Post by Rex on Feb 8, 2017 11:44:26 GMT
Mages
Mages are individuals gifted in the supernatural, who have received an education in one or more schools of magic. Able to channel mystical energies from the plane of Aetherium into a wide variety of powerful spells, mages are extremely powerful and dangerous individuals. Amongst the races of Thalesmere, elves are by far the most gifted mages, as well as the race with the largest number of individuals initiated in the secrets of magic, followed by the Catur, who have an impressive number of gifted water mages. Human mages do exist, as a result of interbreeding between humans and elves, however they are less numerous and not as powerful as the other races. The most powerful of human mages, would barely be considered average by elven standards.
Contrary to myths and legends, mages are not old men with long beards, dressed in long robes and pointy hats, neither are they defenseless in close combat. Bladed staves are a common weapon amongst mages, as the runestones embedded within, aid them in channeling and focusing mystical energies for their spells. However, such staves are also often fitted with long, sharp blades on one, or even both ends and can be used as deadly close combat weapons. Additionally, it is not unknown for mages to be proficient in the handling of other weapons, such as swords. Indeed, one of the most powerful and recognizable magical weapons in history, Silence, is a two-handed longsword.
Mages will pursue the study of magical arts throughout their lifetimes and tend to specialize in one school of magic. Although it is possible and even common for a mage to know a few basic spells from other schools of magic, as well, it is physically impossible for them to master all schools of magic simultaneously, as it would require more time than even the elves' long lifespans, allow. Mages can also access and travel through the mystical plane known as the Aetherium.