Mage guilds, established in every kingdom, ostensibly exist to serve the ruler by training up a new generation of magical adepts. In reality, most wizards are extremely reluctant to share their power, and their guilds are often used to retard the spread of their craft. Aspirants face circular regulations, years of drudgery, and a fanatical hoarding of any useful texts. The best of the arcane masters worry about the corrupting influence the power might exert upon an unready mind and soul. Most, however, jealously guard their power for more selfish reasons. A desire to retain the prestige that their secrets grant them for some; others suspect that the power they share is a resource like any other and fear its gradual diminishment. Many are simply absorbed in their studies, and abhor the thou