Editing Mages (section)

== Overview ==
{{quote
|quote=''"[Mages] in general? Pah. Anyone can obtain the class or variations thereof, but they often stagnate and seldom reach Level 20. Indeed, the lack of centralized education between nations has given rise to lesser variations upon the basic [Mage] class. [Hedge Wizards], [Witch Doctors], the dubiously qualified [Spellswords], [Druids]…well I suppose [Druids] are an exception to the rule, and of course let us reserve most of our disdain for the so-called [Sorcerer]…"''
|speaker=[[Pisces Jealnet]]'s commentary on [Mages]{{ref|1.45}}
}}[Mages] are practitioners who cast spells from their internal reserves of mana. [Mage] potential is largely determined by talent and innate magical potential. 

As taught by Wistram and [[Eldavin]],<ref name=":0">{{VERef|Chapter 8.12 T}}</ref> the four basic [Mage] techniques are as follows:

* Foundation
** Basic magical theory and understanding of magic, as well as building up internal reserves of mana
* Acquisition
** Learning spells
* Materialization
** Performing spells, or putting magic into objects, such as a spell tome or artifact
* Theorization
** Creating new magic, or pushing past limits

Generally, [Mages] have much more difficulty leveling than other classes. While a [Warrior] must simply challenge ever-greater foes in order to level, even Archmages of Wistram have a hard time leveling as [Mages] must not only study, but practice magic of great power.<ref name=":7.09 K">[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/02/23/7-09-k/ Chapter 7.09 K]</ref> This has become even more difficult in the present day, as Archmage [[Zelkyr Amerwing|Zelkyr's]] test has blocked access to the higher floors of Wistram, where greater magic exists.  

Typically, [Mages] memorize a limited number of spells in their mind, save for those they obtained from levelling up and can cast at any time. Without regular practice, it's possible for them to forget spells.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2023/12/06/9-69-pt-1/ Chapter 9.69 H (Pt. 1)]</ref> While [Mages] can theoretically learn and cast any magic by understanding the elements and basics of magical theory, most [Mages] prefer to rely on boxed spells obtained from the system of levelling, as they are less mana-intensive.<ref name=":0" /> Said spells are generally used without significant modification due to the combination of the ease of casting that said lack of modification provides, and most mages not knowing significant modification is possible, For instance, when Pisces tried casting [Bone Dart] from the ground up, the Tier 1 spell was more intricate than usual and took him two minutes to re-configure.<ref>{{VERef|Chapter 9.49}}</ref> Consequently, most modern [Mages] learn spells akin to copying a template, without understanding how the spell actually works, only that it does. This method of learning is called Explorer's Magic, as it is similar to how adventurers taught themselves magic by delving for spell books and scrolls, with the gaps in knowledge being filled in by [[Grand Design of Isthekenous|other rules]].