Shek P'Var

The Order of the Shek-Pvar

The Shek-Pvar is made up exclusively of spellcasters within the Guild of Arcane Lore.

The collective name for six ancient and esoteric suborders, or convocations, within the Guild of Arcane Lore. The origins of the Shek-Pvar are obscure, but all six convocations predate the founding of Melderyn by at least 1,000 years. The Shek-Pvar have a common world view known as Pvaric Philosophy, essentially a way of perceiving Kelestia (the cosmic all) in terms of key elemental principles. Shek-Pvar who have learned to attune to these principles may draw certain kinds of power into their Aura and, with practice and discipline, can manipulate these energies to their will. Such are the ways of mages.

Each convocation places different stress on certain Pvaric principles because it is difficult for any individual to embrace more than a narrow range of compatible principles. A spell-caster who is attuned to fire, for example, finds water particularly abhorrent.

Convocations of the Shek-Pvar

Masters of the Shek-Pvar are not numerous, perhaps fewer than 100 in all of Hârn, the majority of whom reside in Melderyn. Each convocation has its own chantries where Pvaric philosophy is studied and taught to a few apprentices. Entrance requirements are obscure, but a naturally high mentality (intelligence, wisdom, charisma) is a prerequisite.

The Oaths of the Shek-Pvar

1. Bring not the scorn of the Kviker (common folk) upon thy brothers, nor make with thyne art a place for thyself above them.

2. Spread not thy lore, even amongst thy brothers, without sanction of thy peers.

3. Keep sacred and free from harm thy house of lore.

4. Succor not a renegade of the art, but strike him down with thy power, else summon brothers to thyne aid.

5. Make unto thy house (chantry) a portion of thy treasure, arcane and mundane, to thy brothers benefit.

THE RANKS OF THE SHEK PVAR

Mavari (Apprentice)

This is a base level apprentice, adopted by a Master (usually a Viran) to undergo a four to six year period of training. During this time the Mavari is taught the basic theories of spell casting and other matters of arcane importance. The Mavari swears to serve and obey their Master. The Master agrees to teach their apprentice as much as they "deserve to learn". In addition to their studies the Mavari is expected to perform numerous petty tasks for their Master.

Mavari are typically level 0-4 and are denoted by the wearing of a plain black sash tied about their waist.

Satia-Mavari (Senior Apprentice)

As stated by the codes of Apprenticeship, a student must leave their master when they have reached a certain level of ability. Then they must go into the world as a Satia-Mavari, seeking out knowledge and expanding their skill. This rank between apprentice and journeyman is intended for the adept to refine their art through travel and knowledge seeking. They will be expected to travel to many places, consulting various masters and tomes in search of wisdom. They are also expected to establish themself in society as befits a Shek Pvar (sharing the wealth with the Chantry, of course.)

The custom is for the Satia-Mavari to submit three "original" magic spells or written disquisition, and a dissertation on some matter of arcane importance. These items must be considered for approval before a board held annually in Cherafir during the summer solstice. If an item is rejected, the Satia-Mavari must continue their efforts until they can produce something of worth. No adept may come before the board if less than one year has passed since leaving his master. The council will also review the adepts "Book of Travels" to validate their findings and claims.

The most prized possession of any Satia-Mavari is their Book of Travels. This is a record of all places visited, masters or tomes consulted, and studies performed. Without this log an adept will be unable to support claims of research originality or verify the sources of their findings. Indeed, many Satia-Mavari protect this book better than their tomes of lore. An adept who loses their journal must begin the path anew, losing the benefits of all previous efforts.

Satia-Mavari are typically level 1-5, and their rank is denoted by the wearing of a black belt adorned with red trim and arcane lettering.

Shenava (Journeyman)

Once a Satia-Mavari satisfies their requirements and passes the board in Cherafir, they may call themself a Shenava. A Shenava is an independent mage and this rank is often the highest attained by most Shek Pvar. At this level little effort is made to keep the journeyman safe and comfortable, or even to educate them further. Most Shenava seek employment with nobles, rich merchants, companies, or other sponsors or benefactors. Manny Shenava choose to continue to hone the craft with specialization, such as particular P’varic convocations or other disciplines. For example, Shenava who specialize in the Odivshe convocation often find lucrative employment with shipping firms, while War Mages and Evokers are popular with mercenary companies or in the elite guard units of noble families. Shenava may seek advice from Masters or other Shenava, but, in general, are expected to further the arts through their own efforts.

Shenava are typically level 5-10 and are identified by the display of a red sash.

Satia-Shenava (Senior Journeyman)

Shenava who have distinguished themselves through various means such as academic achievements, innovations, or legendary actions may be recognized by Chantry Virans and promoted to Satia-Shenava. Satia-Shenava are considered to be officers of their Chantry and often spend significant blocks of time at the Chantry teaching or doing research. They may participate and vote in Chantry matters and, with approval, take apprentices.

Satia-Shenava are typically level 11-15 and identified by wearing a red sash with gold trim and arcane lettering.

Viran (Master)

A Viran is a Master of their art and revered and respected by all. A Satia-Shenava may be elevated to Viran if they have earned the respect and recognition of the other Viran. Masters may reside at chantry without paying rent and often donate time to its improvement. Actions of a Viran are almost never questioned and they are free to do as they will in the world as long as they do not violate the oaths of the Order of the Shek P’Var.

Viran are typically level 15-20 and are denoted by the wearing of a gold sash.