MAGE/WIZARD/etc:

Characteristics:
Mages are masters of the arcane. Wielding powers of the elements with godlike ability, the oldest and wisest of these scholars are able use spells and incantations of nearly every school of magic.

Alignment: Mages are all trained and taught to use their powers for the greater good. Especially those enrolled into the great Zeta Academy and go on to continuous study in the Mages Guild. Although those with dark hearts are pulled to use their powers to further their own evil ends.

Background:
Magic has existed since the dawn of time and as such is an important part of modern living in Neo. The first race to use this power to great extent were the Elves who then taught this knowledge to Humans. The elves were reluctant to give this god-like ability to humans but great wars against common enemies forced the Elves hand into giving away this knowledge. Later several schools were formed and taught at the prestigious Zeta Academy.

The Golden Order: a grand order of magicians and blacksmiths, dedicated to weapon enchantment and turning base metals into more noble materials. All other orders normally train in this art as well as their chosen studies. This Order also teaches the use of such weapons and combat training as such is mandatory.

The Burning Order: The lore of fire is studied here, as fire the most destructive element it is given its own school so that its students can study it closely without distraction.

The Heavenly Order: Teaches its members to read the stars and alignments of planets, but also the power over the sky and air. Its most knowledgeable alumni can call comets from the heavens and call down the skies fury with storm clouds of lightening.

The Order of Life: This lore deals with the other two great elements; the earth, water and ice. Not only that but this Order can summon animals to aid their causes packs of wolves or flocks of birds. Not only this, but the order also teaches he powers affecting the planet like its gravity.

The Order of Death: A secretive order, dedicated to the dark arts such as demonology. This order once taught Necromancy but after a series of unfortunate events the Mages guild outlawed the study of this art and now the order of death deals mainly with defence against those who would use necromancy.

All these Orders of magic are taught at every school of magic. Students normally take classes in at least three of them depending on their interests. Some more advanced pupils can choose to study them all.
After graduation The Mages guild invites all to join, as most of the Zeta Academy Faculty are part of the Guild. Where graduates are also introduced to such teachings as Alchemy.

Races: All Races have Mages albeit under different names. Wizards, Sorcerers, Meisters etc.

Other information:
In its early years the academy taught all who wished to learn the ways of Magic. But now it hardly lets anyone not of noble blood behind its walls, forcing those less fortunate to attend less esteemed colleges. But the Mages Guild accepts all comers and punishes elitism harshly as this kind of behaviour can lead to undesirable qualities in its members.