Ranks, Threat Levels and the Holy Church.

Each rank above an Apprentice Mage requires a greater amount of knowledge, skill, and experience. As mages climb the ranks, their mana capacity, the maximum amount of magical energy they can channel at one time, will also increase. Spellcasting ability also varies by rank, and at higher levels, mages may learn specialized spells that only those at their level can cast. Ultimately, each rank represents a higher level of mastery over magical arts.

1. Apprentice Mage: This is the entry-level position for aspiring mages. Apprentices are just starting their journey into the world of magic and can cast only basic spells with limited mana capacity.

2. Mage: This is the next level up from an Apprentice Mage. Mages have a higher level of magical knowledge and can cast more complex spells with a slightly higher mana capacity.

3. High Mage: This is a highly respected rank among mages. High Mages possess extensive magical knowledge and can cast a wide range of spells with a significant increase in mana capacity. They may also have specialized knowledge in a specific area of magic, such as elemental magic or healing magic.

4. Great Mage: A Great Mage is one of the most respected and powerful mages in existence. They have immense magical knowledge and can cast a vast array of spells with a very high mana capacity. Great Mages may also have unique magical abilities and knowledge of ancient and obscure forms of magic.

5. Supreme Mage: A Supreme Mage is a legendary figure among mages, with unparalleled magical knowledge and the ability to cast incredibly powerful spells with an almost limitless mana capacity. They are extremely rare and often regarded with awe and reverence by the magical community.

6. Mage Emperor: The title of Mage Emperor is only bestowed upon one who has achieved the ultimate level of mastery over magic. They have complete knowledge of all forms of magic, can cast any spell with ease, and have the highest possible mana capacity. A Mage Emperor is essentially able to reshape reality using their power and is considered to be one of the most powerful beings in existence.

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Threat Levels —

1. Destruction Rank: This rank represents an individual or group that has the ability to cause significant destruction on a large scale. Those with this rank can threaten entire cities or settlements with their magical abilities. They may have a specialization in offensive magic, such as fire or lightning, or possess powerful magical artifacts that enhance their destructive capabilities. (Grade 4)

2. Damnation Rank: This rank represents an individual or group with the ability to curse or damn entire city-states or more. Those with this rank can threaten cultural and societal structures, corrupting individuals or entire groups to their own will. (Grade 3)

3. Chaos Rank: This rank represents an individual or group with the ability to sow chaos and anarchy on a large scale. Those with this rank can threaten political and economic structures, potentially causing the collapse of entire nations or continents. (Grade 2)

4. Eradication Rank: This rank represents an individual or group with the ability to eradicate supercontinents. Those with this rank can threaten the very existence of races or civilizations. (Grade 1)

5. Eschaton Rank: This rank represents an individual or group with the ability to bring about the end of the world. Those with this rank can threaten all of existence, potentially leading to the complete annihilation of everything. They may specialize in apocalyptic magic or have access to ancient, world-ending artifacts. (Grade 0)

The Holy Church evaluates these ranks not just on an individual's strength or mana capacity, but on their potential to cause harm to larger groups of people or entire civilizations. Those with higher ranks are considered to be more dangerous and a higher priority threat. The Church may take action against those with these ranks to prevent them from causing harm to innocent people.

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The Holy Church, officially known as the Church of the Divine Union, is the dominant religious institution of the God Continent, with its headquarters located in the holy city of Sanctum. The Church's history stretches back to the time of the ancient empire of Avalonia, where the first apostles of the gods were chosen to spread the teachings of the divine. Over time, the Church grew in power and influence, becoming the primary authority on all matters related to magic, the arcane, and the divine.

The country that the Church dominates is known as the Kingdom of Sanctum, a large and prosperous nation located at the heart of the God Continent. It is ruled by King Baldwin IV, a powerful mage and devout follower of the gods. Known as the Hammer of Sanctum for his ruthless approach to dealing with any who would oppose the Church and threaten the kingdom's stability, King Baldwin IV is feared by both his enemies and allies.

Despite his brutal reputation, King Baldwin IV is considered a wise and just ruler by his subjects, who revere him as a holy figure due to his incredible magical abilities. His mastery of fire, earth, and lightning magic are unparalleled, and he has used his powers to expand the Kingdom of Sanctum's borders and crush all who would stand against him.

Above King Baldwin IV is Archangel Michael, the highest authority in the Church of the Divine Union. Revered as a divine messenger, Archangel Michael is considered to be the voice of the gods themselves, wielding incredible power over heaven and earth. Nonetheless, he is still obligated to answer to King Baldwin IV, who is the Pope of the Holy Church Union- the highest religious order in the Church.

One of the Church's most formidable knights is Joan of Arc, a warrior who has become a legend among the Church's followers. With her signature flaming sword and unwavering faith, Joan has slain countless monsters, demons, and dragons, becoming a symbol of hope and righteousness throughout the kingdom of Sanctum.

The Holy Church Union was formed by King Baldwin IV himself, who sought to unite all the factions of the Church under one banner. Under his leadership, the Church has become the most powerful institution in the God Continent, with influence spreading far beyond its borders.

Geographically, the Church of the Divine Union is spread across the entirety of the God Continent, with Sanctum being the center of its power. The Church has numerous outposts, monasteries, and holy sites throughout the continent, all dedicated to the worship and study of the gods. These sites are protected by the Church's powerful knights and mages, who are tasked with defending the faithful and rooting out heresy.

The Church is deeply ingrained in the culture and society of the Kingdom of Sanctum and beyond, with its teachings and values shaping the beliefs and behaviors of its followers. The Church is highly respected and revered by the people, who believe that the gods' blessings and protection are granted through their faithful worship and devotion.

However, despite the Church's power and influence, there are those who oppose its doctrines and seek to challenge its authority. Some believe that the Church has become corrupt and too focused on maintaining its own power rather than serving the gods and the people. Others feel that the Church's strict rules and traditions stifle individuality and freedom. These dissenters often face persecution and punishment for their beliefs, leading to a growing unrest within the kingdom.

Despite these challenges, the Church of the Divine Union continues to hold a firm grip on the God Continent, with its powerful leaders and devoted followers working tirelessly to uphold its teachings and protect its influence. Whether it will continue to hold sway in a world of growing unrest and conflict remains to be seen.