Magus

A Magus (plural: Magi) is an individual who has specialized in the use of magic. There are several disciplines in this field, largely determined by the framework through which the individual practitioner views their work, presented in approximate level of prevalence:

• Wizard: Their magic comes through an understanding of science and the nature of magic itself.
• Cleric: Their magic is a gift from their god, developed through their devotion to that god.
• Druid: Their magic comes from a deep understanding of nature.
• Bard: Their magic comes through their force of personality, and enhances their already considerable ability to influence others.
• Sorcerer: These rare individuals are natural fonts of magic, either due to their unusual heritage or some brush with an unusually great magical force.
• Warlock: Some individuals have found other routes to power, making bargains with powerful entities to offer something in exchange for assistance with magic.

The term Magus is primarily used as a direct form of address; in more general reference, it is common (though less respectful) to refer to one being a practitioner

Perception

Social Status

The use of magic has a long history in Irion, going back beyond the days of the First Empire. All cultures that trace their roots to that empire have a great respect for those who wield those forces today, in part to honour their predecessors and in part due to the works that Magi do to help these countries thrive to this day. This respect is not without limits, of course - a demanding upstart is an annoyance regardless of their capactiy to use magic, and will be treated accordingly.
Additionally, certain classes of Magus tend to be regarded with a fair amount of suspicion as well. A Bard might find themselves accused of using their magic to influence others inappropriately, which is a particularly common problem when they court an individual. A sorcerer is generally regarded as potentially unstable - being born to their powers, there is the potential for both the lack of the maturity that a cleric or wizard might be expected to show, as well as the chance they might lose control of their powers. However, the wariness around bards and sorcerers pales compared to the outright fear that many have for Warlocks. A Warlock is someone who has made a deal with some powerful, often very dangerous, being in exchange for their power. These deals are never cheap and rarely have a good outcome, and yet the warlock took that option anyway, for their own personal gain. Sometimes the situation is not as simple as people presume. There is no law against Warlocks in most lands, (for it is generally considered unwise to interfere with a Warlock unless they are actively bringing destruction to the land, lest one incur the wrath of their patron), but nevertheless, a Warlock is wise to keep the exact nature of their abilities a secret.

Operations

Provided Services

By and large, a Magus is expected to make the benefits of their magic available to the country, though the exact definition of who benefits varies from country to country. Clerics are best known for their ability to heal and protect, Druids are best known for their capacity to influence nature and agriculture, etc. Perhaps the greatest impact Magi have had in recent memory is the development of Arcanomechanics, an array of inventions that allow some of the simple conveniences - like the ability to lift heavy objects - to be used by any individual.
There is more to each path than these simplified services, however. Many clerics find paths in life other than that of a healer, and many druids spurn agriculture entirely in favour of living in, and protecting, pockets of wilderness that remain scattered around the world - some even venture into the Wildlands, living and dying in the true natural state of Irion. And some wizards are ill tempered and just wish to be left alone.
Additionally, all Magi have options that make them of extreme importance in warfare. Traditionally, this has been limited by the number of Magi willing to involve themselves in war, and they have thus been used in specialist roles like spying or cutting supply lines, but, as demonstrated in the latter years of the Great War, Magi used directly in battle can be terrifyingly effective.

Alternative Names

Practitioner (general reference), Mage (slang)

Type

Arcane