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RULES·WHITE DWARF 524

Battle Companions and Arcane Upgrades

May 2026·pp. 12–14

THE SHORT VERSION

A mage can ride a warhorse or acquire a familiar, with separate upgrade paths for fast cavalry, flying companions and fighting familiars. The familiar increases magical capacity but can be drained to rescue a poor casting roll at the cost of later power. Further options develop the wizard’s fighting skills, magical defence or spellcasting mastery, including a blasting wand, a protective ward and the chance to repeat a successfully cast spell.

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LoreWD 524 · pp. 2–7

Arcane Inferno: The Collegiate at War

The Collegiate Arcane trains gifted humans to control dangerous realm-magic and channels that expertise into Sigmar’s armies. Its eight Colleges draw elemental motes from the world around them, so even a wizard far from their native realm can find the energies needed for healing, deception, metalworking or destructive battle spells. Masters of Combat Arcana supplement scholarly training with practical wards and counter-spells suited to the front line.

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LoreWD 524 · pp. 6–7

Spelltomes and Sorcerous Duels

Practised battle spells can become instinctive, while grimoires preserve complex invocations and help a wizard prepare unfamiliar magic in advance. The Colleges also stage dangerous contests suited to their disciplines: Bright College apprentices endure fiery trials in the Crucible, whereas Grey Wizards seek victory through illusions that can imprison an unwary mind. A short scene illustrates the lesson as Blissa abandons a failing shield, sidesteps a sorcerer’s attack and kills him with conjured fire-serpents.

Age of SigmarCities of Sigmar
May 2026Read summary
RulesWD 524 · pp. 8–14

Anvil of Apotheosis: The Collegiate Arcane

This Cities of Sigmar hero creator builds a custom Collegiate Mage for Path to Glory, with permission required to bring the character into other games. Apprentice, advanced and archmage budgets determine the available destiny points and game points; a basic human wizard then gains an origin, an optional flaw, a bespoke spell, a companion and further upgrades. Flaws deliberately free points for other strengths, making a frail or reckless eccentric as viable a starting concept as a disciplined battlefield specialist.

Age of SigmarCities of Sigmar
May 2026Read summary