Wizard

Wizards stand apart from the Artificers and other would-be dabblers in the Arcane Arts. Though they figure prominently into many societies be it by working with artificers to raise magical shields over cities during wars to deciphering the secrets of Kulthus’ aristocratic sorcerers; there is a definite mystique about them still. In truth, they prefer it this way for it enables them to pursue their arts, considered by many to the be the purest form of arcane study, without as much public scrutiny or expectations that are given to Artificers..

The nation of Rune has been the centerpiece for magical study for centuries. Their ruling aristocracy, known as The Convocation of Rune, produces elite noble-wizards that deal in all matters of diplomacy, spell creation and magic policing. Some even whisper of a small group of archmagi that sit even higher then The Convocation known as The Eldritch Council. A Council of individuals unafraid of manipulating historical events for the sake of balance in the world. Where Artificers are capable of cheaply producing low level magical effects a Wizard is capable of achieving heights of arcane power that dwarf the effects an Artificer can mimic. All wizards are beholden to an abstract series of laws known as The Covenant of Mana. This Covenant was made eons ago between Animus the god of magic and founder of magical tradition and the first wizards on the continent.

The Convocation of Rune is not the only wizardry order though. In Charn the Shadow Council and their Shadow Wizards aid the Charn nation with research into matters arcane. Protected by their elite bodyguards and devotees of Taara the Shadow Sorceress, this corrupt guild of wizards are interested in overthrowing and replacing The Convocation as the ultimate authority of magic on the continent.

Schools of magic known as the Academy of Sages are located in nearly every major city on the continent, at least in western civilization. The Academy of Sages is an affiliate of Rune and they answer to the ruling Convocation. Here they train the next generation of Wizards and students of the Arcane while weeding out the weak from the strong, the dabblers from the devoted and the reckless from the responsible. The Academies also deal in schools of Philosophy and some even have Bardic Colleges of Lore keeping though their primary focuses are on the Colleges of Magic.

Wizard Options: There are a number of metamagic feats, unique familiar options and new spells and items that are available to a wizard.

Prestige Classes: Wizards have many options to choose from here. The Eldritch Knight is a wizard trained equally in the martial traditions and thus capable of defending magic with both sword and wits and the War Mage has figured prominently into military activities in many of the major nations.