Lost Souls & Midian

Mages without traditions

Many spells assume that a mage has a tradition, and that elements of that tradition are used for rituals. Many apprentice wizards--especially those created only using the Codex--are without a magical tradition. At least, this may be true up to level IX when they gain one for free.

Some spells were written with a particular tradition in mind. These assume that the trappings of that tradition are used. Different traditions will either replace or augment those elements with components particular to their own ways. For example, the Necromancy of Intelligence ritual assumes that it will be cast primarily by necromancers. A geomancer will carefully mark out the exact dimensions of the ritual space--possibly marked with engineer's tape. Rather than the decedent's wedding ring, the geomancer uses the birthdate & numeric value of the name. Instead of heavy smoke with which the ghost can form a physical representation, automatic writing may be used. If the geomancer learned the spell from a necromancer, then the original trappings may be used, at least until the mage alters the ritual into something more familiar. Something to tie the ghostly target to the spell is still needed, and incense will still be burned by either the necromancer or the geomancer.

Traditionless apprentice wizards still need ritual components. By the same token, they shouldn't be cheated out of being able to cast a spell just because the description assumes a certain tradition will be its primary user. The mage's culture can provide the trappings similar to a magical tradition.

For Formourian wizards, think "hedge mage", "hermetic", or "witch". In western and northern Formour, the tools of the trade for traditionless apprentice wizards, cultists, & herbalists are largely the same. They will still have a hut set apart from others, filled with mixing bowls, stacks of books, bubbling cauldrons, arcane ingredients (spiderweb, eye of newt, et cetera), and charts on the wall of arcane symbols. The more urbane south and east coasts of Formour will see the mage treated more like a scholar or merchant. This is the mage wearing embroidered robes (pointy hat optional, but still tacky), living in a library or twisted tower. Belt pouches filled with bat guano or brimstone, a spellbook under one arm and a glowing staff in the other, all add to the look & feel of the Formourian wizard.

Heldannic mages, and there are a few, have different cultural elements at play. Among them, the archmage is almost always also an adept at arms. The fur-cloaked hulking figure with runes carved into his broad axe is the visual for Heldannic mages of all types. Arcane words of power are infrequently used in their spells. Instead, complex descriptive metaphors, long rhyming narratives, and runic monograms are used. Spellbooks are much rarer, and a mage could instead use carvings on a staff or weapon handle, intricate mystic knots in silver, bags of runestones, or tattooed marks of power on his very flesh.

Killian culture has a definate Southeast Asian feel. Ninjas, wu jen, martial arts, feng shui, chi, mental discipline, and spiritualism all swirl together with tribal magic of the Pacific islands to form Killian magical culture. Like Formourian wizards, they are scholars; like Heldannic runecasters, they are often also something of a warrior. Complex hand signs & gestures are more important than mystic words, made all the more intricate by the Killians' peculiar number of limbs. Hidden pockets in their robes may hold components for a foul mystic brew, or arcane glyphs may be painted with broad strokes on a long sheet of paper.

Casters of magic among the Elves take a naturalistic approach to spellcraft. They emphasise spells that are learned slowly--if almost haphazardly--over the course of many centuries. They also prefer material components that may be found at hand when needed, rather than brought along in case of emergencies. It is also worth noting that Elven mages use few gestures in their spells. Someone kneeling beside the path quietly singing a complex melody may be tying his shoes or casting a divination to know which is the correct trail. Natural, even primitive, tools are used as are the material elements of their spells. Spellcraft is subtle, and often there is only a feeling of pervasive magic about an Elven wizard's abode. This is especially true given the Elven immortality; with supreme mastery of one's craft even mundane arts take on a mystic feel. After practicing a spell for centuries, an Elf makes it look easy. Magic use is very common among the Elves, and there is no distinctive dress or other visual elements to mark their mages.

Osterre houses more primitive cultures. The witchdoctor is far more common than the apprentice wizard, and acts as its own tradition. The term "shaman" is sometimes applied to both. Osterrean wizards & witchdoctors share the same trappings, and differ only in game mechanics. Fetishes, masks, smoke huts, sacred pools, and bonfires are all components of the eastern magic-user's trade. Aboriginal cultures of Earth can be borrowed from for additional elements.

For visual elements of the Byzant and the Elder Kingdoms, cultures of Africa and Asia may provide inspiration. For southern Suditerre think of the myths & legends of South Asia and the Middle East. Turbaned mentalists & Elemental-summoning sorcerers may be found there. Bright and loose fabrics of linen and silk flow in the breeze, with a scimitar at the mage's side. Northern Suditerre has more of an African influence, with its travelling miracle workers, snake-venomed witches, wise elders, mystical holy men, and foul congress with unholy spirits, Demons & other Extrinsics under the cover of darkness.