Mystic Mystics were a special kind of priest found mainly in the rural and wilder areas of the Realms . Typically , only human s , halfling s , elves , and half - elves chose to become mystics . These clergy had great personal charisma and above average wisdom and intelligence with a strong individualistic streak that caused them to shun structure and order in favor of finding their own path to enlightenment , and helping others find theirs . They were usually adept herbalists , able to brew potions and infuse ointments , concoct poisons and create antidotes , and practice a unique form of the Art known as candle magic . Mystics sought out deities whose circle of influence dealt with emotions such as love and joy ; self - centered ideals such as beauty , charisma , hedonism , individualism , self - perfection , fortune , and misfortune ; art forms such as dance and music ; skill with poisons and antidotes ; and natural influences such as darkness , disease , the moon , fertility , birth , motherhood , and the seasons . They were granted spells from the spheres of all , animal , charm , divination , healing , protection , summoning , and travelers , with minor access to the guardian , necromantic , and plant spheres . Culture . Mystics were drawn to the natural world and frequently journeyed through the wilderness seeking hidden beauty and elusive truths , befriending animals , studying herbs , plants , and fungi , and looking for connections between their intangible soul and the physical world . They did so , clad in loose garments that allowed freedom of movement and expression of their natural form . They did not believe that violence solved conflicts or influenced an enemy ' s thinking and therefore shunned armor and only used a staff , sling , net , lasso , or whip . The only armor a mystic would don were form - fitting accoutrements such as bracers , boots , or a helm . Any such item would have to be aesthetically crafted to enhance their beauty . The structure of a church to which a mystic might belong was not likely to be rigidly hierarchical . Abilities . " Charm " spells , effects , and abilities were less effective on mystics because of their fiercely independent nature . Mystics could not turn undead , but they could cast " sleep " on creatures once per day . After some travels , following the tenets of their deity and getting to know the natural fauna , mystics were able to cast " find familiar " and perhaps gain a life - long companion . Advanced mystics gained the ability to " charm monster " twice per tenday , and eventually could " mass charm " just as often . Mystics invariably had a knack for herbalism and studied the medicinal properties of all plants and fungi they could find . This gave them the ability to identify unusual flora and make nonmagical potions and unguents that mimicked the effects of many magical elixirs and ointments . As they advanced in their studies , they could concoct nonmagical potions of " truth " , " love " , and " healing " ; magical potions and ointments of " extra - healing " ; nonmagical potions and ointments of " flying " ; magical " elixirs of health " and even potions of " shape change " . Their extensive knowledge also applied to poisons ( usually non - lethal , such as sleeping draughts , paralytics , " etc . " ) and their antidotes . Only those bent by evil would brew more virulent toxins . An unusual application of herbalism practiced by mystics was candle magic . With patience and skill , a mystic could create a candle that worked like a " philter of love " that was effective even on races that were resistant to " charm " effects . As they advanced in skill , candles could be made to confer " magic circle against evil " or " good " , " truth " ( like the potion ) , " healing " , " telepathy " , " fortune " , " purification " , " curse " , or " empowerment " . A mystic that served his or her deity for many winters , sufficiently advancing their knowledge and skill , was granted the gift of longevity , aging only one year for every ten . Relationships . Mystics treated the highborn the same as the lowborn , giving aid and advice as needed , believing they were all on their own journey through life . Mystics preferred working with individuals and small groups rather than preaching before a large crowd . While they could be charming and charismatic , they usually did not lead groups of more than ten people for longer than necessary to accomplish something important . Once the pressure that urged them into a leadership role was relieved , they quickly stepped down and let someone else take the lead . If pressed to continue leading , they often left the region or shifted their focus , effectively resigning the position another way . Because of their antipathy for structure and routine , mystics never established a temple or a shrine that was intended to serve a population . At best , they might set up a small shrine for their own use and perhaps an invited guest or two . Mystics helped others in the faith find their own paths , parallel but not identical to their own . Instead of proselytizing , they preferred to work behind the scenes and set a good example to encourage others to adopt some version of their faith .