Templar

Warrior-zealots tasked with overseeing and controlling mages under the authority of the Chantry. Sworn to uphold the doctrine that "magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him", Templars represent unwavering vigilance through martial devotion.

The Templar Order is the military order of the Orlesian and Imperial Chantry. The Orlesian Templar Order, only signed into existence with the Nevarran accords of 1:01 Divine, hunts abominations, apostates, and maleficar. They also watch over the mages of the Circle of Magi, though only one Circle exists to be watched over, more are planned.

Advocates claim Templars are saviors, holy warriors, protectors of the innocent, and champions of all that is good. Others see them as mere pawns, another move by the Chantry to gain power, to gain control. With magic as the scapegoat, Templars act against mages with a religious fervor that forces adherence to mandates rather than moral principles.

Those Templars of Orlais protect communities from magical threats, hunting and subduing Blood Magic practitioners to force them to submit to the Chantry. Meanwhile, in the Tevinter Imperium, Templars act as enforcers of the Altus. Less religiously inclined, Tevinter Templars are closer to empowered soldiers, using their Lyrium fueled abilities to handle the rivals of an Altus or clean up the consequences of their failed Blood Magic rituals.

Abilities

Templars are the foils of mages, trained specifically to counter and deny magic. This is done by reinforcing reality and the immutability of the world. When a mage, or a demon, seeks to work magic, they must tap into the Fade in order to reshape reality.

Recruits require years of education and discipline to use their Templar abilities. Once they've become proficient in their templar skills, the recruits then learn sword training and religious doctrine. Prior to taking their vows, Templar recruits undergo a vigil. After the vigil, the knight's life is changed. The templar is given a philter—their first draught of lyrium—and its power. The Orlesian Templar Order dictates that Templars are not to seek wealth or acknowledgement. Their lives belong to the Maker and the path they have chosen.

Lyrium Dust is used to enforce reality itself and close off access to the Fade. Magic dissipates, from ice blasts suddenly stopping midair and turning into puddles to arcane radiance losing luster.

Inhibiting spellcasting, or dispelling it, Templars also develop resistance to magic itself through ingesting Lyrium. Veteran Templars can wield their abilities as they would a sword, without thought, instinctual.

Career Features

Devotion: Able to use Devotion based spells

Lyrium Reserves: +3 Mana

Chantry Funds: Weekly Kit that grants x1 Lyrium Dust

Duties

Orlesian Templars are sworn to protect the world from the dangers of magic, but to also protect mages from the world. These Templars are responsible for:

Hunting Maleficarum, or those mages who use Blood Magic
Hunting Apostates, or those mages practicing magic without having been properly trained
Hunting Abominations, or those mages possessed by a Demon
Hunting Demons
Seeking out mages to bring them into the Circle in Orlais, or a proper tutor
Protect those mages practicing justifiably and with training from those who do not understand their abilities

The Orlesian Templars were vested with this power in 1:01 Divine with the signing of the Nevarran Accords. This has created the first Circle of Magi in Orlais, with more intended to expand potential of properly training and safeguarding mages. With Templars being given such power through the Chantry, there is a precarious balance between protection and oppression to be found.

In the Tevinter Imperium, Templars are a subordinate role rather than absolute enforcers. Due to the supremacy of mage-rule, Templars serve as bodyguards or political pawns, constrained by the overwhelming influence of mage houses. Their duties align more with what the Altus desire to use them for, it ranging from law enforcement or soldiers in war to assassins of rival mages.