"It's not about being good at magecraft or not--well, it is, but that's only a single factor. One can possess unbelievable skill and be seen as a failure or outcast regardless. Or they can be mediocre to decent and still end up praised by virtue of their bloodline or position."

Waver rolled his eyes, keeping most but not quite all of the disdain out of his voice.

"And even setting that aside...mages are vile, amoral creatures in a general sense. You're better off getting the hell away from the whole thing once you get the chance."