In Chantry lands, mages who operate outside the Circle of Magi are known as Apostates, or "rebel mages."  Traditionally, the Chantry's doctrine was that any mage who lives outside of the Circle is breaking the commandments of the Maker and must be hunted in order to, if possible, bring them back to the Circle.  The Chantry believes that apostates are at greater risk of falling prey to demonic influence or even possession, turning them into abominations. 

It is not unheard of for mages to bow to Chantry authority. Though it is a dangerous path, Apostates survive even in nations with a heavy Chantry or Qunari influence, hiding in plain sight or banding together on the outskirts of society. 

There are some mages who, technically apostates, who adhere to traditions which predate the Circle's conception such as a seer in a barbarian village, a local alchemist who loves making magical trinkets, a hermit witch who casts hexes on trespassers and, most notably, a keeper of a Dalish clan. 

Also, there are hedge mages among the ranks of Apostates. These ones are untrained and wield powers developed outside of traditional teachings. Hedge mages have been known to possess different, sometimes unheard of abilities. Usually, their powers can be harmless enough that they are ignored by authorities.

By far, the most dangerous and prolific Apostates are the maleificarum who actively pursue volatile and forbidden schools of magic, including blood magic.  Blood magic, the use of fresh blood to cast or strengthen spells, is strictly outlawed throughout Thedas.  While the practice allows feats thought otherwise impossible, it also tears the Veil enough for demons to pass physically through the Fade and into the waking world.  The Chantry firmly believes those who practice blood magic are automatically criminals, as there is no logical way to use blood magic with good intentions and those who use it will inevitably be tempted into using more than their own blood; they would eventually spill the blood of others for more power. 

Although many Apostates never practice these forbidden arts, the stigma is such that most look upon all Apostates as maleficarum. Thus, between the widespread fear and being hunted by the Chantry, most Apostates lead secluded lives, never staying in one spot too long and constantly looking over their shoulder. 

Skill Proficiencies: Choose 2 Skill Proficiencies:

• Arcana
• Deception
• History
• Medicine
• Nature
• Persuasion
• Survival

Tool Proficiencies:

• Disguise Kit

Languages: Choose 1 Language

Equipment:

• Pouch containing 10gp
• Backpack
• A scroll case stuffed with spells you know
• Bedroll
• Winter Blanket
• Set of Traveler's Clothes
• Cloak
• Disguise Kit
• Quarterstaff
• Rations x10
• Torches x10
• Waterskin
• Mess Kit
• Tinderbox

Suggested Characteristics

Personality Traits (d8): 

1. I have been on the run for so long, I am incredibly slow to trust. I've never known anyone long enough to be able to.
2. I feel tremendous empathy, and often severe indignation for all mages who have been oppressed.
3. I want to prove that mages are not inherently dangerous.
4. I believe my own studies in magic are superior to others, especially Chantry teachings.
5. I put trust in no divine beings.
6. I like to read and memorize poetry. It keeps me calm and brings me fleeting moments of happiness.
7. I expect danger around every corner.
8. I always have a plan for what to do when things go wrong.

Ideals (d6):

1. Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. (Chaotic)
2. Power. I will do whatever it takes to become powerful. (Evil)
3. Greater Good. My gifts are meant to be shared with all, not used for my own benefit. (Good)
4. Live and Let Live. Meddling in the affairs of others only causes trouble. (Neutral)
5. Logic. Emotions must not cloud our sense of what is right and true, or our logical thinking. (Lawful)
6. Knowledge. If you know the risks and rewards, the decision will come easily. (Any)

Bonds (d6):

1. Nothing is more important than the fair treatment of other mages.
2. Someone I loved died because of a mistake I made. That will never happen again.
3. I come from a noble family, and one day I’ll reclaim my lands and title despite being a mage.
4. I keep my thoughts and discoveries in a journal. My journal is my legacy.
5. I escaped a life in the Circle by murdering an important person, and I’m wanted for it.
6. My freedom is my most precious possession. I’ll never let anyone take it from me again.

Flaws (d6):

1. I can’t resist a pretty face.
2. I hate to admit it and will hate myself for it, but I’ll run and preserve my own hide if the going gets tough.
3. I talk to spirits that no one else can see.
4. I’d risk too much to uncover a lost bit of knowledge.
5. I harbor dark, bloodthirsty thoughts that my isolation and meditation failed to quell.
6. I have a deep-seated hatred for people who treat mages as less. It clouds my judgement.