Mage Training

Magic

A mage’s training consists of extensive study of the arcane lore collected and passed down over centuries, and long practice at harnessing and channeling magical energy. Early training is aimed at giving apprentices discipline and focus, which helps prevent inadvertent magical outbursts. Later, the apprentice learns the specific forms of common spells. Many apprentices demonstrate a talent or propensity for a particular school of magic, and are allowed or encouraged to focus their studies there.
To one degree or another, every Circle is a war college of sorts. The Chantry never forgets that its greatest use for mages is in fighting darkspawn, particularly during a Blight. Philosophically, this is seen as proper penance for the ancient hubris of the magisters of the Kirinter Imperium, who offended the Maker with their trespass in the Golden City and brought on the First Blight. Thus, even in peacetime, much of a mage’s training emphasizes battle magic. Every Circle mage learns to wield the Arcane Lance, and most master one or more combat spells. They train to keep their wits about them in battle and wield their powers to defend themselves and their allies.
Apostate mages might not be trained in the same methods and with Chantry supervision, but each must undergo their own apprenticeship, training, and trials. Apostates certainly run a greater risk of demonic possession or other dangers due to lack of supervision, but there is nothing inherent in study of magic outside the Circles which leads a mage to ruin despite what the templars and Chantry claim.

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