Amonostic Securimancer
It really is one hell of a mouthful, isn't it?Mages usually fall into a few standard categories: wizards and their ilk for the arcane spellcasters, clerics and the like for the divine, and so on, so forth.
Amonostic securimancers are those who took one look at the divisions in society and decided that for the purpose of securing the Ameder Vaults, or other similar important landmarks, boundaries were not so important. They are those spellcasters whose dedication and specialisation goes beyond what is usually recognised, and who live their lives in service of innovation.
The title of securimancer, while sounding somewhat silly, was developed for the purpose of rewarding those who excel in their duties. It is a relatively recent honour, but despite this, has come to immediately meet with international recognition due to Amonost's ridiculously high standards and extensive trade network leading to their prowess rapidly becoming known in certain magical circles that specialise in similar forms of magic.
Part of the honour in the title is in the danger it brings. The great majority of nations in the world do not like to popularise those involved with their security measures out of fears of assassination, torture, or general corruption.
Qualifications
You would not believe the amount of work this took. No, seriously, there's a spell around my research station that stops you from believing it's real.To become a securimancer is not only to become a master of security-based magics (which tend to be rooted in abjuration, but do extend across all schools of magic). Those versed in the art of security must boast a thorough understanding of psychology (to better understand the ways others attempt to crack their wards), spell creation (for innovating new spells is a core part to maintaining security that none can pierce), and at least some significant level of engineering prowess. The best go beyond the basics, as much as skills across that many disparate areas can be considered basic.
Almost all of Amonost's current living securimancers are former adventurers whose formative years were spent in perilous situations throughout the globe, getting experience with puzzles, paradigms, and plenty of cultures that have expanded their initial understanding of the world and magic beyond what once can achieve by staying in a single tower.
Through combining so many differing skills and techniques, these securimancers are able to create truly diabolical plans for those that would attempt to break into their home vaults.
As with most titles, it is not enough to have the knowledge and talent to receive an honour. To be acknowledged as a securimancer and especially to receive the title of Amonostic Securimancer, one must prove themselves.
There is no formal test or examination, no certification or degree: Amonost chooses its securimancers based on their prowess in real-world situations.
Benefits
Most jobs just give you a cupcake for getting promoted.Those few who represent their duty so well that they attain the title of Amonostic Securimancer have stared death in the face on a near-daily basis from the moment they first joined the Vaults or took up roles in defence. It is never an easy position, and the life expectancy is low for what they do - partly due to the risks of defence, and partly due to the potential malfunctions of their own experiments and systems. Thus, the benefits for becoming a securimancer are hefty. Regardless of how long they hold the title in 'active duty', as it were', the majority of their boons are lifelong gifts.
Each securimancer receives a significant monthly stipend to cover the mundanities and pleasures of life, and maintains a separate budget for research purposes associated with their work. The sole stipulation on the research budget is that while they may keep their inventions to themselves, anything they might offer to others should also be presented to Amonost first.
These budgets also cover the procurement of rare ingredients and reagents, ensuring their cupboards are always well-stocked with the means to chaos.
In addition to this, they need not worry about housing or travel. Securimancers are each titled to a plot of land and fashioned with a construction crew to build a home to their liking, usually in an area of their choosing. They are also welcome to join any Zinneder Trade Company caravan, and are entrusted with at least one sturdy horse to help them traverse the wilds of Amonost and beyond. They don't quite get diplomatic immunity - too dangerous, with the risk of betrayal - but they are favoured.
Their bodyguards are responsible for preventing assassinations and the like, but tend to also be roped in as chefs, babysitters, trainers, or even gardeners depending on what the securimancer has forgotten to do that day, so it may not have been much of a break! Regardless, the pairs tend to form incredibly close bonds.
Finally, the one boon that draws the most attention: each securimancer is given a responsibility veiled in gold. They are permitted to take one artifact out of the Vaults - or from the other areas of Amonost's treasuries - and use it as they would like. They are the ultimate caretakers of these artifacts - and serve as a beacon of publicity because of them. In some cases, these are also chances to learn what an artifact even does.
The artifact wielded by each securimancer serves as a way of cementing their other titles and legacies: the Celadon Cacophony, would not have been nearly as notable without the bell-spawning green cape he borrowed from Amonost during his time in active duty.
Type
Magical, Professional
Equates to
Abjuration master; Alu'thaniel lead warders
Source of Authority
Liege of Amonost
Length of Term
Lifetime appointment; rescinded upon request
Current Holders
Related Organizations
Cultural Impact
Amonost is an incredibly rich nation for its small size, and the state-sponsored Zinneder Trade Company are a large part of that. Without the level of security they maintain, the nation and its travelling branch would both be at serious risk. Most of the nation has at least heard tales of those jealous of their supposed luck and riches. Despite the majority of Amonost's citizenry living modest lives, attacks by bandits and mercenaries are not uncommon, especially on the nation's rural outskirts. It is those who set their own lives aside in service to the nation's defence that protect them. And while knights and paladins are the most plainly visible, those in Amonost recognise the bright magics that spark up around small conflicts. They rarely see the faces of those protecting them, for identities leaking would be a security risk. Only when a Securimancer is honoured by the title do they finally have a face to put with the crackle of lightning that spared them from a knife in the dark. The Amonostic Securimancers are much beloved in their home nation. Further afield, they may be viewed with suspicion, distrust, or even hate - but at home, they are loved. It almost makes the sacrifices worth it.Thirteen years of service. My best friends - fried like animals, gutted like pigs. One of them turned to ash in my hands, a victim of nothing more than an innocent mistake. I stared a horde of enemies in the face and tried to blow them up with me. I don't know if I'm happy that I survived. But they've given me a home, a friend. They've rooted me here as best they can. Placate me with all they wish to. Don't you see? It's a gilded cage. Behave for them, and you'll live in a lap of luxury. You won't ever think of betraying their secrets if they spoil you like a child.
This whole profession/class of magic is so fascinating to me. Don't think I would want this dubious title though.
Explore Etrea | Summer Camp 2025