Archmage
- For the Warcraft III unit, see Archmage (Warcraft III). For the title, see Archmage (title).
Archmagi (or arch magi and archmagus (singular)) are a type of powerful caster that represent the pinnacle of magical power. Most archmagi hail from the Magocracy of Dalaran but can be found among other groups as well. Weaving their intricate enchantments, these mages defend their people with all the magical powers at their disposal. Mounted atop their trusty steeds, the archmagi brandish magical blades and ancient staves that serve to channel their fierce energies in battle. Though gruff and slightly aloof, these experienced wizards are a heartening sight upon any battlefield where the fate of humanity lies in peril.[1]
Calling down shards of freezing ice to batter and rend their enemies, archmagi have been known to rout entire armies using this spell. They can also summon and control powerful elementals comprised of water and air vapors. Some archmagi are so powerful that their very presence enhances the energies of the spellcasters around them. These magical synergies manifest in an aura of brilliance, which increases the younger spellcasters' energy pools so that they can cast spells more often. Mass Teleport is an extremely powerful spell that allows the archmage to teleport himself and his army. However, due to the delicate nature of the spell, archmagi can only teleport to places where someone they know currently is.[1]
Background
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This section is a lore stub. |
Dalaran
Around 2,700 years BDP, the Magocrat Lords of Arathor acted as the ruling archmagi of the city-state of Dalaran and eagerly devoted themselves to the arcane.[2]
Mage students become apprentices to archmages, typically asking the senior mages to be their mentor.[3] To prevent apprentices from secretly using elemental familiars to complete their chores, the archmagi of Dalaran placed the ritual required to summon the creature across the pages of several spellbooks hidden throughout Dalaran. They are also prohibited from using scrying pools to post students of the opposite sex on a pay-per-view basis.[4]
The highest honor available to non-citizens of Dalaran is the Violet Signet, a magical ring that grew in power for those who proved their loyalty to the Violet Eye, and which may become as those of the archmages of the Kirin Tor when its full power is released.[5]
Quel'Thalas
The Grand Magister of Quel'Thalas serves as the supreme leader and highest figure of authority among the Magisters, holding more influence than even the highest sin'dorei archmages.[6]
Highborne
Archmagi can be found in the ranks of the Shen'dralar, including their current leader, Mordent Evenshade, or the arcane reforgers who arrived at the Alliance capital cities during the Cataclysm to offer their services.[7]
Notable
In Warcraft III
- Main article: Archmage (Warcraft III)
In Warcraft III, the Archmages were introduced as hero units, a special unit-type of the Human faction.
They had the following spells: Blizzard, Summon Water Elemental, Brilliance Aura, and Mass Teleport.
Archmage unit in Reign of Chaos.
Archmage unit in Reign of Chaos.
Archmage icon from Reign of Chaos.
Archmage from Reforged.
Warcraft III concept art.
Reforged concept art.
The campaign includes a number of unique archmagi.
Jaina is an archmage from Reign of Chaos.
Antonidas archmage icon from Reforged.
Antonidas from Reforged.
Ghostly Archmage icon from The Frozen Throne.
Ghostly Archmage from The Frozen Throne.
High elf archmage icon from Reforged.
High elf archmage from Reforged.
Ghostly Archmage icon from Reforged.
Ghostly Archmage from Reforged.
In the RPG
Archmages can come from any arcane caster class as long as they have a sufficient level of arcana and spellcraft knowledge. They must have the ability to cast arcane spells and spells from at least five of the schools of magic at a certain level of proficiency. They must also spell focus in two schools of magic. Archmages of the Kirin Tor forbid warlocks and necromancers from their ranks.[9]
Archmagi keep the enemy on their toes, making them realize that there are more things to fear than simply the swords in their faces. Always attacking from afar, archmagi back up the combatants and either protect them or attack the enemies. Extremely powerful, they are also vulnerable, and warriors must protect them in case the enemy archers attempt to focus their fire on them. An example of a typical archmage is Conjurus Rex.[10]
Archmage is a class mentioned in the Dungeons and Dragons: Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game which exists in the world of Warcraft. Though incorporated into the Warcraft RPG it is detailed only in the DMG (Dungeon Master's Guide). Characters with this class appear in Lands of Conflict and Shadows & Light.[11][12]
Archmage of Kirin Tor
- Main article: Archmage of Kirin Tor
In World of Warcraft: The Role Playing Game, the generic archmage class was replaced with the Archmage of Kirin Tor prestige class, which included a Warcraft lore description. Note that the term "Archmage of the Kirin Tor" can and has been properly shortened to simply "archmage" in lore text. The term archmage can also be used to describe archmagi that are not members of the Kirin Tor.
Notes
- Khadgar was originally described as an "Arch-Wizard",[13] before later being referred to as an archmage.
Gallery
Unique Starcraft II editor remodeled asset from Warcraft III.
A painting of an archmage, possibly Antonidas, in the Photonic Playground.
See also
References
- ^ a b Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual, pg. 8
- ^ The First Guardian
- ^ Dark Riders
- ^ The Schools of Arcane Magic - Divination
- ^ The Violet Signet questline
- ^ In the Shadow of the Sun
- ^ Exodar Peacekeeper#Quotes
- ^
[Archmage Theocritus's Research Journal]
- ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 92
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 183
- ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 90-1
- ^ Shadows & Light, pg. 41-2, 47
- ^ Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal missions#Introduction