From: "Larry Hunsaker" <lhunsaker@jvcdiscusa.com>

     Sorcerer
     
     Description:
        The sorcerer is a mage who has only 1 purpose to his life: power.  
     There are many "sorcerer" types out there, not all of which are mages. 
      These other folk have sought different means to achieve this power, 
     some are warriors, others thieves, and some even priests.  But the 
     truly feared among these powermongers is the sorcerer, for they have 
     access to some of the most destructive powers in the universe!  
        Sorcerers are not concerned with adventure in its own right, though 
     they may participate in them if they see it as a way to further their 
     knowledge in an area they are working on.  They are quite boring to 
     normal folk, as they eat only to nourish the body and keep the mind 
     alert, and they have no hobbies outside their compulsion for power.  
     They wear quite drab clothing, only function matters to them, and 
     spend every waking hour in some form of research or experiment.  
        Money is only a means to an end for them, but they do respect its 
     value and realize the power that comes with it.  Sorcerers are very 
     much egotists.  They believe they are the best(and in most cases are 
     not wrong!).  As such, they disdain the use of magic items and aids.  
     They see true power as coming from themselves, and regard those who 
     use such magical crutches as weak and contemptible.    Thus, often 
     times the best place to find magic items is from a sorcerer who will 
     often be trying to sell any he happens to find or receive.  Sorcerers 
     see the value these items have to others, and will not allow 
     themselves to be ripped off, so expect to pay a fair price.  
        Sorcerers often hire others to help them out, as they prefer to 
     spend all their time and energy on their research and experiments.  
     Thus, many a cook and maid have found a good home and living working 
     for a sorcerer.  Because they are so obsessed with power, marriage is 
     out of the question.  They have time for only their art, and no other, 
     though a sorcerer who succumbs to his own loneliness or lust may have 
     a brief affair, but even this is rare.  
        All told, a sorcerer spends over 90% of his waking life in research 
     and magical study, it is this devotion that allows them to discover 
     the powerful magics their reputation is based on.  
        Although they research bizarre and often devastating spells of 
     power, the sorcerer is really quite harmless himself.  He is more 
     concerned with discovering knowledge than with actually finding a way 
     to use it in a practical way in the world, thus he will not interfere 
     with the world around him, considering it and all in it beneath his 
     concern.  
     Special Powers:
        Sorcerers are the undisputed masters of research.  They have many 
     contacts and are able to conduct research much more efficiently than 
     other mages.  They require only 1/2 the base research library to begin 
     their research, and all research costs are cut in half as well.  The 
     base chance for success is 20% instead of 10% for normal magi, and 
     each extra week spent on it, in the event of initial failure, is +20% 
     not +10% as for normal mages.
     Disadvantages:
        Sorcerers gain their expertise at magical research because they 
     spend just about all their time doing it.  To be a sorcerer, you must 
     spend at least 80% of your waking time engaged in actual 
     research/experimentation.  The other 20% can be used to eat, gather 
     supplies, etc.  Sorcerers often have others do these menial tasks for 
     them, so they can focus on their art.  They will often forget to eat, 
     and will only be reminded to do so when they fall faint from hunger.  
        The only time a sorcerer can go out on adventure is if the 
     adventure will further his research in some way(discover a lost tome, 
     find a rare component, etc.).   Even then, however, a sorcerer can 
     only spend 10 weeks a year on such missions.  
        The other restriction deals with magic items.  Sorcerers will not 
     rely on them at all, and will seek to sell them for more useful cash 
     when possible.  Because it is a waste of time to haggle over price, 
     they will usually let their henchmen sell the items for them.  A 
     sorcerer will never use a magic item unless he has no other solution 
     and the item is immediately available.  To resort to such a crutch is 
     a serious blow to their pride, one they will avoid at any cost.  
        Sorcerers are so devoted to their art that they may only be single 
     classed, but may be specialists if they desire, indeed, they make the 
     best specialists!
     Requirements: 
        To be a sorcerer requires great intellect as well as a desire for 
     knowledge.  A minimum of 16 INT is required.  
        Any alignment is allowed, but neutral alignments are most common.  
        Because of their reclusive nature and lack of adventuring zeal, 
     sorcerers are best as NPCs.