Preliminary Trial

The Preliminary Trial is a beginner, non-lethal, version of the Final Mage Trial that is conducted at Slyver Keep tower. The tower only appears during the Lunar Convergence. 

The Lunar Convergence occurs once every few years. If a Mage Initiate fails the trial, they must wait until the next Lunar Convergence to re-attempt. There is no limit to how many times the Initate can reattempt the Preliminary Trial. 

Initiates must undertake the trial alone, facing three distinct challenges and must complete before the tower disappears at sunrise. The test is uniquely tailored to each individual, with the tower adapting its challenges upon entry to reflect the Initiate’s abilities and nature.

Evaluation Trial

Upon passing the Preliminary Trial, an Initiate is assigned to a High Mage for an Evaluation Trial. During this stage, the High Mage assesses the Initiate’s combat abilities, aptitude, and adaptability with passage granted solely at their discretion. 

If the assigned High Mage also serves as the Initiate’s mentor, they are prohibited from conducting the evaluation and the Initiate must instead be reassigned to a different High Mage.

Final Trial

The Final Mage Trial is conducted at Veilspire tower in Nythara after a High Mage petitions to the Arch Mages upon an Initiate’s successful Evaluation Trial. It is a highly dangerous trial that can be fatal, consisting of multiple adaptive challenges with no time limit

Each Initiate is permitted one companion. Traditionally another Mage, as no Knight has ever participated, but the presence of a companion increases the difficulty and both may perish during the ordeal.

Upon entering the testing chamber, the trial alters to suit the Initiate including potential manipulation of their memories, so they are unaware they are undergoing a test. If accompanied, they may not remember their companion during the trial. 

All who complete the trial are irrevocably changed in some way. Mages are forbidden from sharing any details of their experience to prevent future Initiates from gaining outside knowledge or advantage.

Core Challenges

The Final Mage Trials are designed to assess an Initiate’s proficiency, knowledge, and control over magic through a series of structured challenges. These include encounters that cannot be overcome by magic alone, requiring adaptability and resourcefulness. An Initiate must face a confrontation with a familiar ally, typically the individual the Initiate is most strongly connected to. The Initiate must also face their deepest fears or most haunting memories. For the final requirement, the Initiate must make a meaningful sacrifice of some kind.