And the Dread Old Ones created scores of magic, from a single word or symbol, to the spell incantations and circles of power. The power held in a single word is known to no one better than the Di- abolist, for he is the master of symbols and a scholar in the ways of magic.
Tristine Chronicles
The Diabolist is sometimes called the "Magic Scribe" because of his mastery of language, the written word and symbols. He is also sometimes known as the "Silent Mage" because he is the most secretive and least flamboyant of the practitioners of magic — the use of wards does not require theatrics, spoken incantations or lengthy rituals, only the quiet making of written or carved symbols and their activation, often with only a few spoken words. The diabolist can be a man or woman
dedicated to the study of words, wards, nines, language, cryptography, history and their application to magic. Their knowledge lies in dusty tomes, arcane symbols, wards, and circles.
Diabolists are obsessed with the study of all symbols; a symbol being any shape, design, image, or sound that confers a specific meaning. Consequently, they are excellent linguists, cryptographers, and scholars. Only Diabolists know the secrets of ward magic, runes and all magic symbols. They also have a fundamental knowledge of circle magic which enables them to tell whether a circle is active and what it can do. Below is a menu from which you may access more information on the Diabolists specialties:
Arrogant and foolish men of arms often chide the Diabolist as being a helpless and puny adventurer who is more of a liability than an asset. After all, he can't cast spells like a wizard or warlock, nor command a demon minion like the Summoner or witch, and most have only the most basic fighting skills. It is true that in a pitched battle, the Diabolist may be at something of a disadvantage, but on an adventure in foreign lands and ancient ruins (especially places of magic), or given the time to defend a strategic position, the Diabolist can be the most valuable member of any group. The character can recognize and read inscriptions, warnings, and instructions written in a number of languages including ancient runes and mystic symbols; recognize dangerous or helpful magic circles, identify real wards and determine whether they are energized; identify real rune weapons and many magic items by the symbols inscribed on them; read books of magic and ancient tomes, locate secret passages, and speak a number of different languages — and these are his abilities that don't actually involve magic forces! The Diabolist can create and activate wards to set magical traps and alarms, for defending an encampment, strategic position or valuable possessions, or to interrogate a prisoner. Furthermore, the Diabolist can read and use most magic scrolls as well as an activated circle!
