The Orders of Magi are one of the oldest institutions in Avonlea. They accept and train any being with the calling for Magic, often from a very young age. Becoming a Magus was once a luxury reserved for the Elite, but since the fall of the Orders more than 3000 years ago, they now take anyone with the will to train and learn. As such they are often the glue that holds the various nations together. The Orders do not answer to any rule but they’re own, though their individual members are often citizens of one nation or another, there was also a great deal of fear of the Mages after the Fall they have done a great deal to mend. Attendance is completely optional, and they rarely turn anyone away regardless of age or magical ability. It is possible to be expelled from the Orders, usually due to some sort of repeat offense or misconduct and this is often accompanied by the binding of the individual’s magic.
Only those that have attended the Academy of Magic and concluded an Apprenticeship with the Orders may call themselves a Magus, the formal title, or a Mage, the informal title. Anyone else with magical abilities may call themselves whatever they wish, but never a Mage. But gaining the title, while an achievement in itself, does not mean you never stop learning. The Magi are scholars, explorers, adventurers, and servants of the people. Dedicating their lives to unraveling the mysteries of the past, or making sure there is a future for the younger generations to inherit.
Rings
The Rings of the Orders are one of the most prized possessions a Magus can have. When they are proclaimed an Apprentice of the Orders they are gifted with their Orders Ring. This ring will follow them and grow with them throughout their career at the Orders. Rings are tuned to the wearer’s specific Magical fingerprint, allowing them to be worn by and work only for them, not even another Member of the Orders can take a Ring that doesn’t belong to them. Rings are tuned to the Order’s security wards and shields, preventing a member from accessing areas that could be too dangerous for them, which can include areas above their current rank and even their quarters are tuned to their ring. These rings are also connected to the Tower’s magical communication system, allowing them to send messages, speak to each other, and project images over long distances.
Should a member of the Orders die, this information is recorded by the Ring, as well as their last known location, it then uses the last of it’s reserve power to teleport itself back to the Orders. On these occasions, where feasible, a team from the Order of the Black Flame is dispatched to try and retrieve the body. Should the Wearer wish to show another the information recorded on their Ring, they can use their magic to access it. It will be projected over their hand for others to see, most notably their Rank with the Orders and any certifications they may have acquired.
Acolytes who choose to stay, or later return, become Apprentices. An Apprentice is paired with a Magus of similar ability and/or career that the Apprentice is interested in. Apprenticeships can be as short as a year, or as long as ten years, depending on the ability and degree of learning involved to master the necessary skills, magical or not. Once both the Apprentice and their Magus are confident they can handle it on their own, the Apprentice undergoes a set of practical trials. Should they pass, they are then given the Magus Title.
Ranks and Titles
Acolyte – Once inducted into the Orders, everyone starts as an Acolyte until they Master their magic.
Apprentice – After graduating from the Academy of Magic, One is partnered with a Mage as their Apprentice, learning their magic or their career with the Orders.
Magus/Mage – Upon finishing their Apprenticeship, they gain the title of Mage and are assigned a position into one of the Orders officially.
High Magus/Mage – Once a Mage has mastered their craft and proven themselves worthy, they will be promoted to High Magus, granting them high standing among their fellow Mages and more responsibility. High Mages are usually the first chosen to teach at the Academy of Magic.
Arch Magus/Mage – When a High Mage has gone far above and beyond and earned the esteem of their colleagues, they may be nominated to receive the title of Arch Magus. These Magi are often chosen to lead the Orders or to head certain projects.
Magister – The Magisterium is a council of Four Arch Magus, chosen by the Grand Magus and approved by the other sitting Magisters. The council helps the Grand Magus in decision making and the general running of the Orders, they also act as a Judiciary forum when the need arises. Magisters serve on the Council for life, or until they choose to step down, or until they are unanimously voted out by the other Magisters.
Grand Magus – The Grand Magus is generally chosen by the last Grand Magus to be their successor, though the appointment must still be approved by the Magisters. A Grand Magus serves for life, until they choose to step down, or are unanimously voted out. The Grand Magus is the face of the Orders and in charge of nearly every aspect of the operations of the Orders.