Is it possible to become a Mage?

[Sailor Vulcan]

Can someone become a Mage or do they have to be born that way?

If they have to be born that way, then are there non-magical researchers besides wizards, and are there schools for nonmages?

[Halewijn]

Ah, Ah you think magic is your ally? You merely adopted it. I was born in it, molded by it.

[Sailor Vulcan]

Ah, Ah you think magic is your ally? You merely adopted it. I was born in it, molded by it.

That sounds kinda cool, but it doesn't really answer my question...

[Kaarin]

Since mana comes from external source and can be manipulated in various ways (crystals, amulets etc.) I think that everyone can become a mage. It's just that not everyone is suited for it (like with driving, some people are really bad at it, but even blind person could drive). Also there's training issue. If You want to be something better than level 1 mage You have to pay for your training.

[sIKE]

Ah, Ah you think magic is your ally? You merely adopted it. I was born in it, molded by it.

Is that air your breathing? Hmm? In this construct do you thinking being faster or stronger mean anything?

[Nareus]

Makes me wonder if we'll ever get some sort of anti-magic characters to play as.

[Boocheck]

I heard somewhere that Barbarian will have some anti-magic skills build within him

[Sabrath_Kell]

Can someone become a Mage or do they have to be born that way?

If they have to be born that way, then are there non-magical researchers besides wizards, and are there schools for nonmages?

Not everyone can be a mage. Though magic and magic items are commonplace in most of Etheria, true Mages are quite uncommon.  Being a Mage requires the rare talent which only one in a thousand individuals will possess. (Don’t take my math literally).

In addition to having this talent, it requires many years of study and practice to be successful. The secrets of magic are carefully guarded and not readily disclosed to just any disciple. Most nations have official schools and colleges of magic (notably Sistarra Academy in Sortilege). Depending on the School or Academy, its focus, and its teachers/proponents, Mages and aspiring Mages from all over Etheria will travel great distances to pursue study there. 

Mages are usually found;
• Training/teaching/working at one of the special magic schools or universities.
• Working for their government, as an arena fighter, advisor, court Mage, or special emissary.
• In the military; as a champion warrior, mercenary, or general of an army.
• In service to the community – for example Druids helping crops and Beastmasters hunting for sustenance.
• An active part of or leader of a religious order, where their magic and God are one.
• As individual rogues or highlanders, seeking their own wealth, power, fortune.

[Sailor Vulcan]

Can someone become a Mage or do they have to be born that way?

If they have to be born that way, then are there non-magical researchers besides wizards, and are there schools for nonmages?

Not everyone can be a mage. Though magic and magic items are commonplace in most of Etheria, true Mages are quite uncommon.  Being a Mage requires the rare talent which only one in a thousand individuals will possess. (Don’t take my math literally).

In addition to having this talent, it requires many years of study and practice to be successful. The secrets of magic are carefully guarded and not readily disclosed to just any disciple. Most nations have official schools and colleges of magic (notably Sistarra Academy in Sortilege). Depending on the School or Academy, its focus, and its teachers/proponents, Mages and aspiring Mages from all over Etheria will travel great distances to pursue study there. 

Mages are usually found;
• Training/teaching/working at one of the special magic schools or universities.
• Working for their government, as an arena fighter, advisor, court Mage, or special emissary.
• In the military; as a champion warrior, mercenary, or general of an army.
• In service to the community – for example Druids helping crops and Beastmasters hunting for sustenance.
• An active part of or leader of a religious order, where their magic and God are one.
• As individual rogues or highlanders, seeking their own wealth, power, fortune.

Omg this as an awesome post!

Anyways, you're basically saying there's sort of a baseline natural aptitude for magic in order for someone to become a Mage or have any chance of pursuing a successful magical career, but the aptitude alone isn't enough to be considered a Mage? That actually makes a LOT of sense. I love this explanation. I was worried that mages might be a sort of "master class" who either have power over everyone else or could if they wanted to. But this way makes magic seem more along the lines money, intelligence, and social skills in how it impacts life outcomes.

The complex, dynamic, relatable, and comprehensible world-building in Mage Wars keeps getting better and better. I love it!

[Boocheck]

If i am a mage, my wife is a mage, will my kids be also mages?

If i am a paladin and my wife is a siren... bad example.

If i am a paladin and my wife is a Beastmistress... bad example

If i am Necro and my wife is Warlock.... bad example

If i am beastmaster and my wife is priestess, will be kids good in holy magic or nature magic OR they will be able to became Warlocks (probably during puberty)?

[exid]

AW should edit a Mage-X with complex rules to find out!