Artifacts of the Traditions

The Tradition Blades

In the lore of nearly every magical Tradition, a blade is a powerful symbol, reflecting the authority of the wielder and the acceptance that war is, at times, necessary. While the Grand Convocation was taking place, these nine blades were being formed, and in 1466, the Tradition Blades were complete. One was forged for each of the original Nine Traditions, worked in a style exemplary of their history and beliefs. In addition to being the finest melee weapons ever created, each of the nine blades was capable of a unique power. However, the most powerful effect of the Tradition Blades was not magical at all – they inspired awe and humility in all who saw them, for they represented the combined might and knowledge of the entire Tradition. They were meant to be symbols of the unity of the Traditions, nine blades standing as one sword.

However, fate has seen it appropriate to wrench these artifacts away from their rightful owners. As the Solificati left the Council of Nine, the first of the nine was lost. More followed with the political dissent of the coming years, either stolen by young upstart Mages, cast away as a symbol of distrust, or locked away out of fear of misuse. Moving into the 20^th century, the Tradition Blades are all but forgotten.

The Tradition Banners

When searches for the Tradition Blades were futile, the Council of Nine quickly enchanted a replacement. The Tradition Banners aren’t nearly as powerful as the Tradition Blades, but they serve well enough as a symbol of the Tradition’s authority. They also help ensure that the Chancellors of the Traditions make sound decisions, unswayed by magic or force. The Chancellors must be cautious, though, to protect their Banner from loss or theft.

Each of these Banners gives the one who bears it a bonus on their Trait Total to resist magic - +1 against all magic, or +2 against magic meant to affect their rational mind or decisions. Many Traditions choose to create a staff for their Banner to hang on, or to wear it as a tabard or belt-decoration. Only the person in possession of the Banner gains its bonus. A Banner may also be used by hanging it on a wall or displaying it on a table, at which point the leader of that Tradition may touch the Banner while stating “I invoke the authority of (Tradition).” They will gain the Banner’s bonus until the Banner is no longer respectfully displayed – whether it falls down, is folded over, someone sets their drink on it, or it is stolen. Only one person may benefit from a Tradition’s banner at one time, although it’s unknown if a person could benefit from another Tradition’s Banner, or from more than one Banner at once. Many formal Tradition events begin with each Chancellor displaying his Tradition’s flag openly as a symbol of trust.
Rumors abound that the Banners may have additional properties, echoes from the lost Tradition Blades. Such rumors are most likely just wishful thinking on the part of older Mages.

The Council Seats

Younger Mages may wonder why the Council of Nine allows the Chancellors to hold on to the Tradition Banners, rather than using them themselves. First of all, the Masters of the Council need no such trinkets to exert their authority. Secondly, each member of the Council already has a powerful artifact; their seat upon the Council of Nine. Forged directly from magical ores and gigantic, solid gems, a Master who has earned a place in one of the Seats enjoys powerful influence and unquestioned authority. No magic is necessary for these effects, but each Seat is rumored to have deeply ingrained magical properties, as well. If the Masters know what magic lies within these, they aren’t telling.

Technically, each seat represents a Sphere, not a Tradition. The headboard of each seat bears the symbol of each Sphere, etched with magical precision into the material. Occasionally, though, there is a sense of sadness among the gathered Council, looking at the Seat of Matter, which has not been occupied in over 400 years. Little wonder that many Masters are excited about the possibility of inviting the Electrodyne Engineers onto the Council of Nine…perhaps too excited, and forgetful of their usual caution.