Wizard

Wizards were arcane spellcasters that learned to practice the Art through research and learning.^[3] They drew upon the Weave through a broad range of spells and other magical abilities learned through years of practice and training.^[5] Through the spells they prepared and memorized, powerful wizards could take control over a battlefield,^[11] commanding fire and lightning as easily as others wielded sword and shield. They could learn and perform intricate rituals of arcane power that drew in entities from across the multiverse or peer into future potentialities that have not yet come to pass.^[3]

Culture[]

Wizards were generally the best-respected of all arcane spellcasters. They usually maintained a measure of discipline that was uncommon among sorcerers or warlocks, whose very nature made them comparatively unruly. Not all wizards were deserving of this reputation however, and wizards were corrupted by their power or otherwise turned to evil ways.^[14]

Prior to the Era of Upheaval, wizards as a whole were associated with Mystra, Goddess of Magic and manifestation of The Weave.^[14] That closely held association was altered for a time following Mystra's death during the Spellplague.^[15] Shar, Goddess of Darkness orchestrated Mystra's death and attempted to supplant her arcane plexus with the Shadow Weave, but was ultimately unsuccessful.^[16] During the Second Sundering, both Mystra and the Weave returned to Toril, and the relationship between them and arcane practitioners was restored.^[15]

Abilities[]

Wizards had access to a wide variety of spells available to them, fueled by the arcane energy of the Weave.^[3] A wizard's spells differed from those of other arcane spellcasters usually in terms of usage or scale. They could control the nature of a battle, completely alter a landscape, or even the physical makeup of the universe itself.^[17] They learned new spells by reading over and in some cases even building upon the arcane research of others.^[3]

They were also skilled in the use of rituals, powerful spells that require a significant amount of time and energy to cast. Like other spells, wizards kept inscribed the specifications rituals written within their spellbook, where each ritual took up at least a page, with complexity and page length directly proportional to the power inherent in a ritual. ^[18]

Spellbook[]

One point that marked wizards as different from other arcane spellcasters was their reliance upon their arcane spellbook. In order to cast most spells, wizards studied their spellbook before they planned to rest, sleep,^[3] or in the case of elves enter into reverie.^[20] Once their spells were prepared, wizards could access and cast them to the extents their mental capacity would allow.^[3]

Wizards were entirely dependent upon their spellbooks to prepare new spells each day, and could barely tap into the Weave without them. The only spells that wizards could cast without preparation were simple cantrips.^[3]

Implements[]

When casting spells, wizards often used arcane foci, or implements, such as staffs, orbs, or wands.^[21] These implements concentrated the arcane power in a spell, increasing its effectiveness. All wizards had a degree of specialization in implements, preferring one kind over another. Some took a liking to orbs, which they used to increase the duration of their spells' effects. Others preferred using wands to enhance their accuracy or staves to defend themselves. The most basic spells available to wizards were known as cantrips and required little skill on the part of the wizard in order for them to be cast. Such spells were typically small tricks of magic such as creating a light source, a sound, or moving a small object telekinetically.^[22]

Familiars[]

A familiar was a normal animal that gained new powers and became a magical beast when summoned to service by a wizard or a sorcerer. Each wizard shared an empathic bond with their familiar and could even channel the casting of certain spells through them. Many types of animals could be called upon as familiars, from everyday cats and ravens,^[24] to more exotic species such as beguilers and starsnakes.^[25]

Learning the Art[]

Mastering, and even learning the basics of the Art was a long and arduous process. The most straightforward method was apprenticeship under experienced mages. However, it was not an easy task. It required thoroughly learning and using spells starting from the most basic spells of everyday utility, such as mending or message. Adventurers and other thrill and fortune seekers trained in the Art by successfully reading out spell scrolls or by methodically learning, copying, and replicating arcane writings, all the time slowly improving their experience. Lastly, learning the Art was accessible through natural-born strong "wild talent" or a "Gift" that aided mages-to-be in the learning process.^[26]

Youths of humble means rarely became wizards as the learning the Art was an expensive aspiration. This one of the reasons why wizardly profession was so scarce in the Realms. Those of talents and luck became apprentices, or drudges to mages, while those in the Forest Kingdom of Cormyr tried to demonstrate their "Gift" to the infamous Wizards of War or another well-known arcane organization. An alternative to service to apprenticeship were the Harpers who covertly scouted the Realms for goodly youths with the "wild talent".^[27]

Spell Preparation and Casting[]

Wizards cast their spells by using their acquired magical knowledge and experience. In particular, they learned most new spells by seeking out magical writings and copying them into their spellbooks. Unlike bards or sorcerers, the wizardly method allowed them to master any number of permissible spells once they find them, assembling a broad and versatile arsenal of power. Many wizards saw themselves not only as spell casters but as philosophers, inventors, and scientists, studying a system of natural laws that are for the most part unknown and undiscovered.^[3]

Resting: Wizards were forced to rest prior to spell casting,^[3][29] by getting uninterrupted hours of restful sleep or meditation.^[24][29]

Preparing: In order to prepare spells from their spellbooks, wizards needed comfortable quiet areas to study. The spell was read, spoken, or memorized up until the trigger.^[29][3][30]

Arcane Traditions[]

During their studies, wizards chose arcane traditions to follow, most often preferring to focus upon a single school of magic.^[3] Other wizards, known as generalists, were less inclined to specialize in the various schools of magic. These individuals instead prefer to use a wide variety of spells, with no limitations on which spells they can or cannot cast other than lack of knowledge.^[31]

School Specialization[]

Main article: Schools of Magic

Wizards could choose to specialize in one or more of eight schools of magic, a distinction that was made early on in their training.^[3][32] This specialization was sometimes required in order to join the ranks of some of the world's most prestigious wizards. The Red Wizards of Thay required all initiates to be specialized in one of the schools of magic.^[33][34]

Specialists were generally treated by the world at large as non-specialized wizards were, albeit with some notable exceptions. Entertaining illusionists, highly-prized diviners, and often-maligned necromancers were often regarded differently than other practitioners.^[32] While it was uncommon, some elves, half-elves, and gnomes even practiced dualism, exclusive specialization in two opposing schools of magic, to the exclusion of all others.^[35] Nonetheless, specialists were simply considered wizard variants by the magic casting community as a whole.^[32]

Abjuration[]

Main article: Abjurer

Wizards that specialized in abjuration magic, those that deflected others spell, banished entities, or otherwise protected individuals, were known as abjurers.^[3] These wizards were usually deliberate and prudent, seeing many other wizard specialists as reckless or wasteful. Abjurers liked to be prepared, be it in research or adventuring, and often devoted their free time to working out strategies for confronting other arcane spellcasters. They were not considered threats to most martial combatants, but were deadly threats to practitioners of arcane or divine magic.^[32]

Because of their propensity for deliberant action, adjurers tended to be ethically sound and morally upstanding individuals. There were however other practitioners of the school that were drawn to its practice by the promise of greater power. Many abjurers only reluctantly took up the life of adventure and were most often found in small villages where they enjoyed the trust and good regards of friends and neighbors.^[32]

Conjuration[]

Main article: Conjurer

Conjurers were wizards that specialized in conjuration, the magical art of summoning creatures and items, as well as manifesting teleportation.^[3] Conjurers were often headstrong and disdainful towards other schools of magic, seeing most as weak or inconsequential, or in the case of necromancy, wholly repulsive. Conjurers can be difficult companions since many are so independent-minded that only an unusually strong-willed leader can earn their respect.^[32]

According to some stereotypes, conjurers lacked the finesse of other specialists and viewed magic as a blunt instrument. They were often overconfident in battle, believing themselves capable of overcoming any threat. It was said they often favored quick and easy solutions over careful planning advocated by abjurers. Conjurers tended towards moral ambiguity, were unbothered by ethical conventions, and were quite willing to acquire power by unsavory, evil or outright despicable methods. In order that they could conduct experiments and arcane research in peace, conjurers often preferred isolation over collaboration with others.^[32]

Divination[]

Main article: Diviner

Those wizards who specialized in divination, the anticipation of events through time and space, either in the future or a far away location, were known as diviners. Their abilities were highly prized among everyone across the Realms, from monarchs to paupers alike.^[3] Diviners were notable for their intuition and prudence, preferring to use violence only as a last resort. Many diviners were also strong judges of character, with an insightful nature in all matters. They were not cowards by any means, but preferred to exhaust other options before resorting to violence. In battle, their magic proved extremely potent against illusionists, whose tricks they could unravel with their own spells.^[32]

Because of their deliberate approach to matters, most diviners abided the law but generally remained neutral on matters of morality. Diviners of all stripes often made good money seers or fortunetellers. They did not however often become adventurers, in part because of their solitary nature, but were highly valued and readily welcome within most adventuring parties. Benevolent diviners used their foresight to prevent harm from coming to others while malevolent practitioners often used it obtain control over others. ^[32]

Enchantment[]

Main article: Enchanter

Enchanters were those wizards that specialized in the school of enchantment, the arcane art of influencing or controlling the actions of others. Many enchanters were known to be very charming, with naturally outgoing personalities that were attractive to many they encountered. This natural charisma was not required by enchanters however, as they could sway the opinions or actions of others with their magic. Even the most boorish or repulsive enchanters had to draw upon their intellect first and foremost. They utilized their spells to overcome social obstacles, nullify opponents in battle, or even turn their enemies into allies in the midst of combat.^[32]

An enchanter's tendency to work with allies more closely than other wizards was one of their greatest strengths. Enchanters of all kinds enjoyed good company and were typically more often found in large cities than small insular communities. They did not overly concern themselves with concepts like good or evil, but tended to be more free-spirited when it came to following laws. The major difference between enchanters arose when they were forced to decide whether or not to violate the free will of another living being: some had qualms and would not take such action, while others did so with little to no concern.^[32]

Evocation[]

Main article: Evoker

Evokers practiced a unique blend of arcane magic with the elemental power of creation, from the evocation school of magic. They were found in all walks of life where arcane power proved an important edge, from small-time bandits to grand armies that employed them as arcane artillerists.^[3] Due to their natural skill in magical warfare, these wizards were among the most valued combatants in warfare.^[32] They wielded offensive spells that could blanket a battlefield in destruction, while simultaneously sculpting it to spare their allies.^[3]

Practitioners of evocation were often decisive, forthright, and stubbornly determined individuals; qualities that were associated with strong leadership. They seldom let distractions into their lives, preferring austere lifestyles with few creature comforts in contrast the magnificent powers they commanded. Evokers held no strong disposition towards the forces of good or evil, nor law and chaos in the world.^[32]

Illusionist[]

Main article: Illusionist

Illusion magic were among the most well-known specializations of wizardry, and the illusionists who practiced it were often beloved as entertainers across the Realms.^[32] Their magic inspired wonder and kindled the imagination of audiences far and wide.^[3] They were often extremely flamboyant and outgoing individuals, with a streak of outright hedonism. Considered among the most creative of arcane practitioners, most illusionists were great appreciators of the arts and hands-on experimentation, while were less concerned with scholarly research. While they were just as intelligent and skilled as other wizards they were not always as reflective, often accepting life as an impermanent existence that was best left free from uncompromising philosophies.^[32]

They were not however mere clowns or conjurers of cheap tricks, but could be deadly adversaries when they so chose. They employed illusions to toy with their enemies, casting illusory images or sounds to befuddle the minds of their foes and turn their senses against. In some instances, these illusions were so powerful and realistic they "fooled" enemies into injury and even death.^[36] Illusionists that chose malevolence could be truly frightful and menacing.^[32]

Necromancer[]

Main article: Necromancer

Necromancy and its necromancer practitioners concerned themselves with arcane mastery over the forces of life and death, along with the existence of undeath in between. They wielded the actual life energy that permeated all of existence as other wizards created simple facsimiles of life or viewed potentialities that did not exist.^[3] Most necromantic wizards approached life with a stoic and thoughtful attitude and was misinterpreted by others. While some viewed them as withdrawn or obsessive, these wizards were often considered loyal and faithful companions by their allies. They were generally fearless towards death, which was appropriate considering their path often lead to mastery over its domain.^[32]

For all their positive qualities, exposure to the forces of death and undeath corrupted many who delved into the necromantic arts. Selfish and even evil necromancers far outnumbered those that brought goodness into the world.^[32] So-called "white necromancers" always focused their powers for the betterment of civilization.^[37] While many of these wizards felt an allure to natural order, others possessed a more anarchic streak. It was extremely rare to find a necromancer that remained truly neutral to all matters of morality and ethics.^[32]

Transmuter[]

Main article: Transmuter

Transmutation was the school of magic that focused on altering both energy and matter to the whim of the transmuters who specialized in the art. These wizards saw the universe as wholly mutable, full of variables and configurations that they delighted in exploring.^[3] They tended to be a bit more curious than other wizards, marked by a fascination in how forces and things fit together and likewise, could be taken apart. As such many transmuters were ardent collectors of magical items and artifacts. While they thought clearly and in-depth about the machinations of existence, they often lacked insight into why things were rather than just how they existed.^[32]

Many transmuters tended toward unpredictability and disorder, as chaos remained the very essence of change. There was not much shared moral outlook upon their numbers, but rather different perspectives on how their abilities could be used to change the world. Transmuters were more adventuresome than other wizards and can often be found exploring the world.^[32] They made for skilled alchemists and often crafted namestake stones that could be used to alter characteristics about anyone that held it.^[3]

Other Traditions[]

While all wizards held access to the eight schools of magic, some preferred to follow other arcane traditions beyond school specialization.^[3][5]

Bladesinging[]

Main article: Bladesinger

The elven art of bladesinging was a closely-guarded secret of the Tel-quessir, limited mostly cities of Evermeet, Evereska, and Myth Drannor. The bladesong itself was an elaborate series of stances and maneuvers resembling a dance, which allowed a wizard to perform exceptional feats in combat. Experienced bladesingers learned to attack more quickly in combat than other wizards, delivering twice as many blows in the span of mere moments.^[5][38]

Despite what is name suggested, bladesingers did not always wield swords in combat. Different styles utilized hafted weapons such as axes and hammers, which others incorporated whips or chained weapons such as flails. Regardless of their preferred weapon, bladesingers were nearly exclusively recruited from among elves and half-elves of the Realms.^[5]

War Magic[]

Main article: War mage

War mages (not to be confused with the well-known War Wizards of Cormyr) were specialized wizards that focused on battlefield applications of their spells. Many of their spells originated from the evocation or abjuration schools of magic.^[4] To ensure their own survival, war mages first learned how to deflect attacks by means of their arcane power. They laboriously studied battle tactics and trained themselves to make quick, decisive actions in combat. Over time, a war mage's magical offenses became more powerful and their defenses more durable. The most powerful of their ranks became juggernauts of destruction, redirecting attacks made against them towards everyone else on the battlefield.^[4]

Notable Wizards[]

• Elminster Aumar, the Sage of Shadowdale was among the most famous wizards in all the Realms.^[39]
• Vangerdahast Aeiulvana, the Royal Magician of Cormyr and Chairman Emperies of the Cormyrean College of War Wizards.^[40]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Video Games

Baldur's Gate series • Icewind Dale series • Neverwinter Nights series • Neverwinter

Card Games

Magic: The Gathering

Gallery[]

A male human wizard character from the Icewind Dale video game.

A female human wizard character from the Icewind Dale video game.

A female elf wizard weaving a spell.

A male elf wizard reading a piece of parchment.

An eccentric apprentice wizard.

External links[]

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the following links do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki, nor does any lore presented necessarily adhere to established canon.

• Wizard article at the Baldur's Gate 3 Community Wiki, a community wiki for Baldur's Gate 3.
  
• Wizard article at the NWNWiki, a wiki for the Neverwinter Nights games.

References[]

Connections[]