The winds of magic blow through the Old World. Those that can grasp the mad whispering of these winds can sometimes wield great power, though rarely without a cost. Sorcerers, hedge-wizards and witches are universally feared and reviled throughout the Old World. The cult of Sigmar devotes an entire order of witch hunters to capturing those who evidence proficiency in the magical arts.

Yet some who wield such power are sanctioned by the Imperial Articles of Magic in the use of their witching might. The Colleges of Magic are a group of orders devoted to the study of the eight winds of magic (see below). Those who are found to show ability by those schooled with the Orders, or witch hunters who see fit to grant mercy, are brought before their betters and apprenticed to a Magister. Those who are more often found by others are either executed or muddle through their newfound abilities for as long as they can until they are discovered and then put to death or apprenticed.

Collegiate wizards are distinguished by various signifying tattoos, brands, emblems and items that each college’s members are required to bear. This may mean little to a farmer or hunter in the hinterlands of the Empire, but most folk in the centers of the Empire’s civilization are aware on some basic level of these signifiers. Only within the walls of the free city-state of Marienburg are wizards and their ilk allowed to go as they please unmarked and with none to answer to.

Within the Colleges of Magic, there are several recognized levels of expertise and appropriate appellations for those who master each level. Those who are not a part of the Colleges of Magic are more commonly known as witches or hedge-magicians.

• Apprentice wizards are commonly known as drudges, hopefuls, apprentices, novices, or often just “you there.”

• Journeyman wizards are often referred to as journeymen, seekers, scrivenlings, or commonly just “lads”.

• Master wizards are referred to as Magisters or Sirs.

• Wizard Lords are referred to as Masters, Lords or Lord Magisters.

Apprentices are expected to choose an Order to follow once they have survived their novice training and they have achieved the noteworthy ranking of journeyman. Although journeyman wizards rarely receive much more respect or consideration than apprentices, it is at the very least a little more. Master wizards who have become adept at their craft are accorded respect within the Colleges, and may at some point take on an apprentice to train. Wizard Lords are at the peak of their craft, and not ones to be trifled with.