Often mystics, seers and performers, sorcerers are the artists of magic.  Unlike sages, sorcerers don’t need vials of ingredients or magic words to access magic.  Sorcerers are born with the ability to tap arcane energy directly.  A sorcerer is born with a limit on their power and with a “talent” for a particular type of magic.  Some are good with fire, others can read minds and still others have great talents on healing.  Like sages, this scope and strength can be expanded with proper training. Since their abilities are inborn, sorcerers are far less common than sages.

Unlike sages, the scope of a sorcerer’s ability is somewhat limited.  Though a wide array of magic is still possible, sorcery is more closely related to the elements.  Since magical energy is tapped directly, it is extremely difficult to combine the power of more than two elements to create an unrelated effect, especially when combing opposites (fire vs. water, earth vs. air).  Even combining two elements requires advanced training.  Also unlike sages, this training occurs most often in an apprentice/master relationship.  Those with particular talents teach what they know to others.  As a result, there are few sorcerers who have a wide range of abilities.  Some dedicate their whole lives to study and gain a vast array of powers, but most are learned in only one or two disciplines in addition to their natural one.  While training can increase a sorcerers potential, there is always a cap in place.  Since sorcery uses the caster’s body as a conduit for arcane energy, a great physical toll is taken.  Casting even the simplest spell for a minute can be equivalent to several minutes of maximum physical exertion.  As a result, reckless casting can leave even the most experienced sorcerer exhausted; incapacitated for days, or even dead. 

As a result of the relatively loose method of teaching, regulation of sorcery is sparse at best.  There are very few established schools for teaching sorcery and the lack of demand precludes them from implementing strict codes of conduct.  Despite this, sorcerers, on the whole, are far from evil.  Abuses of power happen at the same rate among sorcerers that they do in any segment of society.  In truth, those inclined to use their talents for evil are the same that are little inclined to learn much beyond their natural-born abilities.  The fate of those with the power and desire for malevolence depends on where they choose to do their misdeeds.  In more populated areas, there are societies of benevolent citizens that take on the task of bringing down the offending sorcerers.  In more rural areas, though, a wayward sorcerer can remain unchecked for years.

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