Mage Circles of Arcanum Imperium

Hierophant, Arch Mage Valerian

In Arcanum Imperium

Mage Circles within the Empire's magical hierarchy are divided into three distinct tiers: the Circle of Gold, the Circle of Silver, and the Circle of Bronze, each corresponding to specific roles and responsibilities.

1. Circle of Gold:
   • Archmage Valerian: The highest-ranking mage, Hierophant (colloquially the Archmage), is the supreme authority in all magical matters within the Empire. Archmage Valerian leads the Circle of Gold and holds dominion over the most potent and mysterious forms of magic. He is the Empire's chief magical advisor and possesses unparalleled mastery of the arcane arts.
     1. Hidden Identity: Valerian's true identity as a Lemurian is a well-guarded secret. Very few people within the Arcanum are aware of this, and Valerian might be keen on keeping it concealed to maintain his position and influence.
     2. Power and Wisdom: Valerian's status as a Lemurian could explain his immense magical prowess and wisdom. Being an ancient and powerful entity, he's able to guide the Arcanum effectively and harness his abilities without drawing attention.
     3. Emperor's Leverage: The Emperor is aware of Valerian's true nature and holds his Lemurian gemstone as a form of leverage over him. This adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship and the power struggles within the Arcanum.
     4. Pivotal Role: Valerian, as a Lemurian, plays a pivotal role in the Arcanum's activities, having knowledge and abilities that surpass even the most skilled wizards.
     5. Conflict and Loyalty: There can be inner conflicts within Valerian as he serves both as the leader of the Arcanum and as a Lemurian. His loyalty to the Arcanum might be at odds with his inherent Lemurian nature, and he may be torn between two worlds.
     6. Plot Development: The Emperor's control over Valerian through the Lemurian gemstone can be a significant plot point, with both sides vying for control or influence over each other.
     7. The lemurian gemstones are the hearts of physical lemurians. They given them away to their pact holders. Valerian's was ripped out by Alizaaran and gifted to the Emperor in exchange for his heart back. The emperor still holds his pact, but now exerts influence over Valerians power and vitality. Valerian has fused a diamond slag into his chest cavity in an attempt to rekindle his lifespark - making him a strange demi-lemurian, still connected to his gemstone.
   • Aurelium Magisteri: The inner circle advisors to the Archmage. They are tasked with researching ancient and forbidden magical knowledge, as well as advising the Archmage on important decisions regarding the Empire's magical policies.
   • Astrum Divinor: Astrum Divinors are celestial scholars who specialize in the study of the stars, celestial events, and their influence on magic. They provide insights into the cosmic aspects of magic and advise the Archmage on matters related to astrological divination
   • In the Circle of Gold, besides Archmage Valerian, there are three other powerful Archmages who hold significant roles and contribute to the unfolding plot and intrigue in the world of Arcanum. They are deep into the profane arts, but conceal their involvement to all but those in the Circle of Gold. For this reason, they are key members of Valerian's inner circle and formost members of the Aurelium Magisteri.
     1. Archmage Seraphina Oranthea: A master of elemental magic, Archmage Seraphina specializes in controlling the forces of fire, water, earth, and air. She is known for her meticulous research into harnessing the destructive potential of these elements. Her ambitions revolve around harnessing these elemental powers to expand the Arcanum Imperium's dominance over other regions, making her a key player in Valerian's plans for territorial expansion.
        1. Alliances: Seraphina's mastery of elemental magic aligns her with the interests of the Argent Lictors and the Argent Vanguards, the factions of the Circle of Silver and Vesper Vanguard that prioritize territorial expansion and the protection of Arcanum Imperium's borders.
        2. Opposition: Seraphina may find herself in opposition to the Fey and the Wild Ones, whose close connection to nature contrasts with her elemental pursuits. Additionally, she could clash with the Umbral Ones, who are often resistant to the destructive forces she commands.
     2. Archmage Lysander Voss: Archmage Lysander is an enigmatic figure with a deep understanding of shadow and illusion magic. He excels at espionage and manipulation, often working behind the scenes to maintain the Imperium's control over its citizens and neighboring realms. Lysander plays a pivotal role in suppressing dissent and orchestrating covert operations that benefit Valerian's rule. He works closely with the Aurelian Lictors, Argent Archons and Vesper Vanguard.
        1. Alliances: Lysander's expertise in shadow and illusion magic makes him a valuable asset for the Empire's intelligence agencies and espionage efforts. He often collaborates with the Umbral Ones, using their shadowy powers to infiltrate and manipulate other factions.
        2. Opposition: Lysander's deceptive tactics and manipulation may draw the ire of the Coven of Witches, who value honesty and natural balance. He might also be in conflict with the Wild Ones, who are known for their aversion to deceit and secrecy.
     3. Archmage Eleanora Ravenscroft: Archmage Eleanora is a practitioner of necromancy, a field that lies on the fringes of the profane arts. Her mastery over life and death grants her influence in areas related to immortality and the secrets of the soul. She is a key figure in Valerian's inner circle, responsible for securing and maintaining the phylactry that binds the Lich King to the Arcanum Imperium's interests. This connection, however, also makes her a potential target for those who oppose Valerian's rule.
        1. Alliances: Eleanora's focus on necromancy leads her to form alliances with the Necromancers of Zarathrum and the Vesper Legions of the Lich King, who have their own agendas outside of the Lich King himself. These connections are crucial for maintaining control over the undead and furthering her research into immortality.
        2. Opposition: Eleanora's controversial practices and connection to the Lich King make her a target for the Fey and the Wild Ones, who oppose the undead and seek to protect the natural order. She may also face opposition from factions within the Citadel who view necromancy as a profane art. She is also a nemesis of the Lich King, whose phylactery she guards.
     4. These Archmages, along with Valerian, form a powerful council within the Circle of Gold. They play an essential role in shaping the Arcanum Imperium's strategies, maintaining its dominance, and expanding its influence. Each Archmage has their own ambitions and motivations, which may lead to conflicts or alliances as the plot unfolds. Their interplay and personal agendas add depth and intrigue to the story of Arcanum
     5. The Silverthorne Coven and the Hedge Mage Guilds:
        • The Silverthorne Coven, led by Mother Gaia Silverthorne, maintains a tenuous but essential alliance with the Hedge Mage Guilds, particularly the Wanderer's Guild led by Evelyn Thornfield and the Hearthfire Association led by Thaddeus Emberforge. They share a common goal of protecting magical traditions and resisting the Citadel's control.
2. Circle of Silver:
   • Magisteri Pyron: Magisters of the Circle of Silver focus on elemental magic, particularly the manipulation of fire, air, water, and earth. They serve as both researchers and practical spellcasters, assisting in the Empire's infrastructure and elemental defense.
   • Loremancer Arcanis: Loremancers are scholars of ancient texts, grimoires, and scrolls. They are responsible for preserving and interpreting magical history and are often called upon to decipher cryptic magical inscriptions.
   • Notable Figures:
     1. Lord Alaric Stormblade: A towering and imposing figure, Lord Alaric is the Grand Lictor and the leader of the Argent Lictors. He possesses a mane of silver hair and wields a gleaming enchanted greatsword. Lord Alaric is known for his unwavering commitment to protecting the Citadel and his unmatched combat prowess. He serves as Archmage Valerian's right-hand man in matters of security and defense.
     2. Lady Seraphina Moonshadow: Lady Seraphina is a graceful and enigmatic mage with long, silvery hair that seems to shimmer like moonlight. She specializes in illusion magic and is responsible for concealing the Citadel from prying eyes and infiltrators. Her illusions are so convincing that they can deceive even the most skilled spies. Lady Seraphina's loyalty to the Circle of Gold is unswerving.
     3. Sir Cedric Ironclad: As the chief strategist and tactician of the Argent Lictors, Sir Cedric is a shrewd and calculating individual. He has a scarred face from his many battles and a keen mind for military operations. Sir Cedric is responsible for devising defensive strategies for the Citadel and planning the deployment of the Argent Lictors during times of crisis.
3. Circle of Bronze:
   • In the Circle of Bronze, wizards play a crucial and distinct role within the Citadel's hierarchy and operations. Here's an overview of what they are like: Numbers: The Circle of Bronze comprises a significant number of wizards, making it one of the largest groups within the Citadel. Its members are skilled in various branches of magic, emphasizing the practical application of wizardry. '
   • Role within the Citadel: The wizards of the Circle of Bronze are primarily focused on the practical aspects of magic. They are responsible for maintaining the magical infrastructure of the Citadel, which includes enchanting and warding the city, conducting research to develop new spells and magical technologies, and providing support in the form of magical services to the Empire.
   • Metallian Artificers: Artificers of the Circle of Bronze are master crafters of magical artifacts and enchanted items. They contribute to the Empire's technological advancement by blending magic with machinery.
   • Veridia Alchemists: Potionmasters are alchemists who brew elixirs, tonics, and potions of various effects. They play a crucial role in the Empire's healing, defense, and espionage efforts.
   • Rhyndar Mystics: Mystics focus on divination and scrying magic. They peer into the arcane currents to gain insights into hidden knowledge and future events, aiding the Empire's intelligence and strategic planning. '
     1. Archmistress Isolde Flameheart: Archmistress Isolde is a fiery and determined alchemist with wild, red hair. She specializes in pyromancy and alchemical concoctions. She is the head of the Circle of Bronze and is responsible for overseeing the creation of magical artifacts, potions, and constructs that serve the interests of the Empire. Her experiments often result in volatile but powerful creations.
     2. Master Ealdred Stonegaze: Master Ealdred is a stoic and unflappable geomancer who commands the earth and rock itself. He is responsible for fortifying the Citadel's foundations and creating protective barriers during times of danger. His unwavering loyalty to the Circle of Gold and the Empire is matched only by his mastery over earth-based magic.
     3. Mistress Lysandra Windwhisper: A skilled aeromancer and inventor, Mistress Lysandra possesses a playful and whimsical personality. Her silver-white hair seems to float as if carried by the wind, and she is known for crafting flying artifacts and devices for reconnaissance and transportation. She is essential for maintaining communication and mobility within the Citadel.
   • Relationship to Other Circles: The Circle of Bronze serves as the backbone of the Citadel, providing the necessary magical support for the other Circles' activities. They work closely with the Argent Archons (the Argent Lictors) of the Circle of Silver, who are responsible for the security and defense of the Citadel. The wizards of the Circle of Bronze also collaborate with the Circle of Gold when it comes to large-scale magical endeavors, such as creating powerful artifacts or conducting complex rituals. '
   • Relationship to the Empire: The wizards of the Circle of Bronze maintain a symbiotic relationship with the Empire. They provide valuable magical services to the Imperial government, contributing to its stability and power. In return, the Empire supports the Citadel by funding its research, offering protection, and ensuring its continued existence.
   • Relationship to the Witches: The relationship between the wizards of the Circle of Bronze and the witches is often tense. While both groups practice magic, they have fundamentally different approaches. Wizards emphasize structured, formulaic magic, while witches draw their power from pacts with wild one nature spirits. This fundamental difference in magical philosophy can lead to conflicts, especially when it comes to disputes over land and resources.

Mage Ranks and Titles:

• Hierophant
• Arch Mage
• Magisteri
• Master Mage
• Mage Knight
• Mage Apprentice
• Mage Adept
• Mage Initiate

The Amber Order

The organization below the Circle of Bronze, which oversees the training, initiation, and management of mages, is known as the Amber Order. This is the largest and most numerous magical society within the Citadel, encompassing all mages from initiates to adepts and masters. The order's hierarchy is structured as follows:

1. Initiates: These are individuals who have shown a glimmer of magical potential and have just begun their training. They are typically young and receive basic magical education under the guidance of more experienced mages. They are often gifted as oblates, exiled as outcasts, sponsored as pledges or captured as hedge mages within their villages. Attitudes toward them vary greatly among the villages and regional cultures of common folk.

2. Adepts: Adepts have progressed beyond the initiate stage and have honed their magical abilities. They are given more specialized training in different schools of magic and may choose to specialize in a particular field. They often specialize in cantrips of a specific school of magic, and are seen as the rough equivalent of the average hedge mage.

3. Apprentices: These mages have formally apprenticed to a Mage Knight or Master to deepen their studies within a particular domai or school of magic. These are the workhorses of the Citadel's expansive projects abroad in the empire. Most mages will never rise above the station of apprentice.

4.. Knights: Aprentices may return to the Citadel from their deployments abroad every year to undergo The Trials, a series of difficult, magical ordeals. These ordeals are geared toward demonstrating martial, mental and spiritual prowess. Those that pass, are initiated as Mage Knights and formerly recognized as battle mages fit to fight for the Citadel and the Emperor when called upon. Most knights go on to serve directly under a Mage Master who hold the positions of power within the Amber Order.

3. Masters: Masters are highly skilled mages who have achieved a deep understanding of magic and have proven their proficiency in their chosen disciplines. They often take on the role of mentors and educators for initiates and adepts. They inhabit all of the leadership roles within the Amber Order, including those within magical education, apprentice deployments and Citadel projects, the Magehunters, Mage Inquisitors, and the Mage Wardens and the Mage Services Bureau.

Within the Amber Order, there are specialized divisions responsible for various tasks:

- Magehunters: This division is tasked with tracking down and assessing wild mages who have not been properly initiated or trained. If these wild mages are deemed too dangerous or uncontrollable, the Magehunters may resort to culling their magical abilities or, in extreme cases, apprehending them.

- Mage Inquisitors: These mages are responsible for investigating cases of magical misconduct or unlawful use of magic within the Empire. They have the authority to arrest and bring rogue mages to trial.

- Mage Wardens: Mage Wardens are responsible for enforcing the Empire's magical regulations and ensuring that all mages are properly registered and controlled. They may also be involved in monitoring hedge mages and ensuring their compliance with imperial laws.

- Mage Services Bureau: This division oversees the provision of magical services to the general populace. These services may include healing, divination, and protection. However, these services often come at a cost and may require recipients to fulfill certain obligations or loyalties to the Citadel.

While the Amber Order plays a crucial role in regulating and controlling magic within the Empire, it is also responsible for finding and training promising mages to serve the Empire's interests. This includes maintaining the balance between providing essential magical services to the people while ensuring the Citadel's dominance and control over all magical activities. The organization's reach extends to the persecution of hedge mages, as they are seen as a potential threat to the Citadel's monopoly on magic.

Mage Circle Rituals

Large-scale rituals that involve the participation of entire Circles in Arcanum can be pivotal moments in the story, as they often hold immense magical power and significance. Here are some examples of such rituals, categorized by the Circles involved:

Circle of Gold (Archmage Valerian's Circle):

1. The Rite of Ascendance: This ritual is performed when a new Archmage is chosen to lead the Circle of Gold. It involves the collective magic and knowledge of the Circle to imbue the chosen one with immense power and wisdom. It is a complex ceremony, and the entire Circle participates to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
2. The Arcane Barrier: In times of great threat, the Circle of Gold may summon a colossal protective barrier around the Citadel, using the combined might of its members. This barrier is designed to ward off invasions or catastrophic magical events and requires the cooperation of all Gold Circle wizards.

Circle of Silver (Circle of Argent Lictors):

1. The Lustrous Illumination: This ritual is performed to enhance the magical abilities of the Argent Lictors and strengthen their bond as protectors of the Circle of Gold. It involves tapping into the collective magical potential of the Circle of Silver to increase their magical prowess temporarily.
2. The Alchemical Confluence: When the Empire faces a major crisis, the Circle of Silver may join forces with the Circle of Bronze to perform a ritual that transmutes raw materials into valuable resources. This is an essential effort to sustain the Empire during times of scarcity.

Circle of Bronze (Alchemists):

1. The Forge of Unity: This ritual is conducted to create powerful artifacts or constructs that can serve the interests of the Empire. It requires the alchemical expertise of the Circle of Bronze and the protection of the Circle of Silver.
2. The Transmutation Tide: During large-scale conflicts or wars, the Circle of Bronze may collaborate with the Circle of Silver to manipulate the battlefield by transforming terrain or materials, making it an advantageous strategic move.

Rituals Involving All Three Circles:

1. The Confluence of the Triumvirate: This extremely rare and powerful ritual is conducted when a grave existential threat endangers the entire world of Arcanum. It combines the unique strengths and magic of all three Circles, with the Circle of Gold providing leadership and coordination, the Circle of Silver offering protective and defensive magic, and the Circle of Bronze providing the raw magical energy required for the ritual's success. It is a last resort and has the potential to alter the course of history.
2. The Balance of Arcanum: This ritual is performed periodically to maintain harmony and balance in the world. It requires the combined efforts of all three Circles to ensure that magic remains in equilibrium, preventing destructive magical events or the overuse of magical resources.

These large-scale rituals serve to showcase the unity and cooperation among the Circles, even though they often have their own agendas and interests. When such rituals are conducted, they have the potential to shape the destiny of the Arcanum world and advance the plot significantly.