Blood Mages (Rebel/Mercenary) image - Dragon Age: Total War mod for Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms

The harsh vigilance of the Templar Order and the laws of the Chantry in regards to magic inevitably leaves many circle mages feeling as if they are within the stranglehold of a tyranny that disowns their very being as mages. Outside of the Fraternities and their varied approaches to the age-old dilemma of the Chantry's dominance, some Circle mages seek a more swift and certain escape from the Chantry's control, many of whom turn to the seductive and powerful, yet dangerous practice of blood magic to bolster their powers far beyond the expectations of the Templars. Chief among the Chantry's greatest fears is the power and influence of blood magic, it's ability to control minds, slay many times the mage's number, and perhaps worst of all, summon and bind demons from the Fade which can be turned on the blood mage's opponents. Thus, the Order wastes no time in hunting down suspected maleficarum, often killing them on sight. Blood mages who are able to evade the Order often band together with covens of other maleficars, presenting a massive danger to any given region as blood mages are often willing to go to any lengths to preserve their freedom, killing whoever appears to be a threat to their new way of life. Much to the ire of the Templar Order and Chantry, some powers in Thedas view blood mages as a necessary, perhaps even helpful evil. Lords and Kings across Thedas, desperate to secure an edge over their rivals sometimes court blood mages in strict secrecy, while organizations such as the Grey Wardens have no qualms about conscripting maleficarum into their ranks. Although blood magic is publicly illegal in the Imperium, some Magisters quietly seek out covens of maleficarum across Thedas and offer them safety and shelter within Tevinter in exchange for their servitude.