'''Mages''' are [[Classes]] pertaining to [[Magic]].
|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:** Basic magical theory and understanding of magic, as well as building up internal reserves of mana
** Performing spells, or putting magic into objects, such as a spell tome or artifact
** Creating new magic, or pushing past limits
[Mages] are as powerful as current magical knowledge permits, with higher levels usually enabling higher-tier casting. But anyone with magical potential can cast any tier of magic with practice and knowledge, in theory.<ref>{{VERef|10.30 GGMG}}</ref> 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]]. [Mages] use mana to power their spells. They can refuel their internal reserves by passively absorbing the ambient mana in their surroundings, more actively through meditation, or mana potions.
[Mages] seem to be more resistant to several kinds of magic, and can either shrug off certain spells or recover quicker than non-Mage classes - this holds especially true for mind-affecting spells<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2017/08/26/3-07-h/ Chapter 3.07 H]</ref> and possibly seeing through illusions. Physical attacks however need to be warded off, even when caused by magical objects.
When a [Mage] advances into a unique class such as [Necromancer], [Cryomancer], and so on, they focus on that specific class. To pursue other types of magic, they must begin with the [Mage] class again, starting from Level 1.<ref name=":4.27 H">[https://wanderinginn.com/2018/04/10/4-27-h/ Chapter 4.27 H]</ref>
A [Mage] or [Magus] is commonly understood to be a general practitioner of magic. If they don't specialize, they may gain the class [High Mage] and [Grand Mage] eventually, possibly around Levels 30-40 and 40-50, respectively. It seems as if the term "Magus" is mostly used among [[Drakes]] and Dragons, although it also carries its own connotations towards academia or even royalty.
By contrast, there are [Wizards], who would be considered more scholarly and wield magics in the form of prepared spells or items. It would be easiest to understand them as ''[Mages] who rely on wands'', whereas a [Mage] may choose to use an artifact or not as the situation demands.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/06/14/7-29-b/ Chapter 7.29 B]</ref> One is a general class, the other is specific, even cumbersome to obtain.
[Shamans] get their magic from their community's collective power rather than their own innate potential, as well as from traditions and ideas. This also means it cannot be conventionally suppressed, like with anti-magic zones, but instead by shaking the community's will. Most species lean either towards arcane magic like [Mages] or towards shamanic magic, with the only species having an equitable mix of the two being [[Humans]] (who typically lean towards one depending on the civilization), [[Centaurs]], [[Garuda]], and (formerly) [[Gnolls]].<ref name=":1" /> [[Goblins]] are also capable in both domains, but lack access to the training necessary for advanced arcane magic, while the [[Antinium]] lack much magic in either sphere as of yet.
Then there are [Witches], whose magic is more specialized — a blend of alchemy and spellcraft — and are defined by their craft, meaning the type of magic they choose to practice. They rely on rituals and incantations to gather emotions or superstitions to power their spells.<ref>[[Chapter 6.41 E]]</ref> Overall, [Witches] are generally considered weaker in purely magical terms to a [Mage] of the same level.<ref name=":Interlude-Blackmage">[https://wanderinginn.com/2018/11/01/interlude-blackmage/ Interlude-Blackmage]</ref>
As opposed to [Mages] who must study their spells, [Sorcerers] are natural spellcasters who do the equivalent of ad-libbing spells. They design their magic on the fly and manifest it with visualization and force of will. The advantage is that they don't have to spend as much time to learn their spells by reading spellbooks, though one of the downsides is that they are unable to cast big spells unless they've reached a high level.<ref name=":1.03 D">[https://wanderinginn.com/2018/03/03/1-03-d/ Chapter 1.03 D]</ref>
Other classes mentioned are [Warlocks], which deal with spirits and summoning; [Druids], who are champions of nature and gains spells as a byproduct of their class;
The following list breaks down the various classes that appeared so far in the story.
Academic Specializations:
* [Magus] - Unlike a typical [Mage] class, it has other connotations that sometimes indicated royalty, a bent towards academia, and so on.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2022/02/13/interlude-hectval-pt-2/ Interlude – Hectval (Pt. 2)]</ref>
**[Ancient Magus] - Unique class for those who study history and recovers old magic.<ref name=":7.09 K" />
***[Grand Magus of Mind and Studies]
***[Grand Magus of the Empire]
* [Polymath] - Low Degree Combination of [Mage] and other scholarly Classes.
*[Sage] - High Degree Combination of [Mage] and other Classes.
**[Sage of a Hundred Thousand Secrets]
**[Wizard of Grand Protection]
Body Magic Specializations:
*[Bloodmage] / [Blood Mage] - Specialized in Blood Magic
**[[Necromancers|[Necromancer]]] - Specialized in Death Magic (may specialize further with bones, flesh, corpses etc.)
***[Adventurer of Necromantic Duels]
****[Knight-Artisan of Bones]
***[Corpsemaster] (combined with [Quartermaster])
***[Necromancer of Flesh]
***[Necromancer of Reclaimed Grandeur]
***[Necromancer of Slaughter]
****[Deathbane Necromancer]
*[Flesh Mage] - Specialized in altering Live Bodies
**[Formshaper] (alternate term for [Flesh Mage])
***[Fleshchosen Formshaper]
*[Oldblood Magus] - [[Oldblood Drakes]] that use the power of their own bloodline.
*[Plague Mage] - Specialized in illnesses
*[Shapeshifter Mage] - Specialized in shapeshifting magic
*[Sinew Magus] - Specialized in muscle enhancements and generating their power
Ceremonial and Ritualistic Specialization:
*[<nowiki/>[[Witches|Witch]]] - Female caster-type who specialize to work with emotional connections and rituals.
*** [Spooky Apprentice] - Specialized to frighten and ennerve.
**[Crow Witch] - Specialized in using a murder of crows for witchcraft.
**[Stitch Witch] - Specialized in using anything related to stitching for witchcraft.
**[Tea Witch] - Specialized in using anything related to tea brewing for witchcraft.
**[Witch of Law] - Specialized in having witchcraft obtained from concepts of law and civilization.
**[Witch of Malice] - Specialized to draw power from strife and spite.
**[Witch of Second Chances]
**[Witch Teacher] - Teaches young witches
Clairvoyance Specializations:
**Similar to [Soothsayer].
*[Scryer] / [Scrier] - Specialized in managing the [Scrying] spell more effectively.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/11/18/7-59/ Chapter 7.59]</ref>
**Limited spellcasting if any, focuses on divining the future through methods such as tarot cards or crystal balls.
Classification by Station:
*[<nowiki/>Apprentice Mage]
*[<nowiki/>[[Archmage]]] - One of the highest [Mage] classes / Apex of all [Mage] classes
**[Archmage of Death] - Equal to an [Archmage] but specialized in Death Magic
***[Undying Lich, Myth of Death and Vengeance]
***[Archmage of the Eternal Grasslands]
**[Archmage of Metal] - Equal to an [Archmage] but specialized in metal magic?
**[Archmage of Sky] - Equal to an [Archmage] but specialized in aerial magic?
**[Archmage of Sands] - Equal to an [Archmage] but specialized in Sand Magic
** [Archmagus of Strength] - Equal to an [Archmage] but specialized in Physical Magic
*[Grand Mage] - Educator and over level 40
* [Grand Magus] - Second highest [Mage] class / Below only [Archmage]<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/05/31/7-26/ Chapter 7.26]</ref>
**[Grand Magus of Mind and Studies]
**[Grand Magus of the Empire]
*[Hedge Mage] / [Hedgemage] - Self-educated, usually low-level
*[High Mage] - Generalist with high levels
*[Spellcaster] - Self-educated, like [Hedge Mage]
*[Armored Mages] - [Mages] in armor that blast bound spells from their gauntlets and rely on magical batteries.<ref name=":1">[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/09/22/8-43/ Chapter 8.43]</ref>
*[Battlemage] / [Combat Mage]
*[Mage-Captain] or [Magic Captain] - Variation of [Captain] class with specialty in magic
**[Pirate Mage-Captain] - Variation of [Pirate Captain] class with specialty in magic
*[Mage-Commander] - Variation of [Commander] class with specialty in magic
*[Mage Lieutenant] - Variation of [Lieutenant] class with specialty in magic
*[Mage-Knight] - Variation of [Knight] class with specialty in magic
**[Knight-Artisan of Bones]
**[Magical Knight-Seeker of Mershi]
**[Spell Knight of Mercy]
*[Mage Marshall] - Variation of [Marshal] class with specialty in magic
*[Mage Strategist]/[Magic Strategist] - Variation of [Strategist] class with specialty in magic
**[Spellwater Strategist]
*[Magic Crossbowman] - Variation of [Crossbowman] that uses magic
*[Magic General] or [Mage-General] - Variation of [General] class with specialty in magic
**[Timekeeper General] - Time magic specialization
***[Timekeeper General, Wyrmsworn Champion]
**[Veteran Magic Soldier]
**May refer to a warrior who uses magic in items and equipment, rather than one who practices spellcasting.
*[Master of Swords and Sorcery]
*[Rogue Mage] - Variation of [Rogue] class with specialty in magic
**[Sorcerous Major]/[Sorceress Major]
*[Spell Ambusher] - Specializes in surprise attacks
*[Spell Duelist] - Combination of [Mage] and [Duelist]
***[Adventurer of Necromantic Duels]
*[Spellblade] - Variant on [Spellsword], possesses Skills that enhance equipped artifacts.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/03/29/7-15-r/ Chapter 7.15 R]</ref>
*[Spellscourge] - Hybrid with [Bandit] or [Raider].
*[Spellslinger] - Specialized in casting multiple Spells at once
**[Sharpshooter Spellslinger]
*[Spellsword] / [Swordmage] - Combination of [Mage] and [Warrior].
*[Alchimagus] - Combined [Mage] and [Alchemist]
*[Artificer] - Crafter-type constructor of magical items
**[Golem-Maker] - Specializes in creating [[Golems]]
**[Artist of Bone] - Derived from Necromancy but with a focus on Bone manipulating for artistic purpose.
**[Magical Painter] - Making paintings that have magical effects.
*[Crafter Mage] - Focus on creation
*[Magictech Engineer] - Combines magic and technology.
**[Rune Master] / [Runemistress]
*[Spellscribe] - Specialized in inscribing magical scrolls. They record the spells using magical ink and parchment and a process similar to a regular casting of the spell. The completed spell scrolls can then be activated by anyone without needing to use mana.
Elemental Specializations:
*[Elementalist] - Practitioner of elemental magic, recognizable by their focus on manipulating non-living matter:
**[Air Mage] - Specialized in Wind Magic
***[Aeromancer] - Specialized in Wind Magic
**[Bloodearth Mage] - Specialized in green magic, consolidated with [Warrior].
**[Dark Mage] - Focused in Darkness Magic
***[Umbralmancer] - Specialized in Darkness Magic
**[Depth Mage] - Specialized in Darkness and Water magic together
**[Fire Mage] - Focused in Fire magic
***[Pyromancer] - Specialized in Fire magic
***[Inferno Mage] / [Inferno Pyromancer] - Advancement from [Fire Mage] class
**[Geomancer] - Focused in Earth magic
***[Gem Mage] - Specialized in Gemstone-related magic
***[Sand Mage] - Specialized in Sand magic
** [Ice Mage] - Focused in Ice Magic
***[Cryomancer] - Specialized in Ice Magic
****[Arctic Cryomancer] - Advancement from [Cryomancer] class
*****[Relicbound Arctic Cryomancer]
**** [Cryomancer of Masks] - Specialized [Cryomancer] class
**[Light Mage] - Specialized in Light magic
***[Illusionist] - Specialized in illusion magic
****[Fairday Illusionist]
****[Phantasmal Trickster]
**[Lightning Mage] - Focused in Lightning/Electricity Magic
** [Water Mage] - Focused in Water Magic
***[Hydromancer] - Specialized in Water Magic
**[Weather Mage] - Specialized in Weather Magic
***[Stormwalker] - Combination of [Hydromancer] and [Aeromancer]
* [Mage] - Starter Class for generally every beginner Mage
**[Skeleton Mage] - Starter Class only for an Undead Skeleton Mage
* [Magic Gifted] - Lowest magic-related class
*[Magic User] - Second-lowest magic-related class
*[Sorcerer] / [Sorceress]
*[Wand User] - A low [Mage] class for those who only can use magic with a wand.
Job-oriented Specializations:
*[Communication Mage] - Specialized in [Communication] and [Message] Magic.
*[Court Mage] - Mage serving at a [[Nobility|Nobles]]' or [[Royalty|Monarch]]'s court
**[Royal Scholar of Magic] - Scholar Mage serving royalty. Generalist, but capable of casting many spells out of many disciplines.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/08/22/8-38-h/ Chapter 8.38 H]</ref>
*[Enchanter] / [Enchantress] - Specialized in enchantment magic and creating enchanted items
**[Lifewood Artifact Analysis Enchanter]
*[Famed Innkeeper of the Wizardly Home] - Consolidation of [Wizard] and [Innkeeper]
*[Guildmaster of Magic] - Guildmaster with magic or in charge of mages
*[Link Mage] - Specialized in linking with other [Mages]
*[Mage Artist] - Artist with magic / Mage doing art
**[Artist of Bone] - Necromancer doing art
*[Paint Mage] - Mage doing paintings
* [Mage Hunter] - Hunter with magic / Hunter of mages
* [Mage Knight] - Knight with magic / Mage been knighted / Combat specialization
*[Mage Lady] / [Mage Lord] - [Noble] who learned magic / [Mage] elevated to nobility
**[Duke of Supreme Sorcery]
**[Spellbound Lady] / [Spellbound Lord] - [Noble] whose body has a concentrated amount of magic in it.
* [Mage Runner] - Runner with magic / Mage becoming a [Runner]
* [Mage Scribe] - Scribe for magic messages
*[Magic Smith] - Variation of [Smith] class with focus on magical metals.
*[Magical Artisan] - Artifact crafter
*[Magical Butcher] - [Butcher] with magic
*[[Innkeepers|[Magical Innkeeper]]] - Variation of [Innkeeper] class
**[Goblinfriend Innkeeper of Wonders]
**[The Wandering Innkeeper]
*[Magical Scribe] - Scribe with magic (see also "Crafter specializations")
*[Maid Mage] - Maid with magic / Mage employed as maid
*[Message Mage] - Specialized in [Message] Magic.
*[Necromancer Queen] - Variation of [Queen] class with focus on necromancy
**[Queen of the Eternal Necrocracy]
**[Vice Innkeeper of Spells]
* [Queen of Necrocracy] - Variation of [Queen] class with a kingdom focused on necromancy
**[Queen of the Eternal Necrocracy]
*[Restoration Mage] - Mage capable of casting [Restoration] numerous times per day.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/01/10/8-00/ Chapter 8.00]</ref>
* [Ship Mage] / [Ship's Mage] - Mage that operate a ship enchantments.
*[Sword Mage] - Smith or fighter with magic (see either Crafter- or Combat-Specializations.)
Nature Magic Specializations:
*[[Druids|[Druid]]] - Caster class specialized in Nature Magic
**[Boneweaver Druid] - Specialized in handling animals bones
**[Druid of the Lucky World, Child of Omens; Ember of the Eternal Solstice] - Very high level [[Doombearers|Doombearer]] specialization.
**[Druid of the Old Ways]
** [Vinetender Druid] - Can conjure magical wine<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/05/04/8-21-l/ Chapter 8.21 L]</ref>
*[Green Mage] - Specialized in plant-based magic
*[Herb Mage]<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/03/10/8-12-t/ Chapter 8.12 T]</ref>
*[Naturalist Mage] - Specialization in magic combination with existing things.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2021/11/17/8-52-mn/ Chapter 8.52 MN]</ref>
*[Swamp Mage] - Presumably living and working in and around swamps
**[Chief Shaman] - A Shaman who is leads a community of Shamans.
**[Dowser Shaman] - A Shaman who can find water sources.
**[Keeper of the Pasts] - A Shaman whose tribe duty is to remember the past.
**[Magic Paint Shaman] - A Shaman who uses paint as a medium for their magic.
**[Shaman of the Eternal Grasslands]
**[Shaman of the Old Ways]
**[Shaman of Tribe and Plain]
**[Shamanic Warrior] - Not a Shaman but a Warrior empowered by one. Possibly an equivalent to [Arcane Warrior].
**[Spirit Shaman] - Specialized in spirits
*[Aegiscaster] - [Mage] specialized in Barrier Spells
* [Barrier Mage] / [Barrier Magus] (see [Aegiscaster])
*[Dispeller] - Anti-magic specialist
*[Gravity Mage] - Specialized in Gravitation Magic
**[Gravitationist] - Specialized in Gravitation Magic
*[Hex Mage] / [Hexer] / [Curse Mage] - Curse specialist
*[Magician] - specialized for entertainment
**[Royal Magician] - Magician for [[Royalty]]
*[She Who Summons Victory]
**Specialized in "calling" magic; includes <Combat> and <Leadership> elements. Close to [Paladin] in nature.
*[Teleportation Mage] / [Teleport Mage] - Specialized in Teleportation Spells.
*[Thaumaturge] - Magic that is more similar to Miracles then anything else.
**Works wonders and casts spells without having to learn them.
**Capable of creating new spells with ease.
*Time Magic Specializations
**[Chronomancer] - Specialized in time magic
***[Timekeeper General, Wyrmsworn Champion]
*[Wardmaster] (''Male'') / [Wardmistress] / [Wardsmistress] (''Female'') - Specialist in Warding*[Warlock] - Makes pacts with other beings
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"! style="text-align: center;" |<u>Skills</u>
! style="text-align: center;" |<u>For</u>
|Ice Mages to form their Ice Spells faster.
|[Advanced Golem Shaping]
|[Arcane Discovery (Weekly)]
|Recharge the Mana Pool with Death Magic, by filling it up from every death, Undead, and Death Magic Spells used, around the User.
|[Barrier: Arcane Spellguard]
|Barrier spells aren't easily dispelled or blasted.
|[Barrier: Crystalline Defense]
|When overloaded, barriers will crack instead of disappearing and still offer protection until shattered.
|Specialized Golems Making
|[Basic Spell Proficiency: Nature Magic]
|[Bound Spell: (''Spell'')]|Binding and Containing a precast Spell, even Higher Tier ones, to be later used immediately, without having to recast it.
|Specialized Necromancers
|Skill that summons a [Fast Fireball] Spell
|[Copy Spell (Temporary)]
|[Create Lifesand Golems]
|Specialized in making Lifesand Golems with blood.
|[Create Spectral Undead]
|[Death Magic Proficiency]
|[Enigmatic Clue: Spellcraft]
|Expanding a Spell area of effect.
|[Flawless Magical Analysis]
|[From Witchcraft, Sorcery Ariseth]
|Converting the [Witch] User's gathered Witchcraft, as mana fuel.
|Ice Mages to change the shape of their Ice faster.
|Ice Mages to make their Ice tougher.
|[Improved Mana Circulation]
|[Magical Specialization: Sand]
|[Master-Apprentice Spell]
|Enables an [Apprentice] to cast a spell that their master knows as though it were their own.
| [My Mana Runs Thick as Blood]
|The User mana pool becomes more denser and thus more effective. Also allows the User to store a bit of magical power each day outside of their body, as the more viscous mana will not disperse as easily.
|Recharge a Minor Wand in a single night.
|[Sanctum: Death Magic Leyline]
|User's home generates death mana.
|[Spell Reflection Barrier (Lesser)]
|[Spell School: Color Magic Proficiency]
|Providing the User with the learning and spellcraft of Color magic.
|[Summoning: Call the Great Ancestors]
|[Summoning: Pass Wounds]
|Multiple Spells to activate at the same time or rate.
|[Teacher of Magic (Universal)]
*[Mage] classes fall under the <Intelligence> category as organized by the [[Grand Design of Isthekenous|Grand Design]].<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2022/10/16/interlude-death-and-stitches/ Interlude - Death and Stitches]</ref>
*The highest leveled mage in history was the Mage of Magic's End, who reached Level 93.<ref>{{VERef|Chapter 8.81}}</ref> He was also the last person to reach Level 90 in the world's history. 