Hierarchy and Nature of the Dark Mages
Excerpt from the "Instructional Manual of the Academy of Magic"
Category 1. Humans (without magic)
Origin.
Ordinary people affected by distorted magic, cursed crystals, or residual energy left behind after battles with the Dark.
Particles of dark magic around them seep under the skin, leaving it blackened in places.
Characteristics:
— Do not possess magic, susceptible to control.
Role.
Fulfill domestic functions — farming, household labor, territory restoration after battles, assistance to mages.
They are the invisible foundation — sometimes of their own will, sometimes through force.
Physical traits.
Average lifespan — 60–80 years.
Average height — 170–180 cm.
Hair predominantly dark, with localized skin blackening on the body.
Category 2. The Cursed (mirrored to the Gifted)
Origin and essence.
Humans who received the dark blessing from the Black Sovereign.
They have no mana crystals, but their bodies are altered by magic.
Combat and physical traits:
— Stronger and more enduring than ordinary humans.
— Do not use magic.
— Form the backbone of the dark army: infantry, cavalry, archers.
Role in the army:
— Living force.
— Constant guards of fortresses and camps.
Physical traits.
Live up to 80–90 years.
Taller than average, with sturdy builds.
Category 3. Monsters
Origin.
Creatures created by the Black Lords.
They are either artificially formed beings or deceased humans revived by dark magic.
Characteristics:
— Completely devoid of will.
— Controlled only by the Black Lord.
— Upon the Lord's death, all his monsters die as well.
Role in the army
— Primary "cannon fodder" during assaults.
— Used to break through defenses and walls.
— Lead the army under direct command of the Black Lords.
Category 4. Dark Mages (the Common) (mirrored to ordinary Light Mages)
Origin.
Mages who have mastered one element but lost their light essence and are partially blackened by the Dark.
Combat traits:
— Mastery of one dark element.
— Equal in power to base-level light mages.
Visible signs
— Blackened arms up to the elbow.
— Sometimes — other isolated areas of the body.
Role
— Primary combat core of the dark army.
— Assault squads and magical support.
Physical traits.
Live up to 90–100 years.
Height 180–195 cm, sturdy physique.
Often perish on the battlefield.
Category 5. Black Sovereigns
Origin.
Dark mages who have fully mastered their element.
Combat traits:
— Full control over one element.
— Ability to create the Cursed.
— Personally take part in battles and invasions.
Role:
— Commanders of strike squads.
— Key spellcasters on battlefields.
Physical traits.
Average lifespan — 90–100 years.
Or death in battle.
Category 6. Black Lords (Gades)
Origin.
High dark mages who command armies of monsters.
Combat traits:
— Create and lead monsters.
— Prefer to remain in the rear or in guarded fortresses.
— Magic destroys their bodies, so they keep them hidden under cloth.
Role
— Principal commanders of monster armies.
— Support for the Black Sovereigns.
Physical traits
Average lifespan — 90 years.
Visible signs
— Faces and bodies fully concealed.
— Skin completely blackened and disfigured by dark magic.
— Long black claws form on their fingers.
Category 7. Avoddons (mirrored to the Exalted)
Origin.
Mages possessing two types of magic.
Typically destruction and absorption (of life, mana).
Combat traits:
— Known as "mad mages."
— Obsessed with consuming crystals.
— Their power is unstable and destructive.
Visible signs:
— Faces and bodies entirely covered in blackness.
— Faces more disfigured than those of the Lords.
— Claws on their hands are longer and more durable.
Average lifespan — 100-... years.
NOTE: Not every Exalted can defeat an Avoddon!
Category 8. Valafrs (mirrored to the Unyielding)
Origin.
The highest degree of dark magic.
Their abilities remain not fully understood.
History:
— Encountered only during the First Century War.
— Considered carriers of pure dark magic.
Role:
— Counterbalance to the Unyielding.
— Their appearance always coincided with large-scale catastrophes.
Dark Crystals and Their Properties
Essence
— A dark crystal feeds not only on mana, but on the emotions of its bearer.
— When saturated — strengthens the bearer but causes addiction.
— Loss of the crystal leads to instant death or decomposition.
Methods of Purification from Dark Magic
— The Purified — through cleansing magic of the Blessed Guardians.
— Cleansing through intimacy — possible purification of the crystal through strong physical union with a partner untainted by the Dark.
An overcharged crystal of a light mage purifies the body from dark particles and heals wounds.
Minor infections or injuries can be cured in a single instance.
Deeper wounds and infections are treated systematically over a period of time, either through the Guardians or through overcharging the crystal.