Wizard

Wizards are those who can call upon the magical energies of the world, whether it be through sorcery, magery, or witchery, the three areas of magical specialization and learning, or as a simple hedge wizard. In most places wizards are respected, even revered, for the powers they can wield. They may be associated with a religious organization or simply renowned in their own right.
Most wizards are considered powerful people, even if they do not hold high social status within general society. Some fear their powers, but most simply respect them.
In some cultures the wizards are only permitted to work through government or religious sanction.

Career

Qualifications

A wizard must be competent in several areas, including such things as

• alchemy or herbalism,
• engineering or some craft,
• communications (language, including reading and writing),
• scribe (copying things) or artist,
• mathematics,
• physiology
• magic

Learning the skill to call on magic is, in itself dangerous, and only the strong-willed can do it. As well, the initial cost of learning magic will often deform the person's body in some way, whether making them clumsy, stunting growth, weakening them physically, or deforming them so they are less appealing to look upon. Therefore, one must have a very strong desire to become a wizard!

Career Progression

Wizards typically learn as apprentices to an established wizard. However, there are a few schools, which are very difficult to get into, that teach wizardry in one specialization or another.
One may also learn wizardy through religious orders.

Other Benefits

Wizards typically rise to high status in society, often working in high positions in religious orders or advising and helping nobility or other rulers and councils.

Perception

Demographics

About one in 10,000 people will be able to become a wizard, due to the demands, hazards, and difficulty in becoming a wizard.

by Dean Spencer