The Life of a Nordic Mage

My name is Lars Karlsonn. I am the court mage of Thane Sigurd Karlsonn, my younger brother. Many men would not forgo their birthright, especially if it came with the privileges and rank of a thaneship, but I am not like other men. I heard the call of the arcane and answered. My brother is better suited to the role of Thane than I am, more charismatic, more worldly, and, er, more fecund.

Mages in the empire are scrutinized and feared for their abilities. We who can see into other realities, burn things with our minds, talk with demons; in truth we bear a grave danger to our land. I do not deny this. My capabilities make me a danger to those around me. That is why I agree with the Red Snow Concordant.

The Red Snow Concordant is made up of four basic rules.

1. No Mage can own land, nor can they hold a title, or command a free man or women. A mage must concern themselves with their service of magic.
2. Every Mage must submit to a Representative of Imperial Law. If they do not submit, they are rogue, and have no place in the world.
3. A Mage who bargains with any being the Beyond is compromised. They must be exterminated.
4. Any Mage who uses magic to sway the mind of another is a parasite, and must be purged.

There are some who feel that this concordant renders us slaves, that it binds our destinies. I believe that it holds us to our better natures. I have no desire to be possessed, no desire to be immolated, no desire to have a curse laid upon me. If I didn't wish to have these things put upon me, why would I seek to visit them upon an other human being? My interests lie within my craft, I care not for land or title. As I aid my brother and his people, my life is given a greater purpose.

My days are spent in study, unless I am needed by my brother. I attend to him when we are abroad, meet the folk he meets. I am his arcane courier, his trustworthy confidant, and his chief protector. He provides me with the things I need to study in comfort, security from the hazards of unlawful magic. I am the favorite uncle, the wise councilor, the shadow behind his throne. Magic is my province, and service is my destiny. It is a truly rich experience.

L.K.

Lars Karlsonn is wizard vested in the School of Evocation. He is an advocate for the Red Snow Concordant.