High Magic

Unveil the secrets of the arcane

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Lore

If there is much variation about what the practice of magic looks and feels like, there is a familiar picture that comes to mind when arcane and wizardry are mentioned.

The wizened old scholar, buried in tomes of arcane knowledge, slouched over a sea of secret formulas and crumbling parchments, might be the most iconic representation of a magic user. Yet, far from a fantasy trope, the magical tradition embodied by this archetype finds its roots in history, when esoterism met with the nascent scientific tradition, giving rise to an influential doctrine called Hermeticism.

Resurging by the end of the Middle Ages, Hermeticism emerged in Antiquity but became prevalent from the 14th to the 17th century. It was marked by a belief in universal laws that encompassed both the material and the spiritual world and often saw itself at the crossroad between faith and pure rationality. In the Hermetic tradition, nature was investigated through observations, experiments, and illuminations. The purpose was to discover the invisible, find the hidden links that ruled reality, and use that knowledge to alter reality.

This practical approach to esoterism was tightly interwoven with the emergence of science, with numerous early scientists being influenced by this philosophy and adding to it in return. While not fully accepted by the Church or reformed Christian faiths, Hermeticism enjoyed privileged treatments compared to other forms of esoteric pursuits, being considered respectable ‘’High magic’’ and thus untainted by the profane aspects associated with witchcraft and paganism. Still, many of its practitioners relied on discretion and formed secret orders to protect their research and their knowledge.

The magical practice of Hermeticism was centered around alchemy, astrology, and theurgy, and involved transmutation, medicine, a study of the sun and stars, and conjuration of divine and elemental spirits. This form of magic was highly methodical and required significant studies as well as experimentation to create complex rituals and formulas.

Characters

The scholarly aspects of high magic and the intricacies of its practice are closely related to the typical profile of its practitioners. This form of esoterism was mostly present into wealthy and aristocratic circles, among noble and wealthy intellectuals of the time. In fantasy, this relationship between high magic and the elite translates in the arcane being often the domain of upper-class individuals or at least perceived to be a superior, more refined form of magic.

In LARP, a wizard, ritualist, or any well-schooled arcanist might look down on hedge witches, sorcerers, and lowly occultists as vulgar and amateurish mystics whose mastery of magic is tainted by backward rites and common superstitions.

They may be frustrated and even worried by the lack of a method from less academic types of magic users, deeming their practice reckless and shadowy. This elitist attitude can even affect their relationship with non-magic users, making them perceive most of the populace as ignorant imbeciles that have no clue about the true nature of the world. Some may even decide to get involved as advisors for nobles and important political figures, selling their expertise for wealth and influence.

Of course, being part of the magical elite doesn’t require being condescending or flirting with the high circles of power. The more open acceptance of high magic also provides wizards and scholars with the possibility of dedicating themselves to research, and to try to use their magic for the common good.

A more benevolent side to these characters could follow the archetype of the dedicated researcher, the humble apprentice, or the eccentric erudite. No other form of magic is allowed as much freedom and as many means as high magic or is more likely to be supported by strong institutions. After all, magical schools and apprenticeships are intrinsically related to high magic, which may mean for a character that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Wizard's Sword Bastard Swords Nemesis Workshops - Athena Classic Finish

WIZARD'S SWORD

This long and elegant fantasy bastard sword is an amazing weapon for mages, sorcerers, battle wizards, and magically imbued warriors in LARP. Made of foam and latex, this well-balanced weapon can be wielded in two hands for more leverage and agility, or in one hand to make somatic components easier during spellcasting. It is a great addition to any arcanist or magic user combat set.

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LARGE SELECTION OF SPELLBOOKS

All the secrets and experiences from the apprentice mage to the most formidable sorcerers are included in their most valuable possession: the spellbook. This book often consists of all the knowledge accumulated by the scholar. Some even say that mages care more about their tomes than their souls or lives. All those who use magic - elementalists, witches, druids, sorcerers, warlock and even priests - need a good leather-covered spellbook to protect against the weather.

The pages of these books are blank and some book covers are removable. Whether you use your spellbook to write rituals and invocations that you learned in game, or use it as a holy book to show the way to lost souls, a spellbook is essential to demonstrate your power to the illiterate and uneducated.

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PASS ON THE KNOWLEDGE WITH SCROLLS

From the most sacred religious texts to the wizard's secret arcane lore, scrolls often hold unfathomable power. May it be the way to magical might, the proof of a prestigious noble lineage, or to wield the lawful strength of a king's decree, words hold direct influence on the world, but need a vessel to travel through time and distance. The scroll, loved by messengers, a trustworthy friend of the town-crier, consort of the scholar, is often the best way to write down texts of importance and demonstrate the power of knowledge.

Available in various sizes and colors, often rolled around a wood dowel, these scrolls from Davy Jones's Locker are perfect for any official document, map, magical text, or important letter. With their waterproof finish, hand dye, and high-quality canvas, they are at the high end of LARP accessories.

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Costumes

In LARP, arcanists, wizards, and other high magic users are identified by their characteristic outfits, which more often than not include robes, cloaks, hoods, and long flowing coats inspired by academic gowns and togas. Various accessories are also closely related to this form of magic: tomes, grimoires, scrolls, potions and runes being the most typical. Of course, eccentric hats are famous as well, with the wide pointy wizard hats being only one of many options for high magic practitioners.

The idea with this kind of outfit is mostly about making it known and visible to all that this character is well learned in the arcanes. These costumes are displays of skill and expertise, almost status symbols. This is why more is often better when gearing up a wizard or alchemist. Runic symbols added to clothes, rows of magic scrolls, countless talismans, formulas, and potions stacked on their body. Practicality isn’t as important for those scholars and highly learned individuals. In the same idea, bright colors shouldn’t be dismissed without consideration, as they can be used to create a more vibrant and impressive costume.

If they happen to get close to the action, these characters are working on compromises and may try to find ways to combine battle gear with magic. A staff is more than a defensive weapon; it’s also a catalyst for spellcasting and rituals. A sword or dagger might be engraved with runes or made of magical materials. Armor, if worn, might display arcane texts and runes of power.

The Marquise - Master
Sale price $110.00 CAD
Elven Throwing Knife
Sale price $19.00 CAD
RFB Staff
Sale price $194.00 CAD
Wizard's Sword
Sale price $225.00 CAD - $295.00 CAD
Draceltia Spear
Sale price $275.00 CAD
Elven Knife
Sale price $95.00 CAD - $145.00 CAD
Musketeer's Dagger
Sale price $95.00 CAD - $145.00 CAD
Assassin's Sword
Sale price $425.00 CAD
Walking Staff
Sale price $304.00 CAD
Archmage Latex Staff
Sale price $414.00 CAD
Gora Cape
Sale price $83.00 CAD
Wool Cloak Tjark Capes Leonardo Carbone Wool Cloak Tjark Capes Leonardo Carbone
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Wool Cloak Tjark
Sale price $175.00 CAD
Witch Hat Coifs & Hats Leonardo Carbone Witch Hat Coifs & Hats Leonardo Carbone
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Witch Hat
Sale price $50.00 CAD
Wool Hood Hoods Leonardo Carbone Black Wool Hood Hoods Leonardo Carbone Green
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Henri Wool Hood
Sale price $85.00 CAD
Noble Dress Dresses Leonardo Carbone Noble Dress Dresses Leonardo Carbone
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Noble Dress
Sale price $200.00 CAD
Priestess Dress Dresses Epic Armoury Priestess Dress Dresses Epic Armoury
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Priestess Dress
Sale price $89.00 CAD - $109.00 CAD
Red Elise Dress Dresses ArmStreet Red 0 year Red Elise Dress Dresses ArmStreet
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Red Elise Dress
Sale price $305.00 CAD
Star Hat Star Hat
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Star Hat
Sale price $60.00 CAD
Kim Short Cape
Sale price $69.00 CAD
Wool Godfrey Cape Wool Godfrey Cape
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Wool Godfrey Cape
Sale price $189.00 CAD - $264.00 CAD
Simple Spellbook Spellbooks Les Artisans d'Azure Simple Spellbook Spellbooks Les Artisans d'Azure Black Small
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Simple Spellbook
Sale price $45.00 CAD - $75.00 CAD
Standard Spellbook
Sale price $80.00 CAD - $110.00 CAD
Basic Bound Journal - Brown Basic Bound Journal - Brown
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Basic Bound Journal - Brown
Sale price $25.00 CAD
Book of Knowledge
Sale price $135.00 CAD
Bound Journal – Pentagram
Sale price $30.00 CAD
Bound Journal - Leaves (Brown) Bound Journal - Leaves (Brown)
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Bound Journal - Leaves (Brown)
Sale price $50.00 CAD
Bound Journal - Steampunk
Sale price $45.00 CAD
Bound Journal – Guardian Eagles
Sale price $25.00 CAD
Bound Journal - Dragon rampant
Sale price $30.00 CAD
Spellbook of Visions Spellbooks Les Artisans d'Azure Spellbook of Visions Spellbooks Les Artisans d'Azure
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Spellbook of Visions
Sale price $135.00 CAD
Sealing Wax
Sale price $4.00 CAD
Scribe Quill
Sale price $35.00 CAD
Alchemist Belt Belts Les Artisans d'Azure Alchemist Belt Belts Les Artisans d'Azure
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Alchemist Belt
Sale price $195.00 CAD
Spellbook pouch
Sale price $125.00 CAD
Triple Potion Holder Triple Potion Holder
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Triple Potion Holder
Sale price $44.00 CAD
Vials Holder Games & Other Accessories Les Artisans d'Azure Brown 5 Vials Vials Holder Games & Other Accessories Les Artisans d'Azure Black 5 Vials
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Vials Holder
Sale price $50.00 CAD - $65.00 CAD
Double Potion Holder Double Potion Holder
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Double Potion Holder
Sale price $29.00 CAD
Shoulder Bag Pouches & Bags Les Artisans d'Azure Black Shoulder Bag Pouches & Bags Les Artisans d'Azure Brown
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Shoulder Bag
Sale price $180.00 CAD
Sun Elf Ears Prosthesis & Ears Aradani Studios Sun Elf Ears Prosthesis & Ears Aradani Studios
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Sun Elf Ears
Sale price $28.00 CAD
Decorated Belt KCD Decorated Belt KCD
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Decorated Belt KCD
Sale price $150.00 CAD

Our Custom Projects | High Magic

The High Magic inspiration is very popular in the LARP community. Here are some custom projects we're done for our customers over the years.

This sleeveless robe inspired by the costume design found in the movie Doctor Strange was custom ordered by M.S for his character at Bicolline, a sorcerer diplomat from an extraplanar specie. Made of multiple layers of various textile, combining linen, cotton, polyester, the robe displays many color nuances. Purple, mauve, and fuschia dominate this outfit, with silver and grey adding a more sober teint to highlight the costume's astonishing palette.

This combat wizard set has been custom made for an honored member of the Tyrion guild, from Bicolline. Including a short coat, a wide leather belt, as well as a long combat skirt, this set display an amazing level of detail. Made of Ponte di Roma fabric, supple black leather, and turquoise silk with golden strands, the coat is adjustable with a set of leather straps on the front, which include shiny golden buckles for decorations as well as practicality.

This impressive ogre mage set created for Bicolline is one of the most ambitious custom project given to our team. Worthy of the most prestigious and opulent sultan, this costume for a fantasy gem merchant is made of three main pieces for a luxurious and magnificent aspect. Long and majestic, the sleeveless hooded vest makes the upper layer of clothing.