Order of Hermes (Ars Magica) - History

History

The Order of Hermes was founded by the wizards Trianoma and Bonisagus. Trianoma had the desire to unite the disparate Magi of Europe into a single group, who could learn from one another. She did not know how to accomplish this goal until she met Bonisagus. He had created a consistent theory to describe magic, which would allow Magi to share information, using a common frame of reference. Also, he had invented the ritual Parma Magica, a personal, protective, magical shield. Having Parma Magica would allow Magi to meet, face to face, without fear of magical attack. Trianoma became Bonisagus' student and learned his magical theory and the Parma Magica. Then, she traveled throughout Europe recruiting other wizards. Eleven Magi joined her. Bonisagus and the eleven Magi established twelve Houses in a fellowship called the Hermetic Order of Hermes. The Order quickly recruited like-minded wizards, teaching the protective Parma Magica to Magi, who would take the Order's Oath of mutual cooperation. The wizards who refused to take the Oath were not taught the Parma Magica. Instead, they were hunted down and destroyed.