Tranquil

“If I felt pain, it is meaningless to me now. Once I knew only fear, but now I know only service. Whatever pain there was, I believe it an acceptable trade." ― A Tranquil

The Tranquil are mages who went through the Rite of Tranquility and belong to the Circle of Magi. The Rite cuts off a mage's connection to the Fade, and the Tranquil can no longer dream nor draw on the Fade to perform magic. As a side effect, their emotional center is utterly removed. in the first place. Because of this, it is believed that Tranquil are immune to demonic possession since demons rely upon emotions fundamentally.

Causes

The Rite of Tranquility was intended as a tool of last resort to stop uncontrolled mages from hurting themselves or others. It is claimed to be an act of mercy, if not kindness. Some mages willingly volunteer to undergo the Rite, primarily to avoid the Harrowing. Mages don't generally elect to become Tranquil after their Harrowing, but it's not unheard of. Many of those who willingly go through the Rite have never even shown the desire to be mages in the first place. Once made Tranquil, they are believed to be immune to the dangers of demons they would have to face otherwise.
It is generally up to the judgement of a Knight-Commander whether a mage needs to be made Tranquil. Chantry law forbids performing the Rite without significant provocation and the agreement of the relevant Circle's First Enchanter. "Provocation" means that the mage either cannot control their magic or is not willing to do so, such as being a maleficar. Because a mage who has passed the Harrowing is deemed to be strong enough to resist demonic possession, forcibly making them Tranquil is theoretically against Chantry law. Practically, the situation varies from tower to tower. The system will fall out of balance anywhere where the First Enchanter is either weak or ignored.
The Rite involves the use of a lyrium brand. As a result, the Tranquil have the seal of the Chantry's sunburst embossed on their foreheads. The Tranquil are not permitted to speak of the Rite or other secrets of superiors.

Symptoms

Tranquil don't seem to be affected by lyrium at all, compared to non-Tranquil mages who can die by simply coming into proximity of it. Because of this, many Circles use Tranquil to handle lyrium-based supplies and to work on magical equipment such as inscribing runes or etchings into weapons or armor.

Treatment

There is no way you can undo the Rite of Tranquility.

History

Some might argue that the Rite of Tranquility is used too sparingly in some regions, such as in Kirkwall under Templar Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard's draconian rulership.

The symbol of Tranquility branded upon a Tranquil's forehead.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical