Which Gàldoraën Mage Would Take You as an Apprentice?

You hear of an opportunity - the seven mages that serve King Oronar are seeking apprentices to teach their art. Long have you wished for this chance. Will you make the long journey to the castle?

Quickly you get yourself ready. You lace up your sturdy boots, pick up your satchel and throw a cloak over your shoulders. Last but not least, you don a soft pointed hat to ward off the wind and sun. It's your favourite shade of...

The mages of Gàldoraë require that you stand before them alone, but they haven't said as much about the journey. It's up to you.

It's easier that way, after all. You head out of your little village, but not before tucking a few last items into your satchel. It wouldn't do to travel without a...

Your good friend Orèn will be waiting for you at the village gate. You head out after tucking a few last items into your satchel. It wouldn't do to travel without a...

There are two roads to King Oronar's castle. One is a wide, well-travelled path, providing you with good visibility but little protection from the weather. The other road wends its way beneath the trees of Thickering Forest, shady and cool. You finally choose to take...

Finally, after many days of travel and some unexpected adventures, you arrive at your destination. Turns out it was a good thing to have brought that .

At the court of King Oronar, you state your purpose and are brought before his seven mages in hopes that one of them will choose you to be their next apprentice. You tuck away your  hat and straighten your tunic. Making a good first impression can't hurt.

A breeze from the window brushes through your hair. For some reason the weather is perfect today, pleasantly...

The mages of Gàldoraë seem a bit of an odd bunch. There's grey-haired Gelenni, mage of trees, and her husband Othan, the Dreamspeaker. Silmerlin, who they say can call down lightning with one word. Àlli, who is tossing sparks of fire from hand to hand. Two men stand behind them: Endar the Shapeshifter and Bennadan, who can deliver a message anywhere.

An old man who escaped your notice steps toward you. Jorès. If it weren't for the tranquillity in his eyes you might be frightened, for he is the most powerful of them all.

You can't tell very much from this first glance, but if you could choose you'd be the apprentice of the most...

Jorès's deep voice breaks into your thoughts. "Speak your name, child."

You take a deep breath. "My name is..."

Jorès frowns, but does not drop his outstretched hand. "It will help us know better who should train you. Please."

Slowly you pull off your gloves and glance at your hands. As always, your skin is...

You hold out your right hand to the mage. Jorès takes it in his weathered palm and looks into your eyes. In this light, they appear...

Jorès pats your hand before letting you go. "Your soul shines bright, young one. I see you have come here with much excitement."

Othan cuts the older man off with a good-natured laugh. "Excitement? The legends surrounding the mages of Gàldoraë grow wilder by the year. I'd be surprised if  wasn't excited." He turns to you. "What have you heard about us that draws you here? I can't vouch for its being true, mind," he adds with a wink.

"I want to learn your magic from you," you say. "I've heard one of you can..."

Othan laughs. "And perhaps one of us can. I'm sure you'll find out in good time. You should see Àlli -"

"Othan," Jorès says gently, and Othan swallows the rest of his sentence. "In good time." He turns to you again. "Do you prefer to work with the tangible, or the intangible?" he asks.

You think for a moment. "I would rather work with..."

A shadow drifts over Othan's face. "And perhaps one of us can. Though I'm afraid if you've come here to learn of that -"

"Othan," Jorès says gently, and Othan swallows the rest of his sentence. "In good time." He turns to you again. "Do you prefer to work with the tangible, or the intangible?" he asks.

You think for a moment. "I would rather work with..."

"We have enemies at court," Endar breaks in, taking a step forward. "The day may come when we have to flee this place and make camp in the woods - and take you with us. How would you be of help to us, ?"

You answer quickly. "I would..."

"And if our enemies found us?" Endar continues.

"I would..."

"You are scaring the child, Endar." Gelenni's voice is soft and as she speaks, Endar bows his head and respectfully steps aside. She smiles at you. "Think not of war, for now. Such things are far off." 

Silmerlin shakes her head. "They are nearer than you think." Gelenni moves to disagree, but Jorès stays her.

"The Welker is right, Gelenni. But we did not come here to discuss war. ," he addresses you again, "which is the strongest of your senses?"

"My..."

"Would you study more easily in the morning, or the evening?"

"In..."

"And what," adds Silmerlin, her eyes dark, "is your greatest failing?"

You wish you did not have to answer. You could lie, but they will likely suspect it. You swallow hard as you think of what to say. Finally, you begin.

"I see."

There is a moment of silence. Did you answer incorrectly? Should you have chosen a fault of less consequence? Perhaps none of the seven standing before you will take you under their wing. Perhaps you do not have the makings of a mage apprentice. Perhaps it would be better to leave right now. 

Jorès clears his throat and in that instant you decide to...