The Arcane Registry
The Arcane Registry is the foremost civil institution responsible for the oversight and accountability of spellcasters throughout much of the civilized world. Established centuries ago in response to the growing influence of magic upon society, the Registry was founded upon a simple principle: those capable of consciously manipulating Essence possess the ability to alter reality itself and must therefore remain accountable to the civilizations in which they live. While its authority and exact procedures differ from nation to nation, the Arcane Registry serves as the foundation upon which most magical law is built.
Contrary to popular belief, the Arcane Registry does not exist to restrict the pursuit of magical knowledge. Rather, it exists to ensure that such knowledge is practiced responsibly. Through a network of recognized academies, temples, druidic circles, knightly orders, and other sanctioned organizations, the Registry records the identities, training, and affiliations of lawful spellcasters while maintaining the standards expected of those entrusted with the manipulation of Essence. It also preserves the official records of magical licensure, oversees the recognition of legitimate magical institutions, and serves as the primary authority on matters of magical law.
When those laws are violated, enforcement falls not to the Registry itself but to the Spellwardens, an independent organization tasked with investigating magical crimes, apprehending dangerous spellcasters, and protecting the public from the misuse of Essence. Though the Registry and the Spellwardens work closely together, they serve distinct roles: one preserves the integrity of magical society through administration and oversight, while the other ensures that its laws are upheld.
Contrary to popular belief, the Arcane Registry does not exist to restrict the pursuit of magical knowledge. Rather, it exists to ensure that such knowledge is practiced responsibly. Through a network of recognized academies, temples, druidic circles, knightly orders, and other sanctioned organizations, the Registry records the identities, training, and affiliations of lawful spellcasters while maintaining the standards expected of those entrusted with the manipulation of Essence. It also preserves the official records of magical licensure, oversees the recognition of legitimate magical institutions, and serves as the primary authority on matters of magical law.
When those laws are violated, enforcement falls not to the Registry itself but to the Spellwardens, an independent organization tasked with investigating magical crimes, apprehending dangerous spellcasters, and protecting the public from the misuse of Essence. Though the Registry and the Spellwardens work closely together, they serve distinct roles: one preserves the integrity of magical society through administration and oversight, while the other ensures that its laws are upheld.
Registration
Any individual capable of consciously manipulating Essence within a civilized nation is required to register with The Arcane Registry upon demonstrating magical aptitude or reaching the age of fourteen, whichever occurs first. Registration may be completed directly through a recognized institution, such as an academy, temple, druidic circle, knightly order, or other sanctioned organization, or through examination by Registry officials for those who have learned independently.
During registration, each practitioner provides their identity, magical discipline, sponsoring institution where applicable, and a blood thumbprint, which is permanently recorded within the Registry's archives. This process formally recognizes the registrant as a lawful practitioner of magic and establishes the accountability expected of all who wield Essence.
Registration affords practitioners a number of legal protections and privileges within participating nations, including the lawful practice of magic, recognition of professional credentials, access to accredited magical institutions and libraries, eligibility for licensed magical occupations, and the assurance that investigations involving the misuse of magic are conducted according to established legal procedures.
During registration, each practitioner provides their identity, magical discipline, sponsoring institution where applicable, and a blood thumbprint, which is permanently recorded within the Registry's archives. This process formally recognizes the registrant as a lawful practitioner of magic and establishes the accountability expected of all who wield Essence.
Registration affords practitioners a number of legal protections and privileges within participating nations, including the lawful practice of magic, recognition of professional credentials, access to accredited magical institutions and libraries, eligibility for licensed magical occupations, and the assurance that investigations involving the misuse of magic are conducted according to established legal procedures.
Recognition of Magical Traditions
The Arcane Registry recognizes that magic is practiced through many traditions rather than a single discipline. As such, registration procedures differ according to the source of one's magical training.- Wizards, Sorcerers, and Bards - Registered through accredited academies or magical colleges. Independent practitioners undergo examination by Registry officials.
- Clerics and Paladins - Registered through recognized temples devoted to approved deities. Applicants may be required to demonstrate familiarity with the teachings and tenets of their faith. Temples that are considered "uncivil" (Such as those worshipping deities under an evil alignment) are not allowed registration, and thus are considered unlawful to practice magic.
- Druids and Rangers - Sponsored through recognized circles or lodges. Many bear ceremonial tattoos, brands, or other marks signifying that they have already been vetted by their order.
- Warlocks - Must declare the nature of their patron during registration. Pacts formed with entities deemed hostile to civilization, including fiends and certain eldritch beings, are prohibited within many nations and are grounds for immediate investigation.
Enforcement
Upon properly registering, applicants are expected to sign their name and information into a ledger, as well as provide a bloody thumbprint. This practice allows the bureau to scry on the spellcaster under the rules for sanctioned scrying.
Although the Arcane Registry establishes and administers the laws governing the lawful practice of magic, it possesses no authority to arrest or detain individuals. Enforcement is instead entrusted to the Spellwardens, a specialized organization trained in the investigation, pursuit, and apprehension of dangerous spellcasters. Working closely with the Registry, the Spellwardens execute warrants, investigate magical crimes, recover forbidden artifacts, and respond to incidents involving the unlawful or reckless manipulation of Essence.
Although the Arcane Registry establishes and administers the laws governing the lawful practice of magic, it possesses no authority to arrest or detain individuals. Enforcement is instead entrusted to the Spellwardens, a specialized organization trained in the investigation, pursuit, and apprehension of dangerous spellcasters. Working closely with the Registry, the Spellwardens execute warrants, investigate magical crimes, recover forbidden artifacts, and respond to incidents involving the unlawful or reckless manipulation of Essence.
In the most exceptional circumstances, where a lawful spellcaster has proven an enduring and irredeemable threat to civilization, the Arcane Registry may authorize the sentence of The Stillness. Through this solemn ritual, the condemned's connection to the Unheard Song is permanently severed, forever revoking their ability to consciously manipulate Essence.
Let no hand shape reality without responsibility.
Purpose
The Arcane Registry oversees the lawful registration and accountability of spellcasters throughout civilized society. Alignment
Lawful Good
Locations
Most major cities within The Providence of Man, The Novdruggon, The AIS (Allied Islands of Sasoya) and elsewhere, have, at least, a registry office within their borders.
The Arcane Registry oversees the lawful registration and accountability of spellcasters throughout civilized society. Alignment
Lawful Good
Locations
Most major cities within The Providence of Man, The Novdruggon, The AIS (Allied Islands of Sasoya) and elsewhere, have, at least, a registry office within their borders.
Type
Civil Services
Related Traditions
by Tommy Arnold
Rules for Sanctioned Scrying
The four grounds for sanctioned scrying are as follows:
- Malicious Intent - Reasonable evidence exists that a registered spellcaster intends to commit, aid, or conceal an act of magical or civil violence.
- Capital Crimes - The registrant is wanted for a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment under the laws of the realm.
- Failure to Renew Registration -
The registrant is negligent in renewing their registration within the required five-year period.- Magical Compromise -
Credible evidence indicates that a registrant has become magically compromised in a manner that endangers themselves or others, including, but not limited to: Demonic possession, aberrant corruption, planar influence, or mind domination.
Comments