Eight Examples of Mages in Pop Culture

So, you want to build a Mage- type character? You’re in luck! RISE has some awesome choices and is specifically designed for creative character creation. Your imagination is the limit. There is no set course, and your character can grow based off of the story, roleplaying, wants, or needs. You can create anything, really. This may seem daunting, though, and maybe you’re not sure where to start with your Mage character. That’s where I come in *wink*. Here are some construction ideas based off of some of our favorite spell slingers and magic wielders. (possible spoilers ahead).

Merlin (The Legend of King Arthur)- There are many sources to pull from for lore concerning Merlin, but most agree that he was able to create amazing illusions, had an uncanny ability to predict the future, and pursed alchemy. With that in mind, a Merlin type character’s base would work well as the Wizard theme- with investment dedicated to the School of Illusion and School of Divination features, as well as the Alchemy competency. Perhaps the alchemy might also lead to use of the Healing Talent: Apothecary. Let’s not forget about his advisory role, to King Arthur! I think it would be safe to assume that this character might also have some investment into Politics, or Ethics, with a high Education and Diplomacy acumen.

Scarlett Witch (Marvel)- A powerful character with a varied past to be sure, but if I were to create a Wanda Maximoff themed character, she would absolutely be a Sorceress and a Phrenic. Her ability to manipulate chaos magics and to delve into the minds of others lend to this beautifully. There are so many directions you could go with these two themes (just like all the directions comic book writers have gone with the Scarlett Witch), wielding and blending the powers of the soul and mind into a magic few in the cosmos could withstand.

Raistlin Majere (Dragonlance)- Easily one of the most complex magic wielders in fantasy! What an intricate character to try to create. With an inborn magical ability, I would choose Sorcerer as his base theme. Because of pacts made and betrayals performed, I would delve into the Warlock and Blackguard themes at some point in the character build too. It makes sense to me that a Raistlin- like character would also have built up a proficiency with staves either through Wizard implement features or by investing into the Equipment Talent: Staff Superiority.

Howl Pendragon (Howl's Moving Castle)- A decent wizard of one world, finding a portal to another world, and making a pact with a fire demon to become an even more powerful wizard in the new world, gives us a Wizard/ Warlock character like Howl Pendragon. Howl, I think, would have invested into the Acting and Alertness competencies as they would be beneficial to fool people into thinking Howl is lesser than he really is, and would help him be wary of those hunting him. Perhaps Howl would also have a high Survival acumen and specialization with an implement, specifically a mirror.

Tom Bombadil (The Lord of the Rings)- The tragically overlooked (in the movies) character of Tom Bombadil, would absolutely make for fun character inspiration. I would place him first and foremost as a Bard, with heavy Warden leanings. His voice, as lovely as it is powerful, and his ability to protect his domain- even against creatures like the barrow wights- make these two themes the perfect pairing for this type of character. Tom Bombadil’s age, and vast travel experience would also lend to the idea that he would have extensive knowledge in the competencies: Ancient History and Navigation.

Willow Rosenberg (Buffy, the Vampire Slayer)- Another deliciously complex character, is that of Buffy’s Willow Rosenburg. This type of character, I think, would start out as a Sorceress. With awakening powers, though, and an implacable curiosity, this character would seek to strengthen those powers through research and tutelage- becoming a Wizard and Sage as well. Knowledge of arcane practices and ancient texts would lead Willow to invest into the Talent: Ceremonialist, opening up a whole other level to her magic potential. Finally, Willow Rosenburg would most definitely also have a deep devotion to the Spell Craft competency.

Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings)- Bolstering your powers by calling upon the ancient name of the sun, as well the Arda, while in the middle of a battle with a giant demon of flame and shadow from the pits of hell, would absolutely put Gandalf in the category of Invoker! A Gandalf themed character would have some pretty powerful backers. A character modeled after Gandalf, would also be rather shrewd and would show up in battle at just the right time with just the right spells (see the battle at Helm’s deep) giving credence to the Wizard theme, particularly the Invested Spellbook feature. Of course, Gandalf would also be proficient with both the long sword and the staff- having invested into the combat talent: Ambidexterity and likely the Weapon Magic feature also from Wizard.

Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)- Yup, you saw that correctly, Mary Poppins! I love that there is such interesting lore for a character like Mary Poppins. In the book she is called “The Great Exception”- she is a human who did not forget her connection to nature, and her ability to understand and utilize it, like you and I have after birth. I would put her in the Sorcerer category with a secondary base theme of Druid because of her connection to nature. Some Bardic meandering would come in later, for she would be well-versed in the knowledge of her world, rarely without an answer, but not with the dedication of the Sage. Her performances could help teach valuable lessons (perhaps at the local tavern). I think a Mary Poppins character would also benefit from the Oration and Etiquette competencies.

There you have it! These are just a few of the innumerable combinations that you could come up with to create a homebrew Mage character in Rise. The sky is not the limit here. If you have an idea, have fun and run with it, even if it seems different from a ‘typical’ mage character. Happy creating, and of course happy gaming!

-Shyel

*Disclaimer: I realize that many of these characters have incredibly in-depth histories and origins. There are movie, novel, and comic versions etc. I am not claiming to be an expert, just a fan, and these suggestions are how I might start a character with RISE. I hope it gives you some inspiration.