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
• 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]
• 1010: House Guernicus performs the Curse of Thoth ritual [HoH:TL:144]
• 1011: Fall of the Nameless Covenant [Stonehenge]
• 1012: Fall of ???
• 1015: Knut lands in Wessex [wikipedia]
• 1016: Knut conquers England [wikipedia]
• -1017: official end of the Schism War [HoH:TL:144]

The Earldoms

England consists of four old kingdoms, which Knut established as earldoms in his rule.

• Mercia
• Wessex
• East Anglia
• Northumbria

Mercia

Eadric Streona became Ealdorman of Mercia in 1007 [wikipedia]. He was the first earl under Knut, but was killed by Knut in December 1017.

Eadric rose to the post of ealdorman following a number of devastating battles of the Schism War. He immediately started outlawed magic, in all its forms, and both Hermetic and hedge wizards were hunted down.

Wessex

Knut took Wessex under his direct rule at first.