Mage

Mages use numina to perform magic. In Druthal, at least, magic is performed by the mage drawing the numina in to their own body, and then sending it back out.

The Rule of Five Hundred and Five theorizes that one in 500 people have the ability to channel numina, and thus can access the energy to perform magic. One in five of these have the ability to actually shape it into useful effects. Thus, one in 2500 people have the ability to become a mage. Mages differ in their abilities to use magic, and sensing numina is a different skill as well. Mages with an acute ability to sense numina (like Delmin Sarren) can identify other mages as well as perform a degree of tracking.

Mages need to concentrate to focus numina. This process can be disrupted by chemical means, such as through large doses of coffee (caffeine?) In these cases, it appears that lightning is arcing from their limbs.

In Druthal, mages must belong to a mage circle. The circles provide legal and other protection, in addition to a social function. To join a circle, however, one must first earn their Letters of Mastery at a University. Many segments of society fear or hate mages and lower classes often never see a mage. Uncircled mages are at risk and left exposed. Mage circles have a generally isolationist view of the rest of society. The Red Wolf Circle does work with the Druth government, and mages in Druth Intelligence, for example, are usually Red Wolves. No Circles work with civil services like the Maradaine Constabulary.

Other societies have different relationships with magic, and so the Circle social construct is Druthal-specific. Tsouljans, for instance, have entirely different ways of integrating magic in society. Imachan is strongly opposed to magic and seems to persecute mages.

Magical ability seems to manifest itself around puberty, though there are limited cases of late onset ability. Within Druthal, it seems that some Circles seek out promising young mages. Gollic Alimen, of Lord Preston's Circle identified Veranix Calbert in a traveling circus. Joshea Brondar was identified, but prevented from gaining an education due to family biases.

It seems likely that these social structures within Druthal will lead to most potential mages to ultimately end up with Circles, and thus in cities, rather than in more rural areas.