From the Levant to Hiberia, discuss the Tribunals here.

What draws you, as a Storyguide and as a player, to a particular Tribunal?  Do you favor creating Magi from certain Tribunals no matter where they settle?  Do you have a favorite/despised Tribunal?  Why so?

I think the Novgorod Tribunal features aspects of the medieval culture that are different than western/central europe, as well as being somewhat remote so as to allow for a bigger variety of covenant and character concepts without clashing with verisimilitude.

Of course, I was the only person who didn't have "realistic medieval setting" as his last priority, so I imagine my motivations and interests are esoteric and probably pedantic.

Well, that depends on the reasons for the votes. For instance, I care a lot about the realistic medieval setting, enough so that I'm a good way through compiling a list of real-world languages from the area written into the ArM5 structure for languages. I also have a complete list of the raptors in and around medieval Europe in the hopes of writing an article if I can ever find that kind of time. However, I'm also perfectly happy playing Ars Magica in a totally different setting, such as Harn. I've also thought it would be interesting to play in the 2000s. Since I can enjoy things just as much in a different setting, I placed that 6th.

I'd appreciate an update on some of the Tribunals that were originally covered in earlier editions.  The 3rd and 4th edition tribunal books left a lot to be desired compared to 5th edition books.

In reply to EclecticGuru (msg # 3):

There was an interesting article about Novgorod in one of the Sub Rosa issues.  I thought the writer did a pretty good job of defining the different social classes and provided a good working translation into 5e mechanics.

I'm not sure I would consider a concern about historical realism pedantic.  It would probably be at the bottom of my list as well.  But that's only because I have to rank it compared to story or character.  Really, you hate to kick any of them out of the lifeboat.  Without at least some historical accuracy, Novgorod is the same as Italy or Mythic Europe would be like the Forgotten Realms.

I have to second the interest in Novgorod Tribunal. Both because I like historical Russia, and because the ongoing (if ending) process of christianization of Rus creates interesting situations and challenges. And the large number of pagan mages makes more sense than it does in, say, England or Italy. Plus there's a large number of contact points with exotic magics - ottomans in the south, mongols in the east.

I see the appeal of Novgorod, but it isn't my favorite.

I like a number of Tribunals.

Hibernian has the strong hedge traditions that hold the Order at bay for the moment.

Normandy and Povencal have the possibility of a very romantic Saga. One that embraces the ideals of chivalry.

Theban has the ruins of Ancient Greece and Rome. There is a strong faerie presence in the Tribunal up to and including the Olympians. They have a very organized method of recruiting apprentices. And it serves as a hub for multiple trade routes. To the south is Africa. To the East is the Holy Land and then Persia. To the west is the Atlantic and the unknown.

Rhine and Transylvanian have a rough civilization with wilderness. Not long ago these were the lands of barbarians. And the Rhine has the Black Forest which could serve as the focus of a Saga.