The Qunari treat all mages with caution, but are especially hard on their own. The strict and regimented treatment of Circle mages by the templars pales in comparison to that of the Saarebas by the Qunari. Whereas the Circle mages have relative freedom within their towers, Saarebas are seemingly prisoners within their own body, donning a set of heavy pauldrons with chains attached to them, perhaps to act as a form of leash, while their faces are hidden beneath a metal visor. In extreme cases their lips may be stitched together. If found practicing forbidden magic, their tongues are cut out to prevent them from corrupting others.

Saarebas do not receive a proper instruction and are essentially hedge mages. They are considered weapons and as such are trained with the focus on destruction.

The mages in Qunari society are never allowed to be alone, and are always under watch by Arvaarads. If Saarebas separate from their keeper, they must be slain, or commit suicide, according to the Qun. The chained armor the Saarebas are forced to wear can immobilize them through a device held by an Arvaarad. The Qunari also invented a mobile version of the magic-blocking device which makes mages unable to cast spells – it is in the form of a collar.

The Qunari pity, but honor the Saarebas at the same time, for the Saarebas striving while under constant threat from within is truly selfless, the highest virtue of the Qun.

PLAYING A SAAREBAS

If you choose to play a Saarebas, modify your character as follows:

• Add 1 to your Magic ability. This represents the training you have received.
• Pick one of the following ability focuses: Cunning (Arcane Lore) or Cunning (Qun).
• Like all Qunari, you are susceptible to magic. You suffer a –1 penalty on all ability tests to resist spells and other magical effects, such as magic item powers.
• You can speak and read the Trade Tongue and Qunlat.
• Take the mage class.

Saarebas

2d6 Roll
2 +1 Willpower
3-4 Focus: Willpower (Self-Discipline)
5 Focus: Willpower (Faith)
6 Focus: Cunning (Historical Lore)
7-8 +1 Cunning
9 Focus: Constitution (Stamina)
10-11 Focus: Cunning (Military Lore)
12 +1 Constitution