Hi everyone! Welcome to (hopefully) my first Dragon Age story! I've played the games (so many times I've lost cost) and I've read many fanfics as well. There are some great stories out there and I want to contribute my own! All characters, except Isolde, are owned by Bioware. I'm just tinkering around :) So hopefully, this will happen and I'll make the time to update!

This is only the introduction and the base is taken from the Dragon Age Wiki page (under the mage category) which I've altered to suit my needs. The followering chapters may be up soon it depends on the responses to this x My chapters are usually a good length so don't expect super short/long chapters, its just not my thing x

So enough useless text, here's the introduction!

The Circle of Magi exists to protect mages from a world that fears them, or so the young apprentices are told when they are brought to the Tower. In truth, it exists as much to protect the world from the mages themselves. A time once existed when mages ruled the known world, known as the Tevinter Imperium, bringing down ruin upon their enemies until at last they were overthrown. Now, the Chantry dictates that mages are watched carefully by the Templars, mage-hunters aligned with the Chantry priests and work for the Divine, who would not hesitate to strike down any mage at the first sign of corruption.

For the temptations offered to mages are many. Their powers draws demons and makes them an easy target for those who reside in the Fade. Demons that will attempt to wrest control of a mages body and transform them into a vile abomination. What these demons cannot take by force they will attempt to take through deceit, offering knowledge of forbidden blood magic that allows a mage to control the minds of others and use their very life force to fuel their powers, leading them down a dark and destructive path. A path that all Templars are watchful for.

All apprentices are taught to resist these temptations in the Circle of Magi, and the day comes when they must pass their final test: the Harrowing.

They are thrown to the wolves, with the only comfort in the knowledge that if they haven't the willpower to defeat the demon, it will not be able to control them as they will immediately die at Templar hands.

For you see, the Harrowing takes place in the Fade. The realm of demons and all sorts of monsters. It is there that everyone goes when they sleep. The mage, with no knowledge or preparation, is asked to slay the demon and resist temptation.

For many, this is the only way to ensure that 'good' and 'bad' mages are separated. A 'good' mage will refuse and be able to defeat it, and thus ensure their safety form Tranquility. Whilst a 'bad' mage will not be allowed to continue their existence if they cannot defeat their demon and its temptations.

However, if the apprentice refuses or shows signs of not being able to carry out their Harrowing, they are made Tranquil, cut off from all emotion and magic and rendered unable to be possessed for their own good. An option, considered by many, a fate worse than death.

There are no other options, save to flee and be branded an apostate and thus hunted by the Templars forever.

Welcome to the Circle of Magi, and life as a mage, where the power to command the forces of magic come with a price. Welcome to Isolde Surana's life.