Houses of Hermes

Houses of Hermes describes the twelve major houses of wizards that together form the Order of Hermes. Each house is dealt with in detail, including its origins and history, and notable personalities. A plot connected to each house is described, and several story hooks are also provided. The book also details new spells and abilities from each house. In addition, the general system of apprenticeship that all the houses use is described. ==Publication history==

The first edition of Ars Magica was designed by Jonathan Tweet and Mark Rein-Hagen and published in 1987 by Lion Rampant. In 1991, Lion Rampant merged with White Wolf Magazine to form White Wolf Game Studio, which produced a greatly expanded third edition. In 1994, Wizards of the Coast was interested in buying a role-playing game system that could be updated and expanded, and asked designer Jonathan Tweet about Ars Magica. As game historian Shannon Appelcline described it in the 2014 book ''Designers & Dragons: The '90s, "Wizards consulted with Tweet, and after some thought, he recommended the purchase — which was completed around January 1994." And although the cover of Houses of Hermes was subtitled "A Sourcebook for Ars Magica'' 4th Edition", the game mechanics described in it are for White Wolf's 3rd edition. ==Reception==

In the September 1995 edition of Dragon (Issue #221), Rick Swan liked the fact that this book "downplays dreary historical summaries in favor of engaging profiles of master magicians [...] The characters make great adversaries and advisors." Swan was also pleased by "the intriguing sidebars", saying that they "supply referees with adventure hooks galore." ==Other reviews==

• Ars Mag, Issue 5 (Sept 1995, p. 24) ==References==