Editing Gladius et Aegis: Arcane Nature Traits (section)

===Campaign Setting Notes===

Selecting this trait means that you are a ''Magus'' - a human who has been lucky enough to have both the inherent aptitude for casting magic, and the opportunity to have formally trained in magic.

''Magi'' also refer to themselves as ''wizards, practitioners'' and ''loremasters''. They generally don't call themselves ''sorcerers, shamans'' or ''warlocks'' - these terms refer to entirely different arcane traditions. They often refer to their magic as ''The Art'' or ''The Lore'', and speak of casting magic as ''enacting forma'' or ''mastery of Will''. Archaic terms, especially in Latin, are popular with many magi, as is a certain air of superiority and hubris regarding their magic as opposed to other magics.

The core foundations of ''The Art'' are knowledge and will. Knowledge is required to harness inherent magical talent, and to direct it into spells and rituals. This knowledge is generally from elder ages, with much lore coming from the magical traditions Ancient Egypt and later, Ancient Greece and Rome. Will is required as magic is inherently against nature: it forces the desires of the magus upon reality, and must overcome the resistance of reality to such intrusions.

''"Aptitude"'', or the ability to cast this sort of magic, is a rarity in the world, with magi estimating that no more than one human in one to two hundred thousand being capable of learning magic. Many of these go undetected, as despite the best efforts of magi, there has never been discovered any spell or other means that allow one to search out for those with aptitude. Instead, it tends to be the case that individual magi will note that a human they encounter is seemingly immune to the effect of ''Denial'' (see neutral trait effects below), and will make a guess that the person has aptitude. The next step is for the magus to approach the "potential" and to invite him to become an ''Apprentice'', usually with a demonstration of The Art, and an open offer for the Apprentice to come see him if he wants to learn more. An apprenticeship lasts till the mentor "releases" his protegee, traditionally after a taxing test of magic. Sometimes these mentor-trainee relationships go sour, of course, and an apprentice will decide himself to leave the magus before his mentor feels training is complete. More rarely a mentor might abandon an apprentice that he feels he cannot teach. Magi who never completed their apprenticeships are often referred to as ''Orphans of the Craft'' with a mixture of pity and disdain.

Most ''Magi'' operate alone, or in small cabals, as the prideful nature of those who command ''The Art'' often results in clashing egos. However, most magi also serve within supernatural hierarchies, attending convocations and gatherings when they are called upon, even if they spend as much time pursuing their own agendas as those of their faction. The ''Council of the Invisible Hand'' commands most magi's loyalty, as few magi feel they would wish to be beholden to the ultimate authority of a non-magus. Those ''Magi'' who serve ''Gladius et Aegis'' are often somewhat rebellious in nature, with personalities that have led them to shunning the "mainstream" of the ''Invisible Hand''.

''Magi'' generally follow the ''Shadow Concordat'' strictly, or at least give the appearance of doing so. This is generally true even of those within ''Gladius et Aegis''.

Aptitude is rare and easy to miss, most Magi's existence is dangerous, and their magical tradition is very much centered on the western world. This means that there are probably no more than six or seven hundred magi in the world, and no more than a couple of dozen who serve ''Gladius et Aegis''. However, as Magi are often secretive and somewhat paranoid, there may be twice or even three times that number, with many declining to reveal themselves.