Apostate
Multi-race mage background
In those nations outside the Kirinter Imperium (including Feralden) during much of the history of Thedastria, only the members of the Circle of Magi may legally practice magic. Those who defy the law are known as apostates. The Circle of Magi is supposed to find ponies with magical power and train them before they endanger themselves and others. All those who practice magic risk demonic possession and could turn into abominations, and there is always the risk that any mage might turn to the same forbidden arts practiced by the magisters of the Kirinter Imperium, dangerous Blood Magic that relies on ritual sacrifice and subverts the minds of other ponies. This is why there are Chantry templars in every Circle tower, and why templars hunt down apostates.
While the law treats all apostates the same way, the category is a broad one. Some are self-taught mages who discovered how to use magic by trial and error. Some come from magical traditions that pre-date the formation of the Circle of Magi, like hedge mages and Aggwar shamans. Others are rebels, opposed to the Circle of Magi, the Chantry, or both. They resent the law and choose to go their own way despite the risks.
If you choose to play an apostate, your pony will have a disadvantage that those of other backgrounds do not. Namely, your pony’s powers must be used carefully lest they draw unwanted attention from the Circle of Magi or the Chantry templars. The upside is that this conflict can lead to some great stories, but you should understand that your character will face challenges others do not.
Playing an Apostate
If you choose to play an apostate, modify your pony as follows:- Upgrade your Mind trait. An apostate needs strength of will to fend off possession.
- Pick one of the following talents: Keen Knowledge: Natural Lore (D4) or Keen Knowledge: Self-Discipline (D4).
- You can speak and read the Trade Tongue and the language of your country.
- Take the Apostate quirk.
- Take the mage class.
- Choose whether your character is a Buffalo, a Cat, a Changeling, a Crow, a Crystal Pony, a Dragon, a Griffon, a Hippogriff, a Kirin, a Mabari Hound, a Parrot, a Unicorn, a Yak, or a Zebra.
Apostate (Changeling) Table
Apostate (non-Changeling) Table
Naming Traditions
Other names
Apostate names tend to be based on their nation of origin.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Changelish, Griffer, Riaviani, Trade Tongue
Culture and cultural heritage
In those nations outside the Kirinter Imperium (including Feralden) during much of the history of Thedastria, only the members of the Circle of Magi may legally practice magic. Those who defy the law are known as apostates.
Shared customary codes and values
While the law treats all apostates the same way, the category is a broad one. Some are self-taught mages who discovered how to use magic by trial and error. Some come from magical traditions that pre-date the formation of the Circle of Magi, like hedge mages and Aggwar shamans. Others are rebels, opposed to the Circle of Magi, the Chantry, or both. They resent the law and choose to go their own way despite the risks. Because of this an apostate needs strength of will to fend off possession.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Circle of Magi is supposed to find ponies with magical power and train them before they endanger themselves and others. All those who practice magic risk demonic possession and could turn into abominations, and there is always the risk that any mage might turn to the same forbidden arts practiced by the magisters of the Kirinter Imperium, dangerous blood magic that relies on ritual sacrifice and subverts the minds of other ponies. This is why there are Chantry templars in every Circle tower, and why templars hunt down apostates.
Common Myths and Legends
- Templars think that Spirit Warriors are apostates, even though they aren’t even mages.
- Many ponies think that all apostates practice blood magic.
Historical figures
- Firebrand
- Flemeth Zecora
Parent ethnicities
- Aggwar background
- Avian Wayfarer
- Chalarodon Convert
- Champani Wilder
- Escaped Slave
- Feraldan Craftsdog
- Feraldan Freedog
- Feraldan Noble
- Free Prancer
- Meander Survivor
- Nemeowrran Adventurer
- Oroaesian Commoner
- Oroaesian Exile
- Oroaesian Noble
- Oroaesian Student
- Riaviani Merchant
- Squawking Sea Raider
- Tal-Vritra background
Diverged ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
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