In Qu'alis, magic is a natural physical phenomenon such as gravity or magnetism. Some people are born with the ability to interact with, control, and shape it. As magic tends to run in bloodlines, some kept genealogies of all families known to produce magical talent. Eventually, several social classes of mages were established in Qu'alis, from the upper class mages said to be descendants of the Age of Crowns, to those born into non-mage families.
The Circle of Arcana is the organisation that undergoes the training and protection of mages within the Imperial Realm of Qu’alis. The Circles are governed by a First Arcanum, who regulates those within the Circle. They work with the Paladin’s Order of Templars, who guard and protect them. Mages who want to practice magic need to gain a licence through the Circle of Arcana - choosing not to do so results in criminal charges in Qu’alis.
Currently, the Circle of Arcana is led by Cassian Thornton.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion, or Deception, plus your choice of one from among Arcana, Nature, Perception, or Religion
- Languages: Two of your choice
- Equipment: The scholar’s robes of your Circle, a writing kit (small pouch with a quill, ink, folded parchment, and a small penknife), a borrowed book on the subject of your current study, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Though others must often endure extensive interviews and significant fees to gain access to even the most common archives in your Circle, you have free and easy access to the majority of the Circle, including its library, though it might also have repositories of lore that are too valuable, magical, or secret to permit anyone immediate access.
You have a working knowledge of your Circle's personnel and bureaucracy, and you know how to navigate those connections with some ease.
Additionally, you are likely to gain preferential treatment at other Circles across Qu'alis, as professional courtesy shown to a fellow mage.
Suggested Characteristics
Use the tables for the Circle of Arcana Mage background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a Circle Mage.
Your bond is almost certainly associated either with the place where you grew up or with the knowledge you hope to acquire through adventuring. Your ideal is no doubt related to how you view the quest for knowledge and truth—perhaps as a worthy goal in itself, or maybe as a means to a desirable end.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition. |
| 2 | I’ve read every book in the world’s greatest libraries—or I like to boast that I have. |
| 3 | I’m used to helping out those who aren’t as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others. |
| 4 | There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery. |
| 5 | I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment. |
| 6 | I've never had a real family, and have accepted that I never will. |
| 7 | I am not bound by the laws of my Circle - I will be free. |
| 8 | I will follow whatever orders I am given with no hesitation. My superiors are always right. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Beauty. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true. (Good) |
| 3 | Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful) |
| 4 | No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil) |
| 6 | Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | It is my duty to protect my students. |
| 2 | I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands. |
| 3 | I work to preserve my Circle, and I will die for it. |
| 4 | I work towards the destruction of the Circles - no one deserves to be caged. |
| 5 | I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| 6 | I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am easily distracted by the promise of information. |
| 2 | Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy. |
| 3 | Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization. |
| 4 | I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. |
| 5 | I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. |
| 6 | I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s. |
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