A Sage is a mage who has is in the Order of Lakle. There are only eight at a time, and they are the wisest, most experienced Mages of their time, chosen from those mages who have demonstrated moral fibre, service to their people, and magical skill.
Each specific role for a sage requires their own skillset, though all must be the brightest, most expeirienced mages in their generation. The host must demonstrate knowladge of long term enchantments, history, and a code of honor to receive any in need of help. The Guardian must be strong warrior, yet demonstrate gentleness and fortitude. They must be willing to sacrifice for the protection of the temple. The Healer must be fluent in understanding the bodies of Druids, Humans and Angels alike, and pledge to heal anyone in need of it. The Oracle must have the Sight, yet know the delicasy with which the future must be treated. In short, only the best, and wisest Mages become Sages.
All Sages must have offered twenty years of service to the protection and nurtering of the Majan People. They must be approved in Ritual by the gods, and accepted by the other Sages. In short, it is an agreement to give one's life for the Majan, and their gods, and to preserve their history.
Each Sage keeps a book of successors during their life, ranging from five, to twenty five names. These people have the potential to be their heir. If one of these people proves themselves unable to complete the task, their name is removed, however, none of them must be aware they are being considered. The choice often takes years, and eventually the list is narrowed down. The Sage must then confer with their colleges, and make sure they will be accepted. If there are more than one eligible candidate by the time the Sage dies, than the choice is determined by a chosen god. The Sages will all meet, and request the Oracle show them a vision. If that does not elucidate anything, it comes down to a simple vote.
Each sage has different responsabilities. The Book Keeper must preserve knowladge, and maintain the library, the Treasurer must the do the same for their artifacts, the Healer must treat anyone in need, the Guardian must ensure the Temple is secure, the Host must make sure the temple is livable and functional for all who go there, the Mediator must negogiate disputes between clans to ensure peace, the Oracle must advise anyone who asks on the future, and the Ritual Guide must pass on the traditions of the Majan, and keep their culture alive, as well as educate young people on Majan history. Each Sage can train apprentices to help with these duties, indeed for the Mediator and the Guardian, help is greatly needed, while others prefer to work alone, or teach only a few.
The must time consuming roles for a Sage is as the Host, Mediator, the Healer, and Guardian. As the host, one must oversee the rather mundane details of keeping food supplies ready for the unhabitants of the Temple, day to day maintenence on the general upkeep of the temple, welcoming visitors, and helping them with their troubles. In a way, the Host is often at the head of the Council, as their responsability concerns all who dwell inside the temple.
The Mediator is often away, traveling from one area to the next. If a dispute arrises amongst two Clans, the mediator will offer their services to both parties. It requires a knowladge of many different languages, cultural practices, and a sense of impartiality.
The Healer is not only charged with treating the sick inside the temple, but ensuring that good medical practices are used throughout the land. They teach anyone who requests to learn from them, and is always trying to gain new knowladge of the body. This means a great deal of magical expirementation and note taking. These notes often provide the basis for medical knowladge for years to come.
The Guardian keeps at least fifty apprentices, who help them keep the temple safe. They are a master of defensive magic, and curses. If anyone in the old country sends in a call for help, the guardian sends someone to help them, though they are forbidden from taking offensive action against any Majan. If a Majan is in danger from Mage Hunters or Imperial troops, the guardian defends them.
Being a sage means incredible responsability, but also respect. Their judgement is weighed heavily, and their integrity is trusted. However, their character must be among the most noble. They never wish for anything, yet they are discouraged from collecting material items, or accumulating wealth.
Though there is no formal uniform for the Sages, several things have become traditional. The Host is always seen wearing a blue robe, with threaded silver protection runes. Blue is the color of welcome, and nurturing. Though it is rather worn, every Host has threaded their own rune into the cloak. The Guardian will always carry their signature weapon, as well as a set of ironcloth robes, and Sheild Gauntlets. These Guantlets project a magical sheild in battle. The healer wears a gloves of fish scales that transmit no bacteria. This helps the healer to conduct surgery with less risk. The oracle has many little relics, but they change often.
If the character of a Sage is called into question, they may be removed by the other Sages.
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