Maleficarum

A maleficar (plural maleficarum), "one who is depraved" in Ancient Tevene, is a mage who uses the forbidden arts including, but not solely restricted to, blood magic. Known maleficarum are slain on sight by templars.

Apostates are not by definition maleficarum, but many are. Bucking the authority of the Circle of Magi usually leads a mage into exploring the forbidden, especially if they feel they need such power to stay alive. This is common enough that many templars will simply assume that any apostate is also a maleficar, or close enough to becoming one that it makes no difference.

Apostates who practice magical arts not well known among Circles, such as shapeshifting, are sometimes referred to as maleficarum. This distinction is not exact and is usually born from the common ignorance and prejudice to associate all unique forms of magic with blood magic.

Necromancy is considered borderline maleficar magic, but some versions of it are sanctioned in Orlesian Circles (the types derivative from Nevarra City in particular), but as with Spirit Healers these mages are kept a very close eye on. Elvhen Keepers are not killed on sight but their magic is also considered "depraved" and thus they are usually very restricted and suffer in isolation. If the Chantry knew of the Avvar and their deals with Spirits and Demons and possession as well as the hedges witches and their like then they would surely demand that they be wiped out...