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Houses within the Order of Hermes House Bjornaer is composed entirely of natural shape-shifters. Most have a single animal type into which they transform (the "heart-beast"), but the most powerful can change into a variety of forms. Bjornaer magic naturally concentrates on animals and the natural world. It is often raw and primitive, and Bjornaer magi often have difficulty adapting to the "official" Hermetic style. Though Bonisagus himself entered Twilight soon after the formation of the Order, House Bonisagus carries on his work, further refining and developing his theories. As the primary magical researchers of the Order, the Bonisagi command great respect among their peers. They are often sought as teachers and advisors, they typically receive first pick of new apprentices, and their opinions carry great weight in tribunal meetings. The followers of Criamon pursue obscure philosophies in their quest for "the Enigma", the mystical experience at the heart of all magic. Rarely interested in either personal or political power, magi of House Criamon are often otherworldly and mysterious, outsiders even in the arcane world of the supernatural. The maga Diedne and her followers claimed descent from the Celtic Druids, and after Durenmar dozens of other druidic groups joined the Order under her leadership. Diedne is thus one of the largest houses, though concentrated almost entirely in the British Isles. House Diedne is reclusive and prefers to operate independently of the other houses. House Flambeau is devoted to the study and control of fire, which they claim is the primary element. Natural masters of destruction, Flambeau magi are often aggressive, readily volunteering for enforcement duties, though there is also a strong mystical bent to their studies. House Guernicus holds special status, as its members are the quaesitori (judges) within the Order. Quaesitori have unique authority to investigate wrongdoing, convene tribunals, and pass sentence. House Guernicus trains and inducts apprentices into its ranks, but also may offer the position of quaesitor to respected members of other Houses. The magus Jerbiton was devoted to the preservation of art and literature and has passed this goal on to his apprentices. Magi of House Jerbiton collect classical statues and manuscripts, sponsor artists and scriptoria, and attempt to encourage an appreciation for scholarship in Europe's nascent nobility. Jerbiton magi are also noted for their support of the Roman Church. Mercere was one of the leading magi of Italy until he lost his powers under mysterious circumstances. Nevertheless, Mercere became one of the founders, offering to fill a needed role within the Order: that of messenger. Members of House Mercere are officially accorded the rank of magus whether or not they possess the Gift. Each spends considerable time criss-crossing the land, carrying messages between Hermetic covenants and providing the crucial communication links that keep Hermetic society together. Merceri magi on duty where distinctive red caps. House Merinita eschews the mundane world to delve into the mysteries of the world of the fey. Merinita magi attempt to study and work with faeries, and many are rumored to possess faerie blood. Some even claim to have visited Arcadia. The magus Tremere has always stressed the importance of judgement, strategy, and detailed planning. The training he passes on to his apprentices emphasizes obedience and dignity; Tremere apprentices are expected to remain subordinate to their masters even after apprenticeship ends. This tends to turn out conservative magi, very concerned with tradition, and the Tremere have a reputation for stolidity. In contrast, the magus Tytalus teaches that strength only comes from conflict. Tytalus apprentices compete regularly with each other in certámen (formal magical duels), and no apprentice graduates until he challenges and defeats his master. Tytalus magi will rarely accept any authority unless bested in certámen - Tytalus himself must constantly defend his leadership of the House. House Verditius is composed of magical craftsmen, makers of potions and enchanted artifacts. They rely heavily on such tools and most Verditius magi cannot cast spells without the use of their "props", a disability which is often mocked by the other Houses.
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