Archmage

Archmages were among the most powerful arcane spellcasters found throughout all of Faerûn. These practitioners of the Art were experts at manipulating and altering their spells, often in strange ways.

Culture
Many cities across Faerûn had a single archmage who dedicated themselves to serve that settlement and its people. Some notable cities included Lyrabar in Impiltur, and the great western metropolis of Waterdeep.

The term "archmage" was often used to refer to spellcasters who took on leadership roles among similarly-inclined practitioners of The Art. In the drow city of Menzoberranzan, the head of the arcane academy known as Sorcere was granted the title, Archmage of Menzoberranzan. Similarly, the leader of the Arcane Brotherhood was referred to as the Archmage Arcane.

Abilities
Archmages continued developing their skills as spellcasters in the same manner as they had during their previous experiences in the Art. While they gained knowledge and lore about "high arcana" (that typical wizards and sorcerers had no knowledge of), they were forced to focus less on the number of spells they could prepare each day.

By forgoing one of their most powerful spells, archmages could tap into a power known as arcane fire. This arcane fire was essentially a bolt of raw magical energy that was drawn from the power they typically reserved for normal spellcasting.

They learned techniques that allowed them to reach across long distances, using spells that normally took effect upon touch and utilizing them from as far away as.

As archmages were considered master spellcasters, it followed that they were capable of mastering particular elements of spellcasting. Rather than performing typical counterspelling, archmages could turn spells back upon their casters. They mastered ways to alter their spells that drew upon the elements, particularly those that were acidic, cold, fiery, electric, or sonic in nature. Additionally, they perfected the practice of "spell shaping", and could readily manipulate the area over which a spell took effect.

Plainly put, the spells cast by archmages were capable of a level of power unheard of by typical spellcasters. Overall, they functioned more intensely than lesser experienced wizards and sorcerers. By forgoing one of the spells they would normally prepare, they could cast a spell twice in a day or more, without having to normally inscribing it within their spellbook.

Members
Many sun elves who wished to continue their arcane studies often chose the path of the archmage, as did many of the human Red Wizards.

Notable Archmages

 * Elminster Aumar, the famous Sage of Shadowdale.


 * Gromph Baenre, the archmage of Menzoberranzan.


 * Ioulaum, the Netherese arcanist who established Xinlenal, the first enclave of ancient Netheril.
 * Manshoon, founder of the Zhentarim and progenitor of the numerous "Manshoon clones".
 * Mordenkainen, the powerful planewalker who originated from the planet of Oerth.
 * Nezram the World-Walker, another exceptionally powerful planewalker who hailed from the eastern realm of Mulhorand.
 * Raumark, this arcanist of Netheril who escaped Karsus's Folly and led his people to the land that came to be known as Halruaa.
 * Simbul, the fearsome and enigmatic ruler of Aglarond who was born as one of the Seven Sisters.

Connections
Erzmagier