diabolists that we slew last season. According to Nasan, the Master's cat had been one of Dissulto's servants. While speaking, Nasan tried many times to offer help. Every time we refused. Finally, we stomped out of his hut. I was disapointed that we could not slay him, but he was too well protected, being situated in the middle of a village as he was. Apparently, while we spoke with Nasan, Felix managed to pick up a diabolic sword. I was forced to take him from him and destroy it. I shall have to watch the young fool. This is not the first time he has tried to ally with demons, according to the rumours that I have heard. Finally, I had convinced the others to go to the pond, and wait there for the mirror to open. However, as we returned to the pond, we were approached by a guard from Luigi's castle. He told us that they had gotten word that a magus named Guernicus had been captured by the priests who had been wandering around with Arridere. So, we instead went to Coniuratus to convince him to save Guernicus. I was quite worried about the situation, for the Quaesitor's note had suggested that one of the founders might have been killed. The repurcusions of this would have been awful. Coniuratus agreed, but he said that he needed the grogs we had brought, and that he would ask the demon, Nasan for help. I decided that I wanted nothing to do with this, but Demoror gave permision for the grogs to go ally with the demon. Quite disturbing. So, Coniuratus and the grogs went off, and we waited for two weeks. Finally, we became distraught, and using Felix's magic slipper, we tracked down Coniuratus. He was just returning when we found him. He said that he had wandered around for a while, and then they found and saved Guernicus. And, when we checked the mirror again, it was open, and we were finally able to return to our own time. After we returned, it began to look as if my plan had suceeded, for three magi turned up at the Covenant. Bran da Crustum was a Flambeau, and asked constantly of Flamma. Excubitor was a Tremere, and began to investigate all of the Tomb's Tremere. Anser was a Bjornaer, and it was he who constantly spoke with me. Only Flamma and I realize that these three are here to discover the three people that I wrote of in my prophecy. It seems that I have suceeded. Still, I have my doubts. What if the entire past was simply a demonic illusion? I shall have to be careful in the coming months, but if I suceed, the reward will be all that I have ever desired. ** ** From the Journals of Certus That fool Arridere did not return with the others. I will be very upset if I have to go and find those missing pieces of Vardian's skull on my own. ** ** From the Chronicles of Salvadore, Autocrat of Vardian's Tomb While in the past, the magus Medicus was killed. His apprentice, Andrea, was taken by Demoror, one of the two magi who returned. Arridere has not returned either, and according to the two magi, may have betrayed us all. Finally, it should be noted that Irena is the new Grog Captain for the Tomb, by appointment of Luigi, the former Grog Captain. Overall, it seems that the trip to reclaim Luigi's kingdom was not the disaster that I was afraid it might be. ** ** The Prophecy that Rupes Wrote and Tossed Through the Mirror THE JOINING OF THE THIRTEEN It shall be the year 767 that will be the Year of the Great Change, for the heroes and gods of the ancient world shall be reborn, and they shall come together and form a Union that shall shape the rest of history. Iuno will be the one that will initiate the Great Change, and, at once, she will be the greatest and the least of these new deities. Once again, she and Iuppiter will be wed, and she will convince him to use the great shield, Aegis, for the good of all. And thus, shall the Gods and Heroes be united, under the protection of the great shield of Iuppiter. And in all, there will be thirteen who are united. Iuppiter and Iuno shall be the first, and it will be they who call out to their brethren. Soon, they will be joined by Apollo, Mars, Mercury, Silvanus and Vulcan, fellow gods all. But, it shall not be Gods alone who answer Iuppiter's call. The greatest heroes shall be reborn too, as powerful as the Gods who walk the Earth. One shall be Julius, the great leader of people, and another shall be Socrates, once the gadfly, and the last shall be Remus, the younger brother, but free this time of the shadow of his warrior brother, Mars. Making the number of this new Order eleven will be another ancient Roman God, but he shall be a mystery wrapped in an enigma. I can not see his true face. And still, two will be missing, and thus the new Gods will seek out those in the lands beyond Rome, and thus they shall complete their number. The first of these shall be Anna, wife of Cernunos, and Goddess of the people to the North. And the last shall be a barbarian. She shall be a changer of shapes, and from her blood shall spring one of the three who shall save this new Union of Gods in it's darkest moment. And thus, in the year 767, when the Gods come together, a great Order will be formed. As Mercury wanes, Hermes shall be worshipped again. THE GREAT ONE The creation of the new God's Orders will be reflected by the rise of a great Empire. Lands from Saxony and the Pyrenees to the holy city of Rome itself shall all be united under the great one, who shall be crowned the Emperor of the Romans as the Century passes. Yet, while the New God's Order will endure, the new Roman Empire will fall. In the middle of the ninth century, the pious one, son of the great one, shall die, and the new Empire shall be sundered. THE LAST TRANSFORMATION It shall be three years after the Great Order of Gods is formed that the first fall shall occur. The great transformer shall make his final transformation, and he and his followers will find their roles greatly changed. Yet, even though he loses what is most dear, he shall still be a strong member of the Order, and help form it's heart and soul THE RISE OF ROME It shall be at this time that the youngest shall go to the eldest, to increase his strength. The great magical duel shall be invented, and Remus shall truly strengthen his position amongst the elder gods. TWO LOST By the ninth century, one of the gods shall have faded away, leaving only followers to continue strengthening the Order, and the greatest of her followers shall go deep into the woods of the Fay, and what returns shall not be the same. Several years later, the God of War shall fight his last battle, before too disappearing into the realms of the Fay. But, he shall not be gone forever, for a day in Arcadia may be one hundred years in the Mundane World. THE THIRTEENTH Though there were thirteen when the great order was founded, there shall be but twelve houses of their descendants, until the daughter of the Lost Warrior brings together the thirteenth. Founded, they will be, on England soil, in the early ninth Century, and after they have met their goal, they shall be accepted to the Order. Yet, they will not bear the name of the one who brought them together. THE DUEL OF DOMINATION In the middle of the ninth Century, one will rise to dominate the entirity of the Order. He shall be stopped only if those closest to him are removed. Yet, if the gadfly and the messenger do not bring the hostilities to an end, the Order could be entirely sundered. THE EVIL ONE In the second half of the tenth century, the greatest contest shall be revealed, and a subtle one it shall be. Many of one of the great Houses, founded by the new Gods, shall be found to have been corrupted by the Prince of all Evil. I can not see who they are, for even now the Evil One hides the scheme he plans, but still, beware them, and the gifts of learning they offer. THE MILLENIUM As the Millenium passes, a time of great anarachy shall descend, and it shall seem, at first, as if the Order founded of the new Gods shall be destroyed, still in it's infancy. There shall be great distrust, and for a time, it shall seem as if the evil one has won. But finally, there shall be revealed the other who had conspired with the Corrupt House, and for them there shall be no reprieve. Where the Corrupted House will survive, the House of Traitors shall be utterly destroyed by Warriors of Blood and Flame. And with their passing, the Great Schism in the Order will be healed. As Judas is destroyed, the other twelve shall once more prosper. BARCELONA The Kabbalah? Beware the Jews. ITALY'S DESCENT Where once Rome was great, it has undergone a long descent. By the last half of the eleventh century, the great magic of Italy shall be gone, and Magicians shall be Merchants. Only if the followers of Socrates step in, shall utter anarchy on the peninsula be avoided. But, Italy shall regain it's greatness. From the most of holy of cities, from those of the New Order that worse exemplify all of the problems of Italy shall come the three who may be the future of the Order. CONQUESTS As the eleventh century comes to a close, the greatest war shall be declared by the most pious. The urbans shall conquer the rurals, and the most holy of places shall be returned by the end of the century. It shall again be a great time for the Warriors of blood and fire. THE LAST PROPHECY In the thirteenth Century shall come the greatest trial for the Order founded by the New Gods. If nothing is done, the enemies of the Order shall rise, and crush it completely, before the Century is half way through. And, there will be but one way in which this Ragnarok may be avoided. After the true innocent has been pontificated, three shall appear, in the most holy of cities. They shall be members of the Order of New Gods all, and shall all live deep within the bowels of the Earth. For the Order to be saved, each of these three must rise to the position once held by the God who founded their House. Each must be the first (Latin = Primo) among their own, for without their Leadership, the Order will be utterly destroyed. The first shall be Rock (Latin = Rupes), son of Wolf, brother of Tree. He may be recognised by his size, and by his skills, for the earth itself shall move at his command. When he beats the great and ancient duelist at his own test, time shall be very short, for if the three do not rise to their proper positions by the next great meeting of the Magicians of Italy, it will be too late, and the Order shall be destroyed. The second shall be Flame (Latin = Flamma), daughter of the sun. She will be known by her deeds. Slayer of Faeries. Enemy of the Church. The Exploding Magus. By these titles, she shall be known. Amongst the younger followers of the Order, in the most holy of places, she shall be first, but she is one of the three, and thus will be greater than any of the eldest followers within that place. The last shall be a son of Rome. A follower of the youngest. A master of the game. He shall be a friend of the first two, and that is how you shall know him. Now, my prophecy comes to an end, for the two possibles futures blend into one hazy uncertainty. I can see that the sign shall come in the first decade of the thirteenth century, and that the acension of the three must as well, lest all be gone, as the glory that was Rome.