Warmage

Mage armour by Evenlode Studios

Overview

The Warmage is an Imperial title in the Conclave bestowed on a magician.

The Warmage ensures that the Military Council has specialist advice on tactical and strategic use of magic; is appraised of the availability and effect of magical resources; and to recognises opportunities to use magic on the battlefield or in pursuit of strategic aims. The holder of the title is also expected to use their powers to liaise between the Conclave and the Council, helping to arrange magical assistance for the armies of the Empire. They are also likely to offer advice about deploying and gathering magical resources, specific magical counters to known threats, and ways that additional magical support can be acquired or deployed.

The Warmage has the right to declare a gambit. A wise Warmage cultivates good relations with the Order of the Rod and Shield, as their goals are often in alignment.

The first Warmage was a Dawnish warwitch named Jayne de Severnford, and the witches of Dawn often seek to emulate her by claiming this position and keeping for as long as possible. Indeed, on several occasions a test of mettle has revolved around becoming Warmage.

Powers

The Warmage is an Imperial title in the Conclave.

Membership of the Imperial Military Council

The Warmage has a seat on the Military Council. This grants them a vote, identical to that possessed by an Imperial general. While they do not directly control an Imperial army, they receive all other benefits and expectations of being an Imperial general such as being permitted to bring an aide to meetings of the council and to speak freely.

The Military Gambit

Once during each summit, the Warmage can present a single gambit during a Conclave session. The gambit is raised to the agenda, presented, debated and resourced in the same way as a gambit raised by an archmage. The Principle of Presence means that a Warmage can appoint a proxy to raise a gambit on their behalf - but the proxy cannot present it.

Addressing the Conclave

Once per summit, the Warmage can raise an address to the agenda of a conclave session for free. This power is intended to be used to let the Warmage appraise the Conclave of developments in the Military Council, but the Warmage is free to address the Conclave however they wish.

Selection

The title of Warmage is gained by declaration of candidacy before the Conclave. The position is often hotly contested by members of the Rod and Shield order. On occasions where a Warmage that does not belong to that order is appointed, they often come under pressure to join the ranks of the Rod and Shield.

Removal

The Warmage serves until they are replaced by another magician using the Declaration of Candidacy. As with other Conclave titles, the Warmage cannot be revoked by the Imperial Synod.