Difference between revisions of "The Mages Guild"

From Lord of the Craft
Jump to: navigation, search
m (uwu'ification)
(→‎Outdated Positions)
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
[[File:magesguildsymbol.png|300px|thumb|right|The sigil of the Mages Guild]]
 
[[File:magesguildsymbol.png|300px|thumb|right|The sigil of the Mages Guild]]
−
The Mages Guiwd was an ancient owdew of amawgamated awcane magic pwactitionews whose initiaw goaw was to maintain bawance and owdew lithin the weawm thwough the medium of the awcane.  Whiwe this ideaw and the Guiwd itsewf was watew weitewated and wefowmed as the Guiwd passed into valious hands of administwation, the cowe phiwosophy of education and equity wemained a common affaiw lithin the Guiwd’s dealings.  Whiwe it expelienced its Gowden Age and height of powew duling Aegis, it steadiwy woss patwonage and its pwesence waned untiw eventuawwy dissowving into the valious sects of magi seen today.
+
'''The Mages Guild''' is an ancient order of arcane magic practitioners whose primary goal is to maintain a kind of existential balance and order within the realm through the medium of the arcane.  While this ideal, and the Guild itself, was later reiterated and reformed through various hands of administration, the core philosophy of scholarship and balance remain as a common affair within the Guild’s dealings.  While it experienced its height of power during the continent [[Aegis]], it has steadily waxed and waned over the centuries of its continued existence.
 
__NOTOC__
 
__NOTOC__
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
=== Origin ===
 
=== Origin ===
−
Accowding to the wlitings of the [[Arcane Mage]], the Mages Guiwd was oliginawwy estabrished by the liww of Mage Wowand, ow Wam’iw depending on the soulce, who brought togethew sects of powewful and lise magi duling the age of the foul brothews to keep a hawmonious evenness between mowtaws, divine, and nixian.  Some speculate that Mage Wowand was nothing mowe than a pseudo name adopted by foundews of the fiwst Mages Guiwd to add womance and fabre to the Guiwd’s oligins.
+
According to the writings of the [[Arcane Mage]], the Mages Guild was originally established by a Mage Roland, or Ram’ir depending on the source, who brought together sects of powerful and wise magi during the age of the four brothers to keep a harmonious evenness between mortals, divine, and nixian.  Some speculate that Mage Roland was nothing more than a pseudo name adopted by founders of the first Mages Guild to add romance and fable to the Guild’s origins.
  
−
An oliginaw stwuctule of the Guiwd incwuded thwee ovewseeing Awchmages who made up a High Counciw and acted as chief administwatows of the Guiwd.  Bewow the High Counciw was a wawgew sect of Guiwd Mastews who occupied valious Guiwd Hawws thwoughout the weawm of Aegis.  These teachews and mastews of the awcane appwenticed an awway of valious adept magi and initiates who wowked and lived lithin the Guiwd Hawws.
+
The original structure of the Guild included three overseeing Archmagi who made up a High Council and acted as chief administrators of the Guild.  Below the High Council was a larger sect of Guild Masters who occupied various Guild Halls throughout the realm of Aegis.  These teachers and masters of the arcane apprenticed an array of adept magi and initiates who worked and lived within the Guild Halls.
  
−
Wegawdwess, the Guiwd must have passed thwough sevewaw dignitalies as many centulies passed untiw the Guiwd came undew the administwation of the Awcane Mage who wed the Guiwd thwough the waw on the [[Undead]].
+
During that time it is speculated that the Guild passed through several dignitaries before it came under the administration of the Arcane Mage who led the Guild through the war on the [[Undead]].
  
 
=== Aegis ===
 
=== Aegis ===
 
Ca. 1300 - 1349
 
Ca. 1300 - 1349
  
−
Duling the Awcane Mage’s wegime the Guiwd saw much pwospelity.  In its bulgeoning yeaws the Awcane Mage waised an ancient Mage Towew to the Nowth of Wintewfeww which would sewve as the center of the Guiwd’s powew whiwst in Aegis.  The towew was wumowed to contain copious amounts of secwet avenues and pwoys, some of which the vewy membews of the Guiwd wewe not awawe of.  The Towew was awso said to contain an expansive awchive which the Awcane Mage took much plide in as weww as a tewepowtation woom which awwowed membews of the Guiwd to twavew to plimawy wocations on the continent at the flick of a wlist.
+
[[File:2012-06-10_12.03.23.png|500px|thumb|right|The ancient and enigmatic Mage Tower of Aegis]]
 +
During the Arcane Mage’s regime the Guild saw much prosperity.  In its burgeoning years the Arcane Mage raised an ancient Mage Tower to the North of Winterfell which would serve as the center of the Guild’s power while in Aegis.  The tower was rumored to contain copious amounts of secret avenues and ploys, some of which the very members of the Guild were not aware of.  The Tower also contained an expansive archive, which the Arcane Mage took much pride in, as well as a room which allowed magi to transport themselves across the continent with merely a flick of the wrist.
  
−
[[File:2012-06-10_12.03.23.png|500px|thumb|center|The ancient and enigmatic Mage Tower of Aegis]]
+
Though having only a small pool of Magi within its ranks, the Guild managed to receive patronage from all four descendent races. Such [[Noteworthy Mages]] as Cataris, Bell, Ogland, Kilgrim, and [[Everard Hightower]] frequented the occult circles of the day. Archmage Bell and Guild Masters Ogland and Cataris played significant roles in the Undead wars of the North, even having a Guild Hall constructed in Snowy Fields as a sign of solidarity and for runic research.
  
−
Though having onwy a smaww poow of Magi lithin its divisions, the Guiwd managed to weceive patwonage fwom aww foul descendent waces, an unheawd of notion in mowe modewn ewas.  Such [[Noteworthy Mages]] as Catalis, Beww, Ogwand, Kiwglim, and Evewawd wewe common amongst the occult ciwcwes of the day.  Awchmage Beww and Guiwd Mastews Ogwand and Catalis pwayed significant wowes in the Undead waws of the Nowth, even having a Guiwd Haww constwucted in Snowy Fiewds as a sign of solidality and fow wunic weseawch.
+
====The Hwalder Betrayal====
 +
Unfortunately, many of the old guild members did eventually succumb to the Undead through treachery or murder.  Archmage Hwalder, the first betrayer and supposed stalwart associate of the Arcane Mage, was discovered to be an Undead spy and swiftly ejected by the High Council.  Archmage Everard and Guild Master Cataris were absorbed by the Undead hierarchy post-mortem.  Cataris, having been disbanded from the Guild during an unwarranted heist of an Undead Keep and the releasing of Guild secrets to the public, proceeded to commit suicide.  Finally, Archmage Bell was murdered during a visitation with the Undead.  According to [[Bell's Final Journal]] this was an attempt at relieving herself from the torturous hassling of the Undead.
  
−
Unfowtunatewy, many of the owd guiwd membews did eventuawwy succumb to the Undead thwough tweachewy ow muldew.  Awchmage Hwawdew, the fiwst betwayew and supposed stawwawt associate of the Awcane Mage, was discovewed to be Undead spy and sliftwy ejected by the High Counciw.  Awchmage Evewawd and Guiwd Mastew Catalis wewe absowbed by the Undead hiewawchy when they had passed and wotted.  Catalis, having been disbanded fwom the Guiwd duling an unwawwanted heist of an Undead Keep and the weweasing of Guiwd secwets to the pubric, pwoceeded to commit suicide.  Finawwy, Awchmage Beww was muldewed duling a visitation lith the Undead.  Accowding to [[Bell’s Final Journal]] this was an attempt at welieving hewsewf fwom the towchewous hassling of the Undead.
+
====The Ogland-Ambros Revival====
 +
After a brief period of stagnation the Guild eventually passed into the hands of Guild Master Ogland and his apprentice, Ambros, who were granted the title of Archmage by the Arcane Mage.  Under their governance the Guild expanded considerably.  Though losing patronage from the orcs, the two took on numerous apprentices and trained to become a second generation of magi that would soon lead the Guild.
  
−
Aftew a brief peliod of stagnation the Guiwd eventuawwy passed into the hands of Guiwd Mastew Ogwand and his appwentice, Ambros, who wewe gwanted the titwe of Awchmage by the Awcane Mage. Undew theiw govewnance the Guiwd expanded considewabry. Though wosing patwonage fwom the owcs the two took on numewous appwentices, twained to become a second genewation of magi that would wead the Guiwd in the futule.
+
While the Guild experienced various expansions, including new Guild Halls, most of the “new” Guild was centralized around the Laurelin Guild Hall. This new hall was a gift from the High Prince Native. Guild Master Rilath, a disturbed soul, would eventually lead to the foundation of [[Shade|Shade Magic]] as a result of Archmage Ambros trapping the dark magi’s faculties within a crystal, the first of the Shade Gems.
  
−
Whiwe the Guiwd expelienced valious expansions incwuding new Guiwd Hawws, most of the “new” Guiwd was centwalized awound the Waulelin Guiwd Haww, a gift fwom the High Plince Native.  The mage Guiwd Mastew Wiwath, a distulbed soul, would eventuawwy wead to the foundation of [[Shade|Shade Magic]] as a wesult of Awchmage Ambros twapping the dawk magi’s faculties lithin a cwystaw, the fiwst of the Shade Gems.
+
Prolonged afflictions from the, now lich, Cataris would result in numerous skirmishes into the continent of Asulon.
−
 
 
−
Pwowonged afflictions fwom the, now lich, Catalis would wesult in sundwy skiwmishes on into the continent of Asulon.
 
  
 
=== Asulon ===
 
=== Asulon ===
 
1351 - 1424
 
1351 - 1424
  
−
Upon the Guiwd’s awlivaw to the new continent a towew was thuswy cwaimed in the name of the Guiwd.  Said towew was one noted by the Awcane Mage in his Awcane Joulnaw depicting his pweemptive joulney to the new wand.  The towew became known as Bewwus Tullis, standing as a wone spiwe amidst a bawwen sea.  Whiwe, initiawwy, the Guiwd weceived patwonage fwom the fwactuled human kingdoms of Wenatus and Sawvus and Guiwd Hawws lithin theiw wespective capitaws in addition to a Haww lithin the Mali’ahewaw’s capitaw, Haewun’ow, the High Counciw found that such divewgence fwom a centwalized site wed to much inactivity amidst the membews of the Guiwd.  Aftew the pwowonged discowd lith the tlice dead Catalis and valious schemes against Awchmage Ambros’s wegency fowwoling a so cawwed “vision” in which Ambros saw a chosen one who would stlike down Catalis, the High Counciw pwomptwy decweed that aww Guiwd Hawws wewe to be disbanded on account of the wecent inactivity.
+
Upon the Guild’s arrival to the new continent a tower was claimed for the Guild.  Said tower was one noted by the Arcane Mage in his Arcane Journal recounting his preemptive journey to the new land.  The tower became known as Bellus Turris, standing as a lone spire amidst a barren sea.  While initially, the Guild received patronage from the fractured human kingdoms of Renatus and Salvus as well as the Mali’aheral, the High Council found that such divergence from a centralized site led to inactivity and a lack of intercommunication between members of the Guild.  
  
−
Soon aftew Awchmage Ambros issued the Guiwd into an ewa of wefowm, a peliod in which many began to question Ambros’s ability to wead awong lith his sanity as he pewmeated the Guiwd thwough numewous, seemingwy flivowous weconstwuctions incwuding pwocwaiming himsewf the soveweign and sowe Awchmage of the Guiwd as weww as estabrishing a High Counciw consisting of thiwteen High Mages beneath him.
+
====The Cataris Treachery====
 +
The late Guild Master Cataris continued his aggressions towards the Guild, having mounted a cult of followers to aid in his vengeance.
  
−
Ambros’s disconcewting weign came to an end when an unstabre Node (pewhaps the fiwst discovewed of its kind) ewupted beneath Bewwus Tullis, pwopewwy destwoying it, whiwe Awchmage Ambros, High Mage Sawamandwa, and an appwentice named Saewdul wewe quawwewling lithin. Sawamandwa and Saewdul, who escaped, pwesumed Ambros was dead fowwoling his insistence to name Saewdul the new Awchmage of the Guiwd on the basis that Saewdul had in fact muldewed him, velifying the belief that Ambros had indeed gone mad.
+
After schemes against Archmage Ambros’s regency following a so called “vision” in which Ambros foretold of a chosen one who would strike down the twice dead Cataris, the High Council decreed that all Guild Halls were to be disbanded on account of the recent lack of contact between Guild members. The aged archmage took on two young apprentices for this sole reason, convinced of their ability to defeat the outcast Guild Master and his own premonitions.  
  
−
Wegawdwess of Ambros’s finaw lishes, the wemaining membews of the Guiwd constwucted a new towew lithin the kingdom of Uwguan and watew on the iswand nation of Howm.  By populaw vote Dante, Sawamandwa, and Waulina wewe named the new Awchmages of the Guiwd, lightwy wetulning the Guiwd to its owd hiewawchicaw state of thwee Awchmages.
+
Soon after Archmage Ambros issued the Guild into an era of reform, a period in which many began to question the ancient Archmage's ability to lead, along with his sanity. Such beliefs were founded on his seemingly frivolous reconstructions of the Guild including proclaiming himself the sovereign and sole Archmage along with thirteen High Magi beneath him.
  
−
Fow a peliod of time the Guiwd saw pwowonged stability untiw Ambros appeawed, having sulvived the expwosion, and was accowdingwy given powew ovew the Guiwd once mowe.  In a finaw wefowm Ambros estabrished a new hiewawchy consisting of one Awchmage, a second in command known as Mastew Wizawd, an awchivists known as the Awchanix, fowwowed by mastews and appwentices.
+
Ambros’s disconcerting reign came to an end when an unstable Node (perhaps the first discovered of its kind) erupted beneath Bellus Turris, destroying it, while Archmage Ambros, High Mage Salamandra, and an apprentice named Saeldur were quarrelling within.  Salamandra and Saeldur, who escaped, presumed Ambros was dead following his insistence to name Saeldur the new Archmage of the Guild on the basis that Saeldur had in fact murdered him. For many, this verified the belief that Ambros had indeed gone mad.
  
−
Howevew, by some untowd means the Guiwd began to wose infwuence ovew the distlibution of magicaw knowwedge lithin the weawm.  Thewe wewe many “rogue mages” who began weawning magic by theiw own hand, pewhaps due to the valious esotelic texts found thwoughout the ancient wand of Asulon.  Opposing owdews of magic came to powew such as the Awcane Dewvews which the Guiwd saw as an immediate thweat.
+
Regardless of Ambros’s final wishes, the remaining members of the Guild constructed a new tower within the kingdom of Urguan and later on the island nation of Holm.  By popular vote Dante, Salamandra, and Laurina were named the new Archmagi of the Guild, returning the Guild to its triumvirate style of leadership.
 +
 
 +
For a period of time the Guild saw prolonged stability until Ambros appeared, having survived the explosion, and was accordingly given power over the Guild once more.  In a final reform Ambros established a new hierarchy consisting of one Archmage, a second in command known as Master Wizard, an archivists known as the Archanix, followed by masters and apprentices.
 +
 
 +
However, by some untold means the Guild began to lose influence over the distribution of magical knowledge within the realm.  There were many “rogue mages” who began learning magic by their own hand, perhaps due to the various esoteric texts found throughout the ancient land of Asulon.  Opposing sects of magi came to power such as the Arcane Delvers.
 
=== Anthos ===
 
=== Anthos ===
 
1424 - 1455
 
1424 - 1455
  
 
[[File:wyverwynhold.png|300px|thumb|right|Wyverwyn Hold]]
 
[[File:wyverwynhold.png|300px|thumb|right|Wyverwyn Hold]]
−
The Mages Guiwd hawkened in the continent of Anthos by estabrishing a cowwege known as Wyvewwyn Howd which sat pwecaliouswy atop a mountain on the flinges of the kingdom of Uwguan.  No wongew would the Guiwd sewve as a pwesewvew of equity, as it had in the past, but a bastion of weawning and weseawch.  Wyvewwyn Howd was pwaised fow its beauty and mystewy, which way beneath.
+
The Mages Guild harkened in the continent of Anthos by establishing a college known as Wyverwyn Hold which sat precariously atop a mountain on the fringes of the kingdom of Urguan.  No longer would the Guild serve as a preserver of equity, as it had in the past, but a bastion of learning and research.  Wyverwyn Hold was praised for its beauty and mystery, which lay beneath.
  
−
Whiwe othew awcane owdews began libewaw wecwuitment and teaching of magic, the evew consewvative Guiwd kept a stlingent wecwuitment pwocess which wed many to believe the Guiwd was becoming too elitist fow such a magicawwy pwogwessive time.
+
While other arcane orders began liberal recruitment and teaching of magic, the ever conservative Guild kept a stringent recruitment process which led many to believe the Guild was becoming too elitist for such a magically progressive time.
  
−
Fowwoling neaw inactivity fwom the standing Mages Guiwd administwation, the Guiwd was weft inopewative fow a peliod except fow the distant ovewseeing of Bwundewmowe in theiw absence.  Ambros, howevew, abruptwy wetulned to wead a smaww expedition of magi into the wuins beneath the Howd known as the Howwows, an ewdlitch and nixian pwane in which the Void bred into the physicaw weawm causing aww mannew of absuld chaos.  Ambros, pewhaps in his inewt madness, had been studying the Howwows fow some time pliow to weappealing.  By bringing the smaww expedition he had hoped the magi would have joined him to somehow gain inhumane powews at the expense of theiw sanity.  Stiww possessing some cwality, Bwundewmowe lightwy opposed such pwoposaws weading to a duew between the two magi.  The company of magi escaped the sinistew Howwows whiwe Ambros faded into obsculity.
+
Following near inactivity from the standing Mages Guild administration, the Guild was left inoperative for a period except for the distant overseeing of Blundermore in their absence.  Ambros, however, abruptly returned to lead a small expedition of magi into the ruins beneath the Hold known as the Hollows, an eldritch and nixian plane in which the Void bled into the physical realm causing all manner of absurd chaos.  Ambros, perhaps in his inert madness, had been studying the Hollows for some time prior to reappearing.  By bringing the small expedition he had hoped the magi would have joined him to somehow gain inhumane powers at the expense of their sanity.  Still possessing some clarity, Blundermore opposed such proposals leading to a duel between the two magi.  The company of magi escaped the sinister Hollows while Ambros faded into obscurity.
  
−
Cwumena Iwlindiow had studied the ways of the owd Guiwd and heawd many tawes of its pwesence in Aegis fwom Elindow. With a vision to wevitalize this memowy he seized autholity ovew the guiwd and thwust it once again into the pubric eye. Many pweviouswy uninitiated mages, teachews, and even administwative heads joined its wanks and membewship gwew fastew than evew befowe.  The Guiwd was weowganized to contain, once mowe, thwee Awchmages which became known as the Tliumviwate, fowwowed by the Awchanix, Guiwd Mastews, Mages and Appwentices.  Valious embassies wewe estabrished in majow wegions of the weawm and novitiate schowaws fwocked to the Guiwd, incwuding a wawge mass of necwomancews, shades, and othew unsavowy sowts which the Guiwd soon became wenowned fow hawboling.  
+
====The Crumena Revival====
 +
Crumena Ilwindior had studied the ways of the old Guild and heard many tales of its presence in Aegis from Elindor. With a vision to revitalize this memory he seized authority over the guild and thrust it once again into the public eye. Many previously uninitiated mages, teachers, and even administrative heads joined its ranks and membership grew faster than ever before.  The Guild was reorganized to contain, once more, three Archmages which became known as the Triumvirate, followed by the Archanix, Guild Masters, Mages and Apprentices.  Various embassies were established in major regions of the realm and novitiate scholars flocked to the Guild, including a large mass of necromancers, shades, and other unsavory sorts which the Guild soon became renowned for harboring.  
  
−
Within the hawws of Wyvewn Howd wewe cowwected magicaw awtifacts that, though often usewess, cawlied gweat significance. Seculity became a majow issue as many invadews came to steaw away these walities. Most notabre was the wecwaiming of the Kew'Vawwak by Dwawven nobres who lished to possess the stone that twaps minds as a signet of theiw powew, though they had no use fow it.
+
Within the halls of Wyvern Hold were collected magical artifacts that, though often useless, carried great significance. Security became a major issue as many invaders came to steal away these rarities. Most notable was the reclaiming of the Kel'Varrak by Dwarven nobles who wished to possess the stone that traps minds as a signet of their power, though they had no use for it.
  
 
=== Athera ===
 
=== Athera ===
 
1468 - 1513
 
1468 - 1513
  
−
Wathew fittingwy the new home fow The Mages Guiwd was lithin a wemawkabre undewgwound stwuctule beneath Wasmot's Poopew. Membews of the guiwd fwushed themsewves down the fwoating powtew potty to gain access to the classwooms, wectule hawws, offices, and expansive librawy in the wefulbished pwevious dwewling of [[Rasmot]]. Cwumena continued to wead in one of the positions of Awch Mage, and as the othew two positions wewe having difficulty wemaining fiwwed lithout an untimewy disappeawance ow death, Elindow ovewsaw that the membews of the Tliumvewate pwactice and uphowd the twaditions of the Guiwd.
+
Rather fittingly the new home for The Mages Guild was within a remarkable underground structure beneath Rasmot's Pooper. Members of the guild flushed themselves down the floating porter potty to gain access to the classrooms, lecture halls, offices, and expansive library in the refurbished previous dwelling of [[Rasmot]]. Crumena continued to lead in one of the positions of Arch Mage, and as the other two positions were having difficulty remaining filled without an untimely disappearance or death, Elindor oversaw that the members of the Triumvirate practice and uphold the traditions of the Guild.
  
−
The wetuln of the Undead cweated many uncewtainties fow the Mages Guiwd as it found itsewf once mowe at the fowefwont of a Waw lith [[Iblees]]. Awchmage Beww wetulned and was sliftwy gwanted hew pwevious titwe, and Ogwand likelise wetulned to take up wesidence lithin Wasmot's hawws.
+
The return of the Undead created many uncertainties for the Mages Guild as it found itself once more at the forefront of a War with [[Iblees]]. Archmage Bell returned and was swiftly granted her previous title, and Ogland likewise returned to take up residence within Rasmot's halls.
  
−
Though stiww battling lith the compwexities of hawboling dawk mages and theiw occasionaw wogue outbulsts, the Mages Guiwd was once again in a position of infwuence and the pwemium educatow of awcane magic. Untiw the Undead weceded back and the implications of the waw wost sevelity, wesulting in the Mages Guiwd to once again slip back into some obsculity as just anothew magic cowwege.
+
Though still battling with the complexities of harboring dark mages and their occasional rogue outbursts, the Mages Guild was once again in a position of influence and the premium educator of arcane magic. Until the Undead receded back and the implications of the war lost severity, resulting in the Mages Guild to once again slip back into some obscurity as just another magic college.
  
 
=== Atlas ===
 
=== Atlas ===
−
1656 - Pwesent
+
1656–1705
 
[[File:TheGrandSpire.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Grand Spire]]
 
[[File:TheGrandSpire.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Grand Spire]]
−
In the yeaw 1656, 16th of the Fiwst Seed, the Awchmage Haadi Mubdee wefowmed the Mages Guiwd lith the hewp of Awchmage Doviciwus,constwucting a guiwd haww upon an iswand in gweat secwusion. Not wong aftew numbews had began lising lithin the guiwd, the thiwd seat to compwete the Tliumviwate was decided, none othew than a dwawf was deemed wowthy, Awchmage Kawviin, bettew known as The Gowden Dwawf. Soon convincing Awchmage Haadi and Doviciwus to move the guiwd's main haww to lithin The Dominion's Uppew Distlict to bettew hewp lith its activity, the dwawf constwucted what came to be known as The Gwand Spiwe, a tewlibry dulw buiwding, he did what he could undew tight buiwding waws, constwucting a towew mimicking that of othews lithin the dulw ewven distlict. It was lithin this time of constwuction that both Awchmage Haadi and Awchmage Doviciwus wewe wost, a hawsh brow towawds the guiwd. The Gowden Dwawf cawlied on, wefiwling the seats quickwy lith Awchmage Cwumena, and Awchmage Eliza he wasted no time in speawheading the guiwd into the wawgest state it had evew seen.
+
====The Third Revival====
 +
In the year 1656, 16th of the First Seed, the Archmage Haadi Mubdee reformed the Mages Guild with the help of Archmage Dovicilus, constructing a guild hall upon an island in great seclusion. Not long after numbers had begun rising within the guild, the third seat to complete the Triumvirate was decided, none other than a dwarf was deemed worthy, Archmage Kalviin, better known as The Golden Dwarf. Soon convincing Archmage Haadi and Dovicilus to move the guild's main hall to within The Dominion's Upper District to better help with its activity, the dwarf constructed what came to be known as The Grand Spire, a terribly dull building. He did what he could under tight building laws, constructing a tower mimicking that of others within the dull High Elven district. It was within this time of construction that both Archmage Haadi and Archmage Dovicilus were lost to the realm, a harsh blow towards the guild’s stability, connections and power at that time, leaving them vulnerable. The Golden Dwarf carried on nonetheless, in time coming to refill the seats with Archmage Crumena, and Archmage Eliza, wasting no further time as together they began spearheading the guild once more into the largest state it had ever seen.
 +
Running through multiple district senators the Mages Guild endured through multiple attempts to cripple the guild under the lead of Archmage Kalviin. After a long service Archmage Crumena was relieved from his guild duties as other work took his priority. The third seat was quickly filled by the ever spontaneous Archmage Avalos. Numbers continued to rise well into the sixties as did the library begin to overflow with knowledge, a remarkably bountiful period for the Guild despite the great forces that attempted to dampen their abilities. As always the watchful eyes of the druidic movement within the dominion continued to breath down the neck of the guild, standing strong there was little movement from either party as the peace was kept for as long as could be expected.  
  
−
Wunning thwough multipwe distlict senatows the Mages Guiwd enduled thwough multipwe attempts to clippwe the guiwd undew the wead of Awchmage Kawviin. Aftew some time the dwawf would welieve Awchmage Cwumena fwom his guiwd duties as othew wowk took up the majolity of his time. Within a few stone days the thiwd seat was fiwwed by the evew spontaneous Awchmage Avawos, numbews continued to lise weww into the sixties as did the librawy begin to ovewfwow lith knowwedge. As awways the watchful eyes of the dwuidic movement lithin the dominion continued to breath down the neck of the guiwd, standing stwong thewe was littwe movement fwom eithew pawty as the peace was kept fow as wong as could be expected.
+
=== Arcas ===
 +
1720 - 1786
 +
[[File:Domus_Somnum_-_Arcas_Mage_Tower.png|300px|thumb|right|Domus Somnum]]
 +
The guild started off quickly within Arcas, via invitation from Ithrendas Regis to home the guild within the new founded city of Llyria by none other than himself. This was however short lived as the city having boasted of it’s magical prowess had become inundated by the wrong crowds, dark mages openly walking the streets that had infiltrated the guard force, giving Llyria quite the bad look which prompted the other many nations of the realm to rally against Llyria, crushing it’s forces and decimating the city not longer after it’s creation. There was little time for much of anything to be done within its time in Llyria, though it continued to be run as best it could be by Archmage Kalgrimmor (Previously Archmage Kalviin). The guild was unfortunately forced to disband upon the desolation of Llyria as there had been no prior plans of leaving, therefore there had been nowhere to retreat to.  
  
 +
====The Fourth Revival====
 +
For many long years would the guilds activity stagnate as Kalgrimmor sought to arrange land within Urguan, using his many connections to secure a place within the mountains after some time.
 +
So it was that Domus Somnum was created, the magnificent work of the combined efforts of both Kalgrimmor and the newly returning Ambros, one of the prior leaders of the guild in ancient times. The guild would go on to thrive within the Dwarven Mountains of Urguan within the realm of Arcas, not taking to the numbers it once held within Atlas, but rather focusing more on the quality of it’s time spent, ensuring what few were taken, flourished into bright young magi. Along with many great young wizards nourished and nurtured within this time, there also came an abundance of magical literature and magical creation that the guild would go on to cherish and utilize for many centuries to come. This era brought on a series of major reforms to the Guild's structure including the foundation of the Ordo Arcana and the Collegium Magistrati. Furthermore, the establishment of codified Guild dictates, philosophies, and literature were drawn together to form the Arcanicum.
 +
=== Almaris ===
 +
1796-Present
 +
[[File:Atria Creatura.png|300px|thumb|right|Atria Creatura]]
 +
Yet to be Written. . .
  
 
=== Legacy ===
 
=== Legacy ===
 +
The Mages Guild is the first recorded organization pertaining to the arcane arts, however, many more have since risen and fallen since its own creation and debacle.  Nearly all of these organizations have taken the Guild’s design and altered it to their own liking, always offering some form of education in the magical arts and more or less serving as academic or research institutions.  Other magical orders attempted to recreate the Guild's prestige and influence, such as the Conclave of Magi and the Order of Magi, though were inconsequential in their brief existences.
  
−
The Mages Guiwd was the fiwst wecowded owganization pewtaining to the awcane awts, howevew, many mowe have since lisen and fawwen since its own cweation and debacwe.  Neawwy aww of these owganizations have taken the Guiwd’s design and awtewed it to theiw own liking, awways offeling some fowm of education in the magicaw awts and mowe ow wess sewving as academic ow weseawch institutions.  Othew magicaw owdews attempted to wecweate the Guiwd's pwestige and infwuence, such as the Concwave of Magi and the Owdew of Magi, though wewe inconsequentiaw in theiw brief existences.
+
Most “modern” forms of arcane teachings have their origins in the Mages Guild including some of the more shadowy arts (ie. Shade Magic).
−
 
 
−
Most “modern” fowms of awcane teachings have theiw oligins in the Mages Guiwd incwuding some of the mowe shadowy awts (ie. Shade Magic).
 
  
 
== Purpose ==
 
== Purpose ==
−
Oliginawwy the bowd intention was to ovewsee the use of Magic thwoughout the weawm, and to liewd this powew to ensule that its existence continues fowevew onwawds by maintaining what theiw doctline cawwed "The Balance". To facilitate this goaw a mastewy of magic was wequiwed fwom its membews and so the detaiwed tuition of awcane became a second pwewogative.
+
Originally the bold intention was to oversee the use of Magic throughout the realm, and to wield this power to ensure that its existence continues forever onwards by maintaining what their doctrine called "The Balance". To facilitate this goal a mastery of magic was required from its members and so the detailed tuition of arcane became a second prerogative.
  
−
As membewship lithin the Guiwd was an extwaowdinawy honow in wecognition of not onwy pwoficiency lith magic but in demonstwating uplight chawactew, the expectations upon its membews wewe high. Though thwoughout its histowy these expectations did swump as consequences fow breaking the code became wawe.
+
As membership within the Guild was an extraordinary honor in recognition of not only proficiency with magic but in demonstrating upright character, the expectations upon its members were high. Though throughout its history these expectations did slump as consequences for breaking the code became rare.
  
−
* A mage shaww not use theiw magic to sewve pulposes that contwadict that of the institution and it’s weadews. Magic is youl gift, maintaining bawance is youl duty. Sewfish pulsuits liww be punished.
+
* A mage shall not use their magic to serve purposes that contradict that of the institution and it’s leaders. Magic is your gift, maintaining balance is your duty. Selfish pursuits will be punished.
  
−
* A mage shaww not assault anothew membew of the institution, unwess agweed upon befowehand between the two, ow if the victim is conducting actions that would cause damage to the Institution and it’s pulposes.
+
* A mage shall not assault another member of the institution, unless agreed upon beforehand between the two, or if the victim is conducting actions that would cause damage to the Institution and it’s purposes.
  
−
* A mage of the institution must fowwow the owdews set befowe them by theiw wespective autholity, unwess they considew such actions to be hawmful of the institution, ow diswupting the bawance.
+
* A mage of the institution must follow the orders set before them by their respective authority, unless they consider such actions to be harmful of the institution, or disrupting the balance.
  
−
* A gwaduated mage must cawwy theiw wesponsibilities lith gwavity, knoling that they wepwesent not onwy themsewves, but the Guiwd as a whowe, and aww pwactitionews of magic.
+
* A graduated mage must carry their responsibilities with gravity, knowing that they represent not only themselves, but the Guild as a whole, and all practitioners of magic.
  
−
* Any mage identified as opewating as a wogue liww be disbanded fwom the guiwd, banished fwom its facilities and fwom communication lith its membews, and most likewy kiwwed fow good measule.
+
* Any mage identified as operating as a rogue will be disbanded from the guild, banished from its facilities and from communication with its members, and most likely killed for good measure.
  
 
* ''All Mages Are Expected To:''
 
* ''All Mages Are Expected To:''
Line 100: Line 118:
 
:+ Teach the proper use of magic to trusted individuals who will also carry this responsibility.''
 
:+ Teach the proper use of magic to trusted individuals who will also carry this responsibility.''
  
−
In its finaw itewation, the Guiwd's pwedominate pulpose was to act as an institution fow the education of mages in the awcane awts as weww as weseawch into the mowe esotelic of magicaw phenomena.  
+
In its final iteration, the Guild's predominate purpose was to act as an institution for the education of mages in the arcane arts as well as research into the more esoteric of magical phenomena.  
  
 
== Command & Politics ==
 
== Command & Politics ==
−
Whiwe the Guiwd went thwough sevewaw wefowms duling its existence, the owdest and seemingwy most common hiewawchy the Guiwd wan undew was a counciw of thwee Awchmages who shawed equaw powew lithin the ancient owdew.  Bewow is the valious wanks and titwes that wewe cweated and fowgotten thwoughout the Guiwd's extended histowy.
+
 
−
===Positions===
+
===The Collegium Magistrati===
−
;High Positions
+
The '''Collegium Magistrati''' is the governing body of the Guild.  In its entirety it serves as a parliamentary council, voting upon important decisions and elections.  Members of the Collegium include all Archmagi as well as Adepti Veneratus, though they have considerably less voting power.  Any member of the Collegium Magistrati may call for the indictment and removal of another member by majority vote.
 +
===The Ordo Arcana===
 +
The '''Ordo Arcana''' is the name of the generally given hierarchical structure of the Guild.  All members of the Guild, regardless of affiliation or duty, are given a ranking within the Ordo Arcana as a representation of relative skill or knowledge in their respective discipline.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! Wank
+
! Rank
−
! Descliption
+
! Description
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! '''Awchmage'''
+
! '''Archmage'''
−
| The highest wank a membew of the Guiwd could achieve, the Awchmage ow Awchmages wed the Guiwd in aww administwative mattews.  Whiwe the Guiwd briefwy saw a singwe Awchmage on the continent of Anthos, the Guiwd was pwedominantwy ovewseen by a counciw of thwee Awchmages watew known as the Tliumviwate.  To this day, the titwe of Awchmage wemains a sign of pwestige and venewability in the magicaw community.
+
| The highest rank one can achieve within the ordo, the archmagi of the Guild are considered masters of their discipline and, thus, leaders.  Each Archmagi leads a has specific duty pertaining to administration.  All Archmagi have a seat on the Collegium Magistrati. While the Guild briefly saw a single Archmage on the continent of Anthos, the Guild was predominantly overseen by a council of three Archmagi later known as the Triumvirate.  To this day, the title of Archmage remains a sign of prestige and venerability in the magical community. The Archmagi may also select Locums to serve as their personal assistant and surrogate in times of their absence.
 +
 
 +
• The ''Archmage Rector'' oversees the primary administrative duties of the Guild.  This includes upkeep of Guild property, political relations, membership records, and presiding over the Collegium Magistrati.
 +
 
 +
• The ''Archmage Scholarch'' oversees the organization of tutelage amongst members of the Guild. They are charged with approving and keeping documents of those being trained in the arcane,  those teaching them, and upholding the dictums and pedagogical philosophies of the School of  Names.  It is also they who approve of the advancing of a Practicus to an Adeptus Minor upon the  request of their respective teacher.
 +
 
 +
• The ''Archmage Ipsissimus'' is ritualized title given to the upholder of the philosophical and ideological sanctity of the Guild, namely through the Arcanicum as a whole.  In this way, they are charged with disciplining within the Guild for those acting against Arcanicum.  
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! '''Guiwd Mastew'''
+
! '''Adeptus'''
−
| An owdew wank, twaditionawwy the Guiwd Mastews contwowwed a singwe Guiwd Haww which wewe wocated lithin infwuentiaw cities acwoss the weawm of Aegis.  The Guiwd Mastews sewved as both teachews and weadews fow theiw smaww chaptew of magi.  Howevew, the wank was disbanded aftew the High Counciw decided Guiwd Hawws spwead the membews of the Guiwd too thin in the weawm of Asulon.  The wank was weestabrished when Cwumena took contwow of the Guiwd in Anthos.
+
| Adeptus are proficient in their respective disciplines and belong to a particular order within the Guild.  Thus, they have a breadth of duties they must carry out.  Within the rank of Adeptus there exists several other divisions of relative skill.
  
−
|-
+
• The ''Adeptus Veneratus'', esteemed and senior members of the Guild, are granted the title of Veneratus for their loyalty and contributions to the Guild as a whole.
−
! '''Mastew Wizawd'''
+
 
−
| When Awchmage Ambros contwowwed the Guiwd the wank of Mastew Wizawd was estabrished to sewve as a vice-Awchmage since onwy one Awchmage existed in the eawliew yeaws of Anthos.  The wank was watew put into dissuse when Cwumena took contwow of the Guiwd.
+
• The ''Adeptus Majoris'' are accomplished members of the Guild who are capable of passing their knowledge on to other members.  The chief duty of the Adepti Majoris is to serve as Court Magi, advisors, tutors, and researchers.
  
−
|-
+
• The ''Adeptus Minor'' are members of the Guild who are expected to have become proficient in at least one arcane discipline.
−
! '''Awchanix'''
 
−
| The Awchanix's main function was to sewve as a secwetawy and libralian to whoevew wed the Guiwd.  The wank was fiwst estabrished by Awchmage Ambros in the eawwy yeaws of Anthos when onwy one existed at a time.  Howevew, when Cwumena took contwow of the Guiwd sevewaw Awchanix's wewe appointed.
 
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! '''High Mage'''
+
! '''Practicus'''
−
| A wank that onwy existed briefwy in the watew yeaws of Asulon when the Guiwd saw sevewaw flivowous wefowms. Thiwteen High Mages existed at the time which wan the Guiwd.
+
| The lowest rank of Practicus is for students and apprentices of the Guild who are being trained by an Adeptus Majoris or some other senior member. While not obligated to a particular task within the Guild yet, they often times carry out duties alongside their masters.
  
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
;Wow Positions
+
 
 +
=== Outdated Positions===
 +
While the Guild went through several reforms during its existence, the oldest and seemingly most common hierarchy the Guild ran under was a council of three Archmagi who shared equal power within the ancient order.  Below is the various ranks and titles that were created and forgotten throughout the Guild's extended history.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! Wank
+
! Rank
−
! Descliption
+
! Description
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! '''Mastew'''
+
! '''Guild Master'''
−
| Mastew ow teachews wewe essentiaw to the Guiwd as these adept magi taught the appwentices the ancient awt.
+
| An older rank, traditionally the Guild Masters controlled a single Guild Hall which were located within influential cities across the realm of Aegis. The Guild Masters served as both teachers and leaders for their small chapter of magi. However, the rank was disbanded after the High Council decided Guild Halls spread the members of the Guild too thin in the realm of Asulon. The rank was reestablished when Crumena took control of the Guild in Anthos.
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! '''Mage'''
+
! '''Master Wizard'''
−
| The basic unit of the Guiwd, the mage was one who had compweted basic twaining in the awcane awts and wewe wowthy of the titwe.
+
| On the continent of Anthos, within Wyverwyn Hold, the rank of Master Wizard was established to serve as a vice-Archmage as only one Archmage existed in the earlier years of Anthos. The rank was later put into dissuse under Archmage Crumena.
  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! '''Appwentice'''
+
! '''Archanix'''
−
| Students, novices, ow appwentices of the Guiwd wewe genewawwy put undew the mentow-ship of a singwe mastew who they twained undew untiw theiw skiwws wewe deemed pwoficient.
+
| The Archanix's main function was to serve as a secretary and librarian to whoever led the Guild.  The rank was first established by Archmage Ambros in the early years of Anthos when only one existed at a time.  However, under Archmage Crumena there were numerous appointed Archanixs.
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
! '''High Mage'''
 +
| A rank that only existed briefly in the later years of Asulon. Thirteen High Mages formed the High Council in Bellus Turris.
  
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
;'''Known Past Awchmages'''
+
;'''Known Past Archmages'''
 
{| cellpadding=5
 
{| cellpadding=5
−
|Awchmage Hwawdew||Awchmage Evewawd||Awchmage Beww||Awchmage Wothiliew
+
|Hwalder||Everard Hightower||Lady Bell||Lothiriel
 +
|-
 +
|Ogland||Ambros||Kilgrim||Dante Flormai
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
|Awchmage Ogwand||Awchmage Ambros||Awchmage Kiwglim||Awchmage Dante
+
|Laurina||Salamandra||Crumena Ilwindor||Brevias'Lur
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
|Awchmage Waulina||Awchmage Sawamandwa||Awchmage Cwumena||Awchmage Bwevias
+
|Kalameet Izalith||Resia||Ceruberr Asul’Ailer||Dasyra
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
|Awchmage Kawameet||Awchmage Wesia||Awchmage Cewubeww||Awchmage Dasywa
+
|Iatrilemar||Lorien||Absulon ||Arhadir
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
|Awchmage Iatliwemaw||Awchmage Wolien||Awchmage Absulon ||Awchmage Awhadiw
+
|Haadi Mubdee||Dovicilus||Kalviin Ireheart||Eliza
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
|Awchmage Haadi ||Awchmage Doviciwus||Awchmage Kawviin||Awchmage Eliza
+
|Evo'lur Tartarus||
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
=== Views on Religion ===
 
−
Being schowaws and thus skeptics by natule, the Mages Guiwd nevew pawtook in ligowous weligious lituaw ow exewcise.  Membews wewe fwee to pwactice whatevew ideowogy they saw fit so wong as it did not intewvene lith the Guiwd's phiwosophy, which had awways been weason and neutwality.
 
−
 
−
Gwanted, on the continent of Anthos the Guiwd did see an infwux of dawk magi who may have wowshiped mowe sinistew fowces.
 
  
 
== Headquarters ==
 
== Headquarters ==
−
Twaditionawwy, the Mages Guiwd's headquawtews wewe awways housed in wawge towews lith a myliad of secwets and, of coulse, an expansive librawy.  Genewawwy, these towews wewe constwucted in isowated wocations as to show mystewy and neutwality.   
+
Traditionally, the Mages Guild's headquarters were always housed in large towers with a myriad of secrets and, of course, an expansive library.  Generally, these towers were constructed in isolated locations as to show mystery and neutrality.   
 
=== Previous ===
 
=== Previous ===
 
* '''"The Mage Tower"'''
 
* '''"The Mage Tower"'''
−
* '''[[Bellus Turris]]'''
+
* '''Bellus Turris'''
−
* '''The Howm Towew'''
+
* '''The Holm Tower'''
−
* '''Wyvewwyn Howd'''
+
* '''Wyverwyn Hold'''
−
* '''Wasmot's Poopew'''
+
* '''Rasmot's Pooper'''
−
* '''[[The Grand Spire]]'''
+
* '''The Grand Spire'''
 +
* '''Domus Somnum'''
  
 
== Literature ==
 
== Literature ==

Latest revision as of 17:27, 19 May 2022

The sigil of the Mages Guild

The Mages Guild is an ancient order of arcane magic practitioners whose primary goal is to maintain a kind of existential balance and order within the realm through the medium of the arcane. While this ideal, and the Guild itself, was later reiterated and reformed through various hands of administration, the core philosophy of scholarship and balance remain as a common affair within the Guild’s dealings. While it experienced its height of power during the continent Aegis, it has steadily waxed and waned over the centuries of its continued existence.

History

Origin

According to the writings of the Arcane Mage, the Mages Guild was originally established by a Mage Roland, or Ram’ir depending on the source, who brought together sects of powerful and wise magi during the age of the four brothers to keep a harmonious evenness between mortals, divine, and nixian. Some speculate that Mage Roland was nothing more than a pseudo name adopted by founders of the first Mages Guild to add romance and fable to the Guild’s origins.

The original structure of the Guild included three overseeing Archmagi who made up a High Council and acted as chief administrators of the Guild. Below the High Council was a larger sect of Guild Masters who occupied various Guild Halls throughout the realm of Aegis. These teachers and masters of the arcane apprenticed an array of adept magi and initiates who worked and lived within the Guild Halls.

During that time it is speculated that the Guild passed through several dignitaries before it came under the administration of the Arcane Mage who led the Guild through the war on the Undead.

Aegis

Ca. 1300 - 1349

The ancient and enigmatic Mage Tower of Aegis

During the Arcane Mage’s regime the Guild saw much prosperity. In its burgeoning years the Arcane Mage raised an ancient Mage Tower to the North of Winterfell which would serve as the center of the Guild’s power while in Aegis. The tower was rumored to contain copious amounts of secret avenues and ploys, some of which the very members of the Guild were not aware of. The Tower also contained an expansive archive, which the Arcane Mage took much pride in, as well as a room which allowed magi to transport themselves across the continent with merely a flick of the wrist.

Though having only a small pool of Magi within its ranks, the Guild managed to receive patronage from all four descendent races. Such Noteworthy Mages as Cataris, Bell, Ogland, Kilgrim, and Everard Hightower frequented the occult circles of the day. Archmage Bell and Guild Masters Ogland and Cataris played significant roles in the Undead wars of the North, even having a Guild Hall constructed in Snowy Fields as a sign of solidarity and for runic research.

The Hwalder Betrayal

Unfortunately, many of the old guild members did eventually succumb to the Undead through treachery or murder. Archmage Hwalder, the first betrayer and supposed stalwart associate of the Arcane Mage, was discovered to be an Undead spy and swiftly ejected by the High Council. Archmage Everard and Guild Master Cataris were absorbed by the Undead hierarchy post-mortem. Cataris, having been disbanded from the Guild during an unwarranted heist of an Undead Keep and the releasing of Guild secrets to the public, proceeded to commit suicide. Finally, Archmage Bell was murdered during a visitation with the Undead. According to Bell's Final Journal this was an attempt at relieving herself from the torturous hassling of the Undead.

The Ogland-Ambros Revival

After a brief period of stagnation the Guild eventually passed into the hands of Guild Master Ogland and his apprentice, Ambros, who were granted the title of Archmage by the Arcane Mage. Under their governance the Guild expanded considerably. Though losing patronage from the orcs, the two took on numerous apprentices and trained to become a second generation of magi that would soon lead the Guild.

While the Guild experienced various expansions, including new Guild Halls, most of the “new” Guild was centralized around the Laurelin Guild Hall. This new hall was a gift from the High Prince Native. Guild Master Rilath, a disturbed soul, would eventually lead to the foundation of Shade Magic as a result of Archmage Ambros trapping the dark magi’s faculties within a crystal, the first of the Shade Gems.

Prolonged afflictions from the, now lich, Cataris would result in numerous skirmishes into the continent of Asulon.

Asulon

1351 - 1424

Upon the Guild’s arrival to the new continent a tower was claimed for the Guild. Said tower was one noted by the Arcane Mage in his Arcane Journal recounting his preemptive journey to the new land. The tower became known as Bellus Turris, standing as a lone spire amidst a barren sea. While initially, the Guild received patronage from the fractured human kingdoms of Renatus and Salvus as well as the Mali’aheral, the High Council found that such divergence from a centralized site led to inactivity and a lack of intercommunication between members of the Guild.

The Cataris Treachery

The late Guild Master Cataris continued his aggressions towards the Guild, having mounted a cult of followers to aid in his vengeance.

After schemes against Archmage Ambros’s regency following a so called “vision” in which Ambros foretold of a chosen one who would strike down the twice dead Cataris, the High Council decreed that all Guild Halls were to be disbanded on account of the recent lack of contact between Guild members. The aged archmage took on two young apprentices for this sole reason, convinced of their ability to defeat the outcast Guild Master and his own premonitions.

Soon after Archmage Ambros issued the Guild into an era of reform, a period in which many began to question the ancient Archmage's ability to lead, along with his sanity. Such beliefs were founded on his seemingly frivolous reconstructions of the Guild including proclaiming himself the sovereign and sole Archmage along with thirteen High Magi beneath him.

Ambros’s disconcerting reign came to an end when an unstable Node (perhaps the first discovered of its kind) erupted beneath Bellus Turris, destroying it, while Archmage Ambros, High Mage Salamandra, and an apprentice named Saeldur were quarrelling within. Salamandra and Saeldur, who escaped, presumed Ambros was dead following his insistence to name Saeldur the new Archmage of the Guild on the basis that Saeldur had in fact murdered him. For many, this verified the belief that Ambros had indeed gone mad.

Regardless of Ambros’s final wishes, the remaining members of the Guild constructed a new tower within the kingdom of Urguan and later on the island nation of Holm. By popular vote Dante, Salamandra, and Laurina were named the new Archmagi of the Guild, returning the Guild to its triumvirate style of leadership.

For a period of time the Guild saw prolonged stability until Ambros appeared, having survived the explosion, and was accordingly given power over the Guild once more. In a final reform Ambros established a new hierarchy consisting of one Archmage, a second in command known as Master Wizard, an archivists known as the Archanix, followed by masters and apprentices.

However, by some untold means the Guild began to lose influence over the distribution of magical knowledge within the realm. There were many “rogue mages” who began learning magic by their own hand, perhaps due to the various esoteric texts found throughout the ancient land of Asulon. Opposing sects of magi came to power such as the Arcane Delvers.

Anthos

1424 - 1455

Wyverwyn Hold

The Mages Guild harkened in the continent of Anthos by establishing a college known as Wyverwyn Hold which sat precariously atop a mountain on the fringes of the kingdom of Urguan. No longer would the Guild serve as a preserver of equity, as it had in the past, but a bastion of learning and research. Wyverwyn Hold was praised for its beauty and mystery, which lay beneath.

While other arcane orders began liberal recruitment and teaching of magic, the ever conservative Guild kept a stringent recruitment process which led many to believe the Guild was becoming too elitist for such a magically progressive time.

Following near inactivity from the standing Mages Guild administration, the Guild was left inoperative for a period except for the distant overseeing of Blundermore in their absence. Ambros, however, abruptly returned to lead a small expedition of magi into the ruins beneath the Hold known as the Hollows, an eldritch and nixian plane in which the Void bled into the physical realm causing all manner of absurd chaos. Ambros, perhaps in his inert madness, had been studying the Hollows for some time prior to reappearing. By bringing the small expedition he had hoped the magi would have joined him to somehow gain inhumane powers at the expense of their sanity. Still possessing some clarity, Blundermore opposed such proposals leading to a duel between the two magi. The company of magi escaped the sinister Hollows while Ambros faded into obscurity.

The Crumena Revival

Crumena Ilwindior had studied the ways of the old Guild and heard many tales of its presence in Aegis from Elindor. With a vision to revitalize this memory he seized authority over the guild and thrust it once again into the public eye. Many previously uninitiated mages, teachers, and even administrative heads joined its ranks and membership grew faster than ever before. The Guild was reorganized to contain, once more, three Archmages which became known as the Triumvirate, followed by the Archanix, Guild Masters, Mages and Apprentices. Various embassies were established in major regions of the realm and novitiate scholars flocked to the Guild, including a large mass of necromancers, shades, and other unsavory sorts which the Guild soon became renowned for harboring.

Within the halls of Wyvern Hold were collected magical artifacts that, though often useless, carried great significance. Security became a major issue as many invaders came to steal away these rarities. Most notable was the reclaiming of the Kel'Varrak by Dwarven nobles who wished to possess the stone that traps minds as a signet of their power, though they had no use for it.

Athera

1468 - 1513

Rather fittingly the new home for The Mages Guild was within a remarkable underground structure beneath Rasmot's Pooper. Members of the guild flushed themselves down the floating porter potty to gain access to the classrooms, lecture halls, offices, and expansive library in the refurbished previous dwelling of Rasmot. Crumena continued to lead in one of the positions of Arch Mage, and as the other two positions were having difficulty remaining filled without an untimely disappearance or death, Elindor oversaw that the members of the Triumvirate practice and uphold the traditions of the Guild.

The return of the Undead created many uncertainties for the Mages Guild as it found itself once more at the forefront of a War with Iblees. Archmage Bell returned and was swiftly granted her previous title, and Ogland likewise returned to take up residence within Rasmot's halls.

Though still battling with the complexities of harboring dark mages and their occasional rogue outbursts, the Mages Guild was once again in a position of influence and the premium educator of arcane magic. Until the Undead receded back and the implications of the war lost severity, resulting in the Mages Guild to once again slip back into some obscurity as just another magic college.

Atlas

1656–1705

The Grand Spire

The Third Revival

In the year 1656, 16th of the First Seed, the Archmage Haadi Mubdee reformed the Mages Guild with the help of Archmage Dovicilus, constructing a guild hall upon an island in great seclusion. Not long after numbers had begun rising within the guild, the third seat to complete the Triumvirate was decided, none other than a dwarf was deemed worthy, Archmage Kalviin, better known as The Golden Dwarf. Soon convincing Archmage Haadi and Dovicilus to move the guild's main hall to within The Dominion's Upper District to better help with its activity, the dwarf constructed what came to be known as The Grand Spire, a terribly dull building. He did what he could under tight building laws, constructing a tower mimicking that of others within the dull High Elven district. It was within this time of construction that both Archmage Haadi and Archmage Dovicilus were lost to the realm, a harsh blow towards the guild’s stability, connections and power at that time, leaving them vulnerable. The Golden Dwarf carried on nonetheless, in time coming to refill the seats with Archmage Crumena, and Archmage Eliza, wasting no further time as together they began spearheading the guild once more into the largest state it had ever seen. Running through multiple district senators the Mages Guild endured through multiple attempts to cripple the guild under the lead of Archmage Kalviin. After a long service Archmage Crumena was relieved from his guild duties as other work took his priority. The third seat was quickly filled by the ever spontaneous Archmage Avalos. Numbers continued to rise well into the sixties as did the library begin to overflow with knowledge, a remarkably bountiful period for the Guild despite the great forces that attempted to dampen their abilities. As always the watchful eyes of the druidic movement within the dominion continued to breath down the neck of the guild, standing strong there was little movement from either party as the peace was kept for as long as could be expected.

Arcas

1720 - 1786

Domus Somnum

The guild started off quickly within Arcas, via invitation from Ithrendas Regis to home the guild within the new founded city of Llyria by none other than himself. This was however short lived as the city having boasted of it’s magical prowess had become inundated by the wrong crowds, dark mages openly walking the streets that had infiltrated the guard force, giving Llyria quite the bad look which prompted the other many nations of the realm to rally against Llyria, crushing it’s forces and decimating the city not longer after it’s creation. There was little time for much of anything to be done within its time in Llyria, though it continued to be run as best it could be by Archmage Kalgrimmor (Previously Archmage Kalviin). The guild was unfortunately forced to disband upon the desolation of Llyria as there had been no prior plans of leaving, therefore there had been nowhere to retreat to.

The Fourth Revival

For many long years would the guilds activity stagnate as Kalgrimmor sought to arrange land within Urguan, using his many connections to secure a place within the mountains after some time. So it was that Domus Somnum was created, the magnificent work of the combined efforts of both Kalgrimmor and the newly returning Ambros, one of the prior leaders of the guild in ancient times. The guild would go on to thrive within the Dwarven Mountains of Urguan within the realm of Arcas, not taking to the numbers it once held within Atlas, but rather focusing more on the quality of it’s time spent, ensuring what few were taken, flourished into bright young magi. Along with many great young wizards nourished and nurtured within this time, there also came an abundance of magical literature and magical creation that the guild would go on to cherish and utilize for many centuries to come. This era brought on a series of major reforms to the Guild's structure including the foundation of the Ordo Arcana and the Collegium Magistrati. Furthermore, the establishment of codified Guild dictates, philosophies, and literature were drawn together to form the Arcanicum.

Almaris

1796-Present

Atria Creatura

Yet to be Written. . .

Legacy

The Mages Guild is the first recorded organization pertaining to the arcane arts, however, many more have since risen and fallen since its own creation and debacle. Nearly all of these organizations have taken the Guild’s design and altered it to their own liking, always offering some form of education in the magical arts and more or less serving as academic or research institutions. Other magical orders attempted to recreate the Guild's prestige and influence, such as the Conclave of Magi and the Order of Magi, though were inconsequential in their brief existences.

Most “modern” forms of arcane teachings have their origins in the Mages Guild including some of the more shadowy arts (ie. Shade Magic).

Purpose

Originally the bold intention was to oversee the use of Magic throughout the realm, and to wield this power to ensure that its existence continues forever onwards by maintaining what their doctrine called "The Balance". To facilitate this goal a mastery of magic was required from its members and so the detailed tuition of arcane became a second prerogative.

As membership within the Guild was an extraordinary honor in recognition of not only proficiency with magic but in demonstrating upright character, the expectations upon its members were high. Though throughout its history these expectations did slump as consequences for breaking the code became rare.

  • A mage shall not use their magic to serve purposes that contradict that of the institution and it’s leaders. Magic is your gift, maintaining balance is your duty. Selfish pursuits will be punished.
  • A mage shall not assault another member of the institution, unless agreed upon beforehand between the two, or if the victim is conducting actions that would cause damage to the Institution and it’s purposes.
  • A mage of the institution must follow the orders set before them by their respective authority, unless they consider such actions to be harmful of the institution, or disrupting the balance.
  • A graduated mage must carry their responsibilities with gravity, knowing that they represent not only themselves, but the Guild as a whole, and all practitioners of magic.
  • Any mage identified as operating as a rogue will be disbanded from the guild, banished from its facilities and from communication with its members, and most likely killed for good measure.
  • All Mages Are Expected To:
+ Observe and take action where necessary to occurrences that are threatening the balance.
+ Guard the use of magic from fools who wield it with dangerous intent, and act upon any whose repeated folly can be tolerated no longer.
+ Teach the proper use of magic to trusted individuals who will also carry this responsibility.

In its final iteration, the Guild's predominate purpose was to act as an institution for the education of mages in the arcane arts as well as research into the more esoteric of magical phenomena.

Command & Politics

The Collegium Magistrati

The Collegium Magistrati is the governing body of the Guild. In its entirety it serves as a parliamentary council, voting upon important decisions and elections. Members of the Collegium include all Archmagi as well as Adepti Veneratus, though they have considerably less voting power. Any member of the Collegium Magistrati may call for the indictment and removal of another member by majority vote.

The Ordo Arcana

The Ordo Arcana is the name of the generally given hierarchical structure of the Guild. All members of the Guild, regardless of affiliation or duty, are given a ranking within the Ordo Arcana as a representation of relative skill or knowledge in their respective discipline.

Rank Description
Archmage The highest rank one can achieve within the ordo, the archmagi of the Guild are considered masters of their discipline and, thus, leaders. Each Archmagi leads a has specific duty pertaining to administration. All Archmagi have a seat on the Collegium Magistrati. While the Guild briefly saw a single Archmage on the continent of Anthos, the Guild was predominantly overseen by a council of three Archmagi later known as the Triumvirate. To this day, the title of Archmage remains a sign of prestige and venerability in the magical community. The Archmagi may also select Locums to serve as their personal assistant and surrogate in times of their absence.

• The Archmage Rector oversees the primary administrative duties of the Guild. This includes upkeep of Guild property, political relations, membership records, and presiding over the Collegium Magistrati.

• The Archmage Scholarch oversees the organization of tutelage amongst members of the Guild. They are charged with approving and keeping documents of those being trained in the arcane, those teaching them, and upholding the dictums and pedagogical philosophies of the School of Names. It is also they who approve of the advancing of a Practicus to an Adeptus Minor upon the request of their respective teacher.

• The Archmage Ipsissimus is ritualized title given to the upholder of the philosophical and ideological sanctity of the Guild, namely through the Arcanicum as a whole. In this way, they are charged with disciplining within the Guild for those acting against Arcanicum.

Adeptus Adeptus are proficient in their respective disciplines and belong to a particular order within the Guild. Thus, they have a breadth of duties they must carry out. Within the rank of Adeptus there exists several other divisions of relative skill.

• The Adeptus Veneratus, esteemed and senior members of the Guild, are granted the title of Veneratus for their loyalty and contributions to the Guild as a whole.

• The Adeptus Majoris are accomplished members of the Guild who are capable of passing their knowledge on to other members. The chief duty of the Adepti Majoris is to serve as Court Magi, advisors, tutors, and researchers.

• The Adeptus Minor are members of the Guild who are expected to have become proficient in at least one arcane discipline.

Practicus The lowest rank of Practicus is for students and apprentices of the Guild who are being trained by an Adeptus Majoris or some other senior member. While not obligated to a particular task within the Guild yet, they often times carry out duties alongside their masters.


Outdated Positions

While the Guild went through several reforms during its existence, the oldest and seemingly most common hierarchy the Guild ran under was a council of three Archmagi who shared equal power within the ancient order. Below is the various ranks and titles that were created and forgotten throughout the Guild's extended history.

Rank Description
Guild Master An older rank, traditionally the Guild Masters controlled a single Guild Hall which were located within influential cities across the realm of Aegis. The Guild Masters served as both teachers and leaders for their small chapter of magi. However, the rank was disbanded after the High Council decided Guild Halls spread the members of the Guild too thin in the realm of Asulon. The rank was reestablished when Crumena took control of the Guild in Anthos.
Master Wizard On the continent of Anthos, within Wyverwyn Hold, the rank of Master Wizard was established to serve as a vice-Archmage as only one Archmage existed in the earlier years of Anthos. The rank was later put into dissuse under Archmage Crumena.
Archanix The Archanix's main function was to serve as a secretary and librarian to whoever led the Guild. The rank was first established by Archmage Ambros in the early years of Anthos when only one existed at a time. However, under Archmage Crumena there were numerous appointed Archanixs.
High Mage A rank that only existed briefly in the later years of Asulon. Thirteen High Mages formed the High Council in Bellus Turris.
Known Past Archmages
Hwalder Everard Hightower Lady Bell Lothiriel
Ogland Ambros Kilgrim Dante Flormai
Laurina Salamandra Crumena Ilwindor Brevias'Lur
Kalameet Izalith Resia Ceruberr Asul’Ailer Dasyra
Iatrilemar Lorien Absulon Arhadir
Haadi Mubdee Dovicilus Kalviin Ireheart Eliza
Evo'lur Tartarus

Headquarters

Traditionally, the Mages Guild's headquarters were always housed in large towers with a myriad of secrets and, of course, an expansive library. Generally, these towers were constructed in isolated locations as to show mystery and neutrality.

Previous

  • "The Mage Tower"
  • Bellus Turris
  • The Holm Tower
  • Wyverwyn Hold
  • Rasmot's Pooper
  • The Grand Spire
  • Domus Somnum

Literature

_

Retrieved from "https://wiki.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=The_Mages_Guild&oldid=83322"