Rites of Fortification

The Rites of Fortification are a collection of enchantments that provide wizards with their superhuman vitality.

The collective name "Rites of Fortification" do not refer to any specific set of spells. There are many different ways to achieve fortification; the "Rites" refer to an individual's path.

Common Properties
Rites can be achieved from different schools of magic. The common options are either toughness or protection.

A toughened wizard has changed their exterior to be nearly immune to physical harm of any kind. Toughness is a wide-ranging defense that applies against any physical force. However, toughness has a limit, much like a supernatural set of armor. When the force applied exceeds the Rite's limits, the wizard will take harm.

A protected wizard instead hedges out particular concepts. Once protected from a concept, a wizard cannot be harmed by it in any measure. However, protection offers no benefit against any effect the wizard is not specifically protected from. Each possible source of harm must be protected against individually.

Most wizards opt for a combination of both approaches to cover all eventualities.

Overcoming the Rites
All forms of the Rites of Fortification have two inconquerable weaknesses. A wizard of superior power can push against the Rites and counter them, at least until reapplied. Additionally, like all magic, the Rites have no effect on orichalcum, and a weapon made from or coated from it will pierce the Rites without interference.

Social Status
In the Alliance of States, the ability to manifest the Rites is required to be rated above Bronze. Bronze and copper wizards are not considered "true wizards," as a result.

In the League of Nine, those unable to manifest the Rites are considered lesser mages and denied many of the social benefits most League wizards enjoy.