Lab Rat (Template) - Revision history

Yair at 02:07, 6 May 2026

2026-05-06T02:07:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:07, 5 May 2026
Line 50:		Line 50:

	==== Customization Notes ====		==== Customization Notes ====
	As always, you still need to choose the Native Language of the character, as well as his wizard's sigil, background, and name. You should also decide what, sepcifically, he is Driven to.		As always, you still need to choose the Native Language of the character, as well as his wizard's sigil, background, and name. You should also decide what, sepcifically, he is Driven to do.

	This character can take two additional Minor Flaws, or make Driven Major, and take two additional Minor Virtues to balance them. Similarly, the Arts in which the character has an Affinity can be changed, but that also requires changing the spells he knows.		Consider increasing your Communication to +3, or adding a Good Teacher virtue. This is vital if you want the books you author to be valued.

			This character can take two additional Minor Flaws, or make Driven Major, and take two additional Minor Virtues to balance them. Similarly, the Arts in which the character has an Affinity can be changed, but that also requires changing the spells he knows. An alternative choice of primary Arts, Creo Corpus, is suggested in the page [[Corporeal Necromancer (Template)]].

	While the combination of Painful Magic and Weak Enchanter is clever, it leaves the character somewhat incapable in practice. He is a great theorist - but can't enchant items nor cast spells. You may want to consider dropping one or both flaws to allow him to be more useful. Dropping Weak Enchanter, in particular, will make him very effective at enchanting them as he is already good at lab work.		While the combination of Painful Magic and Weak Enchanter is clever, it leaves the character somewhat incapable in practice. He is a great theorist - but can't enchant items nor cast spells. You may want to consider dropping one or both flaws to allow him to be more useful. Dropping Weak Enchanter, in particular, will make him very effective at enchanting them as he is already good at lab work.
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	Focusing on a Technique-Form combination is a good way to reach high levels in it and thus invent impressive spells and invested effects (in magic items). Another direction specialists often take, however, is super-specialization in a single art. In this case you may want to swap one of the Affinities with Puissant Art. Yet another direction is to focus on some general improvement in Magic Theory, not related to any specific Art, and drop both Affinities (note Secondary Insight supports this concept rather well).		Focusing on a Technique-Form combination is a good way to reach high levels in it and thus invent impressive spells and invested effects (in magic items). Another direction specialists often take, however, is super-specialization in a single art. In this case you may want to swap one of the Affinities with Puissant Art. Yet another direction is to focus on some general improvement in Magic Theory, not related to any specific Art, and drop both Affinities (note Secondary Insight supports this concept rather well).

	~~As noted above, Secondary Insight is a rather weak choice for a Major Virtue. You may want to drop it entirely and drop a Minor Flaw as well. Alternatively, you can replace it with some other Virtues.~~ The character severely lacks an Affinity in Magic Theory, ~~for example, while~~ a suitable Magical Focus will be critical to really develop impressive, high-level spells. Mercurian Magic is appropriate given the House's background.		The character severely lacks an Affinity in Magic Theory, and a suitable Magical Focus will be critical to really develop impressive, high-level spells. Mercurian Magic is appropriate given the House's background.

	~~An alternative choice of primary Arts, Creo Corpus, is suggested in the page [[Corporeal Necromancer (Template)]]~~.

	==== Further Customization Notes ====		==== Further Customization Notes ====
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	==== Roleplaying and Gaming Notes ====		==== Roleplaying and Gaming Notes ====
	The lab rat ~~being~~ presented is very good at inventing spells, especially within his Technique-Form combination. If you adhere to the core rules, he will probably seek to advance magic theory by inventing more and stronger spells, as well writing on the two Arts. Since he does not have a Magical Focus (and Puissance), however, other specialists in this combination may actually achieve higher ~~levels~~.		The lab rat presented here is very good at inventing spells, especially within his Technique-Form combination. If you adhere to the core rules, he will probably seek to advance magic theory by inventing more and stronger spells, as well writing on the two Arts. Since he does not have a Magical Focus (and Puissance), however, other specialists in this combination may actually achieve higher level spells; and as he lacks Good Teacher or very high Communication, his books would be considered vain.

	Note that the lab rat makes for a very effective laboratory assistant, especially as his Magic Theory score increases. Favors and bargains with other magi are very likely to include seasons spent assisting other magi. The troupe should ~~still~~ find it easy to use this excuse to lure (or force !) the magus into adventures.		Note that the lab rat makes for a very effective laboratory assistant, especially as his Magic Theory score increases. Favors and bargains with other magi are very likely to include seasons spent assisting other magi. The troupe should find it easy to use this excuse to lure (or force !) the magus into adventures.

	If using [[HoHTL]], the character can engage in [[Original Research]] to improve magic theory itself; probably by inventing experimental spells. His advances would also improve his House Acclaim and may lead to his involvement in the House's politics and organizations.		If using [[HoHTL]], the character can engage in [[Original Research]] to improve magic theory itself; probably by inventing experimental spells. His advances would also improve his House Acclaim and may lead to his involvement in the House's politics and organizations.

Yair at 12:40, 14 November 2025

2025-11-14T12:40:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:40, 14 November 2025
Line 75:		Line 75:

	The [[Ancient Magic]] supplement may be very useful for Seeker characters, although not particularly in the Creo Auram area. It also contains the rules on integrating Ancient Magic into Hermetic theory, which can serve all Seekers. Similarly, the [[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]] book contains rules for the integration of non-Hermetic (hedge) magic as well as hedge magic traditions.		The [[Ancient Magic]] supplement may be very useful for Seeker characters, although not particularly in the Creo Auram area. It also contains the rules on integrating Ancient Magic into Hermetic theory, which can serve all Seekers. Similarly, the [[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]] book contains rules for the integration of non-Hermetic (hedge) magic as well as hedge magic traditions.

			{{OpenArs Attribution}}

Yair at 11:45, 29 October 2025

2025-10-29T11:45:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:45, 29 October 2025
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	** The Incantation of Lightning (CrAu 35/+24)		** The Incantation of Lightning (CrAu 35/+24)
	** Purification of the Festering Wounds (CrCo 20/+16)		** Purification of the Festering Wounds (CrCo 20/+16)
			\|}

	~~Customization Notes: The Bonisagus~~ is most likely Driven to make some great discovery in magic. He or she is a so-called 'lab rat', a magus happier in his laboratory than in the outside world. However, the favors he owes and his drive to discover are likely to push him out. Similarly, enchanted items are very useful to him, but he is bad at making them for himself. That also ~~tends to~~ drive him into stories. This concept is built around the Virtues and the Driven Flaw; the other Flaws can be changed easily. He can also take two additional Minor Flaws, or make Driven Major, and take two additional Minor Virtues to balance them. Similarly, the Arts in which the character has an Affinity can be changed, but that also requires changing the spells he knows.		==== Character Analysis ====
	\|}		This character is most likely Driven to make some great discovery in magic. He or she is a so-called 'lab rat', a magus happier in his laboratory than in the outside world. However, the favors he owes and his drive to discover are likely to push him out. Similarly, enchanted items are very useful to him, but he is bad at making them for himself. That also might drive him into stories.

	~~''Note that you still need to choose~~ the ~~Native Language of~~ the ~~character, as well as his [[wizard's sigil]], background, and name~~.''		This concept is built around the Virtues and the Driven Flaw; the other Flaws can be changed easily.

	~~==== Character Analysis ====~~
	This template makes several clever choices to represent a lab rat that is both good at Hermetic theory and driven to go on adventures. The key Virtues are Inventive Genius and Great Intelligence, which together with Puissant Magic Theory make him excel at the lab. An affinity in a Technique and Form will allow him to develop mastery over this combination to reach very high spell levels in it as he becomes an expert, while Book Learner and Free Study allow him to more quickly get those high scores.		This template makes several clever choices to represent a lab rat that is both good at Hermetic theory and driven to go on adventures. The key Virtues are Inventive Genius and Great Intelligence, which together with Puissant Magic Theory make him excel at the lab. An affinity in a Technique and Form will allow him to develop mastery over this combination to reach very high spell levels in it as he becomes an expert, while Book Learner and Free Study allow him to more quickly get those high scores.

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	The character's Flaws direct him to be a theorist and seek out adventures. Because he has Painful Magic he has much use for magic items, yet he is a Weak Enchanter so would seek to bargain with other magi to make them for him. His Favors should likewise drive him to adventures. His Driven flaw brings the character concept together.		The character's Flaws direct him to be a theorist and seek out adventures. Because he has Painful Magic he has much use for magic items, yet he is a Weak Enchanter so would seek to bargain with other magi to make them for him. His Favors should likewise drive him to adventures. His Driven flaw brings the character concept together.

			Note that the character has only a small bonus to Communication, and is not a Good Teacher. This will hinder the Quality of books he can write, and hence also his status as an esteemed theoretician.

	==== Customization Notes ====		==== Customization Notes ====
	~~See~~ the ~~[[ArM5]] core book~~.		As always, you still need to choose the Native Language of the character, as well as his wizard's sigil, background, and name. You should also decide what, sepcifically, he is Driven to.

			This character can take two additional Minor Flaws, or make Driven Major, and take two additional Minor Virtues to balance them. Similarly, the Arts in which the character has an Affinity can be changed, but that also requires changing the spells he knows.

	While the combination of Painful Magic and Weak Enchanter is clever, it leaves the character somewhat incapable in practice. He is a great theorist - but can't enchant items nor cast spells. You may want to consider dropping one or both flaws to allow him to be more useful. Dropping Weak Enchanter, in particular, will make him very effective at enchanting them as he is already good at lab work.		While the combination of Painful Magic and Weak Enchanter is clever, it leaves the character somewhat incapable in practice. He is a great theorist - but can't enchant items nor cast spells. You may want to consider dropping one or both flaws to allow him to be more useful. Dropping Weak Enchanter, in particular, will make him very effective at enchanting them as he is already good at lab work.
Line 54:		Line 58:
	Focusing on a Technique-Form combination is a good way to reach high levels in it and thus invent impressive spells and invested effects (in magic items). Another direction specialists often take, however, is super-specialization in a single art. In this case you may want to swap one of the Affinities with Puissant Art. Yet another direction is to focus on some general improvement in Magic Theory, not related to any specific Art, and drop both Affinities (note Secondary Insight supports this concept rather well).		Focusing on a Technique-Form combination is a good way to reach high levels in it and thus invent impressive spells and invested effects (in magic items). Another direction specialists often take, however, is super-specialization in a single art. In this case you may want to swap one of the Affinities with Puissant Art. Yet another direction is to focus on some general improvement in Magic Theory, not related to any specific Art, and drop both Affinities (note Secondary Insight supports this concept rather well).

	As noted above, Secondary Insight is a rather weak choice for a Major Virtue. You may want to drop it entirely and drop a ~~Major~~ Flaw as well. Alternatively, you can replace it with some other Virtues. The character severely lacks an Affinity in Magic Theory~~. A~~ suitable Magical Focus will be critical to really develop impressive, high-level spells~~, and~~ Mercurian Magic is appropriate given the House's background.		As noted above, Secondary Insight is a rather weak choice for a Major Virtue. You may want to drop it entirely and drop a Minor Flaw as well. Alternatively, you can replace it with some other Virtues. The character severely lacks an Affinity in Magic Theory, for example, while a suitable Magical Focus will be critical to really develop impressive, high-level spells. Mercurian Magic is appropriate given the House's background.

	An alternative choice of primary Arts, Creo ''Corpus'', is suggested in the page [[Corporeal Necromancer (Template)]].		An alternative choice of primary Arts, Creo Corpus, is suggested in the page [[Corporeal Necromancer (Template)]].

	==== Further Customization Notes ====		==== Further Customization Notes ====
	If you have access to the [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]] supplement, you should use it to extend your familiarity with your House and your place in it. [[HoTL]] presents two archetypes this character may be driven towards - the Traditionalist who seeks to improve magic theory by pure lab work, and the Seeker that wishes to find and incorporate non-Hermetic magic into Hermetic theory. Note that the latter option is already supported by the choice of Abilities by taking Magic Lore and many social skills. There is no need to change the character to pursue either path, but a Seeker character may be interested in adopting the [[Seeker]] Flaw, perhaps instead of Weak Enchanter.		If you have access to the [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]] supplement, you should use it to extend your familiarity with your House and your place in it. [[HoTL]] presents two archetypes this character may be driven towards - the Traditionalist who seeks to improve magic theory by pure lab work, and the Seeker that wishes to find and incorporate non-Hermetic magic into Hermetic theory. Note that the latter option is already supported by the choice of Abilities by taking Magic Lore and many social skills. There is no need to change the character to pursue either path, but for a Seeker character you may be interested in adopting the [[Seeker]] Flaw, perhaps instead of Weak Enchanter.

	HoHTL also offers the Fostered Apprentice Minor Story Flaw, that may be used to ~~replace~~ the Major Story Flaw Favors. The extra 2 points need to be balanced somehow if you do this, however. One option is to add Seeker and one further Minor Flaw.		HoHTL also offers the Fostered Apprentice Minor Story Flaw, that may be used to instead of the Major Story Flaw Favors. The extra 2 points need to be balanced somehow if you do this, however. One option is to add Seeker and one further Minor Flaw.

	==== Roleplaying and Gaming Notes ====		==== Roleplaying and Gaming Notes ====
	The lab rat being presented is very good at inventing spells, especially within his Technique-Form combination. If you adhere to the core rules, he will probably seek to advance magic theory by inventing more and stronger spells, as well writing on the two Arts. Since he does not have a Magical Focus (and Puissance), however, other specialists in this combination may actually achieve higher levels.		The lab rat being presented is very good at inventing spells, especially within his Technique-Form combination. If you adhere to the core rules, he will probably seek to advance magic theory by inventing more and stronger spells, as well writing on the two Arts. Since he does not have a Magical Focus (and Puissance), however, other specialists in this combination may actually achieve higher levels.

	Note that the lab rat makes for a very effective laboratory assistant, especially as his Magic Theory score increases. Favors and bargains with other magi are very likely to include seasons spent ~~as a lab rat...~~ assisting other magi. The troupe should still find it easy to use this excuse to lure (or force !) the magus into adventures.		Note that the lab rat makes for a very effective laboratory assistant, especially as his Magic Theory score increases. Favors and bargains with other magi are very likely to include seasons spent assisting other magi. The troupe should still find it easy to use this excuse to lure (or force !) the magus into adventures.

	If using [[HoHTL]], the character can engage in [[Original Research]] to improve magic theory itself; probably by inventing experimental spells. His advances would also improve his House Acclaim and may lead to his involvement in the House's politics and organizations.		If using [[HoHTL]], the character can engage in [[Original Research]] to improve magic theory itself; probably by inventing experimental spells. His advances would also improve his House Acclaim and may lead to his involvement in the House's politics and organizations.

	The [[Ancient Magic]] supplement may be very useful for Seeker characters, although not particularly in the Creo Auram area. It also contains the rules on integrating Ancient Magic into Hermetic theory, which can serve all Seekers. Similarly, the [[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]] book contains rules for the integration of non-Hermetic (hedge) magic as well as hedge magic traditions.		The [[Ancient Magic]] supplement may be very useful for Seeker characters, although not particularly in the Creo Auram area. It also contains the rules on integrating Ancient Magic into Hermetic theory, which can serve all Seekers. Similarly, the [[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]] book contains rules for the integration of non-Hermetic (hedge) magic as well as hedge magic traditions.

Yair at 10:40, 29 October 2025

2025-10-29T10:40:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:40, 29 October 2025
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	* Characteristics: Int +5, Per 0, Pre 0, Com +1, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex 0, Qik 0		* Characteristics: Int +5, Per 0, Pre 0, Com +1, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex 0, Qik 0
	* Size: 0		* Size: 0
	Age: 25 (25)		* Age: 25 (25)
	Decrepitude: 0		* Decrepitude: 0
	Warping Score: 0 (0)		* Warping Score: 0 (0)
	Confidence Score: 1 (3)		* Confidence Score: 1 (3)
	Virtues and Flaws: The Gift; Hermetic Magus; Affinity with Auram, Affinity with Creo, Book Learner, Free Study, Great Intelligence (x2), Inventive Genius, Puissant Magic Theory*, Secondary Insight; Favors, Painful Magic; Driven (Minor), Weak Enchanter		* Virtues and Flaws: The Gift; Hermetic Magus; Affinity with Auram, Affinity with Creo, Book Learner, Free Study, Great Intelligence (x2), Inventive Genius, Puissant Magic Theory*, Secondary Insight; Favors, Painful Magic; Driven (Minor), Weak Enchanter
	Personality Traits: Brave –1, Driven +3, Studious +2		* Personality Traits: Brave –1, Driven +3, Studious +2
	Reputations: None.		* Reputations: None.
	Combat: Dodging: Init +0, Attack n/a, Defense +0, Damage n/a		* Combat:
	Soak: 0		** Dodging: Init +0, Attack n/a, Defense +0, Damage n/a
	Fatigue levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Unconscious		* Soak: 0
	Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20)		* Fatigue levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Unconscious
	Abilities: Artes Liberales 1 (logic), Awareness 2 (when working), Charm 2 (equals), Concentration 3 (spell casting), Folk Ken 2 (magi), Latin 4 (Hermetic technical terms), Magic Lore 1 (non-Hermetic magic), Magic Theory 4+2 (Creo), Native Language 5 (educated talk), Order of Hermes Lore 2 (great discoveries), Parma Magica 1 (Mentem), Penetration 1 (Auram), Teaching 3 (Hermetic Arts)		* Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20)
	Arts: Cr 12, In 0, Mu 0, Pe 0, Re 3; An 0, Aq 0, Au 12, Co 4, He 0, Ig 0, Im 0, Me 0, Te 0, Vi 0		* Abilities: Artes Liberales 1 (logic), Awareness 2 (when working), Charm 2 (equals), Concentration 3 (spell casting), Folk Ken 2 (magi), Latin 4 (Hermetic technical terms), Magic Lore 1 (non-Hermetic magic), Magic Theory 4+2 (Creo), Native Language 5 (educated talk), Order of Hermes Lore 2 (great discoveries), Parma Magica 1 (Mentem), Penetration 1 (Auram), Teaching 3 (Hermetic Arts)
	Twilight Scars: None		* Arts: Cr 12, In 0, Mu 0, Pe 0, Re 3; An 0, Aq 0, Au 12, Co 4, He 0, Ig 0, Im 0, Me 0, Te 0, Vi 0
	Equipment: Wizardly robes.		* Twilight Scars: None
	Encumbrance: 0 (0)		* Equipment: Wizardly robes.
	Spells Known: Charge of the Angry Winds (CrAu 15/+24)		* Encumbrance: 0 (0)
	Clouds of Rain and Thunder (CrAu 25/+24)		* Spells Known:
	Clouds of Summer Snow (CrAu 25/+24)		** Charge of the Angry Winds (CrAu 15/+24)
	The Incantation of Lightning (CrAu 35/+24)		** Clouds of Rain and Thunder (CrAu 25/+24)
	Purification of the Festering Wounds (CrCo 20/+16)		** Clouds of Summer Snow (CrAu 25/+24)
			** The Incantation of Lightning (CrAu 35/+24)
			** Purification of the Festering Wounds (CrCo 20/+16)

	Customization Notes: The Bonisagus is most likely Driven to make some great discovery in magic. He or she is a so-called 'lab rat', a magus happier in his laboratory than in the outside world. However, the favors he owes and his drive to discover are likely to push him out. Similarly, enchanted items are very useful to him, but he is bad at making them for himself. That also tends to drive him into stories. This concept is built around the Virtues and the Driven Flaw; the other Flaws can be changed easily. He can also take two additional Minor Flaws, or make Driven Major, and take two additional Minor Virtues to balance them. Similarly, the Arts in which the character has an Affinity can be changed, but that also requires changing the spells he knows.		Customization Notes: The Bonisagus is most likely Driven to make some great discovery in magic. He or she is a so-called 'lab rat', a magus happier in his laboratory than in the outside world. However, the favors he owes and his drive to discover are likely to push him out. Similarly, enchanted items are very useful to him, but he is bad at making them for himself. That also tends to drive him into stories. This concept is built around the Virtues and the Driven Flaw; the other Flaws can be changed easily. He can also take two additional Minor Flaws, or make Driven Major, and take two additional Minor Virtues to balance them. Similarly, the Arts in which the character has an Affinity can be changed, but that also requires changing the spells he knows.
	\|}		\|}

Yair at 07:17, 29 October 2025

2025-10-29T07:17:05Z

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 This template represents a [[House Bonisagus|Bonisagus]] magus in the Founder's tradition, that strives to advance magic theory.
-'''Game Statistics''': See [[Ars_Magica_5E_Standard_Edition,_Chapter_Three:_Characters#Bonisagus|Bonisagus template]] on [[ArM5]] page 24. ''Note that you still need to choose the Native Language of the character, as well as his [[wizard's sigil]], background, and name.''
+{| class="wikitable"
 ==== Character Analysis ====

Einauge: linked template

2025-05-18T09:27:26Z

linked template

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 18 May 2025
Line 4:		Line 4:
	This template represents a [[House Bonisagus\|Bonisagus]] magus in the Founder's tradition, that strives to advance magic theory.		This template represents a [[House Bonisagus\|Bonisagus]] magus in the Founder's tradition, that strives to advance magic theory.

	'''Game Statistics''': See [[ArM5]] page 24. ''Note that you still need to choose the Native Language of the character, as well as his [[wizard's sigil]], background, and name.''		'''Game Statistics''': See [[Ars_Magica_5E_Standard_Edition,_Chapter_Three:_Characters#Bonisagus\|Bonisagus template]] on [[ArM5]] page 24. ''Note that you still need to choose the Native Language of the character, as well as his [[wizard's sigil]], background, and name.''

	==== Character Analysis ====		==== Character Analysis ====

Yair: link to Corporeal Necromancer

2013-09-18T14:35:24Z

link to Corporeal Necromancer

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:35, 18 September 2013
Line 20:		Line 20:
	Focusing on a Technique-Form combination is a good way to reach high levels in it and thus invent impressive spells and invested effects (in magic items). Another direction specialists often take, however, is super-specialization in a single art. In this case you may want to swap one of the Affinities with Puissant Art. Yet another direction is to focus on some general improvement in Magic Theory, not related to any specific Art, and drop both Affinities (note Secondary Insight supports this concept rather well).		Focusing on a Technique-Form combination is a good way to reach high levels in it and thus invent impressive spells and invested effects (in magic items). Another direction specialists often take, however, is super-specialization in a single art. In this case you may want to swap one of the Affinities with Puissant Art. Yet another direction is to focus on some general improvement in Magic Theory, not related to any specific Art, and drop both Affinities (note Secondary Insight supports this concept rather well).

	As noted above, Secondary Insight is a rather weak choice for a Major Virtue. You may want to drop it entirely and drop a Major Flaw as well. Alternatively, you can replace it with some other Virtues. The character severely lacks an Affinity in Magic Theory. A suitable Magical Focus will be critical to really develop impressive, high-level spells, and Mercurian Magic is appropriate given the House's background.		As noted above, Secondary Insight is a rather weak choice for a Major Virtue. You may want to drop it entirely and drop a Major Flaw as well. Alternatively, you can replace it with some other Virtues. The character severely lacks an Affinity in Magic Theory. A suitable Magical Focus will be critical to really develop impressive, high-level spells, and Mercurian Magic is appropriate given the House's background.

			An alternative choice of primary Arts, Creo ''Corpus'', is suggested in the page [[Corporeal Necromancer (Template)]].

	==== Further Customization Notes ====		==== Further Customization Notes ====

Yair: Created page with "Category:Characters Category:Arm5 Character Templates This template represents a Bonisagus magus in the Founder's tradition, that strives to advan..."

2013-08-22T14:36:17Z

Created page with "Category:Characters Category:Arm5 Character Templates This template represents a Bonisagus magus in the Founder's tradition, that strives to advan..."

New page

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Arm5 Character Templates]]

This template represents a [[House Bonisagus|Bonisagus]] magus in the Founder's tradition, that strives to advance magic theory.

'''Game Statistics''': See [[ArM5]] page 24. ''Note that you still need to choose the Native Language of the character, as well as his [[wizard's sigil]], background, and name.''

==== Character Analysis ====
This template makes several clever choices to represent a lab rat that is both good at Hermetic theory and driven to go on adventures. The key Virtues are Inventive Genius and Great Intelligence, which together with Puissant Magic Theory make him excel at the lab. An affinity in a Technique and Form will allow him to develop mastery over this combination to reach very high spell levels in it as he becomes an expert, while Book Learner and Free Study allow him to more quickly get those high scores.

The character's Secondary Insight is also appropriate as it indicates a wide understanding of Hermetic magic theory, but does not contribute much to the character concept which is more focused at narrow aspects of magic theory and the Virtue is considered somewhat weak.

The character's Flaws direct him to be a theorist and seek out adventures. Because he has Painful Magic he has much use for magic items, yet he is a Weak Enchanter so would seek to bargain with other magi to make them for him. His Favors should likewise drive him to adventures. His Driven flaw brings the character concept together.

==== Customization Notes ====
See the [[ArM5]] core book.

While the combination of Painful Magic and Weak Enchanter is clever, it leaves the character somewhat incapable in practice. He is a great theorist - but can't enchant items nor cast spells. You may want to consider dropping one or both flaws to allow him to be more useful. Dropping Weak Enchanter, in particular, will make him very effective at enchanting them as he is already good at lab work.

Focusing on a Technique-Form combination is a good way to reach high levels in it and thus invent impressive spells and invested effects (in magic items). Another direction specialists often take, however, is super-specialization in a single art. In this case you may want to swap one of the Affinities with Puissant Art. Yet another direction is to focus on some general improvement in Magic Theory, not related to any specific Art, and drop both Affinities (note Secondary Insight supports this concept rather well).

As noted above, Secondary Insight is a rather weak choice for a Major Virtue. You may want to drop it entirely and drop a Major Flaw as well. Alternatively, you can replace it with some other Virtues. The character severely lacks an Affinity in Magic Theory. A suitable Magical Focus will be critical to really develop impressive, high-level spells, and Mercurian Magic is appropriate given the House's background.

==== Further Customization Notes ====
If you have access to the [[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]] supplement, you should use it to extend your familiarity with your House and your place in it. [[HoTL]] presents two archetypes this character may be driven towards - the Traditionalist who seeks to improve magic theory by pure lab work, and the Seeker that wishes to find and incorporate non-Hermetic magic into Hermetic theory. Note that the latter option is already supported by the choice of Abilities by taking Magic Lore and many social skills. There is no need to change the character to pursue either path, but a Seeker character may be interested in adopting the [[Seeker]] Flaw, perhaps instead of Weak Enchanter.

HoHTL also offers the Fostered Apprentice Minor Story Flaw, that may be used to replace the Major Story Flaw Favors. The extra 2 points need to be balanced somehow if you do this, however. One option is to add Seeker and one further Minor Flaw.

==== Roleplaying and Gaming Notes ====
The lab rat being presented is very good at inventing spells, especially within his Technique-Form combination. If you adhere to the core rules, he will probably seek to advance magic theory by inventing more and stronger spells, as well writing on the two Arts. Since he does not have a Magical Focus (and Puissance), however, other specialists in this combination may actually achieve higher levels.

Note that the lab rat makes for a very effective laboratory assistant, especially as his Magic Theory score increases. Favors and bargains with other magi are very likely to include seasons spent as a lab rat... assisting other magi. The troupe should still find it easy to use this excuse to lure (or force !) the magus into adventures.

If using [[HoHTL]], the character can engage in [[Original Research]] to improve magic theory itself; probably by inventing experimental spells. His advances would also improve his House Acclaim and may lead to his involvement in the House's politics and organizations.

The [[Ancient Magic]] supplement may be very useful for Seeker characters, although not particularly in the Creo Auram area. It also contains the rules on integrating Ancient Magic into Hermetic theory, which can serve all Seekers. Similarly, the [[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]] book contains rules for the integration of non-Hermetic (hedge) magic as well as hedge magic traditions.