Circles Relationship with the Chantry

The Chantry is, of course, dominant in The Circle of Magi. Indeed, it is difficult to see where The Templar Order ends and the Chantry begins, such in the close relationship between the two. So it stands to reason that the Chantry and the Circle must have a close relationship, be is a negative or positive one. Since the fracturing of the Fraternities and the Templar Order there was a notable rise of Andrastians amongst the Circle Mages; it was a sharp increase and welcomed by the Chantry, it certainly aided them in gaining the hearts and minds of those Circles who had rebelled and repented, avoiding Annulment.

It is also commonplace for First Enchanters of the Circles to be forced into regular communication with the most senior Chantry members and Templars. This communication often consists of the Chantry dictating how the First Enchanter should approach a problem and deal with it. Though the leader of the magi is not forced into complying they often do to remain in favour and to win the larger “battles” in the long run. It is a sacrifice but most First Enchanters see it as a compromise worth making.

All children taken to the Circle are rigorously indoctrinated. They are taught in the Chantry while awaiting their transfer to the Circle and are, for the first few years, taught in the same fashion as the initiates. They are not the equals of the initiates (who go on to become sisters, brothers and Templars) but they are certainly taught in the same way, learning that their magic is like Original Sin, it is the both a gift of the Maker and a curse and as mages they are a danger to themselves and society. They are brainwashed into believing these things and told that the Chantry and its precepts protect them and the Templars are their bodyguards as well as their prison guards. The Maker is their salvation.

One of the few freedoms is to be assigned to a Revered Mother or even a Grand Cleric – here Templar intrusion is less likely out of respect for such a high ranking Chantry official. It is rare, nay almost impossible for a non Andrastian to be chosen for such a posting. The Chantry official chooses the mage themselves.