

"The mage for a low-ranking saboteur squad within the Ebon Vanguard. Equipped with standard-issue shortsword and shield, a staff crafted in the field, well-worn and practical lightweight armor, and a pack of sapper tools.



The various sapper units saw extensive deployment during the war against the Charr Legions and the Siege, but in recent years have mostly dealt with hostile Ogres or renegade Charr. Due to the often covert nature of their missions, and the unpredictability and harshness of the conditions out in the field, magicians (especially healers and mesmers) are highly respected among the sappers, and every squad seeks to have one among their ranks. When push comes to shove, a skilled mage can prove invaluable in ensuring a squad's survival."



Inspired mainly by fantasy series such as the Malazan Book of the Fallen and the Black Company, I wanted to make a "grunt mage" kind of look. Unembellished and practical-looking gear, what you'd expect from a soldier who's seen combat and is out there getting their hands dirty for extended periods of time. Also wanted less of a typical "light armor" look, and more into medium territory, with even a few metal parts to fully sell the soldier aesthetic. Really digging how the chestpiece ornament looks like a coiled rope, too, when the back is obscured by the pack.



