Ortegan Spellcasters' Council

In Ortegue and parts of O'Lenor, magic is legislated and moderated by laws, called the Spellcasters' Principia (or the Charter or the Code). One has to be a part of a registered casters' association (all affiliated ones fall under the umbrella of Ortegan Spellcasters' Council) and maintain their rank within the Council.   There are many affiliated casters' assocaitions within Ortegue, usually created for different industries (such as trade, academics, craftspeople, religion, etc.) or purposes (such as adventuring, healing, philanthropy, protection, etc.).   The Council exists to ensure fair and safe usage of magic. After decades of accidents, thefts and hate crimes caused by the misuse of magic, as well as the assassination of the ruler, the Ortegan government passed the Spellcasters' Principia, which is a set of laws and code of conduct for casters.   The Council has their own army of guards, called Code Enforcement Agency (guards are known as Council Guards), which monitors and watches for misuse. Any rank member who is caught with misuse must appear in front of the Fair Use Tribunal, where a panel of judges decide if the misuse warrants being spared with a warning, penalization within the Council, or being handed over to the City to be charged as a criminal. Any non-member who is caught by the CEA is handed over to the City to be charged as a criminal.  

Accredited Casters

Casters who are registered are known as Accredited Casters.   If you go to a school for magic, you automatically are ranked an Eminent, with the highest privileges. If not, you have to send an application to the Council and go through a testing and vetting process, which is considered to be expensive and time-consuming (but so is magic school), and be ranked Eminent, Prestigious, Notable or Credence, according to your abilities and background.    

The Eminent

  Usually, wizards, bards and artificers, because of their education, are already Eminent (their title is the Eminent or Your Eminence). This rank never expires.   The Eminent usually have full authority to use magic, although they are bound by Code. Misuse leads to a trial in front of the Tribunal, the outcome of which can be penalization by fine, and stripping off the rank after three strikes.   While their income or expenses are not audited by the CEA, they are expected to keep track of their expenses (like component purchases) for a surprise check.   The Eminent can use all spells from these schools:

• Abjuration
• Conjuration
• Divination
• Enchantment
• Evocation
• Illusion
• Necromancy
• Transmutation

 

The Prestigious

  Druids and clerics have to go through a lighter vetting process and are usually given an easy way in, especially if they have letters of recommendation and have proved to be upstanding citizens. Once approved, they achieve the Prestigious rank (their title is the Prestigious or Your Prestige). Just as the Eminent, this rank never expires.   They are also bound by Code, and cannot use their magic for combat unless ordered by a military commander, the guards or someone in the government. They can use magic for anything else non-combative.   Misuse leads to a trial in front of the Tribunal, the outcome of which can be penalization by fine, and stripping off the rank after three strikes.   Their income and expenses related to magic are audited by the CEA every five years.   The Prestigious can use spells from these schools:

• Abjuration
• Conjuration
• Divination
• Enchantment (Charm Person excluded)
• Evocation
• Illusion
• Necromancy (limited to clerics)
• Transmutation

 

The Credence

  Warlocks and sorcerers must go through the full vetting process, which was created primarily to keep them out. They usually don't have a good rep with the Council, but letters of recommendation and a lawful history definitely help score a few higher points. They are put into the Credence rank (their title is the Credence or Your Credence).   This rank expires in five years and requires a renewal process (not as tedious as the vetting process).   The Credence have limited authorization to use magic and often have to report their material component purchases, income and expenses to the CEA on a yearly basis or on demand.   Misuse leads to a trial in front of the Tribunal, the outcome of which can be penalization by fine or stripping off the rank.   The Credence can use spells from these schools:

• Abjuration
• Conjuration (excludes damage-causing spells)
• Divination
• Transmutation

Note: Warlocks and sorcerers, since they are born with magic or are infused with magic from an intraplanar being, are considered to be unnatural. Those with abilities seen in their childhood or adult life are tagged as such by the Council and blacklisted from joining into magic schools. See section "Multi-classers" below.  

The Notable

  Paladins, rangers and others who use magic, such as fighters and rogues (optionally bards, druids and clerics, but never sorcerers and warlocks) who don't want to go through the full accreditation process, can opt for what's known as a Notable rank, which gives them partial authorization to use magic.   This rank comes with an option to choose term: two years, five years or 10 years. On expiry, it needs to be renewed by a simple form submission.   It's not as expansive as the full authority enjoyed by the Eminent or the Prestigious, but not as limited as the Credence. Magic use is restricted to serving the military or non-combat purposes.   Misuse leads to a trial in front of the Tribunal, the outcome of which can be penalization by fine or stripping off the rank.   The CEA audits their magic-related income and expenses at the end of their term or at the time of renewal, whichever comes first.   The Notable can use spells from these schools:

• Abjuration
• Conjuration
• Divination (limited to paladins and rangers)
• Evocation (limited to paladins and rangers)
• Transmutation

 

State casters

  Casters who are employed by the state for purposes such as military, law and order, legislation, intelligence and academics are known as state casters, and can fall under any of the ranks. Usually, however, the rank limitations don't apply to them (but this is decided on a case-by-case basis).  

The reasoning behind ranks

  The Eminent (using INT, except in case of Bard, who uses CHA) are considered to be learned academics who are more likely to be responsible with their use of magic, especially if they've attended magic school, where this idea is drilled into students from the beginning.   Most Eminent must have had education, without which they wouldn't have learnt their magic. This is complemented by the fact that Sha'Lenor nobles and mage guilds offer scholarships to a large number of students enrolling in schools in the Elven city, which makes it very easy for academically gifted commoners to study magic.   The Prestigious (using WIS), through time spent devoted to nature or a deity, are also considered to be wise, likely to be responsible and on the good side. While the Prestigious aren't expected to enrol in magic school, they are expected to be enrolled or have experience as a part of a Druid Circle or a temple.   Seinh, the temple city of Ortegue, offers budding clerics plenty opportunities to prove their devotion and learn from master clerics and priests. Similarly, the Shimmerport Druids Society and the Sha'Lenor Druids League also welcome druids to do their time.   The Credence and the Notable (using CHA or other), on the other hand, are considered less likely to be adhering to law or the Code. The Credence especially face a tough time as they are considered naturally inclined toward evil or chaos (even though that may not be the case).   Most magic schools in Ortegue and O'Lenor are not open to the Credence. This leaves sorcerers and warlocks with very few choices: either they go through the Council's rigorous selection process, or they move out of Ortegue, or they suppress their abilities and lay low and find another line of work.   The Notable don't need magic school certification, but can do with druid circles, temples or mage guilds vouching for them.  

Non-accredited

  Non-accredited use of magic is a crime. Anyone non-accredited who uses magic will be penalized, from fine to imprisonment to banishment, depending on the severity of the crime.  

Coverage

  The Code extends to all of Ortegue and includes the city of Sha'Lenor (elves are exempt from it here and can adhere to O'Lenor law).   While Stahlia is the Council's stronghold, much of Ortegue is also covered under the Code. This is why there are hardly any openly non-accredited sorcerers or warlocks in the capital, believed to be driven away into the villages or towns, or even out of Ortegue.  

Caster Identification

  Unlike most other guilds, there is no special card for accredited casters. Instead, they use a spell called Caster Identification to conjure a scrollable tablet that lists out their details. These details can be read by anyone, from commoners to other casters to Council Guards (each have a limit on what they can see, with Council Guards having the most access).   The details include basic identifying information, casting rank, date of joining, education (if any), and -- for Council Guards or the CEA -- a history of spells used.  

Opposition

  When the Principia law was passed and the Council was formed, right up to present day, there has been opposition to its existence. Various factions have fought against the law, with representatives in the government as well as other mages guilds.   So far, none of the opposition has been successful in repealing the law, considering that the Council does a good job of influencing public opinion to agree to its continuation.  

Multi-classers

  While it seems like ranks are dependent on classes, that is not so. One can apply to be of a higher rank than their current one only if they multi-class.   It is possible for a person to be of multiple classes and be eligible to hold two or more ranks at once. In such a case, their highest rank applies, even if they can access spells from classes that are of lesser ranks.   Multi-classing is the one way that people work around the rank restrictions.   For instance, a warlock, who is of high repute and trains with a master wizard to become a wizard themselves, can apply to the Eminent rank if they classify as a warlock-wizard. This person can use warlock spells as an Eminent (i.e., opens up all types of spells previously not available as the Credence).   Similarly, if a druid wishes to multi-class into a sorcerer (highly unlikely, but there have been rare cases), they can still be of the Prestigious rank, but with access to sorcerer spells not available to the Credence.   The Council is very well aware of this workaround; they reason that if someone is worthy of a higher rank, they should definitely go for it.   There's a special process to apply to a multi-classed rank, which involves a test and purpose document that pertains to questions or tasks not already fulfilled by the candidate in their older rank.   One can have a multi-classed rank only if their existing class is a spellcasting class. Thus, a barbarian multi-classing into a wizard still has to apply to the Council the regular way, but a paladin multi-classing into a cleric can apply to a higher rank directly (even if the paladin was not a part of the Council or not ranked yet).  

Scribe's Archives: Stahlia City Guard Files

 

Evidence adding to possible existence of an underground rebel group called the Keymakers

 

Journal entry from Raydon Alaxthor's diary, dated D 103, NM 1531

I'm finally getting a little help. Ma and Pa are still "visiting" Aunt Popi's, but they're getting increasingly paranoid that the Council will be at their door. I hate that they're suffering because of my own mistakes; this is something I will have to contend with later on once we're safer. No time for that now.   Baldur came to me with good news, bless that old man; he got me setup for a meeting with someone called Ra'bari who can help me out of this mess. We don't know yet what he does, but Baldur's word is good enough for me. I have to meet at the Liira temple two nights from tonight.  

Journal entry dated D 106, NM 1531

I feel hopeful. At moonrise I met Ra'bari inside the Liira temple. He led me to a secret passage from the temple, to an underground hall. I've lived around Kartham and University District all my life but never knew this place existed! This hall was full of bookshelves and a few cloaked people, like a library.   We sat at a table and discussed my situation. He told me about the Keymakers, a rebel network that works underground across Ortegue, O'Lenor and Borrozia, and helps those who are being hunted by the Council. He said there are many families and people like me, who keep innate sorcerer abilities hidden to get through magic schools. And if we get found out -- the Keymakers help us hide, escape prosecution and get a clean slate from the Council. And he said since I've been found out, the Keymakers can help me. I will be under their protection starting from when I request their help.   I asked him what it will cost me. He said it won't; the Keymakers do this for revenge, it is their sole purpose, to get back at the Council. He didn't elaborate on it. I asked him if he was one of these rebels, and he said he was just a messenger.   He then gave me a key and a small silver ingot engraved with a bird and "K," and told me to go to any key-making shop in the city, hand it over and tell them, "Please make me a copy of this key for my grandmother's brass music box." I have to make sure to say those exact words, because it is some kind of code, and a wrong word would mean a wrong request. I agreed, then returned to the inn. I know a key shop at Tarragan Square; I have prepared to go as soon as shops open tomorrow.  

Journal entry dated D 107, NM 1531

Today was exciting. I went to the shop and did as I was told. I thought it didn't work, because the smith just took it from me and told me to wait on the bench outside till he's done.   After a short while, an urchin boy came up to me from the street and said I forgot my bag of bread at the bakery, pointing to the one across the road. I started to explain that I never bought bread, but the boy repeated himself and then the smith chimed in from inside the shop and said, "Why don't you go and get your bread, and your key will be ready by then." As the boy ran off, I had a feeling this might have to do with the rebel group, so I complied.   And I was right. At the bakery, the baker's assistant hummed and hawed about my forgetfulness, and gave me a bag. In the bag among the bread I could see scrolls which were sealed with the same symbols as the ingot. I knew I couldn't open it there, so I went back to the smith. Before I could step in again, he gave me a key and said, "Now go home, tell your grandmother to keep this key safe."   I headed back to the inn, and at my door I saw someone waiting -- she was an old woman -- a grandmother! She asked if I would serve her some tea. I let her in. Once inside, she cast a spell -- she said it was an illusion, the sound of a young boy and his grandmother talking and laughing, in case anyone was listening in from the outside. Then she took off her disguise and asked me to sit down.   She explained to me my escape plan. In the bag were scrolls that would ensure my freedom. One was an edict from Tribunal judges, saying that I was accused in error. Then there was a letter of recommendation from a priest, saying that I had been a stellar acolyte. And another one was a test scorecard of many pages. All of it had my name on it and I was confused; I didn't give this rank test, I never trained at a temple, I never appeared before a judge! She told me that it was all forged; the Keymakers had blackmailed or bribed officials into signing these.   I am to go to the Tribunal office with these tomorrow and speak to a Level 3 officer. From there, it would be a few days till my family and I can return home. Until then, I am to stay thoroughly hidden. She gave me a card with the address of a safehouse in the city outskirts; I am to go there directly from the Tribunal office. She said I didn't have to worry about food or heating, as everything was inside the house already. I must not step out until she comes with news that everything is clear.   I can't believe things are so close to finally working out. Tonight I will not be able to sleep properly; I am excited and terrified at the same time. I will always be so... until I am reunited with Ma and Pa...  

Scribe's note (dated D 218, NM 1531):

Raydon Alaxthor was found dead in a room at the Red Housecat Inn a day after this last journal entry.   City Guards did not find any scrolls or safehouse address in the room. There was no sign of forced entry and the innkeeper does not recall seeing anyone suspicious in the premises that night. They did find poisonous mushrooms and other mind-influencing stimulants under his bed, which led them to believe that he must have imagined everything, from the meeting at the underground hall (which the Guards are certain does not exist) to the woman disguised as a grandmother.   At the time of his death, he was still wanted by the Council Guards for deceptive admission into school of magic, falsifying background information and unauthorized use of combative magic against a fellow student.   City Guards searched for his family and put out notices asking for kin to retrieve his body and belongings, but none have come forward so far. Guard Captain Alosyious Bommermain concluded that his family may have left Ortegue when he was outed for fraud and accused of crime, abandoning the boy. The case is now closed.   His possessions, now stored in the evidence room at the Marrowline Barracks, include a diary, a book of scribbles and spells, a bronze chain with a ruby-inlaid medallion, a few ragged clothing and a silver-nickel key with a dove engraved on it.