Will you defend your kingdom with forbidden magic or backstab the crown? Win tournaments kiss a prince or princess or just seize power for yourself!

"Battlemage: Magic by Mail" is a 168000-word interactive novel by Nic Barkdull. It's entirely text-based without graphics or sound effects and fueled by the vast unstoppable power of your imagination.

You're lucky you saw that ad at the market. "Learn from home! Full battlemage qualification by mail!" it said. Now your first battlemage assignment is finally here! At last you can master the magical arts of elementalism illusion healing and necromancy.

Yesterday you were just a squire but today you're an aspiring battlemage! But Sir Kelton says that squires aren't allowed to practice magic so you'll need to act like you actually want to be a knight at least for now.

With the powers you can unlock maybe you can win a tournament or two or get in good with the royal family—you can even try your hand at the game of court politics. Or if you really want to get on Kelton's good side prove yourself on the battlefield defeating the mysterious invaders that threaten your kingdom's borders.

But beware if you're not careful you'll suffer from Arcane Corruption. At first Corruption warps your physical appearance but it soon takes over putting the magic in control.

You won't let that happen will you?

• Play as male female or nonbinary; gay straight bi asexual or poly.
• Manipulate minds with illusion magic master the elements channel the forces of life with healing magic or harness death with necromancy.
• Compete in tournament events like combat archery and jousting.
• Navigate the royal court and use intrigue and betrayal to gain power.
• Defend your kingdom from mysterious invaders led by a powerful battlemage.
• Compete with other students to gain the notice of the legendary El Cano.
• Romance a fellow squire a humble stableboy a prince or a princess.

Will you be a loyal squire a powerful battlemage or ruler of the realm?