Sage (Advancement)

Sages are Sacred Artists who have gained an icon and are able access The Way. This rank is a distinction and can be achieved during any stage of the Lord realm but usually only achieved by peak Archlords.

It is also one of the necessary steps to advance to Monarch. Becoming a sage requires deep insight, vast reserves of willpower and embodying a concept thoroughly to be recognized for it by something greater. Sage rank is usually achieved by those who forge their own paths.

The Abidan are said to prefer Sages for ascension due to them already being able to access the way.

Conversation between Yerin and Min Shuei, the Winter Sage,

"To become a Sage, you have to contact a greater power, a symbol of a greater concept of reality. We call that symbol an Icon.”

Wight, Will. Wintersteel (Cradle Book 8) (pp. 150-151). Hidden Gnome Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Conversation between Lindon and Eithan regarding Sages and Icons,

“In the past, the concept of a Sage was much more…fluid…than it is today. When manifesting an Icon, it is very important to understand the significance of your madra and to sense it deeply. Equally important is some kind of technique to regularly train your willpower. For years. An exercise that pushes your focus and concentration ever further, and that most people would give up or abandon for easier trails.”

Wight, Will. Wintersteel (Cradle Book 8) (p. 497). Hidden Gnome Publishing.

“Now, the specific Icon you manifest depends not only on the nature of your madra currently, but on a concept that has always been core to your identity. Even in childhood."

Wight, Will. Wintersteel (Cradle Book 8) (pp. 497-498). Hidden Gnome Publishing. Kindle Edition.