Fantasy Core RPG--Arcane Magic-Training

Fantasy Core RPG
(c) Jerry Harris, 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.


Arcane Apprenticeship

Children (basically you have to start as a child) exhibiting a high degree of intelligence can possibly be referred to a test apprenticeship. Keep in mind this is a Medieval society. It’s going to be rare enough that a child may receive an extended formal education. A wizard (or more likely a sage, who is only able to read and write magic) will have to test the child in learning the language of magic. Anyone who shows an aptitude will be taken on as an apprentice.

This involves some cost, but there can some exchange of labor or sponsorship. No one is turned away for finances, as the gift is too rare. Apprenticeship can last from 10 to 15 years, including other schooling. Many will “wash out” during that term and there’s no guarantee of the talent materializing to a useful level (in game terms, first level). Needless to say, it’s a rare skill. The prestige of the position, especially for those of the lower classes, makes it well worth the risk.

There are those without the ability to cast spells who do understand the language, such as sages. Likewise, there are rare individuals, such as sorcerers, who have not properly learned the spells in a scholarly fashion, but have the intuition that allows them some spellcasting ability. The rarest of abilities are those wizards who can cast spells in combat. Their ability allows them to achieve a moment of perfect concentration in the middle of chaos to speak the words, make the ritual gestures, imagine the effect, and ignite the spell. A wizard has the mind of a genius, the concentration and performance skills of a concert pianist, and the imagination of a child.

Arcane Magic Casting
Wizard Council