The magicians of the Sartar Magical Union are popularly called “warlocks” after a derisive comment by the Lunar general who opposed them at the Battle of Sword Hill. They have been taught techniques to wield great magical power through meditation and other strenuous disciplines. They include men and women in roughly equal measures, as well as a substantial minority not so easily classified, far more than in the surrounding population.
Argrath has taught them to perceive a higher consciousness through their inner eye; these teachings are very similar to those Arkat taught his companions but include some element of draconic communication.
The meditative disciplines practiced by Argrath’s warlocks include dance, chants, breathing techniques, postures, and other rites. Some rites include elements of Auld Wyrmish, both spoken and danced. The warlocks belong to other cults as well as that of the magical regiment; Lightbringer cults predominate, but some warlocks are Malkioni, shamans, and even Lunar cultists. Argrath’s magic uses an eldritch blend of Arkati secrets, Praxian shamanism, God Learner theory, draconic mysticism, and even Lunar illumination, combined with more traditional cult practices. The magicians in most units come from a variety of different magical backgrounds and cults; by using Argrath’s teachings they can summon their collective over-soul (wyter). To do this, the magicians perform arduous disciplines, which can take the form of meditation, austerities, chants, ecstatic dance, and even sex, to achieve a higher consciousness and unshakeable focus. This technique is sometimes called “egg hatching” or “hatching and birth” and is analogized with the labor every mother puts in delivering her baby. While performing their collective rites, the magicians are physically defenseless and must be defended by bodyguards.
Many commoners suspect the warlocks are Argrath’s bonded tricksters (and a substantial number are in fact Eurmal cultists). The warlocks are widely feared, and their cryptic and often transgressive words and deeds do not endear them to the superstitious. They are none-the-less under the direct protection of the Prince, who favors them greatly.