Warmage

The Warmage is an Imperial title bestowed on a magician. The first warmage was a Dawnish warwitch named Jayne de Severnford, and the witches of Dawn often seek to emulate her; it is a rare duel for this position that does not include several witches. Indeed, on several occasions a test of mettle has revolved around becoming warmage.

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. They often approach the orders of the Imperial Conclave to suggest gambits that will help the Empire's war effort (especially the Order of the Rod and Shield, but also politically savvy elements of the Order of the Celestial Arch). 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.

Powers of the Warmage

The Warmage has a seat on the Military Council. This grants them a vote, identical to that possessed by the Generals and 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.

Selection of the Warmage

Each candidate presents themselves to the civil service, and pays one crystal of mana to declare themselves candidate. At an arranged time all candidates gather together in a designated area and fight until only one candidate remains upright. The Warmage serves for one year.

It is assumed that the magicians who take part will use their magic to win, but there are plenty of candidates who arrive in full harness with shield and sword or rod as there are those in mage-armour with a staff. It is not uncommon for candidates to form temporary alliances in this duel, or even to form a bloc and challenge other magicians with the victors kneeling to one of their number to indicate they wish them to take the position. This latter is considered a little unsporting, but is well within the bounds of the selection process - especially on those occasions where the chosen victor is a healer or a practitioner of ritual enchantment.

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.

Removing the Warmage

The Warmage can be revoked by the Imperial Synod; however only the General Assembly or the Council of Nine have the ability to do so. The National Assembly cannot revoke a warmage as the law considers them to be an officer of the Imperial Conclave, not their nation.