What measure is a mage?

[watchesandlistens]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Corvo
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: Corvo's not like the other girls mages
WHEN: Now
WHERE: Everywhere
NOTES: is a mage an animal, vegetable, or mineral?

[ The voice that speaks is low, gravelly. Not one often heard over the crystals, or around Skyhold in general. He's not the chattiest guy around. But he's curious. ]

I can use magic, but I would not consider myself a mage.

[ Pause. ]

Not that I have anything against mages. I simply...do not identify as one, particularly within the context of mages in this world.

[ Another pause, to let that sink in. Then he gets to the point. ]

How would you define a mage? Is everyone that's capable of magic truly to be considered one? Perhaps there should be a label for people who do not so easily fit into those categories--if one does not already exist.

Comments

[limier]

I've a mind now to declare myself a mage, for the look upon certain faces.

But you are correct: There is little consensus. What should define a mage, outside their magic? The will with which to wield one's abilities — as opposed to an enchanted sword. The origins of their matter — when considered against creatures of the Fade. These definitions alone do not suffice.

If it walks like a duck, as it were.

[watchesandlistens]

I suppose that it's not a question that's had to be asked until recently. Up until now, anyone who could do magic were stamped with one label and isolated from pursuing anything else.

But that's not the case any more. Within your own mages, and with the addition of people from worlds where magic is not the same.

It's something to consider, as time progresses.

[limier]

I would not go so far.

As a thought experiment, or a matter of vocabulary? The inquiry is an interesting one. But common dangers remain to all who touch the Fade, if only by their introduction to it here.

Whether a man would consider himself a baker, a scholar, or a murderer — [ yeah corvo you seem REAL trustworthy after that "magical assassin" bit ] — the presence of magic remains a piece of his nature. However so gained, or parted from him.

[watchesandlistens]

I am just suggesting that...perhaps differences in how people interact with their magic should be examined. Possibly considering finding terms that fit those differences more accurately.

[limier]

You are suggesting that those differences exclude you from a group to whom certain checks and social pressures apply. If you will permit the advice, take care in how you phrase such beliefs outside these walls.