Lady Loretta of Mercere

In previous stories the magi of Rabenstein became acquainted with a failed Hermetic apprentice named Loretta. Embroiled with despicable enemies and a wicked Hermetic master, she earned the kind-hearted aid of Rabenstein and the amorous affection of one of its members, Cynric Ex Miscellanea. To learn more of Loretta's dealings with Rabenstein, see the stories The Picture of Castellan Demél , The Troll of the Magdalensberg, The Peripheral Code, The Harlot of Fröhnleiten, The Lion of St. Mark, and Caught in Her Own Deception.

Once an apprentice under the infamous Fransi Dar of Tytalus, Loretta quit Nubes Fenestre and managed to stay in Straussburg with the gifted artisan Basil before his murder by Demél (and subsequent rescue from murder charges by Cynric and Julian). Convincing Rabenstein that she had been wronged by her former master (who she claimed had been Fredebertus), Loretta returned to the Order as an apprentice to Mercere under XXX of Harco Covenant. Abducted by Fredebertus and Electra of Nubes Fenestre, Rabenstein bargained for her release. At this time, they were shocked to learn that she had in fact been the pupil of Fransi Dar, and had once been a lowly stable girl. She had gained her magical prowess only after convincing Basil to carve a woodcarving of her as a sorceress, and by means of his magical gift this came to pass. A select few at Rabenstein know this secret, but only Cynric knows of its current hiding place. If the wood carving were to be damaged or destroyed, no one knows what sort of dire effects it might have on Loretta. Certainly the destruction of Demél's woodcarving did him no good, causing him to return to his true age.

With the shakeup of the Covenant after the coming of Vincente, Loretta has become a de facto member of the Covenant and in some ways could even be considered its ruler. This is a point of contention among Rabenstein's members: while Cynric welcomes her, the other Magi are unappreciative at best, or in the case of Julian, vehemently opposed to her presence. However, given the turmoil of 1215, Loretta has for now found a home at Rabenstein through her machinations. Loretta has entertained the possibility of petitioning Jerbiton for membership; she sees the current situation at Rabenstein as a chance to prove her worth to them. Although she does not enjoy overwhelming popularity with the Covenant members, perhaps her skillful handling of the nobles and churchmen now at Rabenstein will guide the Covenant out of its dilemma.

Hermetic Grimoire (TechForm Level/Bonus)

Spurn of the Lowly Beast (MuAn10), Alluring Gaze of the Seductive Handmaiden (ReCo10), Sight of the Transparent Motive (InMe10), Enchantment of Detachment (MuMe15), Duel of the Minds (MuMe20)

Lady Loretta of Mercere, ex Tytali
Strength (small grip)

-3
 Dexterity

0
Stamina (allergies)

-2
 Quickness (deliberate)

-1
Intelligence (cunning)

+3
 Presence (striking face)

+2
Perception (motives)

+2
 Communication (endearing)

+1
Virtues & Flaws: The Gentle Gift +1, Magic Sensitivity +1, Affinity with Mentem +2, Clear Thinker +1, Infamous Master (Fransi Dar) -1, Lesser Noble (she convinced the Count of Görz that she was a legitimate relative, and receives a stipend of 200 pennies anually) +2, Venus' Blessing +1, Failed Apprentice -1, Hermetic Enemies -2, Unstructured Caster -6, Necessary Condition (her Gift is tied to Basil's woodcarving; if destroyed dire consequences will result) -4 [former +1 Virtue: Mentor (Basil)...but this is obsolete now...]
Abilities: Speak Italian (apologies) 3, Speak German (introductions) 4, Speak Latin (Hermetic terms) 4, Scribe Latin (transcribing spells) 3, Scribe Greek (Hermeticism) 3, Magic Sensitivity (works of Basil) 2, Magic Theory (laws of magic) 3, Parma Magica (Mentem) 2, Affinity with Mentem (changing moods) 4, Hermetic Lore (House Tytalus) 2, Hermetic Law (Redcap regulations) 1, Certámen (Mentem) 1, Finesse (grace) 1, Concentration (casting spells) 2, Occult Lore (Cult of Perates) 1, Legend Lore (Gnostic myths) 1, Athletics (mountain hikes) 3, Awareness (in large groups) 2, Ride (treacherous hills) 4, Animal Handling (horses) 2, Brawl (kick) 1, Carouse (drinking wine) 1, Byzantium Lore (sacred sites) 2, Etiquette (noble court) 3, Noble Ken (ladies) 2, Charm (nobles) 3, Intrigue (noble court) 3, Guile (elaborate lies) 3, Play Lyre (solo) 1, Dance (courtly love) 2, Tirol Lore (nobility) 3

Loretta
 Year Born

1170
Age (in 1214 A.D.)

44 (appears to be 19)
Decrepitude

0
Gender

Female
Size

0
Height

5'5"
Weight

100 lbs.
Hair

Auburn
Eyes

Hazel
Handedness

Right
Twilight Points

?
Physical Description: Unless circumstances otherwise prevent it, Loretta's slight frame is always adorned with garments befitting a lady: fine dresses with fairly expensive-looking jewelry, and hats which are usually tied with a white scarf. Her pale skin is slightly freckled - most pronounced on her nose - and her eyes a warm shade of hazel. Loretta's striking face is further accented by her long, straight, and shining auburn hair.
Personality Traits: Scheming (revenge) +2, Disarming (suspicions) +2, Confident (social skills) +2, Apprehensive (haunted by past) +1, Calm (nobles) +1
Reputations: Trouble (Rabenstein) 1, Disgrace (Nubes Fenestre) 3, Temptress (Straussburg) 2
                   

Magical Arts
Creo

 4
   Animál

 4
 Ignem

0
Intéllego

6
   Aquam

0
 Imáginem

5
Muto

 7
   Auram

 3
 Mentem

9
Perdo

 0
   Corpus

 6
 Terram

0
Rego

 5
   Herbam

3
 Vim

 5
                   
Soak: Armor Worn:

Skill

Weapon

Scr

Init

Atk

Dfn

Dam

Fat
 

Illustration by Patrick Murphy.

This page last modified 18-Dec-98.

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