Legacy:Mythic europe
Version 1
Date: 2008-01-12 19:04:11 GMT Author: pm Comment: Initial version
= Synopsis Mythic Europe is where the adventures in [[Ars Magica]] take place. Outwardly, it appears similar to the Europe of the late 12['th] and early 13['th] century we know from history books. It occupies the same geographical region, and is mostly equivalent to the Europe of that time regarding its size and arrangement. Its inhabitants tend to cling to the same medieval beliefs and values as it is known to be the case in that period of time. Daily life of the mundane world follows the same, yet regionally differing, behavior patterns described by historians. The level of technology and knowledge, at least as far as mundanes are concerned, is that of the respective corresponding year of our own history. Yet, there are differences, and that is why it is called Mythic Europe. = Differences Mythic Europe is the scenario and setting of a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role-playing_game|fantasy role-playing game]], and as such offers much more than is revealed to the eye at first glance. It is filled with strange magic and creatures, and is the place where the laws of nature are not the same as we know them from our own world and experience, but rather manifest in a way of medieval belief and understanding come true.
Version 2
Date: 2008-03-18 12:25:13 GMT Author: Yair Comment: changed
Mythic Europe is the [[Canon|canonic]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[sagas]] take place. While closely based on early 13['th] century Europe, Mythic Europe deviates from history by incorporating myth, legend, and wild unbashful fantasy into the historic background. In some respects, Mythic Europe is very similar to historical Europe. It occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]]. However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. Ars Magica focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting. Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[Canon|canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical varacity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]]. =The Order of Hermes and the Realms of Power The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]]. There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Art|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf. There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later. Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Tytalus Corruption|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide bredth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]]. Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angle|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield [[Holy Power|great powers]] in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities. Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shuning both fealty and the Church, many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing. Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an interest in mundane scholarship and art, and many are religous or hold other ties to the mundanes. Ars Magica allows to put great emphasis on [[Mundane Society]], with supplements such as [[City and Guild]] and [[Art and Academe]] interwining the two worlds.
Version 3
Date: 2008-03-18 18:11:39 GMT Author: Yair Comment: capitalization
Mythic Europe is the [[Canon|canonic]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|Saga|sagas]] take place. While closely based on early 13['th] century Europe, Mythic Europe deviates from history by incorporating myth, legend, and wild unbashful fantasy into the historic background. In some respects, Mythic Europe is very similar to historical Europe. It occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]]. However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. Ars Magica focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting. Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[Canon|canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical varacity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]]. =The Order of Hermes and the Realms of Power The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]]. There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Art|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf. There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later. Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Tytalus Corruption|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide bredth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]]. Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angle|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield [[Holy Power|great powers]] in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities. Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shuning both fealty and the Church, many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing. Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an interest in mundane scholarship and art, and many are religous or hold other ties to the mundanes. Ars Magica allows to put great emphasis on [[Mundane Society]], with supplements such as [[City and Guild]] and [[Art and Academe]] interwining the two wo
Version 4
Date: 2008-03-18 18:22:47 GMT Author: Yair Comment: spelling
Mythic Europe is the [[Canon|canonic]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|sagas]] take place. While closely based on early 13['th] century Europe, Mythic Europe deviates from history by incorporating myth, legend, and wild unbashful fantasy into the historic background. In some respects, Mythic Europe is very similar to historical Europe. It occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]]. However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. Ars Magica focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting. Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[Canon|canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical varacity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]]. =The Order of Hermes and the Realms of Power The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]]. There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Art|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf. There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later. Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Tytalus Corruption|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide bredth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]]. Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angel|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield [[Holy Power|great powers]] in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities. Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shuning both fealty and the Church, many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing. Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an interest in mundane scholarship and art, and many are religous or hold other ties to the mundanes. Ars Magica allows to put great emphasis on [[Mundane Society]], with supplements such as [[City and Guild]] and [[Art and Academe]] interwining the two worlds.
Version 5
Date: 2009-05-08 02:56:33 GMT Author: AndrewGronosky Comment: Added preamble
[begin:.preamble] Mythic Europe is much like the Europe of 1220, the middle ages, but with dragons, demons, angels, and faeries all unquestionably real, and no aspect of society is untouched by myth. ["-Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 4] [end:.preamble] Mythic Europe is the [[Canon|canonical]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[iddle ages, but with dragons, demons, angels, and faeries all unquestionably real, and no aspect of society is untouched by myth. ["-Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 4] [end:.preamble] Mythic Europe is the [[Canon|canonical]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|sagas]] take place. While closely based on early 13['th] century Europe, Mythic Europe deviates from history by incorporating myth, legend, and wild unbashful fantasy into the historic background. In some respects, Mythic Europe is very similar to historical Europe. It occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]]. However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. Ars Magica focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting. Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[Canon|canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical varacity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]]. =The Order of Hermes and the Realms of Power The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]]. There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Art|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf. There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later. Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Tytalus Corruption|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide bredth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]]. Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angel|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield [[Holy Power|great powers]] in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities. Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shuning both fealty and the Church, many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing. Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an int
Version 6
Date: 2009-05-08 03:00:38 GMT Author: AndrewGronosky Comment: Added cross-references
[begin:.preamble] Mythic Europe is much like the Europe of 1220, the middle ages, but with dragons, demons, angels, and faeries all unquestionably real, and no aspect of society is untouched by myth. ["-Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 4] [end:.preamble] Mythic Europe is the [[Canon|canonical]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|sagas]] take place. While closely based on early 13['th] century Europe, Mythic Europe deviates from history by incorporating myth, legend, and wild unbashful fantasy into the historic background. In some respects, Mythic Europe is very similar to historical Europe. It occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]]. However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. Ars Magica focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting. Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[Canon|canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical veracity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]]. =The Order of Hermes and the Realms of Power The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]]. There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Art|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf. There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later. Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Tytalus Corruption|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide bredth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]]. Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angel|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield [[Holy Power|great powers]] in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities. Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shuning both fealty and the Church, many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing. Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an interest in mundane scholarship and art, and many are religous or hold other ties to the mundanes. Ars Magica allows to put great emphasis on [[Mundane Society]], with supplements such as [[City and Guild]] and [[Art and Academe]] interwining the two worlds. =See Also * [[Mythic Europe Book | Mythic Europe]], the [[Third Edition]] sourcebook * [[Real History]]
Version 7
Date: 2009-06-23 13:11:57 GMT Author: AndrewGronosky Comment: Cleaned up formatting, added link to map
{{quote | Mythic Europe is much like the Europe of 1220, the middle ages, but with dragons, demons, angels, and faeries all unquestionably real, and no aspect of society is untouched by myth.}}
{{cite | -Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 4}}
Mythic Europe is the [[canonical]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|sagas]] take place. While closely based on early 13^^th^^ century Europe, Mythic Europe deviates from history by incorporating myth, legend, and wild unbashful fantasy into the historic background.
In some respects, Mythic Europe is very similar to historical Europe. It occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]].
However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. [[Ars Magica]] focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting.
Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical veracity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]].
=The Order of Hermes and the Realms of Power
The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]].
There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Art|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf.
There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later.
Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Tytalus Corruption|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide bredth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]].
Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angel|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield [[Holy Power|great powers]] in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities.
Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shuning both fealty and the Church, many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing.
Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an interest in mundane scholarship and art, and many are religous or hold other ties to the mundanes. Ars Magica allows to put great emphasis on [[Mundane Society]], with supplements such as [[City and Guild]] and [[Art and Academe]] interwining the two worlds.
=Related Links
* [[Mythic Europe Book | Mythic Europe]], the [[Third Edition]] sourcebook
* [[Real History]]
* [[http://www.atlas-games.com/pdf_storage/europemap.pdf | Map of Mythic Europe]] (176 KB PDF, from the [[Atlas Games]] Web site)
Version 8
Date: 2010-03-08 15:28:07 GMT Author: Yair Comment: spelling
{{quote | Mythic Europe is much like the Europe of 1220, the middle ages, but with dragons, demons, angels, and faeries all unquestionably real, and no aspect of society is untouched by myth.}}
{{cite | -Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 4}}
Mythic Europe is the [[canonic|canonical]] setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|sagas]] take place. While closely based on early 13^^th^^ century Europe, Mythic Europe deviates from history by incorporating myth, legend, and wild unbashful fantasy into the historic background.
In some respects, Mythic Europe is very similar to historical Europe. It occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]].
However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. [[Ars Magica]] focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting.
Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical veracity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]].
=The Order of Hermes and the Realms of Power
The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]].
There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Art|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf.
There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later.
Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Tytalus Corruption|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide bredth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]].
Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angel|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield [[Holy Power|great powers]] in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities.
Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shuning both fealty and the Church, many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing.
Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an interest in mundane scholarship and art, and many are religous or hold other ties to the mundanes. Ars Magica allows to put great emphasis on [[Mundane Society]], with supplements such as [[City and Guild]] and [[Art and Academe]] interwining the two worlds.
=Related Links
* [[Mythic Europe Book | Mythic Europe]], the [[Third Edition]] sourcebook
* [[Real History]]
* [[http://www.atlas-games.com/pdf_storage/europemap.pdf | Map of Mythic Europe]] (176 KB PDF, from the [[Atlas Games]] Web site)