Wizard War

Wizard War (sometimes called Wizard's War) is a formal, legally committed conflict in which two magi may step outside the Code of Hermes to fight one another to the death. It shall not be confused with the far more serious Wizard's March.

Terminology

In Ars Magica Fifth Edition, the correct term in Wizard War (singular, without the genitive) in spite of the fact that the most detailed discussion of the topic uses the erroneous form, "Wizard's War." The two constructions are so similar as to be functionally interchangeable.

Wizard War and the Code of Hermes

Wizard War must be formally declared according to a defined procedure which includes the rule that the declaration must arrive in writing at a specific time of the lunar month.

Wizard War in ArM5

Wizard War is defined in the core ArM5 rule book.

Houses of Hermes: True Lineages explains the legal basis for Wizard War (it is an example of the principle of Forfeit Immunity). It further explains the procedure for declaring war and describes the limits on what the combatants may and may not legally do during the war.

Houses of Hermes: Societates has a detailed section on Wizard War. It describes how to declare war, why magi might fight a Wizard War, what actions are permissible during Wizard War, and provides strategic and tactical advice on how to prepare for and wage Wizard War.

Hermetic Projects contains one project, "the Intangible Assassin," that is primarily but not exclusively useful in Wizard's War. This chapter offers a brief recap of the legal and political implications of Wizard's War, which is probably complete enough to stand alone if you don't have the other books.

History of Wizard War in the Order

Wizard War was included in the Hermetic Oath at the insistence of Flambeau the Founder, who wanted to ensure his enemies could not escape his wrath merely by swearing the Oath of Hermes.

There have been a number of Peripheral Code rulings related to Wizard War.

See Also

• Wizard's March, a similar but far more grave concept.