What Kind Of Thedas Mage Are You?

Despite common belief, Blood Mages are not a singular school of magic. Most mages take their sources of energies from the power inherent within them, or from Lyrium (otherwise known as the blood of the earth). But mortal blood is a direct and singular conduit to magical power, making it a dangerous option when the user is under acute distress. Blood Mages are capable of all forms of magic using blood as a source. Current Thedas politics outlaw Blood Magic in several regions, thanks to the high power potential of using blood in magic. Therefore, Blood Magic is infamous for being highly dangerous, unlawful, and overwhelming for all involved. To be a successful Blood Mage is to be confident, disciplined, and willing to perform self-sacrifice for the sake of others and themselves. Blood Magic has much potential for great heroism, even if it may also inspire the fear for great evil.

By blending martial arts and magical power, Arcane Warriors are famous for their battle prowess. Some make use of enchantments in their weapons, while others fight a unique martial art aided by their bare-handed magic. Even though magic is a convoluted power, Arcane Warriors are amongst the most celebrated and heroic of mages in Thedas, making them successful team players and leaders. To be an Arcane Warrior is to swear an oath of honor and glory both. A fully trained Arcane Warrior is a one-person army, surpassing even the most infamous foes. It's poetic that such a powerful mage is seen as a shining knight in armor, rather than the monster many stereotype mages to be. Arcane Warriors will always uphold an internal power within them, no matter their surroundings or the circumstance.

The 'Rift' is an alter-dimensional plane of mystery and ancient power, blocked off from the physical world by a veil. It's a place of spirits and dreams, and Rift Mages draw their energies directly from this mysterious world. Those with a strong connection to the Fade have great potential for acute wisdom and knowledge, as well as a unique understanding of spirits and souls. Rift Summoners hold a close relationship with inhuman entities, both sentient and primal, and this grants them protection in both the waking world and within their dreams. To be a Rift Mage is to explore the traversal, liminal, and the 'other'. It's a practice rife with ancient mysteries, offering old truths and powerful secrets. No matter where a Rift Summoner goes, the Rift goes with you.

All mages draw their energies from the Fade, but Necromancers specialize in manipulating spiritual energies to their advantage. If magic was a force of nature, Necromancers manipulate these natural flows rather than bend to them. They may hold a tainted reputation in Thedas, but for centuries people have been exploring the spiritual arts and how to blend the line between the living and the dead. The binding of spirits offer much potential for physical weaponry, but also to explore the potential of emotions and how to incite them. Therefore, Necromancers are true masters of fear and its inverse, and hold a firm control of their own emotions while finding weaknesses in the emotions of those that challenge them. To be a Necromancer is to stand against the tide and remain calm, which is a unique skill that few can master.

Most mages draw their power from beyond the Veil, but Primal and Elemental magics focus on the energies of the world around them. They understand the conduction of natural gases to create fire or water. They manipulate gravity to command force. They embrace the magic of the world around them, rather than seek power from another world. Elemental magic is capable of great flexibility and application to all circumstance, making the Primal Sorcerer a reliable ally no matter the situation. They are capable of destruction and creation both, thanks to their connection to the elements - therefore, these powerful juggernauts are also the mages famous for technological advances and groundbreaking research. To be a Primal Sorcerer is to be true companions with not just magic, but also to the world and the people they share their life with.

Spirit Healers are rare and immensely powerful. To become a Spirit Healer, one must be joined with a spirit - a feared and highly persecuted state of being. It is ironic that becoming an 'abomination' is a required step towards performing the most powerful branch of healing magic mortals are capable of. It's only with the aid of supernatural entities can a mage revert mortal wounds, purge deadly poison, cure advanced diseases, and even revive those on the brink of death. In world outside Chantry influence, Spirit Healers are sought-after for their powerful healing magics, making them highly valued members of society (such as Seers in Rivain, or Shamans amongst the Avvar), and also respected for their unique relationship to their merged spirit companion. To be a Spirit Healer is a highly challenging state of being, but the reward is virtuous and good.