Order of Hermes
The Order of Hermes (also Enigmatic Order of Hermes or, informally, the Order) is the fictional organization to which magi in Ars Magica belong. All wizards in the Order of Hermes know a special kind of defensive magic called Parma Magica and nearly all can use a powerful, flexible form of magic called Hermetic Magic. Most of them speak Latin as a common language, enabling magi from across Mythic Europe to share magical books and spells.
Composition
Every magus of the Order belongs to one of twelve Houses of Hermes . Most magi also hold other political positions (such as a quaesitor) and/or associate with other Hermetic socities, cults, cabals, or so on. Hermetic Society is a complex thing.
According to Fifth Edition, there are about 1200 magi in the Order (page 9, first paragraph). Most magi in the Order live in groups called covenants but some prefer a solitary existence.
Law and Politics
The Order has its own legal system. Hermetic Law is based on the Code of Hermes and the Peripheral Code. The Order is governed by regional councils of magi known as Tribunals. The Tribunals operate as courts of law, with the aid of Quaesitors.
History
The Order was founded in 767 A.D. by the tweleve Founders under the leadership of Bonisagus and Trianoma. Its magic and traditions are loosely based on the ancient Roman Cult of Mercury.
It has since known many political turmoils and upheavals, including the Tytalus Corruption and the Schism War. A brief depiction of the Order's history is given in ArM5 9-10. The Houses of Hermes series of supplements further provides details on each House's history.
References
- ArM5, pages 9-10
See Also
- Houses of Hermes True Lineages contains more information about the Order's law and politics
- Houses of Hermes, the Third Edition supplement
- Order of Hermes, the Second Edition supplement
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Legacy Page
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at Legacy:order_of_hermes