Battlemage: Magic by Mail

Battlemage: Magic by Mail is a 168,000-word interactive novel told entirely through text, without graphics or sound effects. You begin as a squire who receives your first battlemage assignment after enrolling in a mail-order course, but Sir Kelton says squires are not allowed to practice magic. For now, you must act as though you want to become a knight while learning the magical arts.

Magic and corruption

You can study elementalism, illusion, healing and necromancy. Illusion magic lets you manipulate minds; elementalism masters the elements; healing channels the forces of life; and necromancy harnesses death. Using magic risks Arcane Corruption, which first changes your appearance and can eventually take control of you.

The kingdom and its court

You can pursue tournaments, court politics or a role in defending the kingdom. Tournament events include combat, archery and jousting. At court, you can use intrigue and betrayal to seek power, while on the battlefield you face mysterious invaders led by a powerful battlemage. You can also compete with other students for the attention of the legendary El Cano.

Your character and relationships

You can play as a male, female or nonbinary character, and choose to be gay, straight, bi, asexual or poly. Romance options include a fellow squire, a stableboy, a prince or a princess. Your choices can lead you to become a loyal squire, a powerful battlemage or ruler of the realm.