Wild Magic:

Most people in the world of Tartis are untrusting of magic users. This is not simple prejudice but a hard learned lesson for them. When a magic user loses control of their magic (out of game this is usually failing a concentration check, arcane spell failure, or losing spells due to death), that magical energy doesn't just dissipate. Sometimes it gathers in areas and causes wild magic effects, sometimes it gathers in an area and causes spells to be more powerful when cast there. Sometimes it has an immediate effect on the caster usually in some strange but not harmful way. In the case of extremely powerful magics it may cause creatures to be distorted. It is believed that some of the worst monsters were originally formed this way (many abberations for example may have their roots in lost spells from powerful mages).

Due to the effects these random lost magic spells can have, people are naturally suspecious of magic users (both divine and arcane can cause the above effects). Also most magic users are members of guilds or other organizations that are very careful of observing that their practicers are properly skilled.

Order of the Magi:

In the world of Tartis there are various organizations. Some organizations are very secretive, where it may be hard to join and/or leave. Other organizations are more open and it is easy to join or leave. The Order of the Magi falls somewhere in between. While the Order is not secretive (overly much) and operates in the open, they do have strict rules for membership and do not allow members to easily leave the organization once accepted.

It is pretty common knowledge to know what type of individual the Order looks for. Usually they seek out young individuals who have an innate power within them (spontaneous arcane casters). Race does not matter much, though the Order has strict behavioural requirements, and as such some individuals may be turned down due to their religious and/or moral outlook.

Most Magi are of the rank Neophyte. There a few more experienced, Magi with the rank of Centurion. There are a rumored to be an extremely small group of Magi known as the Conclave whose members have the rank of Legate. As for how a member increases in rank that is a secret of the order, though many believe it depends on overcoming certain challenges. The magi neophytes, the most numerous and most commonly encountered members, tend to travel around the world, aiding communities and individuals.