Introduction

This mini-campaign is set in England and Scotland in the last decade of the thirteenth Century. Tensions between the two states are at their height -- the English army, under the Earl of Surrey, was routed at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and King Edward of England has vowed revenge on the Scots for their rebellion against his rule (the Scottish nobles having submitted to his will in 1296 after the battles of Berwick and Dunbar). In the world of Mythic Europe, the Stonehenge tribunal, long considered weak and disunited, has become strong under the leadership of Martial, a relative of the King. His ambitions, and King Edward's, seem to run along the same lines - to unite the disparate lands of Britain under one crown.

This campaign takes place over 75 years after the nominal date of the Ars Magica supplements (1220), and is an attempt to show what may happen in such a span of years. I have tried to blend true history (the campaigns of Edward I of England) with the mysterious and the mythical Order of Hermes. This campaign represents a breakdown of the Hermetic Oath - specifically its prohibitions against members of the Order becoming involved in "mundane" affairs. Should Martial succeed in his plans, the future of Mythic Europe will be quite different from the past; magi will have a stronger role in mundane politics, and perhaps even come to rule the lands of Mythic Europe. The characters playing in this campaign might bring about such a world, or strive to prevent it as they struggle for their own freedom.

Materials

While the main Ars Magica rules detail some Hermetic politics, other books may be useful; particularly "Lion of the North", the Ars Magica supplement dealing with Scotland and the tribunal of Loch Leglean. Other supplements that could be of use include "Fallen Angel" - detailing the area around Dublin, Ireland and the "Isle of Man", "Mythic Tapestry" and "Houses of Hermes" for character templates and ready-to-play characters from important regions of England. Any competent history of Scotland will detail the real-world political situation in the years 1290-1320, the era of Scotland's wars of Independence.

The Raven and the Lion Ars Magica Mini Campaign Using Scotland the Brave

Introduction
Raven's Tower Covenant
The Court of Martial, Rex Magiorum
Adventure Ideas