====== BattleMage ======
A warrior who has studied the arcane, or a spellcaster who trained with steel? BattleMages embody balance between sword and spell. Though they develop more slowly than pure fighters or mages, their versatility makes them powerful allies and dangerous foes.

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===== ⚔️ Class Overview =====

  * **Combat Role:** Hybrid Melee/Spellcaster
  * **Magic Access:** Full (can cast spells and use spell slots)
  * **Armor Access:** May wear up to **30 points** of armor
  * **Health Gain:** Gains **4 Health per level**:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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===== 🧪 Class Traits =====

BattleMages can purchase:

  * **Melee weapon skills** and **armor up to 30 points**
  * **Spell slots**, starting at a lower XP cost than other martial classes
  * **Spellcraft**, **Read Magic**, and **Literacy** to enable casting
  * Spells from the **generalist spell list** and later specialize via in-play methods

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===== 📘 XP and Skill Notes =====

BattleMages have reduced XP costs for many general casting and combat abilities. For example:

^ Skill Name            ^ XP Cost ^ Notes                       ^
| Primary Spell Slot 1  | 10      | Cheapest among hybrids      |
| Read Magic            | 40      | Required for spell use      |
| 1-Handed Edged        | 70      | Moderate weapon access      |
| Shield                | 70      | May carry standard shields  |
| Fortify               | 30      | Bonus HP per level          |

For full cost breakdowns, see the [[operations:public:interactive_rulebook:core:xp_costs|XP & Skill Cost Tables]].

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===== 🧱 Restrictions =====

  * May not wear armor above 30 points
  * Does not receive free access to spells or rituals—must purchase all spellcasting skills
  * Spellcasting requires preparation time (see [[operations:public:interactive_rulebook:core:magic|Magic & Spellcasting]])

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===== 🧭 Roleplay Suggestions =====

  * Balance the scholarly discipline of a Mage with the pragmatism of a soldier
  * Be the bridge between the arcane and the mundane
  * Explore internal conflict: do you lean into your martial training or your magical potential?

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**Play a BattleMage if you want to blend swordplay and sorcery, protect and strike, and be versatile in any fight.**