Mages tend to be traditional, egocentric, and concerned with details of rank and hierarchy. They are, therefore, traditionally identified and introduced by their official title as The (level title) + (school title) + (other status honorifics, if applicable) + (full name). After such an introduction, the mage is usually referred to or addressed by their honorific, if applicable, and their name, omitting the level and school titles (see Appendix F).
The general term "magus" may be used by nonspecialized mages or by specialized mages who wish to keep their school and/or level title private. "Magus" may be used by any non-mage who addresses a mage, or by lower- or equal-ranking mages addressing a mage not of their own school. Lower- or equal-ranking mages who address a mage of their own school more properly use the title, "auctor." Higher-ranking mages addressing a lower-ranking mage may use the lesser mage's level title to be polite, or the lesser mage's family name, which is less polite but also within their right. A higher-ranking mage addressing a lower-ranking mage of the same school may also use the pedagogical term "discipulus."
"Discipulus" is also used when a master addresses an apprentice. However, most traditional masters address new apprentices as "auditor" (helper or cleaner). At this stage, the apprentice only learns secondhand, through observation, and helps the master by cleaning the workspace and doing whatever other chores are required. Apprentices are only called "discipulus" when they begin to personally assist the master, learning magic firsthand, and cast their first cantrip. This transition from auditor to discipulus is a monumental one, and marks the beginning of the apprentices real training in the magical arts. An apprentice is typically an auditor for one year, and a discipulus for two to four years.
Most mages specialize in some school of the arcane art. Those who avoid specialization have typically done so by fleeing, or being expelled from, their apprenticeship before it is complete, or by being split-classed and failing to spend enough time to learn the intricacies of the magical art. Many masters will not perform the final rite of passage for an apprentice if the apprentice cannot demonstrate mastery of the school of specialization - as a result, few split-classed characters obtain official guild approval of their rank. Nonspecialist mages are often scorned and referred to derogatively as "bards" or "jesters." Many magic guilds will not accept nonspecialist mages into their ranks. Self-taught mages are virtually unknown (many consider this an impossiblity, and the claim is always heard as arrogant and ignorant).
Clerics are traditionally identified and introduced by their official title as The (level title) of (deity) + (other status honorifics, if applicable) + (full name). If the individual is a paladin, the term "patronus" is added after the clerical level title. After such an introduction, the cleric is usually referred to or addressed by their honorific, if applicable, and their name, omitting the level title and deity name (see Appendix F).
The general title for clerics is "sanctus," for druids is "sanguis," for paladins "patronus," and for rangers "veterator." This title may be used by non-church-affiliates who address a cleric, druid, paladin or ranger, or by those who wish to keep their deity or level private. Lower-level clerics, paladins, druids, or rangers speaking to higher-level clerics, paladins, druids, or rangers use the higher level individual's level title. Those of higher level speaking to those of lower level may use the lower level individual's level title if they wish to be polite, or may use their family name, which is somewhat less polite. They may also use the pedagogical term "son" or "daughter." This last usage is seldom applied to rangers, unless the ranger is extremely devout and closely tied to a church organization - some rangers may even consider being called "son" or "daughter" an insult.
Each church has its own unique method of formal initiation. In general, however, before clerics or paladins receive the grace of their chosen deity they must undergo some ritual or inauguration. Usually, this is performed by higher-level clerics within the church. The time between the cleric's stated desire to enter the church and his or her actual initiation is called "delectus," or "diety's choice." This interval is divided into two periods. During the first period, the hopeful individual undergoes a ceremony of "delectus tiro," which includes making vows of intention. During this period individuals are referred to by "Tiro" and their last name. These initiates begin to learn the doctrinal and administrative aspects of the church, devoting themselves to voluntary help (about 10 hours a day) within the church and to classes taught by higher-level clerics.
The second period is not set by either the initiate or the church - the onset of this period, called "delectus ius," or "time of privilege," is chosen by the deity. Generally, this period is preceded by a dream, vision, or sign sent to the initiate by the deity. Within this dream is the first clue to how to access the deity's power, and during "delectus ius" the initiate begins to learn clerical cantrips. For paladins, this is the period in which they are granted the abilities to detect evil, lay on hands, and be protected from evil. For druids, this is the period they are granted cantrips and the ability to speak the secret druidic language, Kulmurtha. During the period of "delectus ius," the cleric learns spells, and the paladin learns combat, and both are initiated into the higher spiritual teachings of the church.
Rangers' special spell abilities stem from their rapport with nature. Before or during seventh level, rangers must commit themselves to a druidic deity, going through the "delectus" process to gain their druidic spell abilities. Rangers choosing not to go through "delectus" is not necessary, but rangers who do not will never gain druidic spells.
The entire "delectus" process can last from five weeks (the shortest time recorded) to eighty-two years (the longest). The average duration of "delectus tiro" is two years, and of "delectus ius" three years.
At first and second level, clerics and paladins are treated equally. However, clerics are eventually considered higher in the church hierarchy than paladins with regard to matters of the church and deity. Paladins are, in turn, given preeminence on the field of battle. Paladins are the "swords of the church" - they fight for and protect the church, but are not usually direct recipients of their deity's commands.
