Sorcerers

Sorcerers are a type of arcane spell-caster, found throughout the Empire. Unlike Wizards, who learn to wield magic as an intellectual exercise (most often under the tutelage of a school funded by the Chancery), Sorcerers derive their power from their bloodline.

Power source

As noted Sorcerers do not 'learn' their magic ability (a process which can take many years to master). Instead they are born with an innate magical gift which allows they to spontaneously develop the ability to cast spells sometime during, or shortly after, puberty.

Some families claim that their bloodline has mixed with that of a Celestial or Fiendish being in some time in the distant past (usually so distant that no one can say when or, more importantly, be held responsible for). Others say that due to a unique connection with the Universe. In all cases though it appears to be at least partially hereditary.

Chancery Outlook

The Chancery finds the existence of Sorcerers to be both fascinating and worrying. Whilst it is academically interesting that an individual can 'inherit' something as structured as magical power (and only magical power, never divine) it is of concern that should these people breed in sufficient numbers then the Chancery will no longer be able to regulate and direct arcane power for the benefit of the Empire.

At present the Chancery is watching these 'Sorcerers' very closely.