Helpful Primer for the Traveling Adept
During their education, young mages learn quite a few tricks for practicing their vocations, but life inside an academy or a teachers’ tower often renders them quite unworldly. Mages often like to keep this book with them as a handy reference for living in the outside world after graduation.
The Helpful Primer for the Traveling Adept was first compiled around 715 FB in Khunchom. It lists no formulas for spells, which mages already should know from their training. Instead, it contains instruction on correct intonation, breathing technique, and physical gestures while preparing for a spell. The book also reminds the student which spells to use for various situations.
“Know your objectives. If the gift of arcane power is used incautiously, the consequences are disastrous. Speak no unnecessary word and choose every formula with care!”
But even beyond spellcasting techniques, the Primer offers much that is useful to the traveling adept, including treatises on etiquette and the laws of various lands. It also teaches proper conduct in commerce and the marketplace, as well as how to negotiate without resorting to spellcasting.
“Speak with skill and choose your words wisely. There are many ways to get what you want. Do not use magic when a gold coin will do. Keep your goal in mind and think before you cast a spell. Remember that virtuous deeds often bring rewards, as well, and note that, in many places, laws prohibit the use of magic!”
The Primer is no musty textbook—it is written with a touch of humor and gives a nod to everyday life, offering simple and amusing marching songs to lighten a journey or entertain companions.
“Over meadows, down through valleys,
Sailing lakes or even the sea,
A wily Khunchoman mage,
That’s what I want to be!
Over hills, through forests green,
There is no rest for me,
A traveling mage from Khunchom,
Yes, that’s what I want to be!”
-excerpt from A Khunchoman Mage, a marching song in 111 stanzas, from the first edition of Helpful Primer for the Traveling Adept, Khunchom, 715 FB
Almost every mage’s academy publishes its own primer, which is tailored to its views and curriculum. Even so, most editions are quite similar, apart from one or two chapters.
Mages who did not experience academy training and therefore couldn’t make their own copies of the Primer may obtain one by trying their luck with book collectors, antiques shops, or retired mages. Older copies can sell for as much as 60 ducats, while newer editions usually sell for 10 to 15 ducats. Failing that, all mage’s academies keep several complete editions on their library shelves.
“You mages always need a guidebook for everything.”
— Arbosh son of Angrax, forge dwarf master smith
