MAGE: “Knowledge of the aspect to serve self”

Includes: Sollux, Meulin, the Disciple

The Mage is defined by natural aptitude for understanding their aspect. They are the students who ace every test they don’t bomb, who have no idea how to study, but who are experts in their chosen field. Everyone is baffled by the sheer depth and breadth of their knowledge, but boy is it specialized. Not every Gifted Kid has Gifted Kid Syndrome, but the ones who do are probably Mages. As such, they haaaate having to learn about anything outside their wheelhouse, because its hard, and they resent things that don’t come naturally to them.

While they are a wellspring of knowledge, they also know the value of it and don’t just hand that out to everyone.  It’s a lot of fun to show off their expertise, to give people a glimpse of their talents, but a Mage is not going to sit people down for a lecture. They aren’t here to be your tutor! You wouldn’t even understand all this stuff! So leave it to them.

There is definitely a martyr complex to Mages. Because they think only they fully understand their aspect, they are automatically the steward of that aspect, the suzerain, the seneschal. It is a solemn duty and they would prefer to be left to their work. Not that a Mage doesn’t enjoy talking to people and even hanging out, but they tend to be totally fine on their own for long periods of time. They’ll occasionally take a break to show off to friends, but temperamentally, they are never the people who are starting shit and instigating conflict. They will fucking end a fight with extreme prejudice though if they are forced into one.

Sollux had really comprehensive knowledge of his aspect but was always reluctant to share details. He wasn’t a teacher and had to be cajoled and dragged into doing anything he didn’t want to do. Meulin also kept much to herself and her closest allies and focused on her own interests, very solitary. This was mirrored in the Disciple, the keeper of the Signless’ teachings, who as we all know spent a loooooooong time in a cave.

(An extra clarifying note for those on the fence between Mage and Seer: the Mage should be associated with the High Priestess or the Gandalf, archetypically. The Seer should be associated with the Magician or Miss Frizzle.)

The Mage’s greatest strength is a truly staggering, if specialized, intellect.

The Mage’s greatest weakness is their reluctance to engage with topics they don’t already know. If it was important, they’d already know it!