There are no criteria, by RAW. It's really going to depend on the world. Even back in the 1e days of level titles, there was no "archmage." At level 10, you were a "wizard." If you're in a very low magic setting, even a 3rd or 5th level wizard could seem crazy powerful, at least compared to a commoner, and could call himself an archmage. If magic is more abundant, then probably you'll want to be higher in level.
It probably depends on the setting but I'd guess about upper echelons of power. I mean - it would a bit silly for a mage of 13-14th level call themselves "archmage" in Forgotten Realms. Someone could probably get away with it in a smaller town or village but that would be the proverbial king of the hill - with mountains looming from the distance.
In the old Netheril there was a title of Archwizard though and that one belonged to anyone who succesfully created and established a floating city.
I personally consider the requirement to be able to cast 9th level spells. The Archmage and archdruid are both 18th level casters so it could be what Lyxen said.
The prefix "arch-" denotes the highest or ideal form of the noun it modifies. It is derived from the Greek "arkhein" (to be first), and "arkhon" (ruler or commander). So an archmage is the first or the highest among mages. An archenemy is your greatest enemy. The Archaean Age is the earliest (first) of the geologic eras. It's just a linguistic convention that confers respect based on great power, without any specific distinction in terms of game mechanics.
Ironically, it was the Catholic Church who broke that linguistic convention by establishing the archangels as the 8th of the 9 choirs of angels, meaning they are the next-to-lowest form of angel. (Seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, angels).
I gotta ease off this new Dr Pepper Creme soda. This stuff's got a kick!
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Tayn of Darkwood. Lvl 10 human Life Cleric of Lathander. Retired.
Ikram Sahir ibn Malik al-Sayyid Ra'ad, Second Son of the House of Ra'ad, Defender of the Burning Sands. Lvl 9 Brass Dragonborn Sorcerer + Greater Fire Elemental Devil.
Viktor Gavriil. Lvl 20 White Dragonborn Grave Cleric, of Kurgan the God of Death.
There's not a technical definition (other than the creatures mentioned by others), but I would agree that a pre-requisite for most would be the ability to cast 9th level spells or use a capstone class ability.
First you have to apply and submit a 500gp application fee. Then you are awarded an official Certificate of Archmagery by the Council of Majes. Wait, is that a typo on my certificate? What, you mean the Council of Majes is a bogus organization? That %*@&# charlatan!
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Is it purely a social convention, or are there some specific criteria?
There are no criteria, by RAW. It's really going to depend on the world. Even back in the 1e days of level titles, there was no "archmage." At level 10, you were a "wizard." If you're in a very low magic setting, even a 3rd or 5th level wizard could seem crazy powerful, at least compared to a commoner, and could call himself an archmage. If magic is more abundant, then probably you'll want to be higher in level.
But nothing in 5.0?
There is no technical definition. Anyone can call themselves an archmage, and it's up to other people to either accept that or reject it.
It probably depends on the setting but I'd guess about upper echelons of power. I mean - it would a bit silly for a mage of 13-14th level call themselves "archmage" in Forgotten Realms. Someone could probably get away with it in a smaller town or village but that would be the proverbial king of the hill - with mountains looming from the distance.
In the old Netheril there was a title of Archwizard though and that one belonged to anyone who succesfully created and established a floating city.
I personally consider the requirement to be able to cast 9th level spells. The Archmage and archdruid are both 18th level casters so it could be what Lyxen said.
The prefix "arch-" denotes the highest or ideal form of the noun it modifies. It is derived from the Greek "arkhein" (to be first), and "arkhon" (ruler or commander). So an archmage is the first or the highest among mages. An archenemy is your greatest enemy. The Archaean Age is the earliest (first) of the geologic eras. It's just a linguistic convention that confers respect based on great power, without any specific distinction in terms of game mechanics.
Ironically, it was the Catholic Church who broke that linguistic convention by establishing the archangels as the 8th of the 9 choirs of angels, meaning they are the next-to-lowest form of angel. (Seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, angels).
I gotta ease off this new Dr Pepper Creme soda. This stuff's got a kick!
Tayn of Darkwood. Lvl 10 human Life Cleric of Lathander. Retired.
Ikram Sahir ibn Malik al-Sayyid Ra'ad, Second Son of the House of Ra'ad, Defender of the Burning Sands. Lvl 9 Brass Dragonborn Sorcerer + Greater Fire Elemental Devil.
Viktor Gavriil. Lvl 20 White Dragonborn Grave Cleric, of Kurgan the God of Death.
Anzio Faro. Lvl 5 Prot. Aasimar Light Cleric.
There's not a technical definition (other than the creatures mentioned by others), but I would agree that a pre-requisite for most would be the ability to cast 9th level spells or use a capstone class ability.
First you have to apply and submit a 500gp application fee. Then you are awarded an official Certificate of Archmagery by the Council of Majes. Wait, is that a typo on my certificate? What, you mean the Council of Majes is a bogus organization? That %*@&# charlatan!