The Mages' Covenant
Der Clan der Magier
Plot Summary
Zanzin von Vrest, the Lore of Neuzen Vrest, attends animal fights to appease the masses, but is interrupted by Talibur Sdart with news of Vranten Storrz and the Leihmänner demanding support for a new colonization fleet to the southern continent. Zanzin von Vrest is reluctant, suspecting Storrz of trying to ruin him. He eventually agrees to finance half the fleet only if the first expedition, led by Solvan von Vrest, is successful, and the Leihmänner guarantee support in a war against Nord-Runnevel.
Meanwhile, on Hobo, Llewellyn 709 and Basanaike Teschnapur discuss the development program for the Ashras and the impending return to the Milky Way using the Kaiser Force drive. Teschnapur expresses concerns about the dangers of Kaiser Force and the potential for the Council to crush them. Llewellyn defends the necessity of returning to fight the Council. Llewellyn, Scanner Cloud, Sirdina Giccomo, Morgenstern, and Deschmarn-Drag set out in the MIDAS-Zwei towards Runnevel.
The MIDAS-Zwei detects Zoptic submarines and Deschmarn-Drag speaks of the Weltenstillstand. They decide against attacking the submarines. The MIDAS-Zwei launches probes over Runnevel and identifies Neuzen Vrest as the largest settlement. They land near a rock pillar outside the city. Llewellyn and Sirdina use their psionic abilities to contact Siltron, a magician.
Siltron travels to Neuzen Vrest and encounters Moretak Vromm. He is revealed to be a magician. He arrives at the Lore's palace, where he is to perform. He uses an amulet to contact Aiden, another magician. The magicians are planning to overthrow the Lores and Leihmänner in response to the SCHREI. Llewellyn and Sirdina discover that the magicians are the Zoptic equivalent of Drivers and are connected to Space II. Llewellyn realizes that the SCHREI was likely the call of the Super-Lodge on Syrta, meaning its message was heard across the galaxy.
Zanzin von Vrest learns of an uprising in Neuzen Vrest and orders his troops to suppress it. He confronts Vranten Storrz, who reveals that the magicians are behind the unrest and shows him an amulet. Siltron is warned by Aiden and escapes the Lore's palace. He encounters ruffians led by Ogar, whom he defeats using his magical powers. He warns the Zopten about the coming omens. A new law is announced declaring magicians enemies. Siltron flees, guided by the call of his fellow magicians. Zanzin von Vrest orders the extermination of the magicians. News arrives of the return of Solvan von Vrest's fleet from the Southland, bringing tales of monsters.
Siltron reaches the coast and joins the other magicians in a cave. They prepare for the Night of Silent Waters. Llewellyn realizes the magicians' plan will destroy them. Deschmarn-Drag senses the Weltenstillstand approaching. Llewellyn and Sirdina decide to intervene. Llewellyn, Scanner Cloud, and Deschmarn-Drag approach the cave. Llewellyn makes contact with Siltron, revealing himself as a human and a mage. He shows the magicians the horrors of the Zoptic invasion of the Ashra homeworld. The magicians agree to a pact with the humans and Ashras, demanding the removal of the Lores and Leihmänner.
During the Night of Silent Waters, Zanzin von Vrest prepares for the ceremony. Llewellyn unleashes a surge of psionic energy, creating a massive water column. The MIDAS-Zwei, piloted by Sirdina and Morgenstern, creates chaos with sonic and holographic projections, depicting the Ashras as monsters. Deschmarn-Drag appears and speaks to the Zopten, revealing the truth about the invasion and offering peace, but demanding the removal of the Lores and Leihmänner. Siltron calls for action. Zanzin von Vrest is killed by the mob.
Four weeks later, fighting continues in Neuzen Vrest. Llewellyn and Morgenstern discuss the situation. Llewellyn believes the Zopten must fight for their own freedom. Scanner Cloud announces that troops from Nordrunnevel have invaded. Llewellyn refuses to intervene. Siltron arrives and expresses gratitude. He asks for a signal when the humans' tyrants have fallen.
The MIDAS-Zwei departs Hobo. The crew discovers that Teschnapur and others have decided to stay on Hobo. Scanner Cloud empties the MIDAS's magazines for them. The MIDAS launches, leaving Hobo behind.
The MIDAS approaches the transit point, but then the computer reports anomalies: the transit was successful, but the sun Spilter has become a nova and the planet Zoe no longer exists.
Key Events
- 01 Zanzin von Vrest agrees to support the Leihmänner's colonization fleet under certain conditions.
- 02 Llewellyn 709 and Teschnapur debate the merits of returning to the Milky Way.
- 03 The MIDAS-Zwei arrives on Runnevel and makes contact with Siltron.
- 04 Siltron escapes the Lore's palace after Aiden's death.
- 05 Llewellyn and Siltron establish psionic contact and form an alliance.
- 06 The Night of Silent Waters begins, and Llewellyn initiates the plan to create an omen.
- 07 The MIDAS-Zwei creates chaos with sonic and holographic projections.
- 08 Deschmarn-Drag addresses the Zopten, revealing the truth about the invasion and offering peace.
- 09 Zanzin von Vrest is killed by the mob.
- 10 The MIDAS departs Hobo, leaving Teschnapur and others behind.
- 11 The MIDAS arrives at the coordinates for Zoe, only to discover that Spilter has become a nova and Zoe has been destroyed.
Characters
Llewellyn 709 — A Riemenmann (Driver) with PSI abilities. He leads the mission to Runnevel and coordinates the psionic efforts.
Scanner Cloud — A Psyter and member of the MIDAS crew. He is involved in the decision-making process and coordinates the MIDAS's actions.
Sirdina Giccomo — A Driver and member of the MIDAS crew. She pilots the MIDAS-Zwei and participates in the psionic contact with Siltron.
Morgenstern — A member of the MIDAS crew. He pilots the MIDAS-Zwei and operates the sensor equipment.
Deschmarn-Drag — An Ashra who joins the MIDAS crew. He addresses the Zopten during the Night of Silent Waters.
Zanzin von Vrest — The Lore of Neuzen Vrest. He is reluctant to support the Leihmänner and is eventually killed by the mob.
Talibur Sdart — The Reichsverweser (Imperial Regent) of the Vereinigten Zoptischen Loren. He advises Zanzin von Vrest.
Vranten Storrz — A Leihmann who demands support for the colonization fleet.
Siltron — A magician who leads the effort to overthrow the Lores and Leihmänner.
Basanaike Teschnapur — A refugee from the Moon Dungeons who decides to stay on Hobo.
Aiden — A magician who is killed while infiltrating Neuzen Vrest.
Solvan von Vrest — The leader of the first colonization fleet to the southern continent.
Leande — A Centrist girl and member of the MIDAS crew. She operates the computer systems.
Angila Fraim — A Driver and member of the MIDAS crew.
Altamont O'Hale — A Driver and member of the MIDAS crew.
Serge Suvez — A Driver and member of the MIDAS crew.
Lavski — A technician and member of the MIDAS crew.
Moretak Vromm — A merchant who encounters Siltron.
Ogar — A ruffian who confronts Siltron.
Grommoz — The chief of the Lorischen Palastkorps.
Locations
Hobo — The sole planet of the green sun Moloch, located far from the Milky Way.
Runnevel — A continent on Hobo inhabited by the Zopten.
Neuzen Vrest — A city on Runnevel and the capital of the Vereinigten Zoptischen Loren.
Lore's palace — The heavily fortified stronghold in the center of Neuzen Vrest where Lore Zanzin von Vrest resides.
South Continent — The continent south of Runnevel inhabited by the Ashras.
Steppenland — The homeland of the magicians, located on the border with Nordrunnevel.
Milky Way — The galaxy where Earth is located.
Zoe — A planet in the Spilter System, intended as a refuge for the Drivers.
Spilter System — The star system where Zoe was located.
Ships & Vehicles
MIDAS — A Kaiser Force ship used for interstellar travel.
MIDAS-Zwei — A disc-shaped lifeboat used for travel on Hobo.
Technology & Concepts
Psyter — A human with enhanced psychic abilities, capable of scanning thoughts and influencing minds.
Driver — A human with enhanced psionic abilities, capable of manipulating energy and matter with their mind.
Riemenmann — A Driver who wears special straps made of a PSI-dampening material to control their PSI radiation.
Leihmänner — A group of Zopten who control the industry and technology of Runnevel.
Kaiser Force — A powerful but dangerous form of energy used for interstellar travel.
Space II — A dimension or plane of existence that is the source of psionic power.
SCHREI — A powerful psionic signal that was sent across the galaxy, influencing the actions of the magicians.
Weltenstillstand — A period of stillness and reflection, also known as the Night of Silent Waters.
Hexenkraft — The magical power used by the magicians.
PSI-Weg — The psionic path or dimension used by the magicians.
Holo-Projectors — Technology used by the Ashras to create illusions.
Sound Inductors — Technology used to create specific vibrations in the air.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of oppression, rebellion, and the clash between tradition and progress. It features a blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, with psionic powers and magical abilities playing a central role. The narrative style is action-oriented, with a focus on the political and social conflicts within the Zoptic civilization.
Connections
Continues from: Die Terranauten 014 (inferred from characters and setting)
Leads into: Unknown, but leaves open the fate of the MIDAS crew in the Milky Way and the future of Runnevel.
Related booklets: Booklets featuring the MIDAS crew, the Ashras, or the Zopten.