The Mages of Mytilias

Mytilias, being a extreme magick world, has more Ambient Magic than most other worlds. However, most people don't have access to much Personal Magick. To use magic for more than cantrips and other lesser spells, they must use Adana Sihiri Crystals to tap into the ambient magic (Nahiri). For those who have a lot of personal magick (Sihiri) or divine magick (Dihiri), the path of the Mage or Priest/Priestess is open to them. While become a priest or priestess is considered a blessing to a family, becoming a mage has more problems associated with it. Priests and priestesses have their deity to protect and bless them. Mages only have their own personal magick, plus ambient magick to protect themselves. This is why they gather in conclaves and academies to protect the young Initiate Mages and Apprentice Mages. Journeyman Magess travel around the world with a Master Mage to help them learn how to navigate their profession. Even Elder Mages see discrimination and oppression. However, they are both of sufficient age and ability to vanquish those who would cause them harm. They are more likely to do it because they have no patience for fools. This is why they tend to stay in the conclaves and academies working for the community or retiring peacefully.

Mage Performing Magic by Kat Sanders with Midjourney AI

Even the most premier magic academy, Kwal Naziri has seen its share of strife. It's been 40,000 years since the gate to Ustehall has closed. The people and government of The Krug Islands have started to believe that mages are unruly, evil anarchist. Mages were more readily accepted before the Abalindi Beholo went silent. Now, depending on the country, people think of mages in extremes. They either love them or hate them. In some countries, it is even illegal to be a mage. In those countries, mages are routinely gathered by the government and disappear.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Mages care less about beauty and more about power. Those that are powerful in magic and can fill Adana Sihiri Crystals have a higher position in the community.

Gender Ideals

Mages care less about gender than they do beauty. A mage can be of any gender.

Courtship Ideals

Living and working in a conclave or academy provides mages with high protection, making courtship a precious and noteworthy event. It's not uncommon for courtships to last for years. The responsible use of magic can extend the lifespan of mages. It's important for mages to have a partner or partners who can withstand that longevity. This is particularly true if soul merging becomes their reality.

Relationship Ideals

Soul Merging: The ability for two or more souls to blend together, sharing attributes, magic ability, and longevity.

Soul Merging is the sought after conclusion of a relationship between two or more souls. This ability to blend their souls is a benefit of being a mage. It takes a lot of power, time, and magickal ability for soul merging to occur.