This is an idea for a slightly non-standard setting for Ars Magica. What if we play magi when the Order was at its weakest, destroyed by the Schism War?

In Stonehenge, the Schism War coincides with the invasion of Knut in 1016, surely adding to the devastation. It is suggested to start the saga at some point between 1012-16, that is after the last major battle in 1012 and before the execution of Eadric of Mercia in 1017.

• Character Generation
• Redcaps after the Schism
• Stonehenge at the time of the Schism
• Covenants during the Schism

Hermetic Situation

• almost no Mercere Portals
• little trust and little trade among the magi
• many secrets which are well-known in 1220, are now known only in cults
• PC magi have grown up under the war
  • focus on survival
  • no expectation to be able to settle as lab rats
• PCs know each other - how?

Timeline

• 1003- official start of the Schism War [HoH:TL:144]
• 1003: Fall of Lumen in Mercia.
• In the first years, there were many battles, mainly on individual covenants.
  • Diedne seemed to have the upper hand.
• 1008: Fall of Roma Nova in Kent.
• 1010: House Tremere declares Wizard’s War on House Diedne
  • House Guernicus performs the Curse of Thoth ritual [HoH:TL:144]
  • After the Curse of Thoth, Diedne is start loosing major battles.
• 1011: Emergency Grand Tribunal - House Diedne is renounced
  • Winter 1011: Fall of the Nameless Covenant [Stonehenge]
• 1011: Tribunal, but it was not quorate
• 1012: Fall of Branugurix in Britanny
  • This marks the beginning of the end
• After 1012, Diedne’s only strong position is in Loch Leglean.
  • The War is still raging in Scotland and in Northumbria.
• 1015: Knut lands in Wessex [wikipedia]
• 1016: Knut conquers England [wikipedia]
  • The last major battle of the Schism takes place in Northumbria [non-canon]
• 1017: The last individual Diedne magi are hunted down.
• -1017: official end of the Schism War [HoH:TL:144]
• 1018: Tribunal
  • The War is declared over.
• 1030: The Grand Tribunal

Situation 1013-1014

Mercia is devastated by the war. Several covenants have been sacked, and the collateral damage is severe. Magic has been outlawed. Eadric is rebuilding the mundane society, and people are optimistic.

Northumbria Covenants are under attack from Diedne wizards from Loch Leglean and their Giant allies.

East Anglia and Wessex have had smaller Hermetic populations, and have not seen battles of the Schism for years.

In Wales the Order is strong. Cad Gadu saw little of the war. Blackthorn is rebuilding.

Situation 1015-1016

Having won the War on the Continent, the Order sends reinforcements to Loch Leglean.
This turns the War in Northumbria and Loch Leglean, and Diedne loose quickly.

Situation 1017

• Northumbria is devastated.
• Cnut controls England.
• Magic is still outlawed in Mercia.
• Diedne is no longer a threat anywhere.