Magi (Aethersteel)

{{Subrace
 * subraceOf=Human
 * inheritTraits=Yes
 * hasSetting=Aethersteel Universe;
 * hasDescription=The Magi are mystical spell casters with arcane powers. They devote their entire lives to the understanding and mastery of the magics of the Aether. To understanding the principles of each type of Aether, to the effects of magic on the Nexus. As the scholars that they are, they are shepherded by the wise Aeon Drak, whose quest for scholarly knowledge and understanding has embedded itself into every portion of Magi culture and society. Only through the constant search for truth and wisdom can one come to terms with the limits of ones power, and then by understanding this they can begin to expand their understanding to achieve true enlightenment.

With their capital city of Serenity built around the largest known deposit of Aethersteel there has never been a lack of magical energy for the Magi to tap into. As masters of the Arcane the use of such power comes second nature to them, and has become the center point of their society and government. Those who lack the strength of mind to master the Aethers are quickly demoted to second class citizens, but those who do posses the control, are living, breathing, weapons.

The Magi are a people addicted to magic and to learning all that they can about it. How it interacts with their world, how to keep it in balance, and how to master ones own mind to connect with the power within themselves.However this single fascination has led to a single center of power among the Magi, leaving all those who choose not to become part of the city, to be left with little support.

Government
The Grand Council is a council formed of representatives from each of the schools of magic and the cities that have been granted seats among the assembled. While anyone is permitted to bring their petition before the mages of the Grand Council only those who are granted a seat may vote. The Grand Council makes ruling for all of the Magi people, though having their edicts carried out in the farthest cities from the center of Serenity proves difficult and has caused much unrest over the ‘unfairness’ of representation by Drabs.

The Arch Mage presides over the Council and is the strongest and wisest of all the mages, voted into his position for life by all of the Grand Mages of each school of Magic. The Arch Mage makes the deciding vote int he event of a tie and can be granted special powers when needed. Many say that while the Arch Mage may not overtly have much power, that they have infact been passing secrets down from Arch Mage to Arch Mage for generations. Secrets that could destroy the very foundation of everything.

Cities
At the heart of the Magi culture and center of power is the city of Serenity. Serenity is the headquarters of the Grand Council, the ruling body of the Magi. Serenity is also home to the Serenity Academy of Magic and is the center of learning for young aspiring mages. Scholars travel far and wide to find those who are able to touch the Aethers without the presence of the monolith, then bring them back to study.

Drakonic Battle Lords
While most Mages seek to extend their knowledge and to master the arts within the boarders of Influence of Serenity there does exist a small sect who believes that their own quest for knowledge is actually achieved through practical use. These mages and drabs travel far outside of the realm of influence of Serenity and operate as the law in the lawless cities.

Due to the distrust of Mages, who have done little for the outlying cities and their sometimes constant assault by elementals all Drakonic Battle Lords are instructed in the use of the sword and the horse. They form a traveling military of sorts, commanded by their Lord Captain Commander they police the people, fight off the Elementals, and have become masters of the use of Magic in combat. Some would say that their practical use of magic makes them even more powerful than the mages who have done nothing but study.

Drabs
Even with the massive amounts of Aethers that surround Serenity and impact its surrounding cities there are still found those who do not possess the required patience or self control to channel Aetherial Magic. These individuals are known disparagingly as ‘Drabs’. While Drabs do not need to lack total control of Aethers their skill level with them is simply not enough to warrant admission to the Serenity Academy. Many of these individuals take up jobs as laborers or craftsman. Some enlist into the army to defend the mages in battle.

Yet some are not satisfied with their place in the universe and have turned to, less scrupulous means of gaining the power they desire. Tech mages are one of these, through use of what is surely dark magic they have fused technology with their bodies to grant them access to channel lighting. Still others feel the taint of the Void Aether. }}