Order of mages

While any member of the order is usually called mage, this is actually an erroneous designation, as mage is itself a rank inside the order.   In fact, every newly enrolled member gains the status of learner. During this time, they need to study the theoretical aspect of magic in general, a step that usually last a few decades.   Once they have proven they have studied sufficiently, they can choose a branch to focus on, becoming apprentices in whichever branch they chose, or keep studying more than one branch at once, in which case their rank changes to trainee. Because apprentices and trainees are at the same hierarchical position, one can decide to become the other at any point (apprentices of one branch can also change branch), at the condition to start their new cursus from the start. This step usually takes about fifteen years.   Next, apprentices may choose up to three domains in which to become specialists, while trainees become generalists. They need to study another five years before they can add to their current ranks the title of graduated.   Any graduated can choose to start a new apprenticeship, traineeship or specialist formation, and need to complete the remainder of the cursus, depending on their previously completed ones.   While the complete formation starts at an average age of 10, it is not rare to see learners beginning way earlier or later.   At any point, a commission of mages may decide to promote a graduated or higher ranked mage, as long as their own is at least the one they wish to grant and at least one of them is of the superior rank, in the following order:

1. Graduated
2. Affiliated
3. Confirmed
4. Magician
5. Mage
6. Grand mage
7. Archmage

  Only the Grand Archmage can appoint a successor. Some mages or grand mages may refer themselves differently according to the branch they specialized in:

• Elemental magic: Sorcerer
• Life Magic: Enchanter
• Mind Magic: Conjurer
• Not specialized: Wizard