In those nations outside the Tevinter Imperium during much of the history of Thedas,only the members of the Circle of Magi may legally practice magic. Those who defy the law are known as Apostates. The Circle of Magi is supposed to find those with magical power and train them before they endanger themselves and others. All those who practice magic risk demonic possession and turn into abominations, and there is always thee risk that any mage may turn to the same forbidden arts practiced by the magisters of the Tevinter Imperium, dangerous Blood Magic that relies on ritual sacrifice and subverts the minds of other men. This is why there are Chantry Templars in every Circle, and why Templars hunt down Apostates.

While the law treats all apostates the same way, the category is a broad one. Some are self taught mages who discovered how to use magic by trial and error. Some come from magical traditions that predate the formation of the Circle of Magi, like hedge mages and Avvar Shamans. Others are rebels, opposed to the Circle of Mag, the Chantry, or both. They resent the law and chose to go their own way despite the risks.

If you choose to play an apostate, your character will have a disadvantage that those of other backgrounds do not. Namely, your character's powers must be used carefully lest they draw unwanted attention from the Circle or the Chantry Templars. The upside is that this conflict can lead to some great stories, but you should understand that your character will face challenges others will not.

Skill Proficiencies: Pick one of the following skill focus

History

Nature

Survival

Suggested Characteristics

secretive