Codex Entry: The Wizards Mantle. Archivist Sarla Everhart initiates a critical study of the Wizards, the archetypal Mantle Holders defined by their relentless practice, study, and understanding of the fundamental laws of Universe 336. This entry documents their flexible power structure, unique specialization schools, and their rigorous path to achieving the rank of Archmage.

Core Concept and Philosophy:

Wizards are individuals who acquire and wield magic through intellectual pursuit. Their effectiveness is intrinsically linked to the individual's innate level of intelligence, which dictates the potency and success of their magical effects. Their core philosophy is that magic is a thing to be studied, learned, and wielded, believing that through intense study and practice, anything is possible. Because they learn and figure out their magic, the diversity and range of wizardly magic is immense, allowing them to study and utilise different types and sources of magic.

The Path to Mastery and Archmagi:

The sub-Mantles of the wizard are commonly referred to as schools, which represent the different specializations and areas of study a wizard can pursue. The most powerful, experienced, and learned practitioners are known as Archmages. These peak-level wizards no longer need to expend magical energy on commonly used effects, as practice has rendered those effects almost effortless.

Abilities and Spellcraft:

A wizard's primary ability is the creation and execution of formulas unique to their personal view of magic. They combine material components (or channel through a personal Magical Focus) with their deep understanding of the universe and linked magic type to produce a magical effect—often referred to as a spell.

Flexibility: Spells and magical effects vary wildly (utility, movement, offence, defence, etc.). Highly knowledgeable wizards can even alter the effect mid-casting.

Power Progression: As a wizard grows in knowledge and experience, they unlock the ability to wield ever more potent and powerful magic.

Knowledge Preservation: Wizards can record the formulas of their magical effects in writing and imbue the magic within, allowing others to reproduce the effect with the right components. This also allows the wizard to cast certain effects even when their Magical Energy reserve is temporarily depleted.

Resources and Equipment:

The essential resource for a wizard is their reserve of magical energy. Different amounts must be expended for most abilities, but as their knowledge grows, they learn to access more potent and powerful reservoirs of energy. While energy typically replenishes after an 8-hour rest, some wizards have figured out ways to expedite the replenishment process.

Key Equipment:

Spellbook: Although historically a book, a 'spellbook' is anything the wizard uses to record the formulas for magical effects.

Components/Focus: Wizards use either a collection of material components or a personal Magical Focus to channel their effects.

Cultural Role and Training:

Wizards face varied Public Perception: they are sometimes viewed with disdain by highly religious or opposing cultures, but are also highly sought after for their vast versatility.

Common Roles: These include lorekeeper (due to natural curiosity), Magical teachers, explorers, warriors, and spies.

Training Methods:

There are two paths to becoming a wizard:

Taught: Gaining knowledge through tutorledge (classroom, homeschooled, etc.), acquiring formulas passed down by another.

Self-Taught: By far the more impressive, having figured out the workings of the universe themselves. Their magic is often more unique in its manifestation and formulas than Taught wizards, leading to professional envy between the two groups. Both methods require rigorous practice and study—the most of any Mantle.