Council of Magistry
The Council of Magistry is in charge of the use of magic across the land. Before Ragna took command of the Empire, they enforced the banishment of Kaedis, or blood magic, and established the six regional conservatories to formally teach young mages. The Council keeps track of every registered mage in the country, assigning them to courts, battalions, hospitals, etc. They also attempt to document mages who only received private training, but some slip through the cracks.
The Council is a vital part of the government. Before Ragna, they kept magic and mages organized, prevented aleksium from being widely used, and helped protect the continent from conflict. Since Ragna took control, though, the Council has become devoted to seeking out mages that will suffice for her needs. To practice magic in a major city, one must have a license. Obtaining that license means divulging exactly what elements a mage is adept at, including vyšnak. The Council no longer helps mages, but controls them.
Lumarien Conservatory: shades of blue
Ephemere Conservatory: shades of yellow
Chema Conservatory: shades of red
Strica Conservatory: shades of orange
Avadale Conservatory: shades of green
Private study/independent: shades of gray (including black and white) Shades can vary between students and even between individual tattoos on the same student. Magic-adept tattoo artists employed by the conservatories often provide guidance to students on what will look the best. It's important to note that these tattoos can be removed or altered if necessary through magical means, though the process can be tedious and is not often done. Typically, a tattoo artist will be the one to make these changes as well, as unexperienced mages can accidentally scar themselves while trying. The specific designs of the tattoos can vary between students. Many often add personal touches. The only constant is the placement. While the marks are not ever required, they're heavily encouraged, at least while a mage is a student.
In order:
Leuyix
Yuna
Gume
Some mages will remove all but their master tattoos, or whatever rank they happen to be on. Others will incorporate all the variants into their design. In addition, some mages become skilled in other elements. Many will choose to add tattoos that reflect those achievements as well, either replacing parts of their old tattoos or combining them. Some designs get incredibly intricate. Others are simple. Some mages choose to get rid of their tattoos entirely, as they're not required following graduation from the conservatory at the advanced level. Below is an example of the mage Rolan's tattoos.
Ranking System
There are six conservatories, one for each region of Kima. They all teach the same elements to their students. Each one, along with each element, also has its own set of tattoos that go with each "rank" within the system. Private teachers usually follow the ranking and tattoo system as well. To differentiate between the conservatories, each one has a different color for their markings. They are as follows: Katzan Conservatory: shades of purpleLumarien Conservatory: shades of blue
Ephemere Conservatory: shades of yellow
Chema Conservatory: shades of red
Strica Conservatory: shades of orange
Avadale Conservatory: shades of green
Private study/independent: shades of gray (including black and white) Shades can vary between students and even between individual tattoos on the same student. Magic-adept tattoo artists employed by the conservatories often provide guidance to students on what will look the best. It's important to note that these tattoos can be removed or altered if necessary through magical means, though the process can be tedious and is not often done. Typically, a tattoo artist will be the one to make these changes as well, as unexperienced mages can accidentally scar themselves while trying. The specific designs of the tattoos can vary between students. Many often add personal touches. The only constant is the placement. While the marks are not ever required, they're heavily encouraged, at least while a mage is a student.
Ranks
Initiate
An initiate is the starting rank of any new student at a conservatory, or a new student under a private teacher. The average student begins at the age of eight or nine. Students beginning at younger or older ages is rare. It typically takes four years to advance through each rank up to advanced. Achieving mastery takes much longer. Tattoos for this ranking are applied at the corners of the eyes. The following are some examples of common designs that students choose. These aren't definitive, and can be altered in any way the student chooses. The only requirement is the placement.Initiate by Hannah (me)
Leuyix
Yuna
Gume
Novice
A novice is one who has begun to get the hang of using magic. They don't need to be under constant supervision anymore, and are entrusted with small homework assignments. Tattoos are still concentrated around the eyes, but extend farther than the initiate marks. Although students often choose to "stack" their marks, the following images will only include the current rank's marking for ease of viewing.Novice by Hannah (me)
Proficient
A student who has reached the rank of proficient is well on their way to becoming a full-fledged master. At this level, they begin to be evaluated for placements. This can mean being a court advisor, a healer, a soldier, or anything else the Council can come up with Tattoos are centered around the lips and chin for this ranking.Proficient by Hannah (me)
Advanced
Students at the advanced rank are largely independent from their masters. Most of their learning at this point comes from independent study. For many conservatory students, this is where the training ends. Attaining the rank of master in any element takes years, and while the conservatory can be an excellent source of material, focused study is no longer necessary. In times of war or stress, especially, students are sent into their assignments after achieving this rank. Tattoos for this rank are focused on the cheekbones.Advanced by Hannah (me)
Master
The most coveted rank is that of the master. Only masters are certified to train initiates. They are respected across the continent for the time and work they put into achieving their rank. Tattoos for this rank are centered between the eyebrows. There is only one base variant.Master by Hannah (me)
Rolan marks
In ancestral footsteps we tread.
Founding Date
312 ND
Type
Government, Leadership
Alternative Names
The Council
Demonym
Councilor, Magister, Mage
Leader
Leader Title
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
