Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Play by Post
Ars Magica: Lumen Montis, A Covenant in the Alps [IC]
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="mckerih" data-source="post: 1178465" data-attributes="member: 14516"><p>Merin stood next to take his turn. He straightened his robe and paused briefly to organize his thoughts before beginning. "I agree with Marcus that we should agree in essence with Lemannus' terms while including some negotiation. Daniella's suggestion for the latter seems reasonable to me. Fionuala's point is well-taken, though. Controlling our vote at a tribunal decision of their choice is a sizable concession. Perhaps we could propose a time limit of fifty years, which would still benefit them considerably in the near future while giving us slightly greater independence after we become more established." [Merin doesn't mind being swayed on these issues, although he will draw the line very firmly at anything that has a legitimate chance of annoying Lemannus right now.]</p><p></p><p>"Sodale Brigitta, your thoughts on our covenant's name are well-considered. I remember visiting my father's mountaintop bonfire stations in my youth, and 'Lumen Montis' appeals to me as a name." [The covenant's name doesn't matter too much to Merin, although he will definitely consider the possible opinions of other covenants in his deliberations; he'll advise against any names that appear excessively modest or proud, for example.]</p><p></p><p>"I am with those who seek strong ties amongst ourselves, that our strengths may complement each other and enhance what each of us may accomplish. Internal Wizard Wars would be a disaster, particularly in our early stages of development; I would see them forbidden in our charter. I strongly approve of a mutual defense pact, though with the same caveat that others have mentioned to account for unusual circumstances, wherein the pact may be invalidated in a given instance if a two-thirds majority or majority-minus-one of us so decide. For resolving internal disagreements, I believe the primus should be responsible for minor issues, but that the whole covenant should be involved in resolving major concerns." [Merin feels pretty strongly about all but the last of these matters, though he would give way in exchange for support in the following<img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":]" title="Devious :]" data-shortname=":]" /></p><p></p><p>"Sodale Daniella, I wholeheartedly agree with your arguments in favor of obligation to the covenant. In truth, I feel that devoting one season per year might be too little at the outset." Merin looked at each of the magi earnestly. "I realize that we are all eager to begin our individual studies. Without a strong initial investment in our communal resources, however, I believe that our long-term success will be delayed at best and endangered at worst. For example, although I can proffer an Aegis of the Hearth ritual of the sixth magnitude, one of our highest priorities should be to strengthen this, that our covenant may be less vulnerable."</p><p></p><p>Merin paced energetically, reinforcing his points with emphatic gestures. "I would see us dedicate two seasons of work to enhancing our covenant's resources during the first year, and possibly during the first three. This, of course, could be in whatever way we can best contribute: copying texts, collecting vim, nurturing our economic resources, and so forth. We should also have some reasonable means of reducing the time obligation in exchange for other forms of obligation. For example, a straightforward payoff of vis or the casting of strong defensive spells might exempt one from a season's labor. In my case, I've already spent some months mastering the Aegis of the Hearth spell in the expectation that I would be called upon to use it for at least our first few years of existence, and I would appreciate some form of compensation.</p><p></p><p>"Some means of improving our resources will of course benefit us individually, too. I would be interested in working with other magi to learn Wizard's Communion to increase our potential combined power. In conjunction with this, learning the relevant Arts might help constitute a convenant service if it helps us improve our Aegis in the long run. There may well be similar examples that play to each of your strengths.</p><p></p><p>"In summation, I hope that others recognize the delicacy of our initial position and the benefits that we can gain by shared efforts at the outset." [Merin feels strongest about this issue, although he will give ground graciously if the weight of opinion is against him. He agrees with Marcus' proposals regarding vis and written texts, and will give strong support to Daniela's outlined system of commitment after the first few years, and also to her call for careful organization.]</p><p></p><p>"I agree that we should have a primus, although perhaps not an over-powerful one. I feel that we do not know each well enough for elections to be advisable, but I recognize the contention made by Sodales Fionuala and Brigitta that not everyone desires (or is well-suited) to be primus. I suggest two possible compromises. First, we could govern ourselves without a primus for five years, and then hold elections. Alternatively, let those who are interested enter a rotation of short terms, perhaps 2-3 years; once this rotation is complete, then we could hold elections thenceforth. Once elections are held, I support terms of moderate length, perhaps 10-20 years, renewable indefinitely. Like those who have spoken before me, I see little redeeming value in determining our primus by certamen, although I hope that demonstrated commitment to improving our covenant will play a role. Personally, I would be glad to be a candidate for primus, although I reocgnize the qualifications of others here." [Merin sincerely believes these proposals to be the best ones, but he will accept other ideas provided that they give him a reasonable chance of trying his hand at primus. He does have a fairly strong preference for indefinitely renewable elected terms, but doesn't want life terms.]</p><p></p><p>"I don't think a strong primus is preferable, at least at our stage of development. I like the guidelines suggested by Fionuala and Daniela. In general, I believe the council should decide issues that directly affect us all, while the primus resolves most issues involving individuals, chairs the council, handles routine organizational and administrative matters, represents us in Hermetic and mundane affairs, and oversees the grogs. I expect us to cede more specific powers to the primus over time, but I prefer to start with a basic framework while we are establishing our routines. I would be willing to see the primus have a double vote in council decisions and also to have authority to speak for us as a whole when abroad, abiding by council decisions where applicable, of course. I like the idea of having a vis-keeper and librarian, whom the primus would appoint and could overrule depending on the circumstances. Personally, I wouldn't mind administering the vis, but I have a particular interest in organizing and expanding the library, including working with other covenants to arrange exchanges." [Merin is pretty flexible on these matters; these are just his suggestions.]</p><p></p><p>"I agree with what others have said about admitting members and forcing members out. A probationary period for new members sounds good, as does a two-thirds or majority-minus-one ruling in both cases. I'd also recommend having a system in place for ousting a primus from office, perhaps majority-minus-one (not including the primus). I think we should be receptive to new members; I feel that we still have room to grow, though I doubt that we will hold much appeal to newcomers until we have established ourselves. As for terms by which a member may leave voluntarily, I see no obvious benefit from restricting this. Perhaps we could require a 'buy-out' in vis or books or some other service, though." [Again, Merin doesn't feel too strongly about any of these issues.]</p><p></p><p>"For revising the charter, I'm open to two-thirds or majority-minus-one votes." [No strong opinions here, either.]</p><p></p><p>"Oh, and I gladly agree to your request, Sodale Polybius. I swear to provide true and complete information about my doings to you. May our accomplishments be the makings of a worthy history." Merin gave me a friendly smile and sat down.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="mckerih, post: 1178465, member: 14516"] Merin stood next to take his turn. He straightened his robe and paused briefly to organize his thoughts before beginning. "I agree with Marcus that we should agree in essence with Lemannus' terms while including some negotiation. Daniella's suggestion for the latter seems reasonable to me. Fionuala's point is well-taken, though. Controlling our vote at a tribunal decision of their choice is a sizable concession. Perhaps we could propose a time limit of fifty years, which would still benefit them considerably in the near future while giving us slightly greater independence after we become more established." [Merin doesn't mind being swayed on these issues, although he will draw the line very firmly at anything that has a legitimate chance of annoying Lemannus right now.] "Sodale Brigitta, your thoughts on our covenant's name are well-considered. I remember visiting my father's mountaintop bonfire stations in my youth, and 'Lumen Montis' appeals to me as a name." [The covenant's name doesn't matter too much to Merin, although he will definitely consider the possible opinions of other covenants in his deliberations; he'll advise against any names that appear excessively modest or proud, for example.] "I am with those who seek strong ties amongst ourselves, that our strengths may complement each other and enhance what each of us may accomplish. Internal Wizard Wars would be a disaster, particularly in our early stages of development; I would see them forbidden in our charter. I strongly approve of a mutual defense pact, though with the same caveat that others have mentioned to account for unusual circumstances, wherein the pact may be invalidated in a given instance if a two-thirds majority or majority-minus-one of us so decide. For resolving internal disagreements, I believe the primus should be responsible for minor issues, but that the whole covenant should be involved in resolving major concerns." [Merin feels pretty strongly about all but the last of these matters, though he would give way in exchange for support in the following:] "Sodale Daniella, I wholeheartedly agree with your arguments in favor of obligation to the covenant. In truth, I feel that devoting one season per year might be too little at the outset." Merin looked at each of the magi earnestly. "I realize that we are all eager to begin our individual studies. Without a strong initial investment in our communal resources, however, I believe that our long-term success will be delayed at best and endangered at worst. For example, although I can proffer an Aegis of the Hearth ritual of the sixth magnitude, one of our highest priorities should be to strengthen this, that our covenant may be less vulnerable." Merin paced energetically, reinforcing his points with emphatic gestures. "I would see us dedicate two seasons of work to enhancing our covenant's resources during the first year, and possibly during the first three. This, of course, could be in whatever way we can best contribute: copying texts, collecting vim, nurturing our economic resources, and so forth. We should also have some reasonable means of reducing the time obligation in exchange for other forms of obligation. For example, a straightforward payoff of vis or the casting of strong defensive spells might exempt one from a season's labor. In my case, I've already spent some months mastering the Aegis of the Hearth spell in the expectation that I would be called upon to use it for at least our first few years of existence, and I would appreciate some form of compensation. "Some means of improving our resources will of course benefit us individually, too. I would be interested in working with other magi to learn Wizard's Communion to increase our potential combined power. In conjunction with this, learning the relevant Arts might help constitute a convenant service if it helps us improve our Aegis in the long run. There may well be similar examples that play to each of your strengths. "In summation, I hope that others recognize the delicacy of our initial position and the benefits that we can gain by shared efforts at the outset." [Merin feels strongest about this issue, although he will give ground graciously if the weight of opinion is against him. He agrees with Marcus' proposals regarding vis and written texts, and will give strong support to Daniela's outlined system of commitment after the first few years, and also to her call for careful organization.] "I agree that we should have a primus, although perhaps not an over-powerful one. I feel that we do not know each well enough for elections to be advisable, but I recognize the contention made by Sodales Fionuala and Brigitta that not everyone desires (or is well-suited) to be primus. I suggest two possible compromises. First, we could govern ourselves without a primus for five years, and then hold elections. Alternatively, let those who are interested enter a rotation of short terms, perhaps 2-3 years; once this rotation is complete, then we could hold elections thenceforth. Once elections are held, I support terms of moderate length, perhaps 10-20 years, renewable indefinitely. Like those who have spoken before me, I see little redeeming value in determining our primus by certamen, although I hope that demonstrated commitment to improving our covenant will play a role. Personally, I would be glad to be a candidate for primus, although I reocgnize the qualifications of others here." [Merin sincerely believes these proposals to be the best ones, but he will accept other ideas provided that they give him a reasonable chance of trying his hand at primus. He does have a fairly strong preference for indefinitely renewable elected terms, but doesn't want life terms.] "I don't think a strong primus is preferable, at least at our stage of development. I like the guidelines suggested by Fionuala and Daniela. In general, I believe the council should decide issues that directly affect us all, while the primus resolves most issues involving individuals, chairs the council, handles routine organizational and administrative matters, represents us in Hermetic and mundane affairs, and oversees the grogs. I expect us to cede more specific powers to the primus over time, but I prefer to start with a basic framework while we are establishing our routines. I would be willing to see the primus have a double vote in council decisions and also to have authority to speak for us as a whole when abroad, abiding by council decisions where applicable, of course. I like the idea of having a vis-keeper and librarian, whom the primus would appoint and could overrule depending on the circumstances. Personally, I wouldn't mind administering the vis, but I have a particular interest in organizing and expanding the library, including working with other covenants to arrange exchanges." [Merin is pretty flexible on these matters; these are just his suggestions.] "I agree with what others have said about admitting members and forcing members out. A probationary period for new members sounds good, as does a two-thirds or majority-minus-one ruling in both cases. I'd also recommend having a system in place for ousting a primus from office, perhaps majority-minus-one (not including the primus). I think we should be receptive to new members; I feel that we still have room to grow, though I doubt that we will hold much appeal to newcomers until we have established ourselves. As for terms by which a member may leave voluntarily, I see no obvious benefit from restricting this. Perhaps we could require a 'buy-out' in vis or books or some other service, though." [Again, Merin doesn't feel too strongly about any of these issues.] "For revising the charter, I'm open to two-thirds or majority-minus-one votes." [No strong opinions here, either.] "Oh, and I gladly agree to your request, Sodale Polybius. I swear to provide true and complete information about my doings to you. May our accomplishments be the makings of a worthy history." Merin gave me a friendly smile and sat down. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Play by Post
Ars Magica: Lumen Montis, A Covenant in the Alps [IC]
Top