Terram Magi, the Societas Guernici, Covenant of Hedyosmos

I’m gathering material for a new Magus, who I wish to focus on Terram magic. This post is a place to gather all the points of reference into one place so I can find the material later, and also to share the existing sources for Terrae Magi.

Initially the Magus was to be based only within the current 5th edition rules for Ars Magica, but as I read the wider source books and community written content – the core approach doesn’t sound as deep or plentiful as the “Magi Terrae” which have been detailed elsewhere. I’d like to add another line of Terram orientated

Overview of Sources:

1. Houses of Hermes: True Lineages (HoH:TL p68) mentions that Guernicus (the founder of the House and first Quaesitor) was also a passionate Terram Magus. It does not provide much more detail, except to say that the tradition is small and still in existence, and not a “proper” Mystery Cult in terms of the source books for Ars Magica. It implies the group is an association of like minded wizards who share a common interest and may share discoveries.
2. The Sundered Eagle: The Theban Tribunal (tSE p67) gives more details on a particular sect of the society, detailing that particular sects link to the Greek Titans and their center of power within the Covenant of Hedyosmos. It contains a brief overview of what a Terram magus of this line might be like. It also briefly explains the link between this style of earth magic and the cult of the dead. This is a useful core rules source as it also contains the initiation scripts and suggestions for powers which are appropriate (such as Elemental spirit familiars).
3. Jarkman’s Terrae Magi / and Societas Guernici: includes a rule-set for making characters who are members of two different lines of Guernicus, the detailed Mystery Cult, new Terram spells, and a wonderful set of lore.
4. Hermes Portal, Issue 14 – Omnibus Grimoire Terram: includes some wonderful spells, including almost a match to a “set of steps” which was an effect I’ve drafted but not as yet finished.

Thoughts on Sources:

There is a little contention between these sources, which is to be embraced. The sources for the official RAW line clearly detail that Guernicus founded a society, and not a mystery cult, yet much of the material is based upon mystery cult structures.

The initial section in HoH:TL suggests that the wider organization is open and welcoming, but also reads as if more restrictive when the members of the associations are role-played. That makes good sense and dovetails with the approaches from The Sundered Eagle and Jarkman’s pages.

I would like to see the Terrae Magi become a wider and more open association, which then contains these clutches and cults within it. The name “Students of The Stone” is very evocative and suitable. I don’t see a need to dispute any of the sources above, and would suggest a character in-play could become known as a “Student of the Stone” and be friendly with these traditions without disrupting their own path.

I’d like to detail an alternate path, which stands separate from these sources, and uses Scandinavian/Norse roots instead of Greek.

Hopefully more on that soon.