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Description
Whenever classification is involved, there are bound to be certain subjects or parameters that cause issues with the system. Like trying to create a distinct line between mages and sorcerers. Another good example, mainly for you natural historians, is trying to figure out the whole deal of dryad species vs. sub-species. Whenever one tries to set down clear cut rules, you will always find certain things that blur the perfect lines. Classification of mancers is no exception to the rule. While we define mancers as those whose mana is infected by a certain element and promptly consumed by it, there are those who somewhat, but not quite, fit that bill. Previous masters of magic who have been overwhelmed by their natural mana, that has been corrupted by misuse and elemental poisoning. This would seem easy to work with, except there are those who are steeped in magic and void of humanity, but are infused with a magic type that defies basic elements. Mancers whose elements are not normally used in magic, and should not have been able to infect their mana. A prime example of this is the Apiaromancer, or for a more common tongue, bee mages. An entity who has been consumed by the process of bee keeping and bee raising, and are rife with magic and mana that allows them to control it. Someone try to explain to me how on earth something like that happens. Many of us have tried, and have all horribly failed. The act of bee keeping has nothing to do with magic and should not require any use of mana. Despite this, there have been reports of Apiaromancers, entities who can control bees and honey, commanding them like a Hydromancer summoning a tidal wave. It makes zero sense, but they exist. Some have argued for putting them in a different class, but no one can decide on what that class should be defined as. For now, Apiaromancers are mancers, so we shall discuss more about them.

Apiaromancers always arise from bee keepers, those who keep and maintain bee hives in order to produce honey. These are people who are obsessed with bees and everything that has to do with pollination and honey production. How someone goes from this to an Apiaromancer is beyond me. Perhaps their natural mana responds to the bees? Or maybe they are unknowingly using their mana to influence the hives? No one really knows, but at some point, a bee keeper may turn into an Apiaromancer. This event is extremely rare, to the point where only four Apiaromancers have ever been recorded. Even then, some believe that a few of these recordings are the same Apiaromancer, who has just shown up again after decades of hiding. In my life, so far, I have only met one Apiaromancer and I am quite lucky to have witnessed such an event. We will go more into him later, but let me just stress that Apiaromancers are very rare to encounter. To make things even harder, Apiaromancers always live in isolation. They prefer lands far away from civilization and frown upon intruders. This is because they care about one thing only: the bees.

An Apiaromancer devotes their entire existence to raising and caring for bees. Their territory is rife with hives and colonies, each painstakingly constructed and highly protected. The quarters of an Apiaromancer is often just a simple hut, kept primitive so that they may focus on the bees. Within their territory, they will cultivate fields of wild flowers, entire plains made of colors and blooms. Their variety is well balanced, ensuring that there are flower species always blooming throughout the entire growing season. These fields are meant for their bees, and are carefully controlled so that the bees have the perfect habitat. While they are mages of honey and bees, people have seen them working in the flower fields planting sprouts and pulling weeds. When they are not working in the fields, they are checking on the hives, making sure all is well. Though they have a particular fascination with honey bees, they also care for bumblebees, carpenter bees, miner bees and even shearing bees. From colony builders to solitary burrowers, any species of bee is welcome in their territory, and they will insure that they get the best treatment.

While they seem to perform physical labor at all times, they do possess magical abilities. The primary one is their relationship with the bees. Through some form of communication, an Apiaromancer can speak to any kind of bee and command them. An entire swarm can follow their orders and perform complicated tactics when spoken to correctly. Those who have been attacked by an Apiaromancer's swarm have vouched for this uncanny control. Many talk about how the bees can move like coordinated army, cutting off escape routes, planning ambushes and going for vital areas. When Apiaromancers attack, they will command any bees that are in the area, and even some species of wasp. The swarms will descend upon the intruder and sting them mercilessly. Stories involving these swarms tell of grown warriors screaming like children and throwing themselves into rivers to escape the horde. Though Apiaromancers do not use flame and ice, they are beings to be reckoned with. To go with that is their ability to produce and control honey. While Apiaromancers use their bees to make some of the finest honey in the world, they can produce copious amounts of it from their body. Strange hive-like structures in their bodies can fire off waves of the sticky stuff, which they use solely for combat. The honey produced is thick and bland, terrible for consumption. When used as a tool, though, then it really shines. Some may find the use of honey as a weapon as hilarious, but they won't be laughing when a gob of it asphyxiates them. This magic honey can be used to glue foes to the ground, gunk up weapons, suffocate or blind enemies and block attacks. Some have even used it to climb up walls and stick to trees. When in the hands of a skilled Apiaromancer, this magic honey is just as deadly as any sword or spell. Lastly in their arsenal is the odd use of smoke. Many assume that smoke is within the territory of Pyromancers, but Apiaromancers seem to have a loose connection with it. When they were human, they used smoke to calm the colonies and collect honey, but now they could just talk to the bees directly. For some reason, though, parts of their body can create thick clouds of smoke, which is used for distracting and blinding opponents. In battle, Apiaromancers can simply disappear into clouds of smoke and strike from nowhere. With all these powers combined, they are extremely deadly and should not be messed with. Thankfully, this wrath only occurs when someone disturbs their hives or tramples their manicured flowers.

As for the life of an Apiaromancer, I cannot say much. All I can really talk about is the one Apiaromancer I know, who goes by the name "The Beekeeper." That name isn't even his doing, as he never talks. The name was given by others, who figured they had to call him something. He lives the isolated life of an Apiaromancer, tending to fields and hives. He says not a word, and has never shown his face. In fact, no one really knows what happens to the body of an Apiaromancer when they turn. Many assume it assimilates with their suits and hives, but this is only speculation. Regardless, he is a mystery to many, and has worked hard to remain as such. He does not take well to intruders, and hates people who try to study him. Those who have taken up posts around his territory will slowly find themselves being watched by bees, and eventually driven away. He spends all his time on his fields and hives, and works hard to make honey that is so good that kings would pay fortunes for it. Which brings us to a very odd part about him, and that is the fact that he sells his honey. I know some would think that this is perfectly normal, but its weird, and I will tell you why. Apiaromancers are loners and have no care for humans or other species. They have zero need for money or approval, yet The Beekeeper will go into civilization to sell his honey to customers. To make this even odder, his business seems to appear and disappear with no rhyme or reason. He seemingly sells this stuff at random, and with little fanfare. The honey he sells is said to be more valuable then gold and tastier than any substance on this planet, yet he doesn't treat it like that. He could sell the stuff for thousands a jar, yet the price always remains at ten pieces. He could have people lined up at his store from here to the moon, yet he only sets up a small table in some back alley for no real reason. There are no announcements or signs, his presence only found out when some wanderer stumbles into his booth. If someone does discover his booth, they have learned to keep quiet about it. Apparently he dislikes crowds, so he always happens to disappear when the hordes descend upon his location. To get their hands on this legendary honey, some barons and kings have hired seekers who travel across the cities and towns in search for his booth. These people get paid handsomely for their efforts, which some find silly. This is only funny to those who haven't tasted that godly honey though.

You would think I am over exaggerating this honey, but I kid you not. I have had the honor of tasting it once before, and honestly I could cut my tongue out now, since it won't be tasting anything finer. This stuff is treated like diamonds, and people go nuts over it. The interesting part about it, though, is that The Beekeeper hardly treats it as such. You would think he was selling canned beans with how he sells it. No real ceremony to it or any show of ego. He just stacks up jars on a little wooden table and patiently waits for people to stop by. I have heard he has even lowered the price for those who come up short on cash! Can you believe it?! The only show of reverence he gives his honey is the label he makes for the jars. Though practically a hermit and hardly a businessman, The Beekeeper has seen to it that his honey has its own brand and label for each jar. Each of these are handmade and painstakingly drawn. Its by these labels that people are able to identify that it is his honey, and not some impostor's. His label has a picture of a realistic honey bee wearing a chef's hat and working in a kitchen. The busy little bee (sorry about that) has a mixing bowl in two claws, stirring it with honey dipper in another and pouring a measuring cup of nectar with the fourth. The kitchen is stocked with all sorts of flowers, nectar jars and pistils. The name of this "brand" is "The Family Reci-Bee" which implies that The Beekeeper likes puns, despite being a person who will beat you to death for stepping on a flower. These labels are highly detailed, and for good reason. There are those who try to impersonate his honey and sell it at insane prices. Con artists try to forge their own labels and pass it off as The Beekeeper's in order to score crazy amounts of gold. With that, these labels and jars have gone over intense levels of scrutiny and study, with people looking for key missing details to spot a forgery. I seriously have heard a professional art appraiser tell someone that "the cupboard has too many pistils." So if you have ever wondered why pro art appraisers have the term "honey label verification" in their list of skills, this is why.

Besides honey, The Beekeeper has been known to make a few other things from his hives. Beeswax is another, and is only used for personal use. People who have glimpsed his hut and its interior claim that practically everything of his is held together by beeswax. He uses it to waterproof his hives and make sure that they stay dry. Another product I have heard of is something called "Bee Bread." It comes in a loaf-like shape and is made entirely of pollen and a few drops of honey. He apparently "bakes" this stuff in his hut and puts it out if the season has grown foul for flower blooming. This is to insure the bees have a food source in case the weather is too nasty for them. This chalky, crumbly substance is also wildly loved by many other insects, including giant ants. It is said that The Beekeeper keeps his land free of giant ant infiltration by personally baking loaves of the stuff and presenting it to their queen. For us humans, the bread is very chalky, a bit sweet, but ultimately not that great. I assumed that perhaps dryads would like the stuff, but they find it repulsive. A word of advice, NEVER ask a dryad why they dislike Bee Bread. You will get one of the grossest analogies you have ever heard, and let me tell you, that stuff stays in your head for weeks.

On the note of The Beekeeper and Apiaromancers as a whole, they are powerful mages but ultimately harmless. I wouldn't even put in a section describing how to fight them, as they are best left to their own business. Stay away from their hives and flowers, and you should be good. And if you are reading this section and have some how gotten your hands on that Family Reci-Bee honey, feel free to swing by my place and share it. Even if it is centuries after I have written this book, you double-check that I am dead before you think of hogging it all! By the Gods I need that stuff....

- Cavarious Shaid

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Putting this updated guy up here due to the fact that I have a knack for striking while the iron is ice cold and rusted over. Since my summer work has me dealing with bees, I figured an update of the apiaromancer would be only fitting! The trouble is, every time I draw something to go with a season, position or holiday, I am usually horribly late posting it, and then have to wait a year until it is relevant again. Well not this time! Here is a beekeeper mage! IN ALL HIS GLORY!

Goodness I wish there was a game with a bee mage...

Description
Whenever classification is involved, there are bound to be certain subjects or parameters that cause issues with the system. Like trying to create a distinct line between mages and sorcerers. Another good example, mainly for you natural historians, is trying to figure out the whole deal of dryad species vs. sub-species. Whenever one tries to set down clear cut rules, you will always find certain things that blur the perfect lines. Classification of mancers is no exception to the rule. While we define mancers as those whose mana is infected by a certain element and promptly consumed by it, there are those who somewhat, but not quite, fit that bill. Previous masters of magic who have been overwhelmed by their natural mana, that has been corrupted by misuse and elemental poisoning. This would seem easy to work with, except there are those who are steeped in magic and void of humanity, but are infused with a magic type that defies basic elements. Mancers whose elements are not normally used in magic, and should not have been able to infect their mana. A prime example of this is the Apiaromancer, or for a more common tongue, bee mages. An entity who has been consumed by the process of bee keeping and bee raising, and are rife with magic and mana that allows them to control it. Someone try to explain to me how on earth something like that happens. Many of us have tried, and have all horribly failed. The act of bee keeping has nothing to do with magic and should not require any use of mana. Despite this, there have been reports of Apiaromancers, entities who can control bees and honey, commanding them like a Hydromancer summoning a tidal wave. It makes zero sense, but they exist. Some have argued for putting them in a different class, but no one can decide on what that class should be defined as. For now, Apiaromancers are mancers, so we shall discuss more about them.

Apiaromancers always arise from bee keepers, those who keep and maintain bee hives in order to produce honey. These are people who are obsessed with bees and everything that has to do with pollination and honey production. How someone goes from this to an Apiaromancer is beyond me. Perhaps their natural mana responds to the bees? Or maybe they are unknowingly using their mana to influence the hives? No one really knows, but at some point, a bee keeper may turn into an Apiaromancer. This event is extremely rare, to the point where only four Apiaromancers have ever been recorded. Even then, some believe that a few of these recordings are the same Apiaromancer, who has just shown up again after decades of hiding. In my life, so far, I have only met one Apiaromancer and I am quite lucky to have witnessed such an event. We will go more into him later, but let me just stress that Apiaromancers are very rare to encounter. To make things even harder, Apiaromancers always live in isolation. They prefer lands far away from civilization and frown upon intruders. This is because they care about one thing only: the bees.

An Apiaromancer devotes their entire existence to raising and caring for bees. Their territory is rife with hives and colonies, each painstakingly constructed and highly protected. The quarters of an Apiaromancer is often just a simple hut, kept primitive so that they may focus on the bees. Within their territory, they will cultivate fields of wild flowers, entire plains made of colors and blooms. Their variety is well balanced, ensuring that there are flower species always blooming throughout the entire growing season. These fields are meant for their bees, and are carefully controlled so that the bees have the perfect habitat. While they are mages of honey and bees, people have seen them working in the flower fields planting sprouts and pulling weeds. When they are not working in the fields, they are checking on the hives, making sure all is well. Though they have a particular fascination with honey bees, they also care for bumblebees, carpenter bees, miner bees and even shearing bees. From colony builders to solitary burrowers, any species of bee is welcome in their territory, and they will insure that they get the best treatment.

While they seem to perform physical labor at all times, they do possess magical abilities. The primary one is their relationship with the bees. Through some form of communication, an Apiaromancer can speak to any kind of bee and command them. An entire swarm can follow their orders and perform complicated tactics when spoken to correctly. Those who have been attacked by an Apiaromancer's swarm have vouched for this uncanny control. Many talk about how the bees can move like coordinated army, cutting off escape routes, planning ambushes and going for vital areas. When Apiaromancers attack, they will command any bees that are in the area, and even some species of wasp. The swarms will descend upon the intruder and sting them mercilessly. Stories involving these swarms tell of grown warriors screaming like children and throwing themselves into rivers to escape the horde. Though Apiaromancers do not use flame and ice, they are beings to be reckoned with. To go with that is their ability to produce and control honey. While Apiaromancers use their bees to make some of the finest honey in the world, they can produce copious amounts of it from their body. Strange hive-like structures in their bodies can fire off waves of the sticky stuff, which they use solely for combat. The honey produced is thick and bland, terrible for consumption. When used as a tool, though, then it really shines. Some may find the use of honey as a weapon as hilarious, but they won't be laughing when a gob of it asphyxiates them. This magic honey can be used to glue foes to the ground, gunk up weapons, suffocate or blind enemies and block attacks. Some have even used it to climb up walls and stick to trees. When in the hands of a skilled Apiaromancer, this magic honey is just as deadly as any sword or spell. Lastly in their arsenal is the odd use of smoke. Many assume that smoke is within the territory of Pyromancers, but Apiaromancers seem to have a loose connection with it. When they were human, they used smoke to calm the colonies and collect honey, but now they could just talk to the bees directly. For some reason, though, parts of their body can create thick clouds of smoke, which is used for distracting and blinding opponents. In battle, Apiaromancers can simply disappear into clouds of smoke and strike from nowhere. With all these powers combined, they are extremely deadly and should not be messed with. Thankfully, this wrath only occurs when someone disturbs their hives or tramples their manicured flowers.

As for the life of an Apiaromancer, I cannot say much. All I can really talk about is the one Apiaromancer I know, who goes by the name "The Beekeeper." That name isn't even his doing, as he never talks. The name was given by others, who figured they had to call him something. He lives the isolated life of an Apiaromancer, tending to fields and hives. He says not a word, and has never shown his face. In fact, no one really knows what happens to the body of an Apiaromancer when they turn. Many assume it assimilates with their suits and hives, but this is only speculation. Regardless, he is a mystery to many, and has worked hard to remain as such. He does not take well to intruders, and hates people who try to study him. Those who have taken up posts around his territory will slowly find themselves being watched by bees, and eventually driven away. He spends all his time on his fields and hives, and works hard to make honey that is so good that kings would pay fortunes for it. Which brings us to a very odd part about him, and that is the fact that he sells his honey. I know some would think that this is perfectly normal, but its weird, and I will tell you why. Apiaromancers are loners and have no care for humans or other species. They have zero need for money or approval, yet The Beekeeper will go into civilization to sell his honey to customers. To make this even odder, his business seems to appear and disappear with no rhyme or reason. He seemingly sells this stuff at random, and with little fanfare. The honey he sells is said to be more valuable then gold and tastier than any substance on this planet, yet he doesn't treat it like that. He could sell the stuff for thousands a jar, yet the price always remains at ten pieces. He could have people lined up at his store from here to the moon, yet he only sets up a small table in some back alley for no real reason. There are no announcements or signs, his presence only found out when some wanderer stumbles into his booth. If someone does discover his booth, they have learned to keep quiet about it. Apparently he dislikes crowds, so he always happens to disappear when the hordes descend upon his location. To get their hands on this legendary honey, some barons and kings have hired seekers who travel across the cities and towns in search for his booth. These people get paid handsomely for their efforts, which some find silly. This is only funny to those who haven't tasted that godly honey though.

You would think I am over exaggerating this honey, but I kid you not. I have had the honor of tasting it once before, and honestly I could cut my tongue out now, since it won't be tasting anything finer. This stuff is treated like diamonds, and people go nuts over it. The interesting part about it, though, is that The Beekeeper hardly treats it as such. You would think he was selling canned beans with how he sells it. No real ceremony to it or any show of ego. He just stacks up jars on a little wooden table and patiently waits for people to stop by. I have heard he has even lowered the price for those who come up short on cash! Can you believe it?! The only show of reverence he gives his honey is the label he makes for the jars. Though practically a hermit and hardly a businessman, The Beekeeper has seen to it that his honey has its own brand and label for each jar. Each of these are handmade and painstakingly drawn. Its by these labels that people are able to identify that it is his honey, and not some impostor's. His label has a picture of a realistic honey bee wearing a chef's hat and working in a kitchen. The busy little bee (sorry about that) has a mixing bowl in two claws, stirring it with honey dipper in another and pouring a measuring cup of nectar with the fourth. The kitchen is stocked with all sorts of flowers, nectar jars and pistils. The name of this "brand" is "The Family Reci-Bee" which implies that The Beekeeper likes puns, despite being a person who will beat you to death for stepping on a flower. These labels are highly detailed, and for good reason. There are those who try to impersonate his honey and sell it at insane prices. Con artists try to forge their own labels and pass it off as The Beekeeper's in order to score crazy amounts of gold. With that, these labels and jars have gone over intense levels of scrutiny and study, with people looking for key missing details to spot a forgery. I seriously have heard a professional art appraiser tell someone that "the cupboard has too many pistils." So if you have ever wondered why pro art appraisers have the term "honey label verification" in their list of skills, this is why.

Besides honey, The Beekeeper has been known to make a few other things from his hives. Beeswax is another, and is only used for personal use. People who have glimpsed his hut and its interior claim that practically everything of his is held together by beeswax. He uses it to waterproof his hives and make sure that they stay dry. Another product I have heard of is something called "Bee Bread." It comes in a loaf-like shape and is made entirely of pollen and a few drops of honey. He apparently "bakes" this stuff in his hut and puts it out if the season has grown foul for flower blooming. This is to insure the bees have a food source in case the weather is too nasty for them. This chalky, crumbly substance is also wildly loved by many other insects, including giant ants. It is said that The Beekeeper keeps his land free of giant ant infiltration by personally baking loaves of the stuff and presenting it to their queen. For us humans, the bread is very chalky, a bit sweet, but ultimately not that great. I assumed that perhaps dryads would like the stuff, but they find it repulsive. A word of advice, NEVER ask a dryad why they dislike Bee Bread. You will get one of the grossest analogies you have ever heard, and let me tell you, that stuff stays in your head for weeks.

On the note of The Beekeeper and Apiaromancers as a whole, they are powerful mages but ultimately harmless. I wouldn't even put in a section describing how to fight them, as they are best left to their own business. Stay away from their hives and flowers, and you should be good. And if you are reading this section and have some how gotten your hands on that Family Reci-Bee honey, feel free to swing by my place and share it. Even if it is centuries after I have written this book, you double-check that I am dead before you think of hogging it all! By the Gods I need that stuff....

- Cavarious Shaid

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Putting this updated guy up here due to the fact that I have a knack for striking while the iron is ice cold and rusted over. Since my summer work has me dealing with bees, I figured an update of the apiaromancer would be only fitting! The trouble is, every time I draw something to go with a season, position or holiday, I am usually horribly late posting it, and then have to wait a year until it is relevant again. Well not this time! Here is a beekeeper mage! IN ALL HIS GLORY!

Goodness I wish there was a game with a bee mage...