The destruction of the feudal order by plague, warfare, and the ambitions
of kings has left Europe open to new things of every kind: new philosophies,
new art and architecture, and new patterns of development. The richest, most
advanced places in Europe are the Italian city-states, which have made vast
profits from the Crusades, combining advantageous location for trade with
political and economic sophistication. These city states, run by the great
families of Italy – the Medici, the Sforza, the d’Estes, the Borgia,
the Colonna, and the Orsini – are the breeding ground for everything
that flourishes at the end of the dark ages: art, politics, science, treachery,
magic and heresy. The first among equals is Venice, known as Serenissima –
the most serene Republic. Ruled by a Doge who is elected by the mysterious
Council of Ten, Venice has created an intricate web that holds all of Europe
together. And so the manipulators come to pluck the strands, to cause tremors
that will awaken the makers of a new age.
The Chariot Arcanum, led by Leonardo da Vinci, is attempting to gain primacy
as the weakened Emperor and Hierophant Arcanum struggle to maintain their
position of power in the world. Opposing them is the Empress Arcanum, who
champion the rebirth of humanistic passion as the old medieval order disintegrates.
Both of these groups are in turn opposed by the Wheel Arcanum, who, for reasons
of their own, have determined that it is not the right time for either to
Ascend.
In the midst of this epic occult struggle, due in part to the ceaseless activity
of the Nephilim, human secret societies begin their own magical experiments.
Templar commander Machiavelli prepares to battle the Medici, pawns of the
Prieure de Sion, over control of the richest cities in the world. However,
an expedition across an ocean is about to change the world as they all know
it, forever.
This is a 2 session game, over 2 separate days. Nephilim players may select
one character from Session 1, who will appear in both game sessions. Extras
will change as time will have passed between sessions. The setting for this
game is Venice, 1490 and onwards. Students of history and literature are advised
to remember the Age of Aquarius maxim-
Science is an Illusion, History is a Lie!
