Altus

The Elite mage nobility of the Tevinter Imperium. Those who claim descent from the original Dreamers. In Tevene, Altus means 'the High One', proof towards the high status of this ruling class, the pinnacle of Imperial society.

Often members of the Magisterium, ruling Tevinter through arcane might and political networking, Altus families fiercely guard their bloodlines. They pride themselves on generations of potent magical heritage, each mage born being proof that magic is their birthright, if not humanity's, and their dominance over 'lesser' castes or races.

Altus have had their status tested. The Darkspawn onslaught only ended two centuries ago, but it was a dire time for Tevinter's elite having to confront civil unrest, riots, power struggles, and wars on many fronts. With the Blight weathered, the Chantry began to blame those Magisters involved in breaching the Golden City.

Many Altus families were purged by internal corrections, those who performed blood magic against others being martyrs for the Imperium to satiate onlookers. Now, Altus have returned to their full power, and with greater secrecy for their blood rituals performed.

Biological Traits

Altus possess inherent traits that set them apart from common mages, reinforcing their status as the ruling caste. Generations of selective marriages and descendants have amplified their innate magical abilities, making Altus offspring remarkably gifted.

Physically: Altus have vibrant eye colors more than dull. Their general complexion and stature vary as typical for humans.
Fade Connection: With consistent lines of mages, Altus descendants have natural deeper reserves of mana and begin to exhibit control of the Fade at a younger age than average.
Blood Magic: Altus may have been killed for using the blood of others, but those who survived either managed to hide their wicked ways, or focused on using only their own. Most houses still pass down their knowledge of Blood Magic, a sickly power that acts as absolute proof of how Altus are deemed worthy to control others how they see fit.

Career Features

The Fade: Able to use Invocation based spells

Blood Magic: Able to use Mysticism based spells

Arcane Might: +3 Mana

Nobility: Weekly Kit that grants +15 Silver

History and Politics

Altus have always dominated Tevinter's political landscape, only briefly being undermined by the more recent removal of many Blood Magic practitioners. With the Chantry claiming that it was Tevinter Magisters who caused the Blight, their supremacy has further faded, but the Imperium has withstood much for centuries, and so Altus believe they will withstand these times as well.

With bloodlines tracing back to the original Dreamers, legendary figures who first breached the Fade, Altus families have always controlled the Magisterium, Tevinter's highest governing body. They maintain their influence through intricate political maneuvers, open diplomacy and clandestine schemes in constant motion. Alliances by marriage, betrayals against cousins or even siblings, and vast networks to empower their house's own military forces.

The Blight's turmoil challenged the Altus profoundly. Darkspawn invasions sparked widespread civil unrest, Altus had to not only defend their status from external threats, but from internal revolts and heightening rivalries. In the aftermath, Andraste's Cult and now the Chantry placed blame squarely on the Altus Magisters responsible for breaching the Golden City, triggering the first purges within the elite class. Altus turned against Altus, those who performed Blood Magic using the pain of others rather than themselves were easy targets to cull the herd and appease the lower castes along with outsiders.

Following these purges, Altus reestablished their dominance with heightened caution over the last decade. Power has been reinforced with increased secrecy, especially regarding controversial blood rituals. Rather than open, blatant displays without concern for perceptions, Altus have had to become more moderated. Public authority must be balanced with private ambition, rather than interwoven.